Splendid Minta

Goodbye House, Hello Apartment!

2011-11-05T09:22:00.005-04:00

Good news y'all - our house is SOLD!!! We were so blessed by a wonderful buyer who is going to love the house as much as we did!

So, we are off to a smaller rented pad as we figure out where life will take us from here. I doubt I will show you much home improvement stuff since we are kinda in temporary quarters with our stuff in functional spots but maybe I will get it together to add a bit of beauty to the function soon.

It will be just as fun for us as hopefully it is for you to see where we go from here....

true dat.

2011-08-03T22:01:00.002-04:00

I ran across this on facebook - maybe Katie?, maybe Kathlyn?, I can't remember but I snagged it. This has been my mantra this past month as I am a full time grad student (lord help me), our house is on the market (um, hello, my name is liz, I clean all the time), Charlie the hound dog is in remedial school (he's a trouble maker), my brother and sister-in-law had a sweet sweet baby boy and Aunt Liz helped with a shower, cooked meals, etc and generally got so over-excited she couldn't sleep. I am also trying to be a wife but sweet hubby has pretty much been a cute little haus frau lately. I think I'll make him an apron. Oh wait, I really don't have time.

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T12:18:00.004-04:00

We had some fun with sparklers last night!

Thanks Bower Power for the tutorial.

Mystery Chairs: Partially solved

2011-06-29T23:08:00.005-04:00

Ok, so remember my mystery chairs?

I have a pair of these that I got on ebay for a song. well, maybe a song and a half but still a good deal and it was within my budget.

Recently, as we've been thinking about where we will live when we sell the house, we've been talking about recovering them. It's been a fun "dreaming project" where every time we walk by them we say, "Hey honey, what about a yellow floral?" .... "Hmm.... I think a retro print, maybe in a blue?"

Tonight I did a little google image searching after finding my old ebay purchase listing to know what key words to search for. Enter search terms: Hollywood Regency Slipper Chair.

Source: palmbeachantiquesanddesigncenter.1stdibs.com via Liz on Pinterest

BINGO. I found a pair just like mine. I mean CRAZZZY. Granted this set has been recushioned/reupholstered and is for sale in a fancy store. But they are just like mine!!!

The bad news is, they don't know the creator either. Boo hiss... They are listing them as 1970's which is totally cool with me. And for $2400 for the pair, I have plenty of wiggle room on the reupholstery costs.

For Sale by Owner - lots of pics

2011-06-19T19:28:00.004-04:00

Thought you might like to see the photos...

We are ready to show now so if you know anyone interested, please send them our way. Thank you!

Cannot get there fast enough

2011-06-16T13:58:00.002-04:00

a little peek into my mind today...

Source: None via Liz on Pinterest

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Source: etsy.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: orkposters.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: None via Liz on Pinterest

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Best Day

2011-06-09T13:20:00.002-04:00

Thank you to my sweet husband for a great dinner out with great friends for my birthday.

A great day all around! Eric gave me the sweetest art print - as soon as I find a frame I'll show you too.

Thank you sweetie!

Oh Happy Day

2011-06-07T18:27:00.002-04:00

PS - I turn 28 today.

Source: weheartit.com via Deanna on Pinterest

This picture just about sums up how I am feeling today, sending some major wishes out into the universe.

Some details...

2011-06-07T17:18:00.004-04:00

After the big FOR SALE SIGN surprise last week I wanted to share some details. Granted, this won't be all the details cause we are still working out some of the details and therefore I can't share them since I don't know... but here goes.

Eric and I have been dreaming about a simpler life in a big city. Oxymoron much? Not quite. You see, we bought our beauty of a house (selfish plug here - is for sale, email me), when we thought we would settle down and start a family, put down some roots, buy some furniture, etc.

Fast forward a few years and thats not really our dream anymore. Well, it still kinda is, just not in the same way we thought it would be. Now, we have dreams of living in a much smaller home, having only 1 car, walking to the grocery store, living with less, traveling and changing the world.

Why now? Why not? Since I have another year in grad school, it will be a little while before we make any MAJOR changes but since we know our home will make someone very happy, and we are zoned for awesome schools, we thought we would see if someone might want to call it their new home before the school year starts.

So, that's about all I can share now. I hope you don't mind if I get a little philosophical about making these life changes - I hope you'll share with me too.

SURPRISE!!!

2011-06-03T12:24:00.002-04:00

details to come... and now you know why I have been MIA. sorry.

If you know anyone interested, please contact me via email splendidminta (at) gmail.com

fabric liquidation

2011-05-26T20:42:00.003-04:00

so, question. I want to pare down my fabric stash. How should I do that?

I have LOTS of small yardage pieces of craft/quilt fabric plus several large pieces of decorator fabric pieces. Would you etsy it? Is there interest amongst you readers to buy it right off the blog? Should I price it and just put it in the yard sale next weekend?

Help a sista out!

I got my hair did

2011-05-25T14:23:00.003-04:00

Ever been in a beauty rut? I think I've been in one for the past year. Not anymore... I got my hair did!

Phew! It feels so good to get it all cut off. Add in a new eyeliner pencil, some new pressed powder and a little self-confidence and VOILA!

First Veggie Porn of 2011

2011-05-17T06:23:00.001-04:00

The garden is going strong! Allow me to expose the first veggies of the season... PEAS!

These little guys were so sweet and buttery I ate most of them as I was shelling them but a few made it onto a hodge-podge salad.
I did however turn to Eric halfway through shelling and said, "Man, you would need a whole field of plants to actually make enough to do anything with".

Which is why, although I enjoyed my first pea growing experience this year, it was not worth it. I will continue to buy my $.99 bag of frozen peas. thankyouverymuch.

Scrappy Baby Quilt DONE!

2011-05-16T06:45:00.001-04:00

get a load of this cuteness:

This little floor quilt is for my nephew that's currently baking in my sister-in-law's tummy. This is not my first quilt but I am super proud because this one I actually pieced (that's what you call putting all the small pieces of fabric together to make the colorful squares), and sashed (thats what you call the white frame I put around the colorful squares), and quilted it (with my new lovely free motion quilting foot), and bound it (the blue border that keeps it sandwiched together). I am so so so proud of it.

I quilted along with Comfortstitching... you can too!

Today...

2011-05-15T15:09:00.001-04:00

My house looks like this:

Wanna come help?

Cornmeal Crust Dough

2011-05-14T16:22:00.007-04:00

A regrettably long time ago, I was having lunch with a dear friend and having a conversation about cooking. She mentioned she had this great idea for a pie (which I cannot remember at the moment) but was having trouble because traditional pie crust just tasted off when paired with her magnificent filling. I suggested she try a cornmeal crust dough. WHAT? Cornmeal crust pie dough?

Anyways, I told her I had seen it in Southern Living, had made it once and loved it and promised to get her the recipe. Oops. That was like 2 (?) months ago. Sorry Elizabeth!

Now, for your enjoyment:

Cornmeal Crust Dough, from Southern Living and you can make the Homemade Apple Pie to go with it (YUM!)

Ingredients

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plain yellow cornmeal
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup cold shortening, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
8 to 10 Tbsp. chilled apple cider

Preparation

1. Stir together first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Cut in butter and shortening with a pastry blender until mixture resembles small peas.
2. Mound flour mixture on 1 side of bowl. Drizzle 1 Tbsp. apple cider along edge of mixture in bowl. Using a fork, gently toss a small amount of flour mixture into cider just until dry ingredients are moistened. Move mixture to other side of bowl, and repeat procedure with remaining cider, 1 Tbsp. at a time, until a dough forms.
3. Gently gather dough into 2 flat disks. Wrap in plastic wrap, and chill 1 to 24 hours.

I hate caulking

2011-05-14T09:25:00.005-04:00

Anyone else feel the same way? Caulk is my absolute least favorite chore, next to folding clothes and scrubbing toilets. Now it's warm enough and dry enough to do some caulking in the bathrooms, gutters and windows for general home owner maintenance. Thank you Dad for teaching me the ways of responsible homeownership.

