eye candy

the cutest baby in town.
some new fun photos from november that i've finally gotten around to uploading

Holiday Required Reading

Last year at BJs I stumbled upon this book- The Autobiography of Santa Claus as told to Jeff Guinn. It is such an amazingly magical book. Last year it was really tough getting into the Christmas spirit. It was a bad couple months and little did I know it was going to get worse before it got better... and not that this book was able to change all that, but it did make me smile. Every morning I'd look forward to my train ride, to see how this creative author was able to tie in Santa Claus to almost every famous historical event you can imagine. So witty, so clever.

Fast forward to this year. I am SO much in the holiday spirit that I think about it all the time. I am very much looking forward to Christmas-- and after my trip to BJs tonight, I am very much looking forward to reading this novel. A little extra magic during the holiday season can only make it a little sweeter.

So if you're looking for some holiday cheer--- take a peek in here :)

I could NOT work

and be totally ok with that. Being off for 4 days in a row makes me realize that. I visited, I decorated, I cleaned, I called, I created, and yet there are still things to be done. My apartment isn't clean, the fridge is empty, I have more creative projects I am itching to work on. And yet, I'm back to work after 4 wonderful days off, wish somehow I was independently wealthy and I didn't HAVE to work to pay the bills. But that's how it is, right?

So instead let's celebrate all the great things that happened this weekend.

Wednesday

met mom. holiday shopping

home. relax

sports center at night for drinks and general merriment

Thursday

dan overslept. got him up.

showered, ready.

went to the house.

fed the kitties. stinger was so loveable.

bathroom looks awesome.

went to debbie's for thanksgiving.

so

much

food!

home around 9p- too tired to go to the pascarella's

read my book and fell sound asleep

Friday

woke up around 6:40

was at kohls by 7am.

target, hanover mall- walmart, AC moore, jc penney

so much shopping

met kris and will- shopped at kohl's again

lunch at baja fresh

home- laundry (lots of it)

decorated for christmas

went to the fortin's at night

sooo good to see megg

then to shawn & ellen's. played cards.

saw stanley, buddha and carter :)

Saturday

went to mom's to pick up lights for my tree

home to work on advent calendar

made tags for the dove favors for Will's baptism

went to mom's

they loved the calendar

had dinner with them, gail, jenny

decorated some of jeff's tree

home, decorated my tree

watched "sunny" with Dan

cuddled up

hot chocolate

a good book

a warm blanket

a perfect night

Sunday

Will's Baptism at 10am

lovely service

brunch at Terri's house afterwards

Will was in such a great mood

he's good at being the center of attention

home around 6:00 after feeding the kitties

scrapbooked & altered for a couple hours

then a repeat of saturday night's

cocoa/blanket/book combo

add in another's Patriot's win and

the first use of the electric blanket

and i am a happy camper

Thankful

I have so many things to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day.

• A family that loves and cares for me
• A boyfriend who is the sweetest thing in the whole world. He's building us a beautiful home, he makes me laugh and cuddles me close even though I elbow him in the head so often, I'm surprised he's not in a coma
• A handful of close friends that are more than a girl could ask for
• A job I love, that challenges me and still allow me time to do the other things I like to do
• A hobby that is a creative outlet and truly a passion
  
  And of course I am so wonderfully thankful for all the work Dan has been doing on the house. I went by this morning to feed the kitties and give them some lovin'... The bathroom is coming along so great. The tiles need some more grouting and finishing but as you can see they are GORGEOUS!! I am so happy that in place they look even better than when we picked them out in the store. There will be glass going from the half wall to the ceiling. Dan already ordered that but I can't remember off hand when that will be in.

And here's close up with the tile and the stone floor. Matt told me the drain looks really great, the way Dan set it all up- but there was a bucket on it that was full of water and I figured that being the klutz I am I would surely wreck something unintentionally- so I haven't seen it yet.

And the floor. Finally finished. Apparently the tiles had been in stock for almost a month. It wasn't until Dan finally talked to a different associate at Home Depot that he learned they were in fact in-- just in a different spot on the aisle. After some searching, they found the tiles, and voila- they look great!

And some fun ones. Stinger was so sweet, purring and circling around my ankles the whole time I was there. I sat and pet her. I scratched. I let her sit in my lap. I fed her and we played. And yet as I was trying to take pictures of the floor she just kept circling, trying to get closer to me. I can't wait until we're there all the time, curling up to watch tv together. I feel so guilty leaving after only being there for a short time. Maverick doesn't mind quite as much- she was itching to go back out after I was there for a few minutes, but Stinger loves the attention, and I love giving it to her. Sweet girls. We'll be there to keep you company soon!



