Flashback Friday!

This weeks theme is music. I have a short history with music, and of course, I wish I had done more to learn it. But I must tell you about one of my piano teachers. I don't remember her name, but her image is seared into my mind. She wore those house dresses (almost a mumu) with dark brown nylon stocking that only went up to her calves. And I could swear she had fangs and horns, but it gets a little fuzzy there. She was so mean, she would belittle me and my little brother. Then if we missed a key she would crack our knuckles or heads with a ruler. My mom didn't believe me until Joe (my brother) backed me up. If only I had had a nice teacher, or at least not an evil one, I might have been someone, I could have been a star!

And, I have no pride because I am going to show you why I kept my mouth closed in some of those group flashback pics. I had some crazy teeth, but hopefully those perfectly formed ringlets distracted from them.

Oh, and wish me luck. My friend Taunya of Taunya Elise Jewelry (formerly Elie B.) who makes AMAZING jewelry, asked me to put some of our Nursing Aprons in her booth at Swiss Days in Midway this Friday and Saturday. So 25 new aprons were whipped up in the nick of time. Yes, they are similiar to some other nursing aprons, but let me point out the important differences. Piccalilli too's are made from quality 100% cotton in the most fashionable patterns. There is 12 inches of boning at the neck so that you can see the baby, the baby can see you. Instead of terry cloth sewn into the corner of the apron, Piccalilli too's has a hook near the neck that snaps a terry cloth into place, used for those errant milk sprays or spit up. You can detach the towel (which comes with the apron) and wash only the towel, and not the whole apron (unless, of course it is needing a wash). Check out some of the aprons. So take a look at my shameless self-promotion, which will hopefully sell like crazy and if not it will be in my Piccalilli too shop. So check them out, and Taunya's jewelry (and she had some cute backpacks and totes) or if you know someone who is going up there to have a look. The fabric I used is from Joel Dewberry, Amy Butler, Heather Bailey and Moda. These pics represent just a few of the aprons.

Check out http://vivikas.wordpress.com/ and see the feature she did on me and my store.

Things I am eyeing this week

So I was going to name this post "In one ear and add to the other" or some sort, but Etsy is the jewelry shop of the world. SO much good stuff. Maybe I will do one for ears, then necks, then wrists, then fingers.... we'll see how this goes.
Nevermind, I am calling this "In one ear and add to the other"


This shop is amazing! There are so many different things that make this shop one of my favorites. For one thing, look how different these two sets of earrings are. Great coral red flowers with turqoise, kind of cascading on copper. Then you have this chalcedony, with garnet and iolite copper earrings. Gorgeous. You need to check out their cuffs, necklaces... all of it. Catrocks rocks.







I love the simplicity of these silver drop earrings by lesthings out of Madrid, Spain. This designer/artist uses sterling silver, paper, clay.




I don't even know how to describe these earrings from gemmafactrix. Oh my gosh, I love them. Ahh.


This jeweler's shop is unique in so many ways. I love how sculpted they are, how light their structure is. Their shape, just lovely. Blaqueorchid has other jewelry to adorn other parts of you body, too.










These flower earrings from emma jewelry are hand fabricated sterling silver. I want you to check out her belt buckles in her shop. I know... earrings and belt buckles, perfect segue. I like them both.









Juicy Citrus Hot Orange Chalcedony Briolette Earrings wrapped with Citrine and Prehnite Clovers are the names of these two sets from Ten Jewel Collection. In the Clovers description the artist says they seem to glow from within, I agree and I like the different looking hooks they are on. And I kind of just want to eat the other pair of earrings.

Flashback Friday!

T-Shirt is the theme for this week. You know, those good ol' 1970-80's tee's that were always catchy, iconic, or advertising something? Now they are all the rage again, selling as vintage at Target.

I am pretty sure that this shirt I am wearing, circa December 1977, is a cabbage patch kid. Does anyone think it might be something else? It is funny because we are getting a big girl bed set up in Caroline's room this week and I had to go through some boxes to get to her bedposts. In one of the boxes was my two old CPK - Roberta Candy and Theodora something or other. Theodora is wearing some bikini I made from her, handsewn with added safety pins. I'll have to post some pics later. Also in the box were the three barbies I ever owned - Barbie, Ken and Skipper with their own horses. Barbie has bandages on her hands because they are a bit chewed. And, I think someone should make wigs for Barbie. Mine got an unfortunate hair cut sometime in 1986. And, Strawberry Shortcake was in the box and all my Glamour Gals. Anyone remember those? Anyway, Caroline is in heaven.