As I was caulking our bathrooms this week though, I did learn a nice little trick. Let's start at the beginning, silicone caulk should be used in kitchens and baths. The one I used (2nd from the left) is GE brand, silicone in white and it's 3 hours to shower-ready and has a 5 year mold and mildew resistance guarantee. FAB! Why should you use silicone? It is flexible, doesn't crack and totally waterproof. It's also a big pain in the butt to apply because it is not water soluble and therefore, a pain to clean off your finger as you smooth the bead of caulk and a pain to clean up if you mess up. BUT... (thank you youtube) if you dip your finger in soapy water before running your finger along the bead of caulk it won't stick and you get a nice smooth line. To clean it up, just use mineral spirits. Above all else, before you do any caulking, remove all of the grody old stuff with a putty knife and exact-o knife.

That liquid nails is for the front steps, those tiles that had been dropping like flies are going to be re-stuck, regrouted and given a new lease on life. More on that in the future.

I'm off to break out the caulking gun and get back to it.

Baby got back!

2011-05-06T09:43:00.003-04:00

The back of our house has seen a major transformation over the last year.

This is a picture of when we bought it in 2009. Notice the massive rose tree in front of the patio. And the "deck" under the window (and blocking the window). The beds were overgrown and vines climbed up the side of the house.

Here we are in summer of 2010. We cut the lady banks rose down to the ground, pulled all the fig vine off the house (except for below the window on the patio), cleaned out the bed in front of the patio and transplanted a couple of crepe myrtles. We also took down the part of the "deck" covering that window (the third window from the left).

And 2011... well, hello Back of the House, nice to finally meet you! Notice the deck is all gone, there is a new bed in place with a new brick border (thank you to my super sweet Mom & Dad who came for Easter and of course Eric!) with more crepe myrtles and sun loving plants like day lillies and lantanas.

Soooo much better and BONUS. Our house looks huge now!

Just in case you are wondering, we live in a one story, raised ranch built into a slope so that the crawlspace is actually a one car garage with a large workspace. There is a door you can't see just to the left of the AC unit in the last picture.

A quilt for nephew-to-be

2011-05-05T16:20:00.000-04:00

I'm going to be an Auntie! I'm going to be an Auntie! (name that movie)

So I'm doing what best aunt's in the world do, giving my sewing machine a workout.

First up, a scrappy rainbow baby quilt. I got the inspiration and am quilting along with Comfortstitching, a lovely talented quilter blogger in the UK.

Here are my blocks: (these things are ADDICTING!)

I'm a little late in posting about it so they have actually been pressed, cut and framed. I'm going to wrap up the quilt top soon and will be sure to share! It's not too late for you to join either. These blocks are perfectly suited to my quilting style, very little cutting and measuring!

Lemony Fresh!

2011-05-05T16:14:00.003-04:00

First of all, please forgive me for the super long radio silence. I was buried with papers, exams, happy family time and being selfish with my time. It felt really good! My first semester of grad school is officially over!

Hip Hip Hooray!

Also, I whipped these up for Mother's Day and thought you might want to do the same for a last-minute handmade gift.

Lemon Sugar & Salt Hand Scrub.

Directions here.

This is what withdrawal looks like.

2011-04-16T22:49:00.003-04:00

Cannot believe I have to wait until 2012.

Source: theneotraditionalist.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Liz on Pinterest

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Source: picklemethis.com via Liz on Pinterest

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Spring & Summer Skirts

2011-04-08T18:16:00.005-04:00

Skirts are ideal in the South Carolina summers. AND BONUS... They are great for teaching. I know I am going to get tired of dress pants. I've been seeing this full skirt circa 1950s and again in the 1970s trend... what do you think of the full skirt?

Source: sayyestohoboken.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: None via Liz on Pinterest

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Source: vievesscrapbooking.blogspot.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: oficinadeestilo.tumblr.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Liz on Pinterest

UPDATE: My darling husband Eric just read this post and said, "I think those skirts are so sexy. You would look so good in them. I mean, not to infer anything about the 1950's housewife but, they are beautiful".

MUST SHOP NOW! Is anything open?

When I grow up...

2011-04-05T08:56:00.005-04:00

I want to be a quilter.

These are gorgeous, can someone really teach me how to quilt. I mean, I know how to sew but the binding and the getting it perfectly square and not bunchy... I need help with those parts.

Source: quilting.craftgossip.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: ruffledblog.com via Liz on Pinterest

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Source: shinysquirrel.typepad.com via Liz on Pinterest

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Source: polkadotchair.com via Liz on Pinterest

Open House: Guest Bedroom #1

2011-04-01T06:33:00.000-04:00

Let's continue the dime tour shall we?

Into the first guest bedroom we go...

Sources:

Paint: builder beige - haven't gotten around to that yet!

Beds: twin frames found in the attic and painted glossy black

Red Side & Console table: heirloom pieces from my grandfather

Other furniture: Lack bookshelf in white (not pictured); Henriksdal chair (in corner)

Bed Linens: plain old cheap white sheets and tan blanket from Walmart

Curtains and fabric @ end of beds: Wilmington by Covington

Accessories: Flag (just a place holder until I make up my mind on art) - probably from Walmart; Lamp on nightstand - hand-me-down; lamp on console - Target circa 2001; fan - vintage thrifted; croquet set - thrifted $5!!!; wooden box on console - hand-me-down, I have no idea what it is; vintage orange suitcase - thrifted; Diplomas from Furman, DePaul and Miami of Ohio - we joke this is the most expensive wall in the house.

WPA & War posters

2011-03-31T18:05:00.004-04:00

I'm taking a US History class right now and totally enamored with the posters from the WW2, Works Progress Administration (thank you FDR) period. Thought you might like to see some of them too. It's amazing how en vogue they seem even after 50, 60 or even 70 years.

Source: vi.sualize.us via Liz on Pinterest

Source: typophile.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: inchmark.squarespace.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: zazzle.com via Liz on Pinterest

Open House: Living Room

2011-03-30T07:30:00.000-04:00

Welcome to our living room, that we never live in although it holds some of my favorite furniture pieces.

Sources:

Paint: I have no idea, it was this color when we moved in. It's reading really "granny smith" in these photos, it is much more sage in real life.

Couch: Craiglist $75 score - it was originally in the psychology department at USC

Coffee Table: vintage military cedar trunk

Chairs: Ebay find, anyone know what they are?

Rug: jute from Lowes

Side Table (by the couch): vintage desk

Bar: family heirloom - it's actually a drop leaf dining room table

Blue Hutch: we built this!

Glass Lamp on the Bar: Thomas O'Brein (I think) for Target

Lamp on the side table: Walmart circa 2000

Artwork: over the bar - Sarah Pollock Searle; over the couch - original pieces mixed with friends work from college and a few garage sale finds in Ikea Ribba frames; on the mantel - hodgepodge of ceiling tins, mirrors and frames, original work and Lemon print from DearColleen

Recent Pins

2011-03-29T07:16:00.000-04:00

Not too many words today, I am buried in homework. How about a little Tuesday inspiration via some of my recent Pins.

Source: lonnymag.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: sfgirlbybay.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: poppytalk.blogspot.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: lonnymag.com via Liz on Pinterest

If you haven't discovered Pinterest - go NOW!

Open House: Master Bedroom

2011-03-26T14:42:00.009-04:00

By popular demand (by Hawley, thank you very much), I'm going to give you a little tour of the house. It's about time right?

While Jess was down this weekend, she was like "Let's take pictures of your house so you can blog about it." I said, "BUT, It's not done yet, I mean I have to finish x, y, and z." She said, "So what!" and that was that.

Lets start in the Master Bedroom shall we?

This might be my favorite room in the house. (I have a feeling I will say that about every room).

Now for the sources:

Paint: Zen by Behr

Bed: Ikea - Vanvik frame, I think it's discontinued, this one is pretty close.

Linens: Grey from Ikea, the white shams were cheapies from TJMaxx, Yellow Flower from Target

Side Tables: thrifted and painted sunny yellow

Dresser: hand me down

Lamps: thrifted and painted white

Accessories: old yearbooks on the night stands, jewelry box from Pottery Barn, Shadow Box from Hobby Lobby for hanging jewelry, E&E Print from Silhouette Blue.

