We're off to see the big faces in the mountain! Should be an adventure for certain. Wishing you all a fun and memorable Fourth of July!
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Hurrah for the Fourth of July!
We're off to see the big faces in the mountain! Should be an adventure for certain. Wishing you all a fun and memorable Fourth of July!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Fourth of July decor 2009 & MoTab/Red Rocks concert review
I love to decorate for the Fourth of July because it's the one holiday where the decorations actually match my house! Here are a few of the things I did this year:
I took a trip to Hammond's Candies specifically to buy some of their red, white and blue candies to use in my decorating. Their candy is made the old-fashioned way and it is just beautiful! It's often used by magazines and catalogs for photo shoot props and I can see why--the colors are so vibrant and the candy is very shiny and smooth. I already had the large flag ribbon candy from a few years ago, but this year the mini ribbons, the red/white/blue filled straws and barber poles were new. I love how it all looks in my thrifted jars, and not only does it look pretty--it is yummy too!
Another new thing this year is this jar of poker chips. I found a great old box of poker chips at a junk store (and I do mean junk, not junque) when my mom and I went to Phoenix last November. They are burgundy, cream and navy and have the best worn patina--I love them!
The three iron stars were a garage sale purchase a few weeks ago. I thought they'd be fun to use in my patriotic decorations but I also think they'd be cute spray-painted another color--aqua or shabby pink might be cute! The calendar still says June because I took these photos a few weeks ago; the die cut calendar cards are from Jenni Bowlin and I've loved putting them out every month.
The top of my china cabinet looks pretty similar to last year, although I changed it up a bit with the suitcase and Longaberger baskets and of course my beloved silver trophies. Since I took these photos, I've also added the fab crowns that Cheryl sent me in our swap.
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The concert last night was quite the experience, to say the least. The evening started out with Maren throwing a HUGE sobbing fit about us leaving, something that has never once happened as long as we've been leaving her with babysitters. It caused us to be 30 minutes later leaving home than we had planned, and our drive suffered for it. The drive across town went smoothly despite the fact that it was right about rush hour but it took us a full 30 minutes to get off the freeway and drive the 2 miles from there to the amphitheater parking lot! Really, it was ridiculous. We'd anticipated traffic but that was just stupid.
So by the time we parked it was 7:30 pm, time for the concert to begin and we still had to hike (and I do mean HIKE) up a HUGE steep hill from the lower parking lot to the entrance to the amphitheater itself. Even if we hadn't been in a hurry, it still would have been quite taxing because it was just SO steep. Once we finally got in the gates, we that we were seated in row 67 of 70, so then we had to hike up a million stairs to get to our seats. I am 6 months pregnant and admittedly in terrible shape, and I literally had to stop for air about 2/3 of the way up or I thought I might just throw mysef into early labor!
The choir was magnificent and their performance was lovely, but in hindsight I wish we'd sprung for more expensive seats. We bought the cheapest seats on the advice of a friend who said there wasn't a bad seat in the house, but we were really quite high up from the stage, so high the large video screen wasn't even much help. There seemed to be some sort of problems with the sound where the speakers kept going in and out. I'm not sure if there were technical difficulties with the wind blowing the microphones or if that's just normal for that theater, but it was very distracting.
When the concert was over we waited for all the people below us to empty out and then had to walk back down that STEEP incline (which made me regret wearing flip flops, as the strap dug painfully into my toes) and didn't get to our car until 10:45 pm. It took us an hour to drive home, where we found Maren still awake! I know the babysitter put her to bed but either she never went to sleep or she heard us come in and it woke her up, because it was nearly midnight and there she was. Thankfully she went back to bed easily, but I think that poor babysitter earned every penny of her pay last night.
So for my local friends: if you ever go to a concert at Red Rocks, get there EARLY, wear your hiking shoes (and bring oxygen), and spring for the more expensive seats. I know next time I will!
I took a trip to Hammond's Candies specifically to buy some of their red, white and blue candies to use in my decorating. Their candy is made the old-fashioned way and it is just beautiful! It's often used by magazines and catalogs for photo shoot props and I can see why--the colors are so vibrant and the candy is very shiny and smooth. I already had the large flag ribbon candy from a few years ago, but this year the mini ribbons, the red/white/blue filled straws and barber poles were new. I love how it all looks in my thrifted jars, and not only does it look pretty--it is yummy too!
