Circus Pictures

Thought I'd share a few pictures from "the circus".  What gorgeous ladies - right? 

Thought you might like to see the dress I picked out after the fiasco in my last blog entry.  (I'm on the right in the red dress) Gah!    

We had a great night, spent with great friends, all for a great cause too.  Despite the whipping it was to find a dress, etc, etc, etc, - I'm so glad we attended.  

 Wish I had a picture of the hubs and myself, but my good friend in red here is prettier anyway :)  

A Reality Check

This post will contain absolutely no pictures.  No pictures what so ever.  I have a picture, but you will never, ever see it.  However, it is burned into my mushy brain forever and ever.

My 4 year old son recently gave me a little reality check in only the way a 4 year old can do.

So, here's the scoop:
The hubs and I are set to attend a "gala" in a few days.  This is something that I both loath and look forward to.

#1 it's a night out away from the kiddies in an adult environment,
#2 I don't have to cook dinner,
#3 we stay the night in a hotel so.... staying up late and sleeping in are on the agenda,
#4 I don't have to fix breakfast,
#5 I don't have to clean up from dinner and breakfast,
#6 o yeah - and lots of fun with the hubs and our friends!

I loath the idea of a gala, specifically this one, because I've been encouraged to wear something that is not black!  Argh!  Black is all I own!  I really, really, detest the idea of squeezing my body into a formal dress that is not black.  Let's face it, we all look slimmer in black, right?  I also waited a bit too long to shop for the dress so as to allow ample time for alterations, matching shoes, jewelry, spanx, etc, etc.  Now if I had a personal shopper or wardrobe consultant, this wouldn't seem like such an overwhelming task.  But... that's not gonna happen.

So, about a week ago, I started dragging my boy around the mall with me, looking for the "perfect" circus dress.  (Did I mention the theme is "CIRCUS"? what?)  I'm thinking I could have gotten away with my sequined leotard and matching tutu but the hubs put the brakes on that one.


So... as I said, me & the boy, shopping for circus dresses.  I have to be amply armed with all sorts of entertainment for the little guy while in dressing rooms, such as candy, candy, little cars, candy, promise of pizza for lunch, candy, promise of play time at the mall cooty-infested booger smeared playground, candy, and.... playing games on my iPhone.  Lots of you are moms, so you get the idea.

My boy loves to play with my iPhone, so I let him while I'm writhing around trying to contort my body into all sorts of creative ways so that I can fit the right body parts into the right holes and straps of whatever dress I'm attempting to squeeze into.
I'm sure it's pretty funny to watch (but I assure you I wasn't in a laughing mood after about the 20th dress)  I also made a habit of taking a little picture in the mirror of any dress that was a remote possibility so I could get a "yeh", or "neh", from the peanut gallery (hubs & daughter).  The boy caught on to the picture taking activity right away and asked if he could take the picture - so, in an attempt to entertain him, I allowed it -

So....., skip forward a few days....... I was sitting quietly waiting on my kids while they were in an art class here in town.  Just hangin' with the other parents and messing around with my phone -you know,  checking e-mail, checking Facebook, checking Twitter, playing a round of Words with Friends, looking at pictures, etc, etc.

And - WOAH!  What the H-E-L-L is that picture I see on my phone???  It's a half naked picture of some woman with a body that looks like it's indulged in waaaaaayyyyyyy to many Dove chocolates, never felt the pain of a sit up, and seriously needs some support for the melons on top!  Upon closer inspection, I realize that it's ME!

O my God - yes, my son took a topless picture of me while I had a dress over my head, trying to pry myself out of a garment that was way too tight with no zipper!  You've been there, I know - when you put something on, then can't figure out how to get OUT of it?  You kinda start sweating a little because you think you might have to have a sales clerk come and cut you out of it?  I swear to you that I had no idea he had taken the picture.

I still can't believe it - it was seriously sooooo stinking funny, and soooo embarrassing at the same time! Talk about a reality check!  Through the mouths of babes, no - through the eyes of babes come the truth!

I am so glad I'm the one who found the picture!  What if someone else had found it???  It is safely deleted, but forever burned into my corneas.  New incentive to get back to the gym, get back outside, get back on the yoga mat.  I'm just glad my little boy doesn't know the difference!

Broken

Broken refrigerator, Broken garage door, Broken dish network receiver, Broken truck, Broken gate (actually 2 broken gates), on the verge of being broken hot water heater, a rattling something in my car window that is most likely broken, and the list is growing..........

Truck repaired - check.
Refrigerator repaired - check.
Garage Door repaired - check.
Dish Receiver on it's way, hopefully check.  In the meantime, we are w/o television for 4 days.  Yes, probably a good thing, but you try it with 2 kids and let me know how that goes :)
Still have to make some phone calls on the gates...
Rattling car window will have to wait (although it's making it hard for me to hear Sam Bradley while driving :)

When did they quit making things that last?