They're dropping like flies

2011-03-25T07:04:00.003-04:00

We have a problem and I need your help to solve it.

These are our front porch steps. Yes, they are covered in gross pollen but thats the least of my worries.

See how the terra cotta tile is not everywhere? It once was. I am sure it was beautiful back in 1954 when our house was built. Leaving grouted tile exposed to the elements for 50+ years in a spot that doesn't get much sun = drainage issues =
One by one, they are dropping like flies. Right after we moved in we lost one, then another, then another. I save the whole tiles thinking once the weather warmed up I could use some heavy duty outdoor adhesive and fix it right up.
But now, piles like this one show up on a regular basis.

What to do? I love the tiled look, I would even do it again if I could find the exact same tiles...

because they are on the landing of our covered front porch. Those tiles are in great shape. Just covered in gross pollen at the moment.

So, as I see it, here are my options. Paint or re-tile the whole dang thing (landing and all). I am pretty sure I won't be able to find the exact same tile and I know mismatched tile will probably look worse than what it looks like right now.

Painting without ripping out the tile on the landing is what I am leaning towards. It's quick, cheap and durable. Worst case scenario, I can tile over it. Should I go grey? red? black? taupe? pink? neon yellow?

Here's a picture of the front of the house for inspiration. (Taken back when the front porch had all of it's tiles.... )

HALP!

Every single time

2011-03-24T07:16:00.000-04:00

This poem gets me every.single.time.

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

E. E. Cummings

My dear friend Jenny read it at our wedding and I just half-heard it on some random TV show and my heart swelled. I love that feeling.

**Paper cut by Julene Harrison. from here.

Our Liz

2011-03-23T21:27:00.003-04:00

We lost Elizabeth Taylor today. She was beautiful and talented and charming and intoxicating. I am honored to share her name.

Spring Break recap

2011-03-15T13:20:00.004-04:00

Well, Spring Break is over. Time to get back in the swing of things at school.

Over spring break I did manage to successfully add some gold to the bookshelf and got started on the trim painting. The master bedroom and hallway are DONE!

I also got to do a little shopping, have lunch with a friend and cook some dinners. Believe me, it would have been nice to lounge in the South of France but I'll take a little mental break over anything.

Eric also ran his first 5K in Charlotte over the weekend! WAY TO GO ERIC!

So, its back to school here. This week I've got 2 papers to write, 2 tests to study for and about 5 other assignments. Blerg. When is summer break? Oh right, I don't get one until next summer. Blerg again.

I loooove gold... SUCCESS!

2011-03-10T09:31:00.002-05:00

Thank you Hobby Lobby and your Brush 'n' Leaf. You kept my dream of gold alive for just $6.99.

This stuff rocks. First, it's pretty gold, like a gilded frame around a priceless piece of art not shiny gold like cheap jewelry. Second, it covered in one coat, went on smooth and dried mega fast. On the downside, it smells like turpentine and I'm pretty sure I got a contact high.

Second time is the charm people (1st time FAIL). Allow me to introduce you to my gold buddy.

I used a small artist brush because the bottle top is little and I didn't want to waste a precious drop by decanting it. So it took me like 3 hours to paint the back of the shelves. Up close, you can see a brush pattern but in reality it looks more like a "hammered" finish than actual brush strokes. BONUS.

She's photographing really yellow in the top pictures but believe me, she's beautiful. So glamourous! Now I just need to find some retro handles for the drawers.

**Featured on The Lettered Cottage March How-To'sday Party

Fashion Dilemma

2011-03-09T22:42:00.005-05:00

I'm having a bit of a fashion dilemma lately. I need some new clothes that are suitable for student teaching. This is one category of clothes I just can't swing with my current closet. A couple of years ago I was in Public Relations/Marketing/Event Planning so I wore cute dress suits and chic little party outfits. Then I worked part time at a spa and I wore their uniform. I have casual weekend clothes but nothing that really fits in the "dressy-casual but comfortable and must not expose the girls or the crack when crawling on the ground drawing with chalk" test. AND, I refuse to wear the teacher uniform of khakis and holiday sweater. REFUSE.

It's been challenging. Pair the aforementioned test and the fact that I am late twenties and I do not want to look like I shop at Charlotte Rouse OR at Chicos. I want to be somewhere in between. I typically love stores like J.Crew, Ann Taylor, Anthropologie - think classic, feminine but not stuffy or overly trendy. One more criteria: I don't want my new wardrobe to cost the same as my graduate education but I do want it to last longer than 1 season.

PHEW. That's a lot of criteria. Can you help? Where have you found some good quality, timeless, economical pieces?

ALSO, have I been living under a rock or am I finally of the age where it is suitable to shop at Talbots? Have you been in here lately? Or maybe you've seen beauty Julianne Moore in their Spring fashion?

She is gorgeous. The clothes are gorgeous. Can I please have a $1000 shopping spree?

Dreading, Dreading...

2011-03-09T10:28:00.005-05:00

Up next, my most favorite thing to do ever. Painting Trim... wah, wah, waaaahhhh....

Here's the rub: Before we bought our house back in 2009 (wow, can't believe it's been that long), the previous owners had the trim painted. I understand why because the old trim color was a greenish-off-white. GROSS. See this picture, where paint is chipping... the color underneath was the trim color. Again, EWWW.

BUT... The painters (whether just dumb or lazy) painted with latex paint over the older oil based paint. PAINTING FOUL!!! I take it back, I mean, it can be done but only if - as the guy at Sherwin Williams told me - the old wall/trim is clean, dull and dry. That didn't happen in our house and this is what happens.

Not really attractive is it? In some spots they really didn't even finish the job...

Now you see why I am dreading this project. The painters however were nice enough to leave an empty trim paint bucket and it was labeled with the paint color... HALLELUJAH! I had picked up a chip of the color back when we bought the house... the trim was already chipping way back then.

I just had to find it...

The color used is Pure White from Sherwin Williams SW7005. (right above the color that is starred)

and today is the day. I picked up a gallon of latex trim paint from Sherwin yesterday. I know, you're saying, "But, you just said, the problem was the latex paint." You are right, I had a lengthy discussion with the paint guy about the best way to proceed. Here were my two options:

1. sand extensively all the trim in the house (approximately 2,876,858,865 miles of baseboard, chair railing, doors, crown, windows, etc). Clean all the dust. Prime with oil based primer and then paint with oil based semi gloss.

2. Lightly sand the trouble spots, clean all trim really well. Paint with latex semi gloss paint.

DUH, I went with #2.

If you need me, I will be on a ladder with my hand cramped in a claw around my paint brush. SAVE ME!!!

I looooove GOLD...FAIL

2011-03-08T13:53:00.007-05:00

First Spring Break project = FAIL.

You see, I was inspired to add a little gold to our living room from this

piece.

I had a good start with this hutch/bookshelf we built a while ago. It is practically the same color and I thought, "Self, why don't you paint the back of the shelves gold?"

FABULOUS IDEA SELF. I thought about gold leafing. In fact, that's what I went to Michaels to buy... but I was swayed by the thought that metallic paint might be cheaper and less steps. Enter this guy:

Acrylic gold metallic paint. PERFECT! And it was only $4. I got home, stoked about the fact that I would have gold and teal bookshelf in no time. I emptied the shelves, wiped it down..

and started painting with a foam brush. Here's where the FAIL started. The back of the shelves is plywood and was a little rough which means the foam brush hung up and the paint did not go on smooth.

Ok, no problem. "Self, get a regular brush." Great, good coverage, it will probably just need 2 coats and then...

HOUSTON, WE HAVE A PROBLEM...

You see where the paint is not sticking? Yeah, that's not good.

So, I spent the next 10 minutes wiping all the paint off with a wet paper towel. I am now left with this:

and I need your help. If I went back to Michaels (dreading, dreading...) and got gold leaf, this cheap project would soon turn into a $75 project. I would love to do gold spray paint but this thing weighs about 400lbs and I am not lugging it outside. So what should I do??