Another new thing this year is this jar of poker chips. I found a great old box of poker chips at a junk store (and I do mean junk, not junque) when my mom and I went to Phoenix last November. They are burgundy, cream and navy and have the best worn patina--I love them!
The three iron stars were a garage sale purchase a few weeks ago. I thought they'd be fun to use in my patriotic decorations but I also think they'd be cute spray-painted another color--aqua or shabby pink might be cute! The calendar still says June because I took these photos a few weeks ago; the die cut calendar cards are from Jenni Bowlin and I've loved putting them out every month.
The top of my china cabinet looks pretty similar to last year, although I changed it up a bit with the suitcase and Longaberger baskets and of course my beloved silver trophies. Since I took these photos, I've also added the fab crowns that Cheryl sent me in our swap.*****************************************************
The concert last night was quite the experience, to say the least. The evening started out with Maren throwing a HUGE sobbing fit about us leaving, something that has never once happened as long as we've been leaving her with babysitters. It caused us to be 30 minutes later leaving home than we had planned, and our drive suffered for it. The drive across town went smoothly despite the fact that it was right about rush hour but it took us a full 30 minutes to get off the freeway and drive the 2 miles from there to the amphitheater parking lot! Really, it was ridiculous. We'd anticipated traffic but that was just stupid.
So by the time we parked it was 7:30 pm, time for the concert to begin and we still had to hike (and I do mean HIKE) up a HUGE steep hill from the lower parking lot to the entrance to the amphitheater itself. Even if we hadn't been in a hurry, it still would have been quite taxing because it was just SO steep. Once we finally got in the gates, we that we were seated in row 67 of 70, so then we had to hike up a million stairs to get to our seats. I am 6 months pregnant and admittedly in terrible shape, and I literally had to stop for air about 2/3 of the way up or I thought I might just throw mysef into early labor!
The choir was magnificent and their performance was lovely, but in hindsight I wish we'd sprung for more expensive seats. We bought the cheapest seats on the advice of a friend who said there wasn't a bad seat in the house, but we were really quite high up from the stage, so high the large video screen wasn't even much help. There seemed to be some sort of problems with the sound where the speakers kept going in and out. I'm not sure if there were technical difficulties with the wind blowing the microphones or if that's just normal for that theater, but it was very distracting.
When the concert was over we waited for all the people below us to empty out and then had to walk back down that STEEP incline (which made me regret wearing flip flops, as the strap dug painfully into my toes) and didn't get to our car until 10:45 pm. It took us an hour to drive home, where we found Maren still awake! I know the babysitter put her to bed but either she never went to sleep or she heard us come in and it woke her up, because it was nearly midnight and there she was. Thankfully she went back to bed easily, but I think that poor babysitter earned every penny of her pay last night.
So for my local friends: if you ever go to a concert at Red Rocks, get there EARLY, wear your hiking shoes (and bring oxygen), and spring for the more expensive seats. I know next time I will!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Swap goodies
I was completely spoiled by my partner Cheryl in our recent Hurrah for the Red, White and Blue swap! She sent me a box absolutely packed with the most delightful goodies, so I wanted to share a few with you.
The first thing I saw when I opened the box is this darling 'bunting' garland that Cheryl made from stiff sheet music that she painted to make the red and blue stripes. Each one is fan pleated and has eyelets set in the corners so they can be strung together. I absolutely LOVE it! I've made rosettes before but the thought never occurred to me to just do half the circle to make bunting. And the candies were so clever--red and white striped peppermints and cookies n' cream Hershey's kisses (which BTW are DELISH) that are wrapped in blue and white foil.
Cheryl included this little outfit just for Miss Maren, who as you might imagine was enamored with it and immediately insisted on wearing it. :) She has pranced around in it ever since and I can't say that I blame her, because I'll admit to being a teeny bit disappointed that it wasn't in my size. ;) Seriously, if I'd had an outfit like that when I was 4 years old I doubt I'd have ever let my mom take it off of me!
Cheryl also included two crowns (one each for me and Maren) that she made. They are amazing! I had seen the crown she made on her blog a few weeks ago but didn't have any idea I'd be lucky enough to have one for myself! She used small chicken wire, gold-flecked netting, lace, old book pages, vintage crepe paper and glittery stars to
And that's not all she sent--check out Cheryl's blog where she has better close-up photographs of all the wonderful treasures she sent to me. Thanks again, Cheryl!
***********************************************
Tonight I'm excited to be going to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. I lived in Utah for 12 years but I don't think I ever saw the MoTab perform live, and I've lived here in Denver almost five years but have never been to Red Rocks so I'm looking forward to both experiences!