Happy Thanksgiving!!

warm fuzzies

Its a typical Tuesday morning. I could not get out of bed (damn Dan for getting me hooked on the Snooze button). Its cold outside, and yet despite the fancy new car, I do not seem to own a scraper (need to get on that I suppose). I went through two different outfits before I found something I knew was warm and comfortable enough for this chilly day. My hair was not in the mood to straighten, though I did finally make it bend to my will ;)

And yet for some reason, I've got a lovely, unexpected case of the warm fuzzies today. I got in my freezing cold car, instantly thankful for my heated seats which heat up oh so quickly. The radio came on to Josh Groban's "Oh Holy Night," not something I remembered enjoying, though I must have heard it a zillion times between Mom's house and car- and yet its so beautiful. I stopped for my coffee and there was almost no line. I read a new Nicholas Sparks novel Dear John on the train on the way to work and time just flew. Its almost silent here at work, my favorite time of day, and I have my date with Will this afternoon (haven't babysat him alone for the past couple weeks between Krissy's schedule and mine, so I'm looking forward to my date with my favorite little munchkin).

Life is good. I'm so happy. Despite the cold and the fact that it feels like its dark all the time, I have so much to be happy for, grateful for (timely I suppose since Thanksgiving is in 2 days). So here I sit, just for 4 or 5 minutes enjoying that.

Holiday Inspiration

I know I know. Technically its too early, but I can't help myself. Today is the first day they're playing Christmas songs on Sirius (need to remember which stations so I can program them), they had Christmas music on Oldies 103.3 at Dunkin Donuts this morning, and I'm full swing IN THE MOOD for the Holiday Season!!!

Inevitably most things in my life these days are spurred from or lead to scrapbooking in some form, and of course this is no exception. Seeing all sorts of holiday projects online is totally inspiring me, and in turn, making those projects has given me the holiday spirit.

Here are a few that I'm obsessed with lately.

The tree above is from Carolee's Creation-- though I'm thinking of doing something similar out of chipboard and a wood base.

I made this Starbucks Advent Calendar Tree last year (made two of them actually) and as soon as Christine told me they were available again this year, I ran to Starbucks the next morning before work and picked up 2 more! I have already cut out the Scenic Route paper I'm planning to use on 3 of them (yes, 3-- I bought one for me last year but hadn't altered it yet). One is completely finished and is on display at the Crop Shop. I swear, the Zip Dry hadn't even dried and Dee had swooped it from my spot at the table and put it on a shelf!

I also love these trees- I think I saw these on 2peas.com. Love the simplicity and yet how beautiful they are.

You can never have too many Christmas trees, right Mom?!

These ornaments are also adorable!! I think I found these on two peas too. Again, gears are turning... can you picture Will's sweet face on one of these?! I can! LOL

(and not to be ignored- how cute is the Snowman mug in the background... hmm, crafting or curling up with a blanket, hot chocolate with fluff in a mug like this, and watching a Christmas movie??? definitely a toss up! thus the beauty of starting early. i should have enough time to do it all)

This cute wall hanging is another Carolee's Creations idea/product. Love the simplicity. Few details, very classic. Could be done bigger or smaller, vertical, horizontal. Very versatile. Very Christmasy. I love it! :)

Needless to say this is putting me in a very good mood! Let the holiday season begin!

Sleeping like a baby

That was me last night. Asleep on the couch before 7pm. Oooopps! I woke up at 7:40 thinking that I should have napped that long because I'd never get to sleep that night and before I knew it, I was sound asleep again. I woke up around 11:15, and went to bed. I didn't fall asleep again right away, but I still think I got more than my fair share of sleep last night!

Guess I needed it.

I got a lot done yesterday. At least 6 loads of laundry (would have done even more if I hadn't run out of quarters). Cleaned the kitchen, livingroom and bedroom. Put away the last of the summer seasonal clothes and shoes. Organized all my lovely scarves, mittens and hats {as much as I'm not quite ready for the cold- I do love the lush, warm cozy fabrics and fun colors of these seasonal items}.

I started on the Ali Edwards box-style advent calendar project yesterday. Its almost done too :) Not bad for one afternoon. I changed it up a bit too- added some circles, added some wooden ornaments instead of boxes.... very fun. Can't wait until its completely done!

Meanwhile, the only reason I got this done is because I was able to clear off the coffee table. Tonight I need to tackle my scrapbooking desk (and the spare room as a whole--- it has become the dumping ground for items displaced since I gave away the kitchen table and bookcase to Jeff). Its a mess in there... but since most of my stuff is still packed up in my tote from the LM crop that should give me a head's start.

Wish me luck.

I've Got it!

The URGE! To create. To be creative. To try out new ideas. To roll up my sleeves, put on clothes that won't be any worse for the wear if they get some paint on them (a little extra color never hurt right?).