Here is my brother and I at Christmas in 1979. Sam brought belly shirts in. He is the t-shirt wearer in this one - good ol' cookie monster (although, if you read my previous post, I should be wearing this shirt!). I'm the cute one. Cute purple crocheted vest by Mom. I still have my stocking that my mom made for all of us. I have since made fantastic ones for my family.

And lastly, just squeaking in summer of 1985. If you read my "tagged" post, you know I have never been to Hawaii, my parents have plenty and I have this shirt from one of their trips. Does anyone else remember this cat? I swear she was everywhere. What I love is that I am trying to look all deep in thought and I am sure that I knew my mom was taking this picture. This is in our great backyard that I have told you about. It was so lush. I wonder if I still have this shirt. I wouldn't doubt it, since I have only just become someone who can get rid of things (except Barbie, Ken and Skipper, CPK Roberta and Theodora, Strawberry Shortcake....)

I am considering posting a pick of my toothy self since I explained to you all that I was all teeth from about 8 until... basically still. I will maybe work up the guts this week and then all of you will understand.

Things I am eyeing this week...

Hmm, let's get dressed. Where are we going? Where ever you want, just call me and I will meet you there.



I love this ruffle bib pink shirt. I think it would be great for a maternity shirt but even better with skinny jeans. boony is where you can find it - she just listed it today. This shop has great tops, all boho-y. Everything looks super comfortable.



This sweater from BlackRabbitNYC would be perfect for any fall or winter thingy you have. I love this shops photos - very high fashion. And she does couture if you have something special in mind.>




This shirt by treehouse 28 is great now in the warmer weather and I think even better layered over a long-sleeved shirt. Treehouse 28 has so many great options, I love their hemp ruffled skirt also.







I love t-shirts, any kind, but I especially love the ones you can find on etsy. Here are a few, and it was hard to narrow it down!

Circular Accessories has silk screened shirts for everyone in the fam. Love the onesies, love the men's shirts, love fleur di lis (from the college days), this squirrel hoarding shirt is awesome. >




Pregnant? Want to tell someone you are? Miniblisscakes has all sort of stuff. This shirt lets people know when you are due and helps remind your husband, too. They have shirts that say "not finding out" or "tickled pink" plus the cutest shirts for tots.


Maryink's shop is one of the first I ever found on etsy. I love their designs, colors, everything so take a look. This red shirt is one of the first items I ever hearted on etsy.>




harrilu, once again great things for kids and adults. I love this poppy tee, they have a great astronaut t, one with a bunny. Take a look, so many great things.








At charlie and sarah they have these flashcard t's. Fun way of teaching us Yank's the proper term for things in England. I admit, I love a British accent - wish I had one, and maybe these t's would help me feel a little more British. Or they would just totally out me as the Utahn I am.>

Monstrous Bird

Which Sesame Street Character Are You?
	You are part Big Bird. You are something of an eccentric, and not everyone always gives you credit for your inventiveness and intelligence. You may not always know everything, but people turn to you for your sound, unique logic. Plus, you have a big heart. Really big.
	You are part Cookie Monster. You are a glutton. You often make attempts at controlling yourself, but why stop yourself from getting what you really want? Cookies. Inside, you are sensitive and vulnerable and it just may be the source of your problems.
Find Your Character @ Brainfall.com

Thanks Cindy for the idea for this.

Tagged!

I've been tagged by Hip Kid. The Rules: Each player starts this game with 6 weird things about themselves. People who get tagged need to write on their own blog 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you're tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

6 weird things about me - I prefer the term "fascinating":
1. I don't like breakfast foods for breakfast (eggs, pancakes, waffles, etc.) but can eat them for lunch or dinner, no problem. The exception to that is cereal - I can eat raisin bran anytime, anywhere.

