DGV Nav

Friday, August 31, 2012

Freaky Find Friday

Rebecca and I have both been pretty busy lately, what with trips and conferences and school starting back up again, so we have been keeping in touch primarily via text.  A few days ago (before we got to meet for coffee), she texted me an idea she'd had for a reoccurring piece for the blog: Freaky Finds Friday.  Or Friday Freaky Finds.  Or something like that.  This is the inaugural post, so to speak.  Every Friday, we will be bringing you weird things we have spotted while thrifting, antiquing, shopping, or surfing the web.  You are so lucky.  You can thank us later.

So here goes.  I found this little beauty during a quick trip to the local Salvation Army.  She was just hanging out on a shelf, waiting to gussy up some lucky shopper's home.

How do you like them apples?  I think this little lady may have been playing the piano at one point.  Maybe.  I can't think of another reason why she would be crouched down like that, can you?  I love the one green sock/stocking just starting to fold down.  This must be toward the end of a long day playing the piano.  Or maybe she is doing the limbo.
And how about the expression on her face?!

At first glance, she looks like a happy camper; she's all smiles.  But if you look closely, you start to notice the almost sinister look in her eyes.  She looks a little angry, like she's about to yell at you.  Or maybe that's just me.  Look into her eyes and tell me she doesn't look like she's going to come to life and devour your soul.  Again, maybe that's the excess amounts of Doctor Who the Cat and I have been watching lately.
Either way, I hope you enjoy our first official "Freaky Friday Find," and I hope you have a great weekend!

~Lori

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Favorite New Find: Scout Books

Rebecca and I met for a coffee yesterday at our little local coffee shop, Sagebrush Cafe, to catch up, talk about the blog, and to relax.  We both have pretty busy schedules, so it was nice to be able to sit down and talk with no interruptions (except for the somewhat nosy customer next to us who kept eavesdropping every time Rebecca opened her mouth!).
Anyway, while we were there, while I was waiting to order (a delicious salami, pesto, and artichoke panini, by the way), I poked around their little book section.  That is one of the things I like about this little cafe, besides that it is locally owned and operated- it also sells works from local artists and has a small (read: bookcase!) selection of literature for sale.  So while I was in line I spotted these tiny little books for $4 each.
available at Scout Books
How cute is that?!  From the back of the book:
"American Shorts pairs ten must-read authors with ten contemporary illustrators in the pocket-friendly Scout Book format, breathing new life into classic stories.  Each volume is a perfect fit for literature lovers, design connoisseurs  or anyone who could use a good read on the go."
illustration from the book; by artist Tom Neely
I am a fan of Poe.  I loved studying him under the tutelage (not a big fan of that word, but it works well here!) of my favorite professor, Dr. Frye.  I used to have a class with Dr. Frye in which we would study some of the works of Poe, and then I would go to my own class and share the insights I had learned with my own students.  They were only 6th graders, but I do believe I introduced quite a few of my students to a master of literature, and got them to appreciate his work!    They would beg me to bring in copies of his work to read in class.  They especially loved "The Pit and the Pendulum."  (That is a great short story if you haven't read it yet!)  This little book would be a perfect way to introduce some great literature to a younger audience.  The artwork makes it really fresh and fun.
Scout Books seems like a pretty cool little publisher.  They have other titles under this series; Sagebrush was also selling "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.  
OR you can order their box set of 10 American classics.
Vol. 1 “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce
Illustrated by François Vigneault
Vol. 2 “Rip Van Winkle” by Washington Irving
Illustrated by Bwana Spoons
Vol. 3 “The Jelly-Bean” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Illustrated by Vanessa Davis
Illustrated by Gemma Correll
Vol. 5 “Eve’s Diary” by Mark Twain
Illustrated by Meg Hunt
Vol. 6 “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
Illustrated by Aaron Renier
Vol. 7 “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Illustrated by Zack Soto
Vol. 8 “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe
Illustrated by Tom Neely
Vol. 9 “To Build a Fire” by Jack London
Illustrated by Michael Hsiung
Illustrated by Kate Bingaman-Burt

I will fully admit that I just got a little bit lazy there and copied that straight from the Scout Books website.  But take a look at that list!  I really want the Hawthorne book.  I love that story.  (Rebecca did a post about Hawthorne here.)
from "Young Goodman Brown"
buy it here
You can also buy regular, lined notebooks.  You get to add the big ideas inside.  I always have a little notebook with me to jot down ideas.  Size is key.  It has to be small enough that I can easily throw it in my purse, but not so small that it is hard to write in.  Scout Books to the rescue!  They have cute printed notebooks just waiting to be written in.
Of course I love this animal print notebook!


Lovely Lace Notebook
Or if you are feeling super creative, you can create your own little book!  You can create your custom notebook (and choose the paper that goes inside, like lined or blank), or you can make a real book.  That option is pricey, but how cool is that?!
~Lori


Tuesday, August 28, 2012

DIY: Alice Apron

You may recall ( because I have beat you over the head with posts on it) Gwenna's past Alice in Wonderland Party?  Well I had this beautiful fabric left over and I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it.  My mom makes the most beautiful aprons, so she offered to do it.  It only took her one day and it wasn't made from a pattern!  I am in LOVE with it and so is Gwenna.

