August 30, 2012

Only One Wore Glasses

This is the second painting in my twin series. My childhood keeps seeping into these. If you didn't guess, I'm the one that wore glasses. Growing up, I never could figure how we could be twins but I was the only one needing specs. In middle school I happily discovered contacts and all was well with the world, haha.

Did you ever have to wear glasses or some other contraption when your siblings or friends didn't?

P.S. Today's my son's birthday, he's twelve. Happy Birthday little man!


Vlog: Name that Broadway Tune (Beware of Singing)

While visiting my twin sister during sister camp, I coerced her into making vlogs with me. This is the first one where I force her to name that Broadway tune as I *ahem* sing them for her. Welcome to the silliness! (No I didn't cut my hair, it's just pinned under to have short "do" for the day.)


Did you recognize any of them? Do you have any favorite Broadway tunes?

I'm joining Amy and Janet's embarrass yourself Hacky-Sack Club. Which is a club that started out showing our lack of hacky sack skills. But now has turned into a club to show our nutty side and remind us to not be so serious. You absolutely must check out their videos: Amy's Chinese Opera (she really can sing Chinese opera) and Janet's Bollywood rendition (hilarious!). It was supposed to be an ethnic song challenge so I kind of cheated with Broadway, but Amy said it counts. Anyone is welcome to join the Hacky Sack Club. You (yes, YOU!) can be a part of the silliness revolution.


August 29, 2012

Girl's Day Out


Mom's only birthday request for the past few years has been to have a girl's day out.  My twin sister, Mom and I spent the day drinking coffee, chatting, shopping, eating, laughing, and catching up.  We celebrated with cake and ice cream. Mom had the ice cream (a chocolate dip cone) and we ate cupcakes. We visited a little cupcakery I've been dying to check out. It took us forever to choose one (I think the lady behind the counter was about to give up). Not to brag, but my cupcake was the tastier one, called Cheeky Monkey: fresh banana cake with caramel cream cheese frosting, candied pecans and caramel drizzle. Oh, MY! So good. My sister had Lemon Drop: zesty lemon cake with lemon curd and lemon cream cheese frosting. The day went by too fast but it we enjoyed every minute of it! :D

What would your perfect day out look like?

P.S. I have a surprise for you tomorrow. It involves a vlog and singing. Eeep!


August 28, 2012

5 Great Posts on Growing Your Blog

Most of us don't set out to have tens of thousands of readers when we start blogging, but having an audience of SOME size is always nice. You work hard to write the posts, edit pictures and make sure it all shows up on the right day. It's fun to have others interacting with you by reading and commenting on your hard work. Below are five great articles to help you grow your blog, whether that's ten people or thousands.

1. How to Grow Your Blog Blogging Tips by Ginger Snap Crafts.

2. 5 Ways to Promote Your Blog for Free by Little Pink Strawberries.

3. How to Grow Your Blog While Having Fun and Staying True to Yourself by Modern Mrs. Darcy.

4. 10 Point Check List to Grow Your Blog by Ragan.

5. On How to Grow Your Blog by Jenny Komenda Interiors.

In case you'd like to read more blogging tips, here are 5 Great Posts on Blogging, and 5 Great Posts on Blog Photos.


August 26, 2012

Loving Lately: Tackle Man

What I'm loving lately:  

Watching C pay close attention to the coach before his first game.
Seeing him tackle like a madman and amaze us all.
Hearing Dad give after-game praise.
Capturing the smile on C's face when being told by fans what an amazing game he played.

What are you loving lately?


This Moment

{This Moment} a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember {inspired by Soulemama}.




August 25, 2012

Weekly Wrap-Up


Hope your week was good and you have a fabulous weekend!


August 23, 2012

Whispers of Fall

I'm so excited about fall. School has begun, the temperatures are lowering and I'm beside myself with happiness. Fall's just sooo thrilling. There are football games, hayrides, and the pumpkin patch. Not to mention my favorite accessories such as boots, scarves, tights and shawls. There's just so much to LOVE. Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie. And the soups! Chicken noodle, taco, and potato-corn chowder, to name a few.  Oh, the goodness of fall. You'll probably be sick of hearing me talk about it by the end of the season. :D

Also, I'm the featured artist today over at Paint Party Friday so if you have a moment, check it out!