Friday at work, I saw Ali Edwards new idea for an Advent Calendar out of little chipboard boxes. My mind was racing all through the day on Friday, colors, how to put on the wall, who I could give this to, what stores would have what I was looking for. Couple that with the fact that LM got the new Scenic Routes Christmas line in on Friday and I was like a kid in the proverbial candy store. Giddy, and more than just a sugar high.

So after an amazingly productive day at work (shocking I know, given the circumstances), I headed out and made the grand tour of the South Shore's craft and gift stores. I started a Christmas Tree Shop, looking for a cool picture frame. Nothing great was in store for me there- at least not in that department. I went to Michael's and AC Moore from there, and scored a motherload of goodies between the three stores.

Based on my finds- here's a sneak preview of the projects I'm looking to tackle.

Advent Calendar a la Ali (and Martha Stewart):


-->I found a frame, not sure if I'll keep it, but I needed a basic size to work with. I have a bunch of cute new paints and glitter. I also bought some cool wooden ornaments to paint and perhaps use instead of some of the boxes to add some more dimension and interest.

Ornament picture frames:
--> these I found at Christmas Tree shop for $1.29. They're small and I'll likely use them as present toppers, but I figured between pictures and perhaps cute Christmas saying they'll be a fun little treat.

Starbucks Advent Calendars:
I made them last year for Aunt Milly and Grandmother and everyone seemed to 'ooh' and 'ahh' so I bought two more (which will probably be happily adorned by Scenic Route's latest works of art :) I think their recepients will be very happy with them (I also have the one I bought for me last year, which I'm looking forward to using too-- especially since I have some new favorite paper to work with).


So this urge, this mo-jo... its still here, lingering. After I got home last night Danny and I headed to Shawn and Ellen's for our weekly get together/Texas Hold 'Em game. (I'm finally getting better. It came down to Wilson and I at one point and I held him off for a very long time--- he finally won... but who's counting?) And today is Bubba's Anniversary Mass, and party to follow at Mom's. Which means I'm keeping the mojo at bay and hoping to scrap the day away tomorrow (while doing about 35 loads of laundry) :)


Let's do some other random tid-bits:
- My raise/promotion should be processed very soon at work (fingers still crossed on that front) -Dan finally has the paperwork to process his loan (buh-bye Michael)
-Uncle Ray was in the hospital this week-- Ray, Amy and the kids are coming home this weekend to see him.
-We booked our trip to Daytona this summer. July 2-7th (Wed-Monday) for a Litchfield family Reunion and the July Daytona race!! :)
-We booked our January trip! This year we're going to Iberostar Tuncan in Playa del Carmen, Mexico with John, Nancy, Dan and Sheri (hoping to actually spend some good quality, vacation time with Nancy this year after year's stomach bug fiasco)
-Kara started a new job at MGH working as Eileen Flaherty's staff assistant. I'm so excited for her. I've only seen her twice since she started but we're having lunch on Monday! Waveney's been orienting her and really helping a lot, Eileen tells me!
-I went over to talk to Melissa and hang out with she and Jeff, for the first time since I found out she was pregnant.
-I'm teaching my first class at the crop shop next month! woo hoo!!

New House Pictures

Finally some new pictures of the house. Dan's been working so hard on the tiling.


Entryway.


<--- view from the livingroom













Bedroom work




Dan also bought and started installing the new baseboards. More of a necessity than a part of

the plan-- its getting COLD!



The spare bedroom inherited the stuff that was in the bathroom- minus the fridge which is... well I don't know exactly where it is anymore- but its not inside. So that's progress.

I still get so excited looking at the finished floor and trim with the paint! Looks so beautiful. If only I could find a quilt or bedspread for this room, I'd be a little happier, but this is pretty darn cool :)



Bathroom

And here's where most of the work has been done lately.

<--- the view from the Closet The shower is all framed out and sealed up. The floor has been tiled with the cool stone tiles Dan found. Glass will be fitted in on the ledge where the cleaning and glue supplies are sitting in the photo. The tile floor work has also been started. Unfortunately Home Depot has been out of the tiles and we can't get enough to finish just yet. They should be in soon, though. So far so good! Love the color. They go really well with the smaller tiles for the shower walls.







Here's the shower floor. The stones are a little darker than we had in mind- but with the rest of the earthy, lighter tiles, its going to look great!!

















And a terrible shot (love the flash shadow from the camera tilt!) of the shower from the hallway. Not much to look at yet but just seeing it take shape is great!

Crop of a Lifetime (that's for sure!)

I'm back from Michigan. I was here {Novi, MI} -->

The furthest West I've ever been in my whole life- and what a great excuse for a trip.

Here's the run down. I flew out of Logan around 2:45 on Thursday afternoon. I've never seen Logan that quiet before- it was sorta creep. I was the only person in the security line! But that gave me plenty of time to read and relax before my flight-- and then plenty of time to nap on the way there.