Broken hearted little girl.  Missing her grandmother.  This will take longer to repair.  We are all feeling broken over this, especially with Thanksgiving/Christmas.

Broken portable DVD player.  Suffered a little boy's cowboy boot to the screen.  Road trip to Mississippi in the near future.  May result in broken parents' nerves.

Thankful for what is not broken right now.

Sam Bradley in Dallas - Zuni

I think most of  you know, I am a huge fan of live music - specifically guitar, acoustic - folksy, rock, soul, alternative, country-ish (no top 20 stuff please), indie - singer/songwriters.....

I had the opportunity to see one of my top favorites - Sam Bradley Friday night in Dallas at the House of Blues!  Sam played with guitarist, John Notto - these guys put on a great show; although I was a little bummed because I am height challenged, and this is one of those venues where you need to be at least 6 feet tall in order to see the stage.  My friend and I got sandwiched in the middle of the crowd, and we both started getting claustrophobic, so we crawled out and wound up on the side of the room - right behind a speaker - ah, but oh well - such is life.  Sam opened for Brooke Fraser - I would have preferred to see Sam perform the whole show - but.....still.... ah well, what could I do.  Except ask the guy in front of me if I could sit on his shoulders, but.....that wasssna gonna happen - errmmmm.   He is such a talented musician/singer and a gentleman to boot - he obliged me with a photo - along with each and every one of his fans.

I'm not a music critic by any stretch, but I know what I like - and I love Sam's music - check out his new EP, titled Zuni - you can find more info here.  You can also visit his MySpace page and have a listen to several of his songs -

I'm so happy to have been able to see him perform again!  It's great to see people in their element and following their dreams - it's very inspirational - it's all good - wishing him the best of luck!

This song - Sea Blue - is one of my favorites - please watch - I think you'll really like it!

I'm off to visit my sewing machine.  I've got some projects to get completed before another Trunk Show on Thursday and..... a new collection of songs to listen to!  (oh... and the kiddies are entertaining themselves by destroying my kitchen with playdoh..... it's all good :)

Vintage PUmpKins straight to you........

Straight from the chaotic sewing room of Whoopsie Daisies, come the retro-hippy vintage-y funkilious pumpkins.  Can you Dig It Man?

Remember the ugly-dugly fabric I snagged in Indiana?  Perfect for fall pumpkins!  (It was dated 1974 by the way).  At least in my opinion that is.  I realize that this fabric is not for everyone.  Personally, I love it, but my house, though I'd love it to be, just isn't retro-cool.  Cookie cutter suburban house doesn't equal retro-chic.  I'll probably keep one or two in the hopes of finding someplace to display them though.
I went out yesterday after Coffee-Talk with some Fort Worth Etsy folks, and hit a local thrift store in hopes of find more previously loved threads to sew with, but no luck.  Sometimes you hit the jackpot, and most of the time....Well....you don't.  But the hunt continues.......

Did I mention that I'll be at the Fort Worth Cowtown Indie Bazaar on Saturday, September 4th????  Come by and say HI if you're in the area!  Loads of really talented vendors will be on hand (over 80!) - and....it's alllllll  handcrafted!  No made in China here ladies and gentlemen!  Come support Handmade - and listen to some live Music by Titan Moon, Shop till you Drop, Free Photo Booth, Enjoy Refreshments, bring the kiddies along and put your own Creative Talents to use at the free Make and Take Table, and Free Goody Bags to the first 50 Customers!  100% Indie, 100% Handmade!

Catch you On the FLiP SiDe!  I'm Outta Here.......

My Little Country Bumpkins

My sister made the pictures.....I made the kids - with a little help from their daddy (oh - and I made the boy's shorts too:).

Thanks to my sister for taking these photos of my little munchkins while we were in Indiana (I know, the pictures just keep coming and coming!  Oh - don't you worry.....there are still more to come :).  She's got a great little photography business going up there (Bellies to Babies)- check her out if you are in the Northern Indiana area.

Rhubarb Cake Supreme - Total Yummy, Sweet, Goodness!

My parents have a pretty good sized garden in the back, and have always had several Rhubarb plants that have thrived there year after year.  The starts came from my Aunt Ruth I believe - probably in the 70's is my best guess (maybe 60's?  Mom?  Amanda? do you know?)  

So, each summer I like to eat a little bit since I can't find it here in Texas.  And...if I ever did find it - I doubt I'd want to pay the price for it.  My guess is it would be expense, and not taste nearly as good as it does fresh from the garden. 

So, without further ado, I'd like to share the recipe we used this summer:

Rhubarb Cake Supreme

Here's what you need:

6 cups rhubarb cut into 1" pieces

1 3 oz. box strawberry Jello

1 cup sugar

1 package yellow cake mix

3/4 cp. butter, melted

1 1/2 cup water

Start by cutting the leaves off the top of the rhubarb (unless you bought it from the store - then the leaves are probably already removed).  Discard the leaves.  Wash the stalks and cut them into 1 inch pieces.