The first thing I saw when I opened the box is this darling 'bunting' garland that Cheryl made from stiff sheet music that she painted to make the red and blue stripes. Each one is fan pleated and has eyelets set in the corners so they can be strung together. I absolutely LOVE it! I've made rosettes before but the thought never occurred to me to just do half the circle to make bunting. And the candies were so clever--red and white striped peppermints and cookies n' cream Hershey's kisses (which BTW are DELISH) that are wrapped in blue and white foil.
Cheryl included this little outfit just for Miss Maren, who as you might imagine was enamored with it and immediately insisted on wearing it. :) She has pranced around in it ever since and I can't say that I blame her, because I'll admit to being a teeny bit disappointed that it wasn't in my size. ;) Seriously, if I'd had an outfit like that when I was 4 years old I doubt I'd have ever let my mom take it off of me!
Cheryl also included two crowns (one each for me and Maren) that she made. They are amazing! I had seen the crown she made on her blog a few weeks ago but didn't have any idea I'd be lucky enough to have one for myself! She used small chicken wire, gold-flecked netting, lace, old book pages, vintage crepe paper and glittery stars toAnd that's not all she sent--check out Cheryl's blog where she has better close-up photographs of all the wonderful treasures she sent to me. Thanks again, Cheryl!
***********************************************
Tonight I'm excited to be going to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. I lived in Utah for 12 years but I don't think I ever saw the MoTab perform live, and I've lived here in Denver almost five years but have never been to Red Rocks so I'm looking forward to both experiences!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Vintage tablecloth dress
One of the vendors at the Old Glory Country Fair that I wrote about yesterday was a woman who sews clothing out of vintage tablecloths, quilts, and other linens. Unfortunately she doesn't sell online so I can't link you to any of her work, but let me assure you--it was GORGEOUS! She had the cutest jackets for little girls made out of old quilts, as well as dresses made from vintage printed tablecloths. Unfortunately for me, her prices matched the quality of her work--those darling little jackets were $88 and the dresses were $38. Ouch.
Lucky for me, I happened to find a nearly identical style of dress at a thrift store a few weeks ago!
And the price? One buckaroo, folks! I was happy to find it then, but after seeing what those dresses were selling for this weekend I'm positively thrilled! It's a size 2 so it is too short for Maren to wear as a dress, but I think with a little pair of shorts underneath it will be perfect for wearing this summer. Now, if only I can find one of those quilt jackets...
Lucky for me, I happened to find a nearly identical style of dress at a thrift store a few weeks ago!
And the price? One buckaroo, folks! I was happy to find it then, but after seeing what those dresses were selling for this weekend I'm positively thrilled! It's a size 2 so it is too short for Maren to wear as a dress, but I think with a little pair of shorts underneath it will be perfect for wearing this summer. Now, if only I can find one of those quilt jackets...
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Old Glory Country Fair
On Saturday I got up early and drove all the way across town to attend the Old Glory Country Fair, a local antique show filled with all the chippy furniture, tarnished silver and vintage linens a girl could ever hope to find in the Denver metro area. I'd been looking forward to it for a month and was desperately in need of some time away sans 4-year-old, and I wasn't disappointed! Though the skies threatened rain (even spilling a few raindrops from time to time) the junque was plentiful, the inspiration abounding, and the prices (mostly) reasonable!
I didn't buy much--in fact, everything I bought fit into a very small paper bag--but I found a few things I had been specifically looking for so I was happy.
My few purchases: a white folding yardstick (now I have two, except that I can't find the other one--I believe it was hidden from a certain 4-year-old but I managed to hide it too well), vintage Dennison seals that were promptly used in a few 4th of July art projects, vintage milk caps (I bought 35 at a dime apiece and will probably wish that I'd bought more), some old buttons and an old rhinestone buckle, a vintage White Rabbit greeting card for my Alice in Wonderland collection, and what I think was my favorite find of the day: some old fireworks with really great vintage packaging that would look right at home on Shara's patriotic display shelf!
It was a fun show and I'll definitely make plans to attend next year. Another thing I enjoyed was finding out about some more local vintage and antique shops in the area that I believe need to go on my "field trip" list! There are more photos of the show over on Jeanne's blog if you'd like to see some of the other treasures for sale.
I didn't buy much--in fact, everything I bought fit into a very small paper bag--but I found a few things I had been specifically looking for so I was happy.