SPRING BREAK 2011!!!

2011-03-07T10:17:00.003-05:00

wooo hooo it is finally here! Spring Break!

I'm packing up my bags, heading down to the MTV Spring Break to wear a neon next to nothing bikini and dance in the sand.

juuuuuuust kidding.

Instead, I will be wearing normal clothes, doing a bit of homework, painting moulding, using some gold leaf (if you have any tips, please share), and spring cleaning!

jealous? I would be too, this sounds like a perfect spring break to me.

Blog appearance OCD

2011-03-06T11:55:00.002-05:00

Sorry for all the confusion on the blog appearance. I am sure every time you visit the blog you say, "Is this still Splendid Minta?" The answer is YES! I am just crazy OCD about the appearance. I think it is finally at a place where I am leaving it ALONE!!! PHEW!

Love,

crazy Liz

Sweet sweet girls

2011-03-04T07:04:00.002-05:00

I miss these girls so very much. Looking at these pictures from my wedding day makes me wish we all still lived close enough to pop over for a cup of sugar.

I cannot believe this day was 2 and a half years ago, it seems like yesterday.

I love you girls, Cheryl, MC Hammerpants, Kerry, Swans and Tracy. xoxo

*special thank you to our amazing photographer Olivia @ Olivia Griffin Photography.

Inspiration Dumping Ground: Living Room

2011-03-03T19:00:00.000-05:00

The next installment is ready for your review. Living Rooms for your pleasure.

This wraps up the inspirational dumping ground posts for now. Hope you enjoyed!

Check out all the other dumps - kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, kids rooms.

get your eat on.

2011-03-03T07:42:00.003-05:00

Today is the day!!! Sweet Tater's Nicaragua Bake Sale starts at 10am - get your fast fingers ready!

go here at 10am to help!

Mystery Chairs

2011-03-02T08:24:00.002-05:00

You've probably seen these chairs in some of my pictures. Can you help me identify them?

I bought them on ebay several years ago and while they were not a mega steal, they weren't expensive. Honestly, I don't really care that I got a good deal because they are some of my favorite pieces of furniture.

What I would like to know is their backstory. They are short, like 3' tall at the back, RIDICULOUSLY comfortable and I know this isn't (or at least I think) the original upholstery.

Can you help?

Sweet Tater Charity Auction Preview

2011-03-01T12:06:00.004-05:00

My dear old friend Katie of Sweet Tater Blog fame is hosting an online Bake Sale to raise funds for her upcoming service trip to Nicaragua on Thursday 3/3 from 10am to 11pm EST.

Katie is traveling with her university over Spring Break to participate in service learning projects in Nicaragua and she needs your help. Here's what she'll be doing over there...besides living in a hammock(!)

1. Participate in an archaeological dig for ancient artifacts which will then be used to create a small local museum that will drive traffic to the area and build up their economy

2. Provide nutritional counseling and medical supplies to the local people. This will involve: planting a community garden, presenting cooking demos using local produce and participating in dietary recalls and evaluations at a free clinic that we'll be running with doctors from a nearby city. (Our medical supplies have been donated by a doctor in the US.)

3. Acquire an understanding of and compassion for a highly impoverished, malnourished population and contribute to a group effort to improve their way of life without imposing our own American practices, foods or ideals

Really cool right? You can help too. Incredible bloggers from all over are donated yummy baked goods and you can snatch them up and help people in Nicaragua too!

I'm participating too! Here's a sneak peak at the Splendid Minta contribution:

I know you can't eat tea towels, but you're going to need something to wipe your mouth with, right?

Now... head over to Sweet Tater to check out sweet Katie and then be sure to head back over on Thursday and buy some yummy grub.

the best i can do today

2011-02-28T10:37:00.004-05:00

- today's theme song, the one I started singing as I got dressed this am: "La Vie Boheme"

- Why? because I threw on jeans - french cuffed, a tank top, a long cardi, a pashmina, the first necklace I saw, my glasses and then a gladiator kinda headband over my top knot hairdo. It's a crazy day and please believe me when I say I would fit right in at the long table in Rent with this outfit.

- in the library since 7am... homework and midterm tests to do

- must get eyebrows waxed asap (don't look at them)

Spring Break is next week and today's outfit just reflects that fact that I need a little break. I love school, do not get me wrong, but my brain needs to take a nap for about a week. Being on the beach would be better but honestly, I am just excited to do a few DIY home improvement type things. I've got three projects I want to tackle that week and all come in under $100 total. I will be sure to share. Yea, you betcha.

...and then there were 2

2011-02-26T09:42:00.001-05:00

Identity crisis

2011-02-25T11:41:00.004-05:00

Splendid Minta is going through an identity crisis. I know I don't love what I've got going on. So I've spent all morning on Picnik trying to right the wrong.

HALP!

Etsy Strolling: The Wheatfield

2011-02-25T09:50:00.003-05:00

I found this pretty little shop on Etsy. Allow me to introduce you to the wheatfield.

The paintings turned into prints and cards that are just the right amount of whimsey and charm. My favorite is the ampersand and the state series. She is working her way through all the states. I can't wait to see what South Carolina will look like!

*not a sponsored post, just lovely items I wanted to share.

This wall needs work!

2011-02-24T19:16:00.006-05:00

The wall over our couch in the living room needs work.

Sorry for the old pic but you get the idea. I've got a great gallery wall started with some of my art, some friend's pieces (holla Hawley!) and a couple garage sale steals. But lets get real. It's pretty boring.

Spring yard sale goal: find some fun things to hang on the wall. Be it antlers, empty frames, plates, more art, or little chotskys - I've gotta beef this thing up! Here's some inspiration...

*all images found from Pinterest. Go and love it.

Whole lotta shakin' goin on

2011-02-22T09:15:00.002-05:00

There's been a little "movin' and shakin'" in the furniture department around here lately.

A shiny new (to us) piece came to live with us recently. Can you guess what it might be?

How To: Make your own seed pots

2011-02-21T23:05:00.004-05:00

This was the big weekend. No, not the big President's Day Sale weekend. Rather, the "Make 150 seed pots out of newspaper weekend!"

I mentioned that I was going to attempt to make my own seed pots this year to save a bucket-load of money by starting my garden from seed. Starting from seed saves a considerable amount of money. See, you can buy one plant for $2-$4 or you can buy a pack of 150 seeds for $2-$4. DUH! No brainer. This method however can really bite you in the tush if you buy all the pre-made seed pots marketed at the big box chain. I decided to stick it to the man and make my own.

Here's how to do it: Start with newspaper, tape, scissors and an aluminum can/tin can/anything round and sturdy.

I cut the newspaper (keeping it folded in half) about 8" from the edge (the one you turn the page from). Then another cut approximately 8" from the first cut. You will be left with a skinny piece that was the original binding fold of the paper which you can recycle. Open up your strips so they are easy to work with.

Start rolling your strips around the can. You want it to be snug but not so tight that you can't get it off the can once you've made your pot.

Keep rolling and secure the end of the strip with a piece of tape.

Flip the can and position the paper rolled around the can about 1-1.5" from bottom of the can. At this point pretend this is a gift you are wrapping. You want enough overhang to fold a secure bottom but not so much that the base is bulky.

Fold the end down in 3-4 sections, making sure to cover the base completely. You don't want a hole in the bottom of your seed pot for the dirt to fall out of.

Secure this last step with a piece of tape and slip the seed pot off the can.

The pot is pretty sturdy and holds it's shape well. Good work!

Now, go make another 150 of them. Are you done yet?

I am using "under-the-bed" storage containers to simulate a little greenhouse and keep the seed pots corralled. Something like this should do the trick.

I estimate I saved about $50 by making them myself. Eric saved the day and helped and the project only took us about an hour. Not too shabby. I like "paying" myself $50 an hour.

*Note - these seed pots are NOT plantable. When it is time to transplant my seed pots to the garden, I will peel away the newspaper and discard. I decided to speed up the process in pot making by using scotch tape which is not biodegradable. If you want plantable seed pots, simply switch the tape out for a flour and water paste - oh and use the black and white pages only!

