Living Martha Style

Autumn is definitely my favorite season and I always look forward to autumn/halloween/thanksgiving decorating. Martha is a great resource for recipes, crafts, costumes and decorations.

Website Wednesday - Etsy

Buy, Sell and Live Handmade. Click HERE to check out Etsy which focuses on handmade or vintage (20 years or older) items as well as art and craft supplies. Items cover a wide range including art, photography, clothing, jewelry, edibles, bath and beauty products, quilts, knick-knacks and toys. The site follows in the tradition of open craft fairs, giving sellers personal storefronts where they list their goods for a fee of $0.20. It has been compared to "a crafty cross between Amazon and eBay" and to "your grandma's basement".

Sleeping Angel

There is nothing more precious than a sleeping toddler.

Special Treat

Harrison loves yogurt covered pretzels. I call them his "special treat" when he's a good boy. Today he offered me one and said, "you've been a good mama." Now it's our special treat.

Mexican Mask

It was Fiesta Day at the Art Center and Harrison explored his creative side with his crafty Mexican mask. You can't help but smile.

I found this picture later on the camera. A certain somebody is polishing his photo skills.

Saturday Spotlight

Ryan entered his first bicycling race and made the cover of this faux magazine :)

H and I spent the afternoon at the Discovery Museum checking out the new bug exhibition. He enjoyed touching the millipede and eating crackers with cricket ranch dip. Such a boy!

Covered Boxes Labels

My friend Shannon blogged about creating chalkboard labels and I thought they would be perfect for my fabric covered boxes. I found the foam squares for a buck at the dollar store and I already had leftover chalkboard paint. A pint of cb paint goes a long ways.

Here are a few of the labels completed. I ended up painting two coats.

And at last the final product. I also used the labels for our storage plastic tubs in the shed. 

Diggin' Diggers

Our vegetable garden has turned into a construction site. The foreman is Mr. Harrison and he keeps everyone on their toes. Here's our conversation today:

Me: What are you building?

H: A foundation.

Me: What are you going to do when it's done?

H: Pour concrete. 

Me: Good plan.

Website Wednesday - Rooftop Farm

No space is too small OR too big for a garden! Click HERE to read all about the Eagle Street Rooftop Farm in Brooklyn, NY. Located on the shoreline of the East River and with a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline, Eagle Street Rooftop Farm is a 6,000 square foot green roof, organic vegetable farm atop a warehouse rooftop. During NYC's growing season, the farmers here supply a community supported agriculture (CSA) program, an onsite farmer's market, and bicycle fresh produce to area restaurants. No more excuses.

The Decisive Moment

One of the biggest influences in my photography is French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson. In 1952, he published a body of work titled Images a la Sauvette which was translated in English to The Decisive Moment. Believing that "there is nothing in this world that does not have a decisive moment,"Cartier-Bresson applied this philosophy to his photography. He said "Photography is  simultaneously and instantaneously the recognition of a fact and the rigorous organization of visually perceived forms that express and signify that fact."

The above photo was taken last week at Hotel del Coronado. As we were walking up the stairs to the main entrance, I spotted this lovely couple waiting by the elevator. I paused for a brief second before turning around to get this captured. I love that they're both barefoot, he's leaning towards her for love and/or support, she's wearing her swim cap with sun visor over the top. This was my Decisive Moment.

The next few images are taken by Cartier-Bresson. Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare, 1932

Au Bord de la Marne, 1938

Downtown, New York, 1947

Slowly But Surely

Here's an updated view of Harrison's play area. Since he's a HUGE fan of construction equipment, he can work in this quarry with his diggers. Plus it makes mowing the yard a lot easier.

I'm kinda embarrassed to show this section of the yard but it will be nice to go back and see the "before" pic. We're tearing out this back rock patio and will eventually lay sod. I have grand plans for the shed too.

Harrison is making his final inspection. 