Christine and her really fun friend, Mary, picked me up in Detroit. We hit the local Kroger for some fun snacks for me (and my Secret Sister, Susan), and then dropped my stuff off at the hotel. We had dinner at this cute Tex Mex place called The Lazy Lizard!!! Thought that was pretty ironic since I'm LazyFrogGirl on LM :) Unfortunately Christine and I suck and didn't have a camera handy.

After dinner, Mary dropped us off at the LM Warehouse. What an experience. Christine and I opened the door, walked about 4 steps... and just stopped and stared. There must have been 30 women mulling in the front of the store, chatting, eating dessert and making their name tags.

We started by chatting, and meeting some people in person for the first time. I think Beverly, Stephanie and Just Jen were among the first we met up with. Then we found a spot and sat down to make our name tags. Cute project. Here we are {look at Christine- overachiever. She's clearly already done!}

Then we ventured into the Warehouse itself. Talk about overwhelming. People who'd been there before tried to warn us newbies, but there's nothing that can prepare you for this

<------ More scrap stuff than you've ever seen before in one place EVER! I only bought a few things because by the time I got in there I couldn't remember what I wanted, what I needed, what pictures I brought. It was like my mind went blank! Scrapbook overload had set in and it was only the first couple hours of the trip!

Christine and I checked out and hitched a ride back to the hotel with Just Jen & Scrappy Jen {Christine never really got used to be surrounded by ALL Jen's--- as it happened many more times over the course of the weekend}

We got settled into the room and hung out for a bit to kill time until we could check into the Crop room at midnight. Almost immediately the place was buzzing with activity. No real scrapping, but setting up and getting settled in- checking to see who your neighbors were- the fun stuff!

Friday the real fun began. Before I started anything I made a run to the store with Stephanie (my fellow Red Sox fan and once-Bostonian).

Friday pretty much went by so quickly it was a blur. Lots of fun scrapping. I loved that we broke for lunch and dinner and ate all together. It was a nice opportunity to sit down and look at eachother and really talk (and continue the silliness). The food was really delicious too :)

Friday night was the Pastie contest and then the Secret Sister reveal. Lots of fun! Nothing like light up and blinking pasties and dolphin friends that vibrate to prove that an enormous amount of fun was had!

This is Christine and Jenni B! Talk about some happy pasties ;)

And then a little more groping. Christine just can't help herself!!!

And here's me and Susan. I was her not-so-Secret-Sister. It was so great meeting her in person for the first time!!!

And Friday night at the reveal, Susan gave out Penguin t-shirts (have I mentioned she has a liiiittle bit of a thing for penguins) to some special folks. Here's our group shot: Cecilie, Peggy, Nikki, Beverly, Stephanie, me and Susan. How cute are we?? Thanks again, Susan!! You absolutely ROCK, my friend!

And then the other half of my Secret Sister equation is Carol! She is sooo cute and so sweet. I swear every time I left my seat I had something new and fun waiting for me. She gave me an altered band-aid tin with a Panera GC inside, an altered box full of candy, and altered picture frame that's just sooo stinkin cute. Then she came back from the warehouse with Scenic Route papers she couldn't resist... a huge RAK pack, goldfish for the plane! SO MUCH STUFF! Thank you, Carol! I had so much fun meeting you!

Saturday was more of the same. Hanging out with friends, scrapping, eating lots of junk food and being silly. Here are some of the highlights:

"Just Jen" was so much fun!!!
And her roommate Kristin- an absolute riot. I think that tiara is permanently adhered to her head, but she can totally pull it off!

Did I mention that there was a lot of junk food involved? This was one of the gifts from Keri's Secret Sister!!

Susan, Stephanie and Peggy- my friends on the opposite end of the room. I liked to walk down there to stretch my legs and see what was going on. They are all sooo much fun- even Peggy, the Yankee fan that she is :)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this picture of Susan and me! :) You can't tell but we both have our penguin shirts on! My new favorite tee.

And finally a picture of me and Christine. The only one from the weekend. Can you tell its like 1am on Saturday night?!

GORGEOUS Shot of Christine! I think Jackie took this! This is like frame worthy. Do I see a new avatar in Tini's future?

And the highlight of Saturday evening was this man. Charles. He was a member of the waitstaff at the hotel. Extremely gay. Mildly crossed-eyed. Wildly amusing. He was very interested in Shirley (from my table)'s fur vest- calling it her cat! He was just dropping one-lines like it was his job.... and then before we knew it he was grabbing all the silly gear he could find and prancing (literally) around the room, posing for pictures like we were the papa razzi (which, let's face it-- we were. it was a room full of scrapbookers)

And then before we knew it- it was time to go home :( Here's Christine with remnants of her Halloween Costume and Kristin's glasses packing and repacking her stuff in the lobby just minutes before we left.