I-Heart-Movies

Sorry I’ve been away for so long. It’s been a busy month for me. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I enjoyed spending it with my family and the time I had away from work. I feel bad that I didn’t spend the time painting like I hoped I would, but the weather was too rainy for that anyway. One thing I was able to indulge myself in other than food was movie-watching…my favorite past-time! I made it out to see Beowulf, No Country for Old Men, and Lars and the Real Girl. Now, I’d love to tell you what I thought of each of them, but I’ll have you know that I’m a terrible reviewer. I can tell you if I liked the movie, but I don’t have any interesting background stories or references to give. So, if you’re still interested, here goes:

Beowulf
Recommended for: fans of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, grown-up animation, blood and gore
What I thought: So fun! This movie held my interest the entire time and sometimes it’s easier to watch animated blood and gore. Also, what’s the big deal about Angelina Jolie being naked in this movie? If you’ve ever seen Gia then you’ve already seen what she looks like (for real) naked. She has boobs; big deal.

No Country for Old Men
Recommended for: Texans and those who favor the Texas scenery. Fans of really dark comedy.
What I thought: Made me wistful for my small town relatives who’ve passed on, and – I can’t believe I’m thinking this – trips to Odessa, if only for the West Texas scenery. I couldn’t have loved Javier Bardem’s performance any more; such a terrific actor in the truest sense (also loved him in The Sea Inside). Great story, love the twists and turns and the whole ride and I appreciate movies that aren’t wrapped up in a neat little package. Also, I was shocked that Kelly MacDonald could pull of a Texan accent.

Lars and the Real Girl
Recommended for: the general “indie movie” audience
What I thought: it’s not a funny movie, but it has its funny moments. However, you don’t need to rely on those fleeting moments to enjoy this movie as long as you realize that its more drama than it is comedy (although the row of women sitting in front of me laughed the whole time. I think they were high). I admit it felt slightly irrational and it went a little too far at times, but nonetheless, I was impressed with the acting (specifically Ryan Gosling); I liked the tender moments.

Here’s a list of other movies I watched this year that I particularly enjoyed:
-Children of Men (why: this movie makes you think; and Clive Owen)
-Running with Scissors (why: great acting and soundtrack, love the dark comedy, based on a true story!)
-Half Nelson (great soundtrack - turned me on to Broken Social Scene; reminds you that we’re all human and fallible)
-Fast Food Nation (why: funny and entertaining, but you’ll think twice before you go out for a hamburger)
-28 Weeks Later (why: I’ll watch anything Danny Boyle is involved in; no-holds-barred when it comes to blood and guts, the acting and AWESOME soundtrack)

You have got to be kidding me...

Are these not the cutest/weirdest thing you've ever seen?!





I'm so taken by these ink drawings. They are part of a series titled Neo Zoology at Kristinelly's Let's Run Away Etsy shop. She's also a featured Etsy seller and you can read her interview here.

Doodles, revealed

So, I wasn't really sure I wanted to post this because the analysis doesn't paint the best picture of me...but whatever...I just did this for fun.

I submitted a doodle to Blueprint's blog, Blueline's, for their Doodle Do's post where they would have an expert analyze four doodles and mine was picked.


(I did that doodle during an hour long---felt like days---benefits-changes meeting)

Michelle Dresbold, the expert handwriting analyst and author of Sex, Lies and Handwriting had this to say:

“This doodler is female because her eye has lot of long, full lashes -- a sure sign of feminine flirtation and appreciation of glamour and beauty. The cloud here reveals that this person has an inner self and an outer self that are not always on the same page (so to speak!). For example, the cloud is smiling, but the tear like raindrops make it look like it’s crying. This person, therefore, is probably a combination of happy and sad—putting on a happy face, perhaps, but harboring sadness within.”

Go here to read the full post.

By the way, my stuffing recipe is down there, under the cupcake post...I started it on 11/7 and finished writing it today, but it stayed on that date.

mmmmmmmmmmmm

A surprise for my co-workers


Hmmm...I never get tired of cupcake photography.

Our department is having a Thanksgiving potluck tomorrow and I signed up for cornbread stuffing (I plan to post the recipe tomorrow), but the cupcakes will be a welcome surprise. I just had one and it was awesome. Today, I told about 5 people how badly I wanted a cupcake. It was a popular topic for me.

Well, I'm off to watch America's Next Top Model...tootles!