2. I didn't know how to blow my nose until I was at least in my twenties - just couldn't do it.

3. I think listening to U2 can cure most ailments of the mind and make a great mood even better (just listen to "Beautiful Day" or "Yahweh". I also believe children should be introduced to it very early. E thinks Bono gave him the U218 Videos DVD for Christmas last year.

4. I've never seen an episode of the Simpsons, not one.

5. I've never been to Hawaii - I am pretty sure that only my children and I can claim this.

6. I can't whistle, not even a little.

And here is an extra from me:

7. From my husband, "You are a voracious reader, that is weird." He's from Texas, enough said. He also thinks my feet are weird, he is wrong, they are really cute - seriously.

You are tagged!

Amanda

Cindy

Linds

Paige

Shannon

Corrie

Re-Entering Society

Practice makes perfect, or so I am told. For four months I have been practicing changing diapers, waking up 5 times a night, patience, positive thinking about my post-baby body. I think I have these things down to near science. Now I need practice to re-enter society. Not that I have been solely in my home, not seeing friends, family, grocery shopping, but I haven't been my usual out and about self. I need some help. I think that these classes should be available to me and others like me: (none of this makes much sense and I know that it is all possible if I take the time and have the resources, but I'm not and don't, so indulge me)

1. In the four months since I had J, the Twilight/New Moon/Eclipse phenom has taken off with more gusto. I have read the first two, need to read Eclipse - have avoided conversations that have been about it. I really haven't had time or energy to read it so I need to be able to plug myself in or something and have all the literature, emotions that I would have while actually reading the book, and great discussion "wordage" (see, I can't even come up with real words) programmed into my brain. I also need this for Harry Potter. I don't want to read the final book when I am running on near empty. I want to read it and not just read the words but really get it, something I am not capable of doing at this time - I know my limits. So, once again, a program that can help me out here.

2. I want my expansive vocabulary back! Or even half of it back!

3. What is in style? I don't mean high fashion/couture, but mom-sensible, non-dry cleaned, not too wrinkly clothing that looks great, isn't frumpy, makes me look super hot for having three kids. Yes, I am trying to get back into shape, but unfortunately the exercise time is usually the last thing on the list and gets bumped from the day's events repeatedly. I don't have a lot of time to go and try things on or search clothing out - I want a person or even a really cool robot to look at me, assess, grab the right clothes for me and dress me. Oh, and I don't want to pay this person/robot. I am picturing something from the cartoon "The Jetsons", you know, I ask and it appears out of my closet from a mechanized arm. I just want to look presentable with as little effort as possible. Without mascara - that stuff gets all over the place.

4. I want to be able to work out, when I want, doing what I want, without having to put the kids at the gym's play place (which is really clean and great, but still C will catch something) and J is still too young to go. He could go with me to a mommy and me class, but I would end up holding him the whole time so he doesn't cry and then all the effort of getting in workout mode for nothing. Research says that exercise helps with so much, well I want all that it has to offer and someday will have more time.

5. Lessons on how to interact with adults. I love talking about my kids and I love to hear about my friends' kids, but I also want to be able to have adult conversations. It is hard to do, really! At least for me, I am not up on all the current events. I know who is running for president, I know what year it is, I know that there is something going on with mortgage rates but I only really know what is going on the surface - I don't know how to talk about these things intelligently. My mind just can't process that info at this time. Intelligent, I was once but now it is just out of my reach.

6. Social etiquette - is it still no elbows on the table? Can you really not stare? Not even if you are just people watching? Can you pick your child's nose in public?

I know this all just my laziness. I could have all these things (except the robot, I just don't think I can afford it, plus what if it fritzes out and goes crazy?) if I made the time, got enough sleep, found the websites on the internet that pertained to the subjects, but that is just it - I don't have the time, get enough sleep and the web is SO big, who has time after catching up on blogs? So I guess it holds true, there is a time and a place for everything. I just have to have patience, which I have been practicing alot in the last four months.

Flashback Friday!