My few purchases: a white folding yardstick (now I have two, except that I can't find the other one--I believe it was hidden from a certain 4-year-old but I managed to hide it too well), vintage Dennison seals that were promptly used in a few 4th of July art projects, vintage milk caps (I bought 35 at a dime apiece and will probably wish that I'd bought more), some old buttons and an old rhinestone buckle, a vintage White Rabbit greeting card for my Alice in Wonderland collection, and what I think was my favorite find of the day: some old fireworks with really great vintage packaging that would look right at home on Shara's patriotic display shelf!It was a fun show and I'll definitely make plans to attend next year. Another thing I enjoyed was finding out about some more local vintage and antique shops in the area that I believe need to go on my "field trip" list! There are more photos of the show over on Jeanne's blog if you'd like to see some of the other treasures for sale.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Mt. Rushmore-bound!
We've decided to spend the 4th of July weekend this year at Mt. Rushmore! I'm so excited--I've always wanted to go there, but never realized how close it actually is to Denver. Oh, it's still a 7-hour drive, but when you live out West like we do--that's considered close! It's closer to go there than it is to go to Salt Lake to visit our families, in fact.Not surprisingly, they do a big program to celebrate the holiday (although it's on the 3rd every year--not sure why). There are performing groups and flyovers from nearby Ellsworth AFB. We had some friends who went last year and said that watching the fireworks explode over the monument was truly memorable. I can't wait! I know it will be crowded and hot but I still think it will be fun.
There are other things to visit in the area as well, like Custer State Park, the Crazy Horse monument that's being built, a few different caves to explore, and another site I'm hoping to see:
This is Devil's Tower in Wyoming. I don't have any particular attachment to the movie that made it famous, it's just something I'd love to see up close.Have any of you visited this area before? Is there anything else that we should be sure to see or any tips you'd like to share? I'm all ears!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Button shirt from Anthropologie
Though I can safely say that I detest wearing maternity clothes, this shirt from Anthropologie has become one of my favorites lately:
Yes, you read that right and no, Anthro has not suddenly started selling maternity clothes (Ha! I WISH!). I ordered this shirt when it was on sale last fall and when I received it I was amazed at how huge it was! It was not just the placement of the seam & gathers on the front--there is a ton of extra fabric on the sides and it's quite long. The size was made even more obvious by the other shirt (same size) that I ordered at the same time that was so tight I could barely wear it.
Anyway, I loved the shirt and got such a great deal on it I decided to just put it away for the eventual day that I'd be pregnant again and a cute shirt with lots of extra room in the sides would be appreciated. Well, I'm there, and I love it! Every time I've worn it I have gotten compliments and questions as to whether I made it myself.
It wouldn't be at all difficult to refashion one of your shirts with this treatment. The buttons are sewn on with bright embroidery thread in a random pattern. I have a jar full of vintage mother of pearl buttons that I think would be really beautiful on the right shirt.
Another refashioned shirt that I'm in love with is this one from Pink Trees. Shanna used a plain t-shirt and sewed various hexagon appliques near the neckline. I absolutely love it, and for the first time in my life wish I knew how to applique! I love the fabrics she chose. It's cute and quirky without being too sweet--very Anthropologie-ish, I think.
Yes, you read that right and no, Anthro has not suddenly started selling maternity clothes (Ha! I WISH!). I ordered this shirt when it was on sale last fall and when I received it I was amazed at how huge it was! It was not just the placement of the seam & gathers on the front--there is a ton of extra fabric on the sides and it's quite long. The size was made even more obvious by the other shirt (same size) that I ordered at the same time that was so tight I could barely wear it.Anyway, I loved the shirt and got such a great deal on it I decided to just put it away for the eventual day that I'd be pregnant again and a cute shirt with lots of extra room in the sides would be appreciated. Well, I'm there, and I love it! Every time I've worn it I have gotten compliments and questions as to whether I made it myself.
It wouldn't be at all difficult to refashion one of your shirts with this treatment. The buttons are sewn on with bright embroidery thread in a random pattern. I have a jar full of vintage mother of pearl buttons that I think would be really beautiful on the right shirt.Another refashioned shirt that I'm in love with is this one from Pink Trees. Shanna used a plain t-shirt and sewed various hexagon appliques near the neckline. I absolutely love it, and for the first time in my life wish I knew how to applique! I love the fabrics she chose. It's cute and quirky without being too sweet--very Anthropologie-ish, I think.
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