Place the rhubarb in a 9x13 inch pan.  (Good job for little helpers!)

Mix the dry Jello with the 1 cup of sugar.  

Sprinkle the Jello and Sugar over the Rhubarb.  (Nothing complicated here folks!)

Sprinkle the cake mix over the Jello/Sugar mixure (Again, easy-peasy!)

Now, drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. (Staying with me?)

Pour the 1 1/2 cups water over that and pop it into a 350 degree oven.  Bake for 35-40 minutes.

This is the cute little oven we used at my parent's house.  It's not an antique - but sure is cute, huh?

And, Voila!  Here you go - Rhubarb Cake Supreme - extra delicious with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.  Hope you likey!

Plain or Fancy? Antiques in Indiana

Well, since I was in Indiana for nearly all of July - I have a few more pictures to share.  My parents have been in the antique business for a long time - over 25 years?  Something like that.  They have a shop at the "Summitt Hill Farm" homestead - called "Plain and Fancy Antiques" - and attend several shows around the Northern Indiana region.  Here is a link for more information on Plain and Fancy as well as several other antique shops in the area.  And another....

Wanna come inside?........

I'm digging this lamp....shame it wouldn't fit in my trunk ;(

I've always liked this peach picture.  Seems like it would fit right into my house in Texas, huh?

A "toaster" - in case you didn't know

I love old photos, I wonder why no one ever smiled?  Must have been the corn cobs in the outhouse......;(

Unfortunately, I don't get to bring home what ever I want from the shop.  Living 18 hours away has it's disadvantages.  It's fun going through stuff though and learning where each piece came from and lots of time - just what the heck it was used for.  

My Indiana Home

As many of you know, I have just returned from my trip to Indiana.  Each year I like to take the kids up to visit their grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and friends who are just as good as family!

This is a picture of the house I grew up in.  The picture hangs in my parents' dining room now - but it was taken in the late 1800's.  We believe that these are most likely the people who built the house.  It was built around 1890.

Here is a current picture - nothing too drastic has changed.  The front porch was expanded around 1940. Then my parents enclosed it in the late 60's.  They also added an additional room towards the back in the 1990's.  They have been in this house for over 43 years.  The land around the house used to be an orchard, and you can find a few fruit trees still scattered near by.  My favorites are the Montmorency Cheeries - they used to provided buckets and buckets of cherries, which I picked, pitted, and ate like crazy as a kid.  Now, the trees have seen better days, and the few cherries they produce are eaten up by the birds.  

It's a great old house - I've wished lots of times that the walls could talk.  I would have loved to have seen the interior as it was in the 1800's.  Now that I live in my much, much newer suburban home in a large sprawling metroplitan area in central Texas with every convenience close at hand - it takes a little getting used to, going home each summer.  The air conditioner, when needed (which isn't very often in Northern Indiana), doesn't begin to cool the upstairs.  The best produce is right outside the back door in my parent's garden- not down the freeway at Central Market.  If the kids want to run barefoot in the grass, they don't have to watch out for fire ants, snakes or scorpions!  Want to smell the country?  Just walk out to the barn and give "Bubba" the horse an apple to crunch and scratch his ears.  But it's best to wear your boots around the horse apples on the ground though.   

These are just a few more pictures I took around the house.  I'm sure I'll share more later - feels great to be back in Texas.....but there are some things I miss about my home in Indiana.

"Bubba"

"Yep - beans fresh from the garden - and they are delicious!"

"E" is for Ethel

"E" is for....well, it's for "Ethel"! (for you Bobby Long fans, I keep wanting to sing the "T for Texas" song here!) I had to share this cute sewing basket I picked up at the flea market this weekend. For one thing, I loved the icky plastic thing because my mom has one just like it - and you know what it's like when you see things in antique malls or flea markets from when you were little - sometimes, you just gotta have it. I was sold before I even opened it up - but once I did, I found these large "E" monograms inside of it. My last name begins with an "E" so I thought it was perfect. But then....I saw the "Specially Handmade by Ethel" label and loved it even more.

I'm the new owner of Ethel's sewing basket!
It's fun to think about what she must have done with all those zippers, lace, the book on Collars, hem tape, etc. I'm just thrilled to have it - I also found this stack of odds and ends - basically really gaudy fabric that the hubs rolled his eyes at! I liked the little Ginger Snaps because they have little horse shoes on them - I live in Texas you know! Quirky and cute in my book!

Flea markets are fun - you just have to get past the grubby-ness of it all. If you look past the ickiness and focus your eyes on the prize, it's fun! What flea market treasures have you found?? Anyone been to Round Top this past spring?

Don't forget to sign up for the Facebook Giveaway if you are not already entered! The contest ends tomorrow midnight - you just have to be a Facebook fan to be entered. You can obtain a second entry by posting the Giveaway on your Facebook page, and a third entry by blogging about the Giveaway! (Just be sure to leave me a message)

See you later taters!