Stuff your belly with this stuffing recipe

The other day, I made a batch of delicious cornbread stuffing for a Thanksgiving potluck at work. This recipe comes from my husband's side of the family. Specifically, it was his Grandfather's recipe. What is best about this recipe is that it's very forgiving if you don't like measuring things out, which I don't. It's extremely simple for such a grand taste.

Roughly, this recipe takes about an hour in cook/prep time and serves 6.

Ingredients:
1-box of cornbread mix (I like Jiffy - in the blue and white box) -- for this mix you will need additional ingredients, please check box.
1-6 ounce box of chicken flavored stuffing (I like Stove Top)
3-stalks of celery, chopped thin
half-large onion, chopped thin
1-16 ounce container of chicken stock/broth
1-stick of butter

Directions:

Start by preparing the cornbread as instructed on the box (grease the pan too). I use an average 9x9 baking dish. While the cornbread is baking, saute the chopped celery and onion in the stick of butter until fully cooked. The cornbread should be done or almost done baking by the time you are done cooking the vegetables. Don't turn off the oven, you will use it to bake the stuffing mixture. In a large bowl, add the sauted vegetables, the cornbread (break it up as you go), the stuffing mix and the chicken stock and mix well. (see pic)

Add back to the same pan you used to cook the cornbread and cook until there's are crunchy bits of golden brown stuffing here and there and on the side (see pic). My husband thinks you can even take it out before it gets too golden-brown - as he thinks it might dry out the stuffing.

My apologies if these directions are too vague -- I'm a bit tired right now. If you have any questions, just leave a comment. (snoooooooze....)

Easy-breezy skirt

I took a sewing class this past weekend -- learned how to make the cutest wrap skirt. And it was the easiest sewing project ever. No zippers, no measuring, no seams. I can now whip up one of these in an hour.



I didn't have any help with these photos, so they aren't very good. And the skirt ties in the back -- which made it difficult for me to get a shot from that angle.





This is the skirt laid out in all it's glory. As you can tell, it will fit a wide range of sizes, which is why it's perfect!

If you are interested in making your own super cute wrap skirt you can sign up at Craft-o-Rama. You will probably need some basic sewing machine skills for this lesson.

Can I gush about Craft-o-Rama for a second? I really love this place people. Like, a lot. Craft-o-Rama is a fabric & supplies store, sewing/knitting lounge and crafty boutique. It's located on S. Congress across from St. Edward's University, next to Amy's Ice Cream. The owner, Hayley Pannone, is so friendly and inviting. I sent my daughter here for a week-long crafty camp this past Summer and she enjoyed every single minute. Hayley still asks about her...how sweet is that! What I love most about Craft-o-Rama is the selection of designer cotton fabric. I'm talking Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, Alexander Henry, Robert Kaufman and so much more. It's hard to find that stuff around town. If you sign up for email updates you can receive valuable coupons and these fabrics don't go on sale too often (if you've perused the internet you know). Also, the classes are very affordable and all of the instructors are down to earth. The store definitely has an Austin vibe and is gaining attention for it. Craft-o-Rama was just named "best place to get hooked or needled" in the Austin Chronicle's Best of - Critics' Pick 2007. Congrats! - it's well deserved.

Mock up craft room

So, I have some space at home where I can do all of my crafty little projects, but it needs to be beautified. Here's a little mock up of what I plan to do.



The folding table is something I already have. I would purchase that shelf and the shades from IKEA. I found that awesome MCM desk at a dumpster - I will put it to work as my sewing table. It's not in the best shape, but it has so much potential. I was thinking of painting it black (I changed the picture so you can see what it would look like). Is black a bad idea? The top of the table is laminate, but the rest is solid wood. I could always try to refinish the table, but what would I do about that top? In some of the vintage modern stores I frequent I've seen pieces painted black that look awesome.

Then there's the topic of fabric. IKEA is having a sale on Pernilla fabric this week only (11/5-11/9) for $4 a yard (reg. price $8). Below is the only option I like.

That's a pretty good deal and I would need about 10 yards to cover windows and whip up a make-shift room divider to block out noise. I'm worried that it's kind of ugly though. Be honest...is it? I like this IKEA fabric better, but it's twice the cost.



The good thing about the IKEA fabric (aside from the cost) is that its 59" wide and it's a heavy, durable cotton.