Compost Bin

Ever since Ryan built the compost bin (which is located in the far corner of our yard), I've had a fear that some creature might jump out and say hello. I am no longer afraid. While I was out, Ryan cleared away the overgrown brush and spread out the left over pea gravel. Now his creativity was working overtime and he added a curve brick border. Of course, Harrison was around to supervise. 

Arrivederci

So long, sunny skies and cooler temps. I'll see you next time, remember I'm not a fan of the quakes.

Hotel del Coronado

After an exhausting week of training, we were finally able to kick back in Coronado. Now, this is the ultimate vacation spot, not touristy.

The Hotel del Coronado is a must-see. "Built in 1888, the classic beachfront respite has long been heralded as one of America's most beautiful beach resorts. With its iconic red turrets piercing the taut horizontal lines of an azure California skyline, Hotel del Coronado radiates with a confidence of gracious Victorian splendor that is without equal." I couldn't have put it better myself.

Here's some trivia for you. It was also used as the backdrop in the classic "Some Like It Hot" starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. And 11 presidents have visited the hotel, beginning in 1891. 

How nice to have the ocean as a backdrop to this fantastic pool! There are also cottages to rent right on the beach with private pools and hot tubs. The vacation package that was most appealing to me was the Ultra-Luxe Beach Village Escape starting at $25,000. Yes, it does sound a little out of my price range but it includes a personal butler, private limousine, couples massage and bath butler (sometimes it's so difficult to turn that faucet), sunset sailing and dinner aboard a private yacht, gourmet kitchen pre-stocked with favorite food and wine (pretty excited about this option) and much more. Okay, who's with me? 

Miss Ya Too

So I was really missing my boys and I was pleasantly surprised that they were missing me too. Last night, I walked into my room and found these gorgeous flowers waiting on me. Ahhh, aren't they the sweetest (the boys and the flowers). I'm one lucky gal. I can't wait to see them in a few days. On a side note, when Ryan called the hotel, they couldn't find me listed at first, he asked the lady "does this mean she's running around on me?" Then he assured her, I wasn't and she was able to find me. Hee hee, he has quite a joking side that very few people get to see or hear.

Oh, so the other night I was sleeping and was suddenly awakened by an EARTHQUAKE! Craziness. It only lasted about 10 seconds but it was strong enough to wake me up. Maybe the 10th floor wasn't a good option . . .

Website Wednesday - Astronomy Picture of the Day

This is a Ryan recommendation. Click HERE to awe over the Astronomy Picture of the Day. Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

Today's image is "Clouds, Birds, Moon, Venus" by Isaac Guiterrez Pascual from Spain. He said, "In the above image taken last week from Spain, a crescent Moon and the planet Venus, on the far right, were captured during sunset posing against a deep blue sky . . . The Moon and Venus have now separated, although Venus will remain visible at sunset for the rest of this month."Just think, all these images can only be captured once, one second later and the image is gone.

La Jolla

After a long day of class, my co-workers and I enjoyed a pleasant evening in La Jolla. Of course, we had to check out the famous La Valencia Hotel. The view of the Pacific Ocean was breathtaking.

Makes our shingles look pretty plain and boring.

I'm not sure of the name of this succulent (anyone know? I'm still learning) but I don't think I've ever seen a bigger one!

IKEA fix

Yesterday, when I arrived in San Diego my sister was nice enough to pick me up and bring me to the nearest IKEA. This one was totally different than all the other ones, okay only kidding. I was searching for new drapes for the laundry area and figured they might have some cool options.

There are several patterned fabrics to choose from and I couldn't make up my mind, plus they were sold out of most of them but I can always get it later. I snapped a few shots of my top two choices. I didn't want to go too girly with a design so I picked out something Ryan might be okay with. I found some simple charcoal gray drapes for the sides and now I would like to add a pattern to the middle. Above is option #1.

And here is option #2. It has all my favorites, black/white/green/birds but I like #1 too. What do you think?