PS - This post is included in The Lettered Cottage's Spring How-To Linky Party - go check out all the other fun How-Tos!

A shift is in the air.

2011-02-21T11:23:00.004-05:00

I am feeling myself more and more drawn to mid-century/glamourous/retro/hollywood regency pieces lately. Take this little nugget for example. Gorg!

It's the Dauphine Armoire from SHINE SHO - there is no price listed so I am assume major bukoo buckerroos. BUT I think it could be a fun DIY project. I just love the gold touches.

This is very promising

2011-02-20T13:56:00.003-05:00

Do you see what I see? Look closely!

You see it? That is my favorite hydrangea and it's new baby buds!
And this one? My sedum is already going gangbusters!

On tap today... 1. Finish the paper seed pots for starting my garden from seeds. 2. Build our second raised bed (hubby is at Lowes as we speak picking up the cedar boards). 3. Sow seeds (YES!!!).

Is spring peaking it's little green head out where you are? I hope so!

wishful thinking

2011-02-18T23:32:00.000-05:00

78 degrees is awesome. if only watermelon was in season.

Inspiration Dumping Ground: Bedroom Ideas

2011-02-17T21:25:00.000-05:00

A little mid week bedroom inspiration for your enjoyment.

Don't say I never do anything for you. xo

A very Picasso Valentine

2011-02-13T21:59:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentines Day.

This is my valentine to my sweet husband of two and a half years.

It should be noted that I drew this in class after looking at slides of Picasso's children artwork phase. Oh how I love my Theory of Children's Art class. Do you think I was influenced? Yeah, me too.

Speaking of, I should be writing my midterm paper right about now.

I'll tell you a secret.

2011-02-13T09:59:00.004-05:00

Since no one could figure out who this guy is... I'll tell you a secret. He's Frank Warren - the guy behind Post Secret. Have you heard of Post Secret?

Frank started this "art project" by asking random strangers to send anonymous postcards containing their secrets to his house in Maryland. Fast forward a few years and now he has received millions and millions of secrets. They range from sad to funny and everywhere in between. Every Sunday Frank uploads a selection of new secrets to his blog but, if you really want to see a bulk of the secrets, check out the books. He has compiled five (I think) books with some of the most intriguing ones.

Now, Frank travels around the world with "Post Secret Live" sharing the story behind the project and his reflections on the cathartic action of sending in secrets.
Eric and I have a ritual of checking the blog every Sunday morning together. We've been doing it for years, even over the phone when we were dating long distance. We even have a couple of the books.

and Frank (we're on a first name basis now) signed them for us.

PS - even shared which secret in the book was his. It's this one:

good for nothin' type of brotha

2011-02-08T00:48:00.003-05:00

we interrupt your normally scheduled programming to bring you this little nugget. um, just about pissed my pants.

ri.dic.u.lous.

major gleek moment, you may now return to whatever you were doing.

10 points...

2011-02-07T23:29:00.002-05:00

to the first person who guesses who I went to see tonight. I'll give you a hint, he signed a book for me.

any guesses?

Back to School...

2011-02-06T11:41:00.009-05:00

Back to school... got my lunch bag packed, my shoes tied tight... (thank you Billy Madison).

Yep, meet "Too school for cool" Liz.

Let's start at the beginning shall we. After college (Go FU!) I went into Marketing/PR/Event planning and had a great 4ish year career working on the agency side, in the non profit world and then finally in the private sector. Once we moved to Columbia - for hubby's job - the economic world broke. Unfortunately, when companies are laying off people and closing their doors who is going to hire for marketing? Personally, I think that IS the perfect time to invest in creating customer loyalty through marketing so you have a customer base when consumer confidence goes back up. But that's just me - I'll get off my soapbox now.

SO... the job prospects in my chosen filled dried up and I took a fun job working at a spa planning on being one of those "ladies who lunch" - yeah, that didn't happen. I soon was working full time at the spa. While I was enjoying the great massages (nice perk) it wasn't me. I wasn't happy and having a mini "quarter-life crisis".

A lot of my friends around the same age can attest to this... you sort of hit this fork in the road, you've been on this path with one career (the one you planned on in college) and all of a sudden you wake up and say... um, I don't think I like this. Or maybe the fork for you is the split between baby land and career land. It's a tough call and you feel like you are the only one having these tough life choices. BUT YOU ARE SO NOT! I cannot tell you how many hours I've spent around the firepit with my girlfriends saying, "Am I living this life?". John Mayer even sings about it...

(I removed the music video - sorry, I didn't realize it would play an ad whenever anyone opened up Splendid Minta. Forgive me? If you are curious - google John Mayer Why Georgia)

After a LOT of soul searching, I decided to head back to school. To be a TEACHER!!! I applied last October, found out I was in at Thanksgiving and COULD NOT WAIT to start in January.

Here's my school:

So I am a couple weeks into my Masters and love it! I honestly feel more alive, more awake and happier than ever. I am learning about educational pedagogy - I actually get to write my own educatioal belief system, or pedagogy here in a couple weeks, I'll be sure to share. It will be kinda like my educational manifesto. I'll start student teaching in the Fall and then again in the Spring. The fact that my program actually spends practically a year student teaching is one of the reasons I chose it - major real world experience.

If you don't mind, I want to share some of what I am learning along the way - I promise I won't make you write any term papers but, please chime in on the comments. Education is such an interesting field and hopefully it's getting better and better - the discourse among different points of view is what helps advance the field.

Thank you for the encouragement! xoxo

Way to go Phil!

2011-02-02T21:52:00.004-05:00

Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow! You know what that means?? Early Spring! Way to go little buddy! WOOT!

Click here to read the full story.

Photo from the AP via Accuweather.com

Baby did a bad, bad thing

2011-02-01T00:39:00.003-05:00

I think I write more posts about how much of a bad blogger I am than anything else. Pardone me por favor.

It's all about balance.

I just watched Eat Pray Love. You see, if you know me well you, know I hold the book (notice I didn't say the movie) in high regard, and I've been holding off watching the movie because I am afraid it will ruin the book for me. Good news is, it didn't (although Eric can attest to the fact that for most of the movie, I was yelling at the TV saying, "I can't believe they left that part out!"). The movie did do one thing for me tonight, and it seems a timely lesson, life is about balance.

Right now, I am balancing school, wifedom, a little tiny bit of employment and other personal activities such as blogging, crafting and gardening. Writing it all in one sentence like that diminishes the duties but I assure you I am one busy girl. I am kinda struggling in this very moment to balance life. Being a wife and student is of the upmost importance and the rest just kinda has to fall in line. Right now however, there is not much of anything else going on and I am feeling a little out of balance because of it. I am working on it though.

I've got some great posts coming up for you like, "This one time at bandcamp, I mean school" - buhlieve me, you are going to get sick of me talking about school and "Thing's I've learned about Southern Gardens". I've got some great visual inspiration to share too. Please, please stay tuned, I owe you big time for seeing me through this balancing act.

I did find time to go out with the girls last week. It was a bittersweet farewell dinner to my friend April from A. Liz Adventures. Can you spot her?

She's the adorable one, 2nd from the left. We miss you already April!

a Bobo Haiku

2011-01-24T21:42:00.002-05:00

when chewing Bobo
the squeek can be signal
of impending doom

do you haiku?

yes, you have homework and other blogging adventures

2011-01-24T20:01:00.002-05:00

ok Blogger is being poopy... thus the change in layout. Sorry for any confusion for my 3 loyal readers. I am kinda anal about how my blog looks, just call me vain - its the old advertising girl in me. I have to admit, even without the personalized header of yore, I kinda like the notebook paper. Hope you do too!

I've had a couple of people ask me how I do my headers, etc. I will prep a little DIY header tutorial for y'all once Blogger gets it sh*t together.

Until then, just pretend reading Splendid Minta is your homework assignment - except you actually enjoy it.

DIY Plantable Seed Pots

2011-01-23T20:16:00.004-05:00

I am officially over winter but, no where close to being ready for summer. Let's just stay spring all year long, ok? OK!