I came downstairs to see if a certain friend had a latest installment to her juice fast on her blog. That was over an hour ago! This blog world sucks you in, takes your time, and spits you out! I haven't been near the computer nearly as much as I'd like. This week, I have focused on focusing. I am so tired (the baby is great at waking to eat and then going right back to sleep, but it is every 2 hours), my kids are into that "I'm not touching her" as he is almost touching her, or rolling on top of her "by accident" and Caroline so lovingly asks her big brother to give her a hug and then when he does, she bites his shoulder and asks "Did that hurt?" I have tasted a bit of insanity this week, and I don't want to taste it again! I never understood my friends saying "Time for school to start!" but now with E going to kindergarten in 3 weeks and Caroline going to preschool, I can almost just imagine how it will be when they are getting to interact with a wider variety of people, and I think it will be good for all. Now on to the flashback.

This week's theme is group photo. I must have been one lonely child. I have only a couple group photos that I can find, all family. This first one, I must be about 4 because Joey, my little brother, looks about 1. I must say, he was not the cutest baby but man was he a cute kid and a handsome teenager. My dad looks young, spry and handsome, my mom is a classic beauty. Look at those cheekbones. My oldest brother Chuck (center and holding not-so-cute Joe) would have been about 11. He had yet to hit me in the head with a smoke bomb, or throw keys at my head, or threaten to light my cabbage patch kid on fire (in jest of course, he wasn't cruel like that). My other brother Sam, the bright faced boy on the left, is only 14 months older than I am. It made for some interesting times growing up. I wonder if my mom, Chuck, Joey and I thought this was to be a more austere photo, one that would be on the wall of some great institute that was to be named after the Cottrell family.

This next photo is 1984, maybe 85. My dad, still spry and handsome. My mom, still the classic beauty. Sam, still smiling. Chuck, a little overcome by his eyebrows (note - after waking up to feed baby and re-reading this post, I must add that this picture represents his brows a little unfairly, they are a distinguishable characteristic but in no way taking over his face. I will probably get up in the morning and re-write this whole thing and must add that he is indeed a great big brother and friend, but at this time was a typical big brother with remarkable aim. The smoke bomb was thrown over the garage, from the front yard, meeting my noggin in the backyard - luck or good aim? You decide.). This is post-smoke bomb bombing, pre-keys to the forehead (teen angst with a driver's license) and post-cabbage patch fever (probably just the end of it). Do you like the shirt he is wearing? My mom made it. Chuck says that he didn't like to wear it, but he had about 20 Hawaiian shirts that he had her make for him so he looked especially RAD at his high school. And look at that cute kid. Joe was so dang cute. Always a little twinkle in his eye. Do you like his pattern combo? I'm not certain about the shirt, but my mom did make him the shorts and he loved them. I must still be thinking that we were to be austere. I'll tell you the real reason - I had the most GIGANTIC teeth. Oh my, they had a presence. And, they had a huge space between the two front. I like my teeth now, they have been good to me (no cavities until after my first child, probably from all the throwing up) and I never had to have braces but back then? I don't even have words for them. My brother (who I am very close to even though I have portrayed him as a jerky big brother in this post, mostly because he did do all those things) has made fun of them for years, likening them to a rabbit or beaver. I ramble. This picture was taken in our backyard in the first house I lived in. It was magnificent. It had a "roadway" in the shape of a figure eight, perfect for racing. It was terraced and had a huge lawn that was good for all sorts of grass games. Then there was the Enchanted Forrest. My friend Brooke and I would wait for our Prince Charmings to save us from the Forrest Witch by feeding the guard elves strawberries or cherries. And it had a great sandbox. I loved that yard. I love both of these photos, before I was too self-conscience (I really don't know if I knew my teeth were so big then, I just know now), and still a kid.

Things I am eyeing this week

IN writing notes or letters, as in all other forms of social observance, the highest achievement is in giving the appearance of simplicity, naturalness and force. emily post, etiquette (1922)

This notecard set from fubabee is to be custom-ordered. I love cards that are personalized. This shop has a lot of great custom work that has beautiful combinations of color and style.

time2cre8 has a line of cards called captioned critters that are brilliant. Now, what would the giraffe say? How would they rephrase "Please put your cereal bowls away."? And check out the "Can you ever forgive me" card, it is too funny

These cards by paperedtogether are clever and beautiful. I love the crisp lines, letterpress always is stunning.

inkylivie is so simple and creative. I love that it is for a baby shower but not baby-like.