Up, Up, and Away

As I sit on the airplane today, I spot CHALKBOARD PAINT! Have I mentioned that I love chalkboard paint? Another reason why I prefer Southwest Airlines to other ones. Plus all their planes are the identical size/model and they are the only airlines who employ the mechanics for maintenance and not job it out to a third party.

Giggle, giggle. How absolutely ridiculous is this?!! No joke and he is not a little person. Whenever I want a good laugh, I'll flip through the Sky Mall magazine on the plane. I always wonder who buys this stuff? I had to share this product in case anyone has been searching for a Brobdingnagian Sports Chair. With a bargain price of $149, you can enjoy your favorite sports while dangling your feet. But wait there's more, it has six cup holders, stands 5 1/2 feet heigh and weighs 35 pounds!

Harrison's Gift

My mom told me, Harrison insisted on finding something special for me. After searching the Halloween store and almost purchasing an alien mask, he decided they needed to go somewhere else to find a flag. A couple of months ago, he noticed we have a flag holder by the front door and he's been telling me we needed a flag like Mimi. Well, he remembered today and picked out this fierce hog. I couldn't be more excited and I think it's bringing luck to the Hogs this year!

Vacuum Bandit

If Harrison didn't talk, I would be absolutely clueless on what's going on in his head. The other day, I showed him the hand vac (mini vacuum) and he was pretty impressed. Before he started on the back room, he insisted on wearing a "mask." 

Tough Guy

No, he didn't get peck implants (sorry Jon), no this isn't a bullet hole scar . . . or is it???

Website Wednesday - Design*Sponge

I was updating the blog last night and realized I haven't dedicated a Website Wednesday to Design*Sponge. Click HERE to view one of my favorite sites. Design*Sponge is a daily website dedicated to home and product design run by Brooklyn-based writer, Grace Bonney. Every Thursday, they showcase before & after furniture and home makeovers. It inspires me daily!

Doctor Crib Notes

I snapped this pic last week when we were waiting FOREVER at the hospital for what turned out to be a consultation. The sign above Ryan's head says "Time Out (underlined) Correct Patient, Correct Procedure, Correct Site, Correct Position, Correct Implants, Correct Equipment." Does anyone else find this a little funny?

Zoo Date

Harrison and I had a zoo date with Casey and Hayden on this beautiful Monday. The giraffe was the only animal I was able to photograph. Harrison was in high gear that day and he wore all of us out. I'd love to visit again with my better camera.

Hayden was very patient with Mr. H and showed us exactly where to spot the elephants.

Hey guys, look up, HELLO, can I get a smile?

Movie Time

Love Ranch finally came to our local independent movie theater. It's so exciting to see my sister's name up on the big screen as the Costume Designer. 

Speaking of sister, her next movie is due out October 1st. Ryan and I saw a preview of it last night on tv. Actually, I saw it, he hid in the corner until it was over.

Feed Us NOW!

These goats were going nuttso for tasty treats. We avoided feeding the one on the far right because he was "mean" and head butted the other ones.

Ahhh, the camera isn't edible!!!

Whatcha lookin at, fool.

See ya next time.

Garden Path

Here's our latest backyard project. The area surrounding our raised flower bed is in desperate need of TLC. The first step is clearing out the area. Since our house is almost 100 years, the yard has had plenty of time to get out of control.

Ryan is working up a sweat laying the bricks for the edge of the walkway.

I love the imperfections in the bricks. It reminds me of an old English garden.

We have leftover stone so I thought it might be a nice touch to add it in the walkway instead of having only pea gravel.

Now, it's my turn to sweat. I'm shoveling the pea gravel we purchased the other day.

I forgot to mention, we also covered the ground in Weed Blocker Black Landscape Fabric. On a side note, we're still getting a few green peppers and jalapenos!

The edge of the path has a small slope so Ryan came up with this step solution. 

At last, we can toast to another completed project!