Oh, on the side there is some artwork by Matte Stephens that inspired my color choices. Isn't it great? It's so perfectly retro. The piece with the kitty is already in my collection (thanks to Chad & Julie) and I'd like to add the others. If you want to see more of his work check out his Etsy shop. It's also very affordable.

So...what do you think?

Quickie

Wow. What a weekend! There’s so much to blog about and I just spent way too much time on goodreads (I really need to start working – like, right now, but I’m blogging).

I’m itching to post something – really quick so I can’t spend a lot time chatting it up with a preface. I stumbled upon this blog – and I could spend HOURS here. I think anyone would find this site fascinating. Sleevage is all about the story behind album cover art. Combining art and music is my cup of tea.

The post on Debbie Harry caught my eye because I’m quite a Giger fan. I think the sole reason I ever watched the Alien movies is because I’m captivated with Giger’s work and involvement in the movies.


(I realize that photo can be an assualt on the eyes -- sorry, but the story is quite interesting)

From the Sleevage site:
“Giger’s cover, Koo Koo, for Debbie Harry is tremendously sensual, building on the image she developed as a rock ‘n’ roll Marilyn Monroe long before anyone else tried it. Debbie Harry’s sexuality was hidden rather than blatant and that’s continued here with a fabulous extension of her image.” -Jimmy Page
(And isn't that so true in this day and age of young, female "entertainers" that can do no better than show a little t&a to promote their music)

We'll talk later...check out Sleevage...let me know what you like!

Busted!

Dear Alexandria,

You thought you were sneaky, didn’t you? I told your Father that all that extra candy left over from Halloween was a bad idea. I knew your sweet little heart wouldn’t be able to handle the temptation. It’s a good thing (for us) that you forgot your lunch today. What do we find when we checked your lunchbox? Oh, about 10 pieces of candy.

Shame, shame. :)

Sincerely,

Mom & Dad

Follow the yellow brick road...

We had so much fun on Halloween this year. My department (at work) chose the Wizard of Oz as our theme and we went to town! Actually, thanks to (Scarecrow) Ben's creativity we had a very impressive set-up. We didn't win the contest, but we still had a blast!


Let the joyous new be spread, the wicked old witch is dead!


Follow the yellow brick road!


That witch is so mean!


Cowardly Lion doesn't look so scared. We got the most awesome video of the Lion doing "put em up, put em up!"


The Wicked Witch




The "brains" behind our design.


Mayor(ess) of Munchkinville


Glenda the good witch -- she really glows all the time!


My tornado in the background. It was the coolest. It broke my heart to take it down.






Crashing the tea party (another department did Alice in Wonderland)

Etsy-love

I have wanted so badly to talk about Halloween today, but my week has been busier than usual. I hope everyone out there had a wonderful Halloween...I did! I dressed up (even made my costume) as...well, I'll wait until I can post pictures (hint: we're not in Kansas anymore).

I want to do a quick post on Etsy (I'm sure this will be a frequent topic for me). My friend and I were talking about how awesome Etsy is because there's so much affordable and original art. Specifically, we were talking about artwork for a baby's room and I happened upon a really wonderful artist, Yumi Yumi. I love that her artwork is versatile and combines nature and bursts of color. I'm kind of a sucker for bird motifs and baby animals anyway.




How cute for a little girl's room!

My day so far...

It's been a rough start people. My husband wakes me up at 5am and asks if I put Lou in the closet with Zoey (our female Boston Terrier) to which I tell him ofcourse not, she's in heat. Not that it worries me; Lou is easily half her size and is still a puppy. I've watched him around her and he has no idea what he's doing. Anyway, we think its extremely odd that he ended up in the closet when he always sleeps in his cage and everyone in our house knows better than to put those two together. Come to find out, our daughter accidentally left his cage open and he climbed out and he must have sneaked in to the closet when my husband let Zoey out to use the bathroom. That's when we realized that Lou really went to town last night. He used the bathroom (1 & 2) all over and vomitted (must have gotten in to some food too) and tore up paper. The part that really makes this hurt me is that we just spent $150 to have our carpets professionally cleaned. We made a trip to Wal-Mart at 5am to pick up carpet cleaners.

So, there's that. Then I get to work and I am starving because I was running late and didn't have breakfast. I walk over to the coffee house next door and I ask if there are any more breakfast tacos. The barista tells me he just ran out and then a patron standing next to me totally laughs in my face, like "ha ha you don't get a taco!" I looked at him with an expression that said "who the hell are you?" and he apologized and said he was being rude. Ya think?