This notecard from turtlepapers
comes in a set of 6. I love all her designs, thank you cards, screenprinted t-shirts.

digitalpaperie you can get these oval tags. You could used them to fancy up a label, on your scrapbooking, on a card.

At 12fifteen paper goods, you can find bright colors and original prints and notecards. And I love their logo, it is gorgeous.

bellabella couture correspondence. Sounds fancy, huh? It is. You can monogram, create your own card (sort of) by sending them your favorite lyrics, and get custom stamps. Lovely.

Flashback Friday!

I love this, these pictures are burned into my mind, I am not sure why. I was three or so when I as my cousin Nancy's flower girl. I remember being at the wedding. I am the youngest girl cousin by lots of years so I was a flower girl a couple of times. The theme for this week is fancy dress, so here is my cousin in her fancy dress and me in mine. I am pretty sure my mom made this outfit for the wedding. I especially love the lace apron and the knee highs. I forgot how cute knee highs could be on little girls. I remember being so excited and nervous to be the flower girl. I probably didn't have any job to do, just wear the dress, but as a three year old, standing next to a princess, it was Heaven.

Yum, Yum, Yum

I read in some one's blog the other day (I'm sorry, can't remember who's, but someone really talented) about ZandSFabrics . I checked them out because I am needing to do about 15 nursing aprons for Swiss Days. OH MY! Good selection and great prices. It was hard to narrow down my choices. So about 35 yards later, here is what I got in the mail. So beautiful. I got a lot of Joel Dewberry, who I met at the Quilt Market earlier this year. He is the nicest guy, and great product. I got some Heather Bailey Freshcut , Amy Butler , and Moda Eclectic . And they wrapped it with a cute cut of fabric to boot. C thought it was a present. Time for me to get cutting!


On the other side of the coin, I am one of those mothers. Today, at Target, standing in the book area, C starts crying "oh no, I had an accident!". Yes, that kind. Luckily, just of the liquid type. I wiped her legs down, got the Hello Kitty undies out of the cart, switched them out, and went to the check-out. I know, I know, I am getting there. After paying for our things, including the Hello Kitty undies, we were driving out of the parking lot and it occurred to me "Crap, there was probably a puddle!!!" I am now one of those mothers... the kind you say you won't be, the kind that leave their children's bodily messes for others to clean up.

Don't call child services yet, or Target to rat me out, I did make cookies with E today. I didn't make the dough (I am a horrid baker), but we had fun. We made a Mike (from Monsters Inc.), Pikachu (yep, my kid plays nintendo), a rainbow, and a ladybug for C. They are still sitting on my counter, cooked but not eaten. But E is happy.

Things I am eyeing this week

Oh Etsy, such an addiction.
So this week I am thinking containers. Mostly purses and the like. We'll see.


I often look through the treasuries at Etsy. I found this Companion Wristlet by jennalou06 while seeing another one of her wallets on a treasury. So cute.




This hat called Lucky, love it, and it can contain your head so it works for this post, is by BKMHattitude. And only $20? Lucky head.

The Cute Bag by thislittlebird is just that, The Cute Bag. I love the colors and the bird on it. And frankly, no one you know is going to have it (or anything else you see here, most likely).




I love this little business card holder by MabelMcBee called Farah. You can put cards in it, bills, receipts, mommy cards, validations, a couple sticks of gum, coupons......






I think I will buy a laptop of my own just to put one in this Laptop Sleeve by janinekingdesigns. It is gorgeous.







Do you knit? You might start when you see this Double Point Needle and Crochet Hook Grab and Go Case by gomonkeydesign. Am I sounding like a commercial? Sorry, it must be the cold medicine, but it makes me want to knit and purl.

Cooking anytime soon? I love the idea of this small everyday spice kit by purposedesign. You wouldn't even mind if you left out your spices on the counter. This shop is cool.





So, here is my experiment. I know that some of my blog visitors have actually bought an item that I have eyed. If you decide to buy an item that I have eyed, will you tell them where you saw it? Just an experiment, up to you. Maybe some good Karma for me. Oh, and let me know what you think.