Meet the Plants

I've always known my dad to have a green thumb, but I haven't had the opportunity to try mine out many times. The times I have had opportunities, I've been in college or worked long hours.

Then I was inspired by Boyface Travis' Rubber Plant named Patrick.

Patrick has been around for some time. He's gone months without attention [in an unfortunate situation] and has grown several new leaves in the last year! He's standing with such good posture these days.

So this summer I decided to grow tomatoes.

This is Ella, the Early Girl, and a few marigolds to attract bugs. There are 4 green tomatoes and one that's turning red!! I did it! Thanks to the sunny weather, Ella has been a wonderful urban plant.

Then I was given an orchid by a sweet friend who works in the senior care industry with me.

And due to my love for the movie Adaptation, I named him Charlie Kaufman. He is actually two orchid plants that have white flowers with purple dots & white flowers with yellow dots. I mist him with a spray bottle and sometimes place him in my bathroom when showers are being taken. He likes a tropical atmosphere.

Finally, once the word got out that I liked having plants around, my mother brought me Fred

the Ficus. About once a week I give him water in the clear dish and he soaks it up as he pleases. Every two weeks, I see that the top of his foliage has new leaves budding! He's gorgeous.

Does anyone else have a plant that they love to grow?

My Pillows

Waiting for my fabric to be washed is one of my favorite things.

Cut the Pattern

Cut the Fabric

Add a Zipper and stuff the Pillow Form inside.

Times 4 = brightened living room!

Now onto Shadow Boxes.

It Is Time

Today I picked up my shadow boxes!

But I'm so distracted now about what colors to use in my living room.

My parents gave me their old couch. It's a maroon, cranberry sort of color and I am at a loss for what to put with it.

I don't want olive green and gold and tan. I want COLOR!

Luckily, I found a neat little Color Tool and found my answer.

LIGHT, BRIGHT BLUE!!

PERFECT

So, then I wanted the pillow below with the stitching.

And I realized...I can do that! I already have filling and a gift certificate for fabric.

Projects to work on in August/September:

* Shadow Boxes

* Throw Pillows

* Picture Preservation

* Water seal antique windows

* Sew Dress

My New Hobby

I am going to be filled with creativity when we move. I was inspired at UWMC when I saw some boxes like this hanging up.

I'm going to use them for our walls.

Also, I want a room to be based on this picture.

I think I need to do some more camping and driving aorund in the country. Delapitated barns and buildings are enchanting. They give me goosebumps and woo me in to explore.

$$$$

New Spending Crunch for the next...

5 years!

I think I can have all of my debt paid off in 5 years if I scrimp & save. I have a plan. And if we ever get out of a wage freeze at work, I'll be on top of the game.

I'm pretty sure half my income went to going out for delicious food & drinks

and just plain old foolin around over the past 2 years.

So, if you're wanting to hang out with me, I'll invite you over for a meal at my home or for coffee.

And if anyone is wanting to pay off their debt super efficiently, please join me. We could go into business together for some extra cash maybe.

In the meantime, Lincoln will keep me at peace with my mantras.

p.s. people are driving me nuts at work. Lincoln, send me patience.

It's springtime. And that means it's also sewing time!

I made a dress two years ago that I adore...

but I have worn it far too many times. It is tattered and torn. I'm tempted to find the same fabrics and do it again!

I've also been sent a Nordstrom catalog. I don't think I'm going to be able to help myself. I need some spring clothes. One can only cross so many pieces from winter to spring. So, I'm going to buy some khaki pants [Semantiks pants fit me perfectly]. And I'll be in need of some colorful cardigans. Maybe short-sleeved or 3/4 length sleeved blazers. But for sure I want some cutsie, frilly, and creamy white tops to help me float through spring.

Here are a couple of my faves:

Foxcroft Pleated Cuff Shirt [pg. 22]

Muse Floral Print Poet Dress [pg. 33]

Entire outfit [pg. 38]

Halogen® Picot Trim Tank [pg.40]

Top & Cardigan [pg. 42]

MARKETING

Yesterday I wanted to die if I had to do another moment of marketing, but today redeemed my faith in marketing.

Look at the cutie batootie invitations that I made for our Annual Mother's Day Brunch.