I got my big packet of seeds from Henry Fields really quick - and now I cannot wait to get those babies started... but I can't just yet.

A couple of key pieces of info are important for deciding when to set out plants. First, I need to know approximately when I want to set out my plants... aka, when can I actually dig the holes in the garden to plant the plants. A quick look at the 2011 Farmer's Almanac predicts the last frost for my area around April 1st - so I have to plant after that.
I know from planting a garden for the past couple of years that planting around Easter seems to work best for me - its still cool enough that my lettuce doesn't wilt in the summer heat but also warm enough that the tomatoes start going and I'll have some great fruit by early summer. Easter is April 24 this year so somewhere in between April 1 and April 24 will be best. A good hard and fast rule for planting is that you want the ground temperature to stay consistently over 50 degrees - even overnight.

Most of the seeds I ordered suggest starting them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before planting. Starting them indoors where its warmer and they still get sun or artificially get light through grow lights (yes, think Weeds season 4) is ideal. Working backwards from April 16th, my targeted plant date, I determined that I would start seedlings on February 19th.

So between now and Feb. 19th I really need to get on prepping the new homes that the seedlings will be growing in until they are ready to go live in the garden. I've used seed pods and seedling trays before but, this year, since I am cheap and also plan on growing A LOT of seedlings to give away and really have a prolific garden - again because I am cheap - I needed this to be a DIY project. There are several great options out there including recyling toilet paper or paper towel rolls cut in half but I am going with the newspaper option.
WHY you ask? While the toilet paper roll option would be much quicker and less work, I just don't think there is anyway I can save up oh about 100 tubes in the next month. We just don't go that much. sorry.
The DIY seed pots made of newspaper seem to be really easy - basically you take a strip of newspaper (black ink only) and make a little "cup" - using a flour and water paste to seal the deal. This seed pot can be planted right in your garden or easily peeled off when planting.

Eric and I are going to have a little seedling pot making party soon - we need to churn out about 100 of these babies over the next month. I'll be sure to let you know if I plan on ever doing this project again afterward. Has anyone else done this?

*photos from Farmers Almanac, Re-Nest and Chicago Tribune - links in text

Technical Difficulties

2011-01-22T10:03:00.002-05:00

My header is being wonky... I had a really cute new one to put up but we'll just have to wait til Blogger fixes it. Any other Blogger users having the same "Blurry Header" issue? It seems to be pretty rampant in the discussion board.

I love that part.

2011-01-21T23:05:00.005-05:00

Do you ever have those days/weeks/months when you and your significant other totally click, have long conversations about nothing for hours on end, you forget what time it is, just want to be as close to them as possible, when your heart totally aches with love?

I love that part.

*photo by moi, taken just as it started spitting snow a couple of weeks ago

Get on it!

2011-01-18T06:48:00.002-05:00

I bought my first Groupon today!! WOO HOOO!!!

Seriously, I've been stalking it for about a year now but just snatched up this $10 for $20 at Bath & Body Works. SOLD. I mean I am going to shop there anyway right?

Go get the groupon!

word of the day: blerg.

2011-01-14T22:58:00.002-05:00

Blerg.

- 2 snow days
- 1 snow-delay day
- 2 actual days of class this week
- 3 workouts this week
- several chapters of various books read
- flashcards started
- 3 beers on friday night
- new fav bar Flying Saucer = gut.
conversations had: dankso shoes, marketing majors, porter, charleston beers, know it alls.
- sleepy
more coherant post coming soon.

I can't believe it

2011-01-10T09:15:00.005-05:00

It really did snow. For the 2nd time this winter. For the 3rd time in 2 years in South Carolina. Hello Global Warming. (and Hi Al Gore!)
*photos by moi

Snowpocalypse 2011

2011-01-09T22:54:00.002-05:00

so apparently, even though we haven't had any precipitation here in the drrrrry south, we are bracing for snowpocalypse 11. poop.
all local school districts are canceled for Monday, the city and county offices, outpatient Drs. offices, the university - where I was supposed to start my first day of classes tomorrow also canceled. poop.

excuse me while I pout tonight. i have been waiting for tomorrow for so long, I just want to go to school. poop.

*photo taken the day after Christmas by moi.

the early bird...

2011-01-07T12:41:00.005-05:00

...gets the seeds on sale.
Even though it's only 42 degrees here in the drrrrty south, I am looking forward to spring - mostly looking forward to my garden and the bounty of veggies I plan on raising this year.

My annual Henry Fields catalog came in the mail a week or so ago and that great coupon for $50 worth of seeds for $25 just could not be passed up.
trying to fill your cart with $50 worth of seeds is kind of hard.

I managed though. You should never worry about a girl having a hard time filling her shopping cart.

Here are some of my favorites:
And for the full list: cucumbers (slicing & pickling), dill, basil, cilantro, lettuce blend, buttercrunch lettuce, green onions, bell peppers (red & yellow), yellow squash, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, slicing tomatoes, eggplant, and sugar snap peas

Buying $50 worth of seeds means I will have something like 2500 seeds to actually germinate, thin and plant. This may have been a mistake.

*please do not quote me on this but I think a coupon code is on every catalog or order on the website. The offer is good through February 18, 2011.

so so lucky

2011-01-07T12:29:00.002-05:00

this handsome guy gave me a kiss this morning before he left for work.
oh the bowtie, and the starched shirt and that smile

Splendid Minta Annual Report: House Projects

2011-01-05T21:49:00.006-05:00

It's that time again.

Time to revel in 2010's accomplishments and I think it's safe to say, our house has come a long way baby.
without further ado, 2010's DIY projects:
a) installed a medicine cabinet in the master bath; b) the front yard got a haircut; c) painted the paneling and trim in the den; d) up-cycled 5 thrift store lamps

a) refurbished a set of vintage bouncy patio chairs; b) removed the pergola-thingy blocking the den windows; c) painted our wrought-iron fence; d) built our spindle-leg farm table

a) removed lovely floral wallpaper in our master bath and installed a new light; b) ripped out the old closet and installed a more efficient system in our master closet; c) painted the front door glossy black; d) turned the ugly 80's brass chandy into a showstopper

a) painted our found (in the attic!!) twin bed frames; b) painted the hallway a moody smokey grey; c) gave our kitchen a major face-lift with paint; d) pressure washed all our sidewalks, siding and patios - MAJOR GROSS!

a) built our own hutch/sideboard; b) chopped down the monster Lady Banks Rose bush; c) built a raised bed garden and had a bumper crop last summer; d) painted the dining room 3 times, yes, 3 times - this shows color #2 and color #3 is the cut in color - much better.

WOW.

We did a lot. In total we probably spent about $600 on all the projects above - most of the cost being for lumber and paint. Lots and lots of paint. I cannot even begin to tell you the amount of man hours spent. I am overwhelmed thinking about it all.

Looking forward to 2011 - the house projects will be scaled back a bit while I am in school but I do want to accomplish the following:
- painting the moulding in the ENTIRE HOUSE, all the same color of course
- giving the pink bathroom a free (or mostly free facelift)
- possibly moving the laundry facilities from the kitchen to the soon-to-be mudroom/laundry/craft room.
- stripping and re-caulking & painting the windows on the outside of the house.

The Dewey Decimal system of links

2011-01-05T09:23:00.007-05:00

Let's get real here, I spend a fair amount of time "Rogging". What is Rogging you say? It's Liz-speak for blog reading. Is there an actual word out there for this act? I visit crafty sites, home improvement ones, a few fashion and cooking blogs too. Most days I find a few projects/recipes/ideas that I want to file away for later use and these typically get dragged to a bookmark titled CRAFTY LINKS on my firefox browser window.

NO MORE... In an effort to be more efficient, use the blog for more purposes other than pretty pictures and little notes on life, I've created the Splendid Minta Link Library. Here you can find some of my favorite craft projects I have yet to try, yummy recipes, some cool DIY projects and just general links I don't want to lose. Go see if there is anything you like too...

Happy 2011!

2011-01-01T09:32:00.005-05:00

WOW. 2011. or is it aught eleven.