5 Easy Box Lunches

1. Try a lunch of mini pita pockets and white chocolate raspberries.

2. Or a lunch packed full of Pinwheels and Veggies.

3. What about an adorable Mo Willems Pigeon book-themed bento lunch?

4. Here's a fun snack filled lunch.

5.  Enjoy a pretzel sandwich with heart-shaped strawberries.

What's your favorite lunch combination?


August 22, 2012

The Guitar Process

I thought it'd be fun to share the process of painting my guitar girl, and her many hairstyle changes.
1. I cut out a dummy face to find good head placement. I wanted her to be seen when played.
2. I painted the background, added a few layers then gessoed the face and neck.
3. I added more layers to the background with stamps and various materials. She began as a blonde.
4. To add more hair dimension I put in multiple colors, but the look was too much. I didn't like it.
5. I painted white over the whole thing and actually loved it that way. But it had an unfinished look and I couldn't quite get past the cartoon feel.
6. I decided to go curly instead of spiky and so the next phase was brown, short and curly. But it seemed too stagnant, I wanted more movement. (Sorry I didn't get a good picture of it, just the edge)
7. I eventually realized I wanted long, flowing hair running under the strings with lyrics woven through. This became my final hairstyle and it felt juuust right.
Hope you enjoyed getting to see the steps! You can see the guitar in full here.


August 21, 2012

Football Survival 101

So my son started football. I'm a little nervous for him, but trying to embrace it. He showed me his arm muscles the other night and I about choked. How does a five-year-old have muscles?? Okay, he's eleven, almost twelve---but still. Since practices are a ways out for me, I stay to conserve gas. That gives me two hours to fill. I've found a few things vital to surviving my wait at football practice.
Books and planners. It's amazing what a little plan time can do for the rest of the week.
A good parking spot. It's fun to see what the little man is up to, so I like a good view.
Drinks. I take tea or flavored water to keep hydrated. Sometimes I treat myself with Starbucks.
Snacks. Lately peanut butter has been my go-to snack along with peaches and grapes.

Do you have times of waiting during your day? What do you fill it with?


August 19, 2012

Loving Lately: Peanut Butter Popsicles


What I'm loving lately:
  • Peanut Butter Popsicles. At least that's what I call them. The simple act of scooping peanut butter onto a spoon. Lately I've been extra busy and needing to grab something on the go. So I've been taking along a peanut butter cup to satisfy hunger until I can make something more substantial.
  • Cool Weather. Seriously, it's beginning to almost feel like Autumn around here. *happy dance*  I want Fall to come so bad!
  • Having hubby home. He's had a crazy two weeks at work. I'm ready for it to slow down.
  • Reading. Since I've been waiting around a lot (at practices, at the hospital) I've had the nice side benefit of reading time. I've torn through some incredible books and feel almost full of stories. :D It's a happy feeling.
What are you loving lately?



This Moment

{This Moment} a single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember {inspired by Soulemama}.



August 16, 2012

It is Finished!

I began to wonder if I would ever finish this. But several months and four painted hairstyles later, it is finally complete. *happy sigh* Thanks for cheering me on!  As you can see I added lyrics from the song, Hey Jude, since my friend's a huge Beatles fan. What lyrics would you want painted on your guitar?


5 Gifts for Your BFF


Scrumptious Doodle
1. Nothing goes together better than Peanut Butter and Jelly. And nothing's cuter than this ring duo.


Risky Beads
2. This key chain would send a tender and constant reminder.


aLilJazzJewelry
3. A wire ring that stands out of the bff accessories box.


Flapperdoodle
4. Best friends must talk. LOVE this artwork.


Flat Bonnie
5. Okay, this is a little twisted, which is probably why I like them. :D