I looked for this fabric for you on etsy.com but it doesn't look like it is available anymore.  However, there are quite a few other sweet options here and here and here.
I love how my mom chose the mix of flower patterns (daisies and daffodils) and textures to make this apron fun and unique.  Gwenna really does wear them and I know she will remember them fondly, especially because her grandma made them for her.


Playing "kitchen" in her new apron!

Oh, I found these on etsy.com too and had to show you:
Deep mum - Alice in Wonderland - metal frame pouch
change purse etsy

LAST SET Alice in Wonderland Hair Tie Pair of 2 Piggytail Ponytail Holders
hair elastics etsy

Alice In Wonderland Hair Bow
bow etsy

3/4 inch sew on buttons - Alice in Wonderland - Set of  5
buttons etsy
March of the Playing Cards - Japanese Zakka Fabric Tape (One Yard)
ribbon etsy

Monday, August 27, 2012

AV Greek Festival

This weekend is the annual AV Greek Festival at the local Greek Orthodox Church my friend belongs to.  It is a weekend of food, friends, and fun.  And food.  Did I mention food?  Really.  Good.  Food.  If you can't make it to Greece (one day I will!), then this Greek Festival is the next best thing.
AV Greek Festival
The festival is a lot of fun; they have rides and games for the kids, Greek dancing (Opa!), shopping, church tours, and, of course, lots of Greek food.  You can find more information AVGreekFestival.
Zorba the Greek
My favorite Greek song to dance to (probably because it is the
easiest Greek dance to learn!)

Zakynthos island,Blue caves-Hellas
image via


image via


image via


~Lori

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Sweet Spot Sunday: Cheesy Artichoke Bread

Artichoke Garlic Bread. Making this!


                                                                                              Recipe here via crumb
Now here is another reason to love Pinterest.  My friend Kim pinned this yummy looking cheesy artichoke garlic bread so I went to the blog that originated the recipe and I am very glad I did.  I made it last night for dinner:  It was ridiculously easy and tasted amazing!  I am making it again very soon.  I will also be following this blog Crumb for more yummy recipes.

Here is how my own bread turned out:



Happy Sunday, and happy cooking everyone!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Inspiration: Late Summer Flower Arrangements

Even though it is still super hot here and fall feels far away it really is just around the corner.  I want to celebrate the last days of summer with beautiful flower arrangements in my home.  I either like warm colors (orange and peach) or cool deep colors (purple) to pay homage to the dog days of summer and look forward to the onset of fall.  Here are a few ideas for you (and me):
thisnext
I like that this still looks summery, but has warmth and texture.

living4media
I always think of sunflowers when I am transitioning from summer to fall in my home.  I really don't know exactly why.  Maybe it's because the heat is at its most intense before it turns cool and sunflowers are about as warm as they come.  I like them with the hops in this arrangement.

marthastewart
These daliahs are just perfect in simple mercury containers 

august wedding flowers
zimbio
This is just perfect:  It even has a few leaves at the bottom as a nod to fall and white lily of the valley as a farewell to summer.
swamistream
Isn't this pretty for a coffee table?  I think I need to find a shallow brass bowl like this one.

simple tablescape for the last days of summer
tinywhitedaisies
I want to do this tablescape for one of those last BBQ's .

realsimple
I love the carefree style of these...just like the last days of summer.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Happy Friday Randomness

London Town.
I was just talking with someone about this today.  Love it.  Good ol' Walt!
image via a paper aeroplane


I love this.  Orange, check.  Belted waist, check.  Clutch, check.
Stacked bracelets, check.  Over sized watch, check.
via keep the glamour


Oh, Ralph.
image via uncharted style




I always say this to the Cat; this would be smashing in my guest bedroom.
image via a paper aeroplane




~Lori


Thursday, August 23, 2012

Inspiration: Black Interior Doors

I've been seeing a lot of black interior doors these days.  I think they can look striking, especially when they are french doors.  I am considering painting the doors in my hallway black because it is one long space without anything interesting going on.  What do you think?
black interior doors
I just LOVE this.  I want it right now (foot stomp).
Black interior sliding doors
black interior doors.  YES!

Loving this use of interior black doors
hollymathisinteriors
I like how the black doors look when they open up to light spaces.
Black doors, lilacs!
pinterest

It is just paint after-all right?  I talked myself into it!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Minor Obsession: Oversized Gold Watch

image via Atlanta-Pacific
Here is proof that a Michael Kors watch is the way to go!

I have been saying for a while now that I want an over-sized gold watch, and I (along with Rebecca) have been diligently keeping a lookout everytime I go to a thrift or antique store.  I always say I'll know the perfect one when I see it, and I don't want to pay a lot for it.  What can I say?  I'm cheap.  But when I was poking around on the Michael Kors' website for my post the other day, I came to realize a couple of things:  I just may have to treat this watch as an investment piece, and Michael Kors does a phenomenal job with the classic gold watch.  I've bought a Kors watch before, but it was silver, and it was a present.  Now I think the time has come to find my own.  Here are some I am loving.
Ritz Chronograph Glitz

Lexington Chronograph

Runway Chronograph


Chain Link, Golden

They are all $250, with the exception of the last one, which is $225.  T.J. Maxx, here I come!  You can usually find a pretty good selection of Michael Kors watches at places like Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, and even Ross.  So, since I need to go pick up some thank you cards anyway, I might as well have a look see in the clearance case, right?  I'll let you know what I find!

~Lori

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...