*stay tuned for a few more Splendid Minta Annual Reports. I've got 2 big ones in the works - DIY and one on money, money, money, money, it's the opening of the virtual wallet.

pic of the day from The Telegraph by artist Harwinder Singh Gill.

Holiday Rewind

2010-12-28T12:43:00.007-05:00

What a crazy unexpected Christmas this was.

As I mentioned, we were planning on heading up to the Great White North but decided to stay put because of snow....

so we had Skype-mas with my parents and sister
no, they are not in the witness protection program but since I've never discussed with them putting their mug up on the world wide interwebs... meet my family, the blurs.

so we visited some family only an hour or so away
and then we ended up getting snow anyways...
Charlie loved it by the way. He ran so much with his dog-cousins that he slept for 2 days straight afterward.We are all very big dorks. I told the family that this should be our Christmas card. Classic - 6 cell phones and a bottle of gin. Our 3 new ipads are not pictured.
Eric and his brother rocked out on their paper guitars.
and then we celebrated this handsome guy's 28th birthday on the 27th.

PHEW... I am tired.

my A. Liz originals

2010-12-28T00:22:00.000-05:00

I am one lucky girl - I have not one but TWO great friends who make the most beautiful jewelry!!

And the best part is - their designs are completely different but both are just my style. Well, I take that back. The best part is, that they trade goods with me :)

Meet my new lovelies - my A. Liz originals:
April's work is just so lovely and sophisticated, chic and charming and southern, all rolled into one. These toggle earrings are my very favorite because I get two pairs of earrings in one. Just pop of the bottom part and VOILA, a simple gold circle (but I haven't done that yet cause I am a turquoise fanatic).
I've got my eye on this pair next (that is unless you beat me to it). ooooh smoky quartz.
and the cherry on top - she has a darling blog where you quickly realize it's not just her jewelry that is so adorable - she is too!

Merry Merry Christmas!

2010-12-26T09:53:00.001-05:00

We woke up to 3 inches this morning. It's the first white Christmas since 1947!

I am not as cool as I think I am

2010-12-24T00:05:00.007-05:00

I had a major blog realization today. My family reads my blog. WHAT? You mean people I'm related to actually read this thing I write (that's totally public and out there for all the world to see) WHAT?

Here's how it went down: Mom & I decided we needed to practice skype-ing because we were skype virgins and since the big Skype-mas 2010 is scheduled for tomorrow night, we needed a dress rehearsal.

I wore my best Mickey Mouse sweatshirt for the occasion.Mom: "Good thing we are practicing for Skype-mas"

Liz: "How did you know I called it Skype-mas"

Mom: "Oh, Cheryl told me"

Liz: "Aunt Cheryl?"

Mom: "Yeah, she and I were talking the other day and she asked me about Skype-mas"

Liz: "huh?"

Mom: "Yeah, she reads your blog. Adda does too! That's so cute that you called it Skype-mas"

HI AUNT CHERYL!! HI ADDA!!! xoxo

YIKES!!! Must self-edit now.

cracked crack

2010-12-22T17:00:00.000-05:00

Remember the one about the Peppermint Crack?

Here is what it looks like cracked.
I packaged it all up for our co-workers, mailman and sweet friends.
and batch #2, to be made on Christmas Eve will be enjoyed by friends on Christmas Day.
This crack is so not whack.

Inspiration Dumping Ground: Bathrooms

2010-12-22T07:22:00.000-05:00

Next up in the Inspirational Virtual dumping post: Bathrooms!!!

Grab a book and some bubble bath and sink (get it, sink) into these great bathrooms.
It's the clawfoot tubs. They get me every single time.

photos from Martha Stewart, Sarah Richardson, Elle Decor, Country Living and all around the web.

Skype-Mas

2010-12-21T16:52:00.005-05:00

I was walking through our living room aka the "front room", not to be confused with the "den" where we live... (confused yet?), and I just had to stop and pause to look at our Christmas tree.
See, we are not traveling to visit my side of the family in the Great White North as anticipated (thankyouverymuch Mr. Blizzard) so I'm a little nostalgic today. That little pause-and-admire the tree pulled at my heart-strings even more. I do wish I could open presents with my sister and parents on Christmas Eve. Instead we are going to have a Skype-mas on Christmas Eve - we'll open each others presents virtually.

Our little mantle is decked out too.
Hopefully Santa won't be looking for us in the Great White North...

Today...

2010-12-19T12:03:00.003-05:00

You'll find me in the craft room.
Sewing. A lot of sewing going on.

I'm on top!

2010-12-19T10:33:00.002-05:00

Make sure you don't have to pee before watching this.

New York's hottest holiday club is Blitzen.

Peppermint Crack

2010-12-17T07:22:00.000-05:00

My inner fat kid cries out for this stuff at Christmas. Its like crack, dark and white chocolate crack. Crushed candy cane crack.
This is currently in my fridge. Unfortunately (or fortunately) it's not for me.

You can make some of this crack too.

Outfit Success. Self Portrait FAIL.

2010-12-16T22:04:00.004-05:00

I was feeling especially saucy today and decided to spend longer than two minutes getting ready for work this afternoon.
First, I put on my leggings (which I have owned since last winter yet never worn). They're simple black adult looking leggings but I just can't ever seem to find an outfit to wear them with.
Then I put on my brown suede knee high boots NOT UGGS - which I have now owned for 3 years and never worn outside of the house. See, they have a rounded toe and I just can't wrap my head around the rounded toe. They don't look great under jeans and I refuse to be the girl that tucks her skinny jeans into ugg-lies.
next grabbed the classic white button-down, the black knit stretchy dress and finally a long grey cardigan.
PHEW... getting dressed is hard. Well, its not really hard, I'm just lazy and have been in a jeans and shirt/sweater/top rut for about a year now. boo.

"Nevermore, nevermore", said the gal in the raven dress.

As saucy as I was feeling leaving the house in my deceptively effortless-looking outfit, I couldn't take a decent picture. Self portrait FAIL.

Splendid Minta Annual Report: Places

2010-12-16T07:56:00.000-05:00

Eric and I've done a bit of traveling this year, mostly close to home though.
In 2010 we have visited 5 states but driven through 5 more. We've seen the beach, the marsh, southern charm, one great concert, a Midwestern Indian summer, major snow and the odometer tick away on several road trips.
*St. Simons, Charlotte, and Aurora photos by me. Others borrowed from the web.

I aim to please.

2010-12-14T23:49:00.004-05:00

See that fun little survey gadget up top on the right?

Can you do me a favor and click the answer that most applies to you, please?

Thank you. You are the best!

Splendid Minta Annual Report: Literature

2010-12-14T21:26:00.010-05:00

While I am looking forward to 2011, it's really nice to see all that I've accomplished in 2010. I'll be chronicling it all in lists - consider it my personal Annual Report. You know for posterity or just plain-old good fashioned peaking-through-the-virtual-curtains curiosity.

For starters: Books read in 2010.
Go ahead,make fun - major chic-lit streak going on here BUT I did read a couple of classics, re-read the entire series of Little House on the Prairie and gobbled up some easy beachy reads. This year was more about escapism because 2011 is going to be the year of the text book - I figured I could indulge.

Upcoming Annual Report series features: movies, DIY projects, recipes, outfits, paint colors, finances. Stay Tuned

one down.

2010-12-13T21:48:00.002-05:00

lots to go.

it's the 13th of what?

2010-12-13T19:53:00.003-05:00

Someone forgot to tell me that Christmas is, uh, in 12 days.
So much to do, I haven't even finished decorating or even starting wrapping. Still need to plan for family visits, put away the Halloween decorations and finish up a couple of custom crafty orders.

I am behind the 8 ball..er...ornament.

Inspiration Dumping Ground: Kids Rooms

2010-12-07T20:38:00.001-05:00

And now back to our regularly scheduled programming...

Round II of the Inspirational Rooms: This one's for the kids.

Somthing happened along the way...

2010-12-04T13:40:00.009-05:00

I got fat. (CRINGE!)

Let's file this post under "I can't believe I am sharing this with you" or "Did she really just say that".