I-Heart-Midwest Modern

I was so excited to see "Midwest Modern" designer Amy Butler in the latest issue of Blueprint Magazine. If you aren't familiar with her already, Amy Butler designs fabrics, stationery, paper crafts, sewing patterns, and has written books on how to create her Midwest Modern aesthetic. Her fabrics and designs are simply gorgeous. The way she uses color and pattern is unlike any one else.

In the picture above (photo is cropped so I wouldn't spoil it for any Blueprint readers) Amy has presents wrapped in her fabric. At first I thought "that would be some expensive gift wrap," however, and as the article suggests, wrapping presents in fabric is a great gift idea for someone who likes to sew (hello?!). They can reuse the fabric for their own sewing projects or reuse it to wrap another gift (thus saving paper). Amy Butler's and similar designer fabrics are quite reasonable in cost ($9/yd. avg), but you don't need a full yard for most gifts. A "fat quarter " (avg size 18x22) would probably cover most gifts and is a great size for small projects, like coasters or a pin cushion.


Amy Butler in her studio. Photo taken from her website.

Don’t Stop Believin’

Just like everyone else, I hate dragging my butt to work on Monday morning. Luckily, for me (and anyone else listening this morning around 8am) KVRX (Gin & Tonic program) played the most hilarious/ingenious cover of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” that has left me with a smile on my face and a spring in my step. Petra Haden’s cover of Don’t Stop Believin’ is all a cappella and uses voices as instruments, very much like Bjork’s Medulla album, yet in the vein of the Dan Band’s cover of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” in the movie Old School. The song is one of many awesome covers on the recently released album titled Guilt by Association (various artists, on Engine Room records) and features (covers by) indie musicians & bands, like Devendra Banhart, Superchunk and Luna. They cite High School Musical, Mariah Carey and Paula Abdul as some of their cover influences. You can listen to the “Don’t Stop Believin’” cover on GbA's myspace page.



“Lets all wallow in our guilt and enjoy these remembered gems, indie-style.” -GbA

You talkin' to me?

Last post of the day because the weather is OMG! FABULOUS!

I feel like posting this picture of Robert De Niro (as Travis Bickle) in Taxi Driver (1976). Because I like it.

I-Heart-Saving $$

I was raised to be a thrifty shopper, which is why I love my Borders Rewards card. If you don't have one, you should definitely read this post. (I'm really not trying to sound like an advertisement!) So, you sign up for this free card (it's really easy to do) and every week they send you a new in-store coupon to be used on one item of your choosing, it could be books, DVD's, stationery, CD's, etc. The coupons are good too, ranging between 20-30% off (there are certain restrictions, but they are minimal). There's some other perks too, but mainly I just want the coupon. Even if you prefer to borrow your books, maybe you'd like to save some money on a pricey DVD box set or pick up a lovely journal as a gift? The Borders I go to has an awesome Paperchase section with products ranging from gift wrap, to overnight bags and Borders is one of the only places I have been able to find Paperchase products. If you aren't familiar with Paperchase this is what they have to say about themselves: "Paperchase is the undisputed retail brand leader in design led and innovative stationery in the UK." Um, okay!



Here are some adorable Paperchase items you might find.


I think I will get that overnight bag next time!

Weird looking monster dolls are popular these days.


This tea set is so cheery.

Do you have any money-saving ideas you'd like to share? Leave a comment!

Love for Austin

Austin does quite well in Travel & Leisure's "America's Favorite Cities 2007" report. The report ranks 25 cities across the U.S. in categories like overall characteristics, people, food & dining and much more. I was surprised to learn which city was named the best for museums and clubbing because I thought NYC would rank #1 in both categories. However, I was not surprised to learn that Austin ranked #1 for barbecue! Full article here.

Got some new fabric yesterday...

Can't wait to start making pretty things!

I-Heart-Fonts

I admit - looking at a pretty font makes me swoon. There was a time when I would spend hours on the internet looking for free fonts. Then I would like to type random words with my new fonts and see the pretty text take shape in front of me. I might be alone with this odd fascination, but if you like the font I used above you can find it here and here for free. If you go to the sites I linked and the font is no longer available or free, then search for KELLY BROWN font.