Sure, I am all for sharing how to make a family tree, or the woes of picking paint colors (let your color-blind husband do it) and even the best way to scrub grout (Magic Erasers) but getting uber personal (especially about jiggly body parts) is so not my demographic. Bear with me.

Let's start at the very beginning.

Exhibit A: Healthy weight Liz - late high school/Freshman Year College 2001 approx BMI: 24, size 8

Exhibit B: College Sophomore year , Fall 2002 (hi Molly!) - notice the lack of muffin-top BMI: approx 27

Exhibit C: College grad Liz aka Fat-face, Spring 2005 BMI: approx 32 Size 12/14
Exhibit D: Runner Liz (Hi Jenny!), circa spring 2008, lightest post college BMI: approx 27.5 Size 8/10

Exhibit E: Easter 2010, holy crap, who is that? BMI approx: 31. Size 12/14 This is the picture that prompted me to be a better eater over the summer 2010, practically vegetarian for 4 months.

Exhibit F: Blogger Liz, Fall 2010 who you calling chunky? It's the sweatshirt. Thankyouverymuch. BMI: 29.8, Size 12So this is where I get serious. It's about time I did it for me, to feel, look and BE healthy. FOR-EVER!

I'm doing it the old fashioned way, eating less calories and burning more. Really, no fad here. I of course want to share more but let me see how everything goes first. I certainly don't want to tell everyone "Do exactly what I am doing!" when I've only been doing it for a little while anyway. Capish?

This post is pretty selfish on my behalf, I am hoping this show and tell session will keep me accountable. So, collective cringes and you-go-girls are more than welcome.

Holiday Giving: MSL Family Tree

2010-12-01T19:22:00.006-05:00

Tis the season for giving! This Christmas I'm gifting a very memorable gift to our families - a thoughtful, handmade Family Tree.

(MOM & DAD IF YOU ARE READING THIS - LOOK AWAY NOW!)

The idea comes from Martha Stewart (who else?). This is the inspiration photo - Martha even shares the free printable graphic here. You can print the artwork and the blank tags to hand write the names of family members.
I took the graphics (PDF on zip drive) to my local FedEx office and had them print it out poster size on roll paper - the stuff they use to print blue prints. This option is for B&W printing only but that's perfect for this project because the graphic itself is a beautiful soft grey.

So once you get the big graphic printed on roll paper and the tags printed on card stock, bring everything home and get to work.
Hop on ancestry.com and start researching (they have a two week free trial going on right now - plenty of time to compile your research). Once you have your family tree down you can fill in the tags. Assuming you start with your parents, the inspiration photo (at the top) goes back to great-great grandparents but, with a little rearranging you really could go back further.
I wrote all the family names with a black fountain pen in print but here's where you can get creative - go modern with block letters or add some color by using red or green ink. This is my favorite tag - can you believe I have a relative named Tirzah?
Next, cut out your cards with an x-acto knife or scissors (if you're like me) and outline the cards with gold. You can use a gold (or silver) sharpie or run it over a gold metallic ink pad.
Then after the pieces have thoroughly dried, start laying everything out. Use memory mount or other archival (non wrinkling glue) to attach the cards in the place you want them. I used the inspiration photo from the magazine to layout the cards in a pleasing place - and I used a yard stick to line everything up.
Here is the finished result: (minus the top couple of rows of grandparents)
I plan on using the Ribba frame from Ikea in black.

This is a really rewarding project and a perfect gift for the upcoming holidays. From start to finish (excluding the ancestry research time) took about an hour and should cost less than $50. Let me know if you make one!

Have you seen? Grosgrain: Embellish Knits Month

2010-12-01T19:02:00.004-05:00

This is right up my alley! Kathleen of Grosgrain is so talented! She is a self-taught seamstress and has an excellent eye for good design.
This month it's Embellish Knits Month and let me tell you, I am envious of all her beautiful new knits/cardigans. Most of the items it seems she picks up at the thrift shop then adds some flair and voila, magic!

Here are my favorites:
Head over to her blog to see the rest!

Inspiration Dumping Ground: Kitchen Ideas

2010-11-29T05:15:00.001-05:00

Seems I've gotten a little flak from you-know-who about how many photos I save for "inspiration". He's really right, my desktop is riddled with photos like if only I had a kitchen like this, or our next house HAS to have a dining room with a fireplace ... hey a girl can dream!

In an effort to condense my desktop folder, I've decided to dump 'em here. Hopefully they'll inspire you too. Up first, the Kitchen Collection

Now that they are all in one spot, you can see the common threads that I'm drawn to: simple, white based - yet colorful, a touch whimsical or retro, charming spaces that invite you in for a cup of coffee or canning party with your girlfriends.

RAWR

2010-11-28T12:29:00.002-05:00

Need a laugh today?
You're welcome.

*No puppies were harmed in the taking of this picture. Despite her appearance, Lucy (the little one) actually loves it when Charlie (the big one) gums her neck & ears. He is not as ferocious as he looks.

Say Cheese!

2010-11-27T23:02:00.003-05:00

Christmas came a little early around here.

We've upgraded our hardware and finally sprung for a Digital SLR camera.

Up til now, we've been using a great point a shoot digital, Canon Powershot SD750 to be exact. Our point and shoot has served us incredibly well. It's great for outdoor shots and takes surprisingly great Macro shots buuuut, we've always been photography nerds - both of us taking photography in college and valuing a great SLR (read: interchangeable lens camera).

So, after much saving and deliberation we sprung for the Nikon D3000. We considered all the major camera companies, played with them at the big box stores over the years but it really boiled down to price and reviews we researched, plus I've used a Nikon for work before and love it's ease of use and great photographs.

The D3000 is considered an intro Digital SLR, great for beginners to intermediate photogs and will serve us well for years to come.

So far, I'm loving it! Most notable differences so far - those yummy fuzzy backgrounds you get with a long depth of field and wide aperture and when taking pictures of rooms, the angle is wider and crisper.... see: the first one is taken with the old camera and the second from the new one - while they were taken about 3 months apart, they are from roughly the same angle.
what a difference!

in case you are wondering, we referenced Pioneer Woman a lot for the "non-photographer" advice on photography. I could spend hours on her site. If you've never been there you must live under a rock. No offense.

Cheers to better photos!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2010-11-27T21:09:00.004-05:00

Best part about Black Friday (other than our new camera!) is decorating!! Does everyone else decorate on Friday after Thanksgiving and take down New Year's Eve or around there (but never carry it into the new year)??
** please excuse the messy living room - Eric and I are halfway through our operation "Organize & Purge 2010". More on that later...

Get the Look: Octopus Triptych

2010-11-26T21:03:00.013-05:00

Have you seen this delicious Octopus Triptych?

or maybe you've seen it in Bill & Giuliana Rancic's dining room designed by Thom Filicia?

Good news, you can buy it for only $3550!! It's really a gorgeous piece of art. As noted from Tonic Home - "The original is a copperplate engraving by Lord Bodner and was published in 1826 in London as part of a series studying creatures of the deep."

Graphic prints are so hot right now but spending big money is not. This look is easy to knock off. I found the octopus clip art at The Graphic's Fairy.

pretty close right? The clip art is free for personal use, just save the file to your computer. Now, you can print this in black & white for cheap at FedEx/Kinkos - like under $20 (poster size - 36" tall or wide, on rolled paper is available at most office stores - check with your local store for prices.)

or, you can upload the jpg to Picnik and start playing around...
duotone effect: cutie patootie in a kid's room or choose grown up colors for a sleek modern look

or tint effect: this would be so dramatic in a bold color with the white background hung against a darker wall or on exposed brick
then print at a local print house or an online print house like this or this. Ikea has some great framing options too. The Ribba frame starts around $19.99 for poster sizes and you can even choose the wood, black, white or silver.

I'm always on the hunt (who isn't) to get the designer look without the big bucks. Most of the art in my house is from garage sales, thrift stores, artist friends or homemade. Maybe its just me but I would rather spend the big bucks on things like bathroom and kitchen remodels and spend the pennies doing high impact, low cost DIY projects.