About Amy

5 not-so-random things and a recipe

Sophia decided that we'd write in our journals this evening.  I keep a composition notebook for both of them and just jot little notes every now and then.  I am TERRIBLE about scrapbooking and record-keeping (Ollie is going to be four in April and I still haven't done his baby book) but thought a very casual notebook would be possible.  It has turned into just the thing I needed.  I staple in ticket stubs and little pictures they've drawn. 

So here are some inspiring, creative, beautiful journals I found on flickr and want to share.  *Jason asked what type of journal I posted the other night.  I always assumed that was an art journal.  Anyone know?

1.  colorful

2. paper

3. pieced

4. travel

5. upcycled

Inspiring, huh?

So I mentioned my delicous red sauce the other day.  By request, here it is:

Heat 2 to 3 T olive oil in a saucepan then add a small, finely chopped onion.  Stir until soft and melty.  Add 2 to 3 cloves of crushed garlic and stir for another minute.  Add one 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes and 1 1/2 cups of cold water, then a teaspoon of salt, some pepper, and about 1/4 teaspoon of red-pepper flakes.  Bring it all to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer till it is nice and thick.  I like to simmer for at least an hour.  This is the simplest sauce and always delicious.  Enjoy!   

see you tomorrow,

amy 

Lost treasures

Whew!  Sorry I'm late.  I had the most fantastic day of thrifting...actually it was more like an hour and only at one spot!  I have spent the day cleaning and rearranging for the most fabulous find.  No, I did not find an Eames but that is still number one on my dream list. 

I found this gorgeous dresser for only $42!  Two of the handles have been replaced but it is so beautiful.  I snatched it up thinking I'd replace one of the dressers in my room.  But I realized that I want to see it all the time.  It is now proudly displayed in our multi-purpose dining room.  I think I'm in love.  Can you believe it?  Only $42.00!

Here are a few other gems from my little outing...

Oh those colors!!!  Hello Maybeline!

This ceramic piece of birdie beauty is actually a wine bottle. It will be difficult to part with.

I also picked up a lovely platter that matches the bowl in my shop, a big pile of doilies and samplers, and two nut grinders.  I feel so satisfied. 

After school we picked up the supplies we needed to put together our "Kits 4 Kids".  It is a program Sophia's school is participating to help with relief for Haiti.  

We were asked to fill a gallon sized ziploc with one bottle of shampoo, one tube of toothpaste, one toothbrush, a comb, a bar of anti-bacterial soap,  and a handtowel.  It was a hands-on and a very tangible way for the kids to help.  I am looking for other ways to get the kids involved...suggestions?

I will be back later with five.  

amy   
  

 

5 completely random things

1. I have never had sushi.  I feel very intimidated and wouldn't even know what to order. 

2.  Ollie won't let me call him "sweetie" anymore because he's a man.

3.  I know I have a vegetarian lurking inside of me but I just can't help my love of hamburgers.

 
4.  I hate thong underwear.  Yuck.  Seriously not comfortable.  I love all these new, old-style knickers and bloomers. 

5.  I am writing this at my dining room table.  The sun is finally shining.  The kids are very happily playing outside.  I am celebrating with a glass of wine and fully intend to refill.  It is only 4:15.  Is that bad?

   

See you tomorrow.  I have some crafty stuff up my sleeve.

amy  

S.A.D.

Yesterday the sun was shining and I just couldn't stop my ideas from flowing.  Today the clouds are back and it seems they have zapped much of my productivity.  The ideas and inspiration are still there, it's just that they're tucked into the blankets today.  So after a good long talk with equally affected Rachel, I've dug myself (mostly) out of my funk.  I put on my brightest summer dress, and gathered up things that made me smile and think of the sunnier days ahead.

 


Listening to storybook records always helps!  I've also enlisted the help of Sondre Lerche and The Killers.  What do you listen to to make your day a little brighter?

Update: the blue paint I tried yesterday just isn't going to work.  It's just too...blue.  I definitely need to find something much lighter, with more beige-y grey.  I'm thinking "dirty old school map".  Do they make such a color?  If you're a design and color genius (which I know you're out there!), I need your help PLEASE!

The clean out continues and I will reveal tomorrow what will be added to the shop.  Two of my beloved Paint-by-Numbers and a sweet little deer included...here's peek.

 
I'll be back later this evening with a few more completely random things.  Until then,

amy
  
  

Oh No!

I am soooo glad that Katrina commented!  I totally forgot to share where I found all the lovely pics from my 5 things.  I found all my pics while rifling through weheartit.  But even better, the cupcakes were originally from Alice B Gardens.  You must check it out...gorgeous.  Thanks for keeping me on my toes. 

I'll be back later.

amy

Five completely random things...

1. Thank goodness Rachel shares her delicious cupcakes.  Today they were angel food with lemonade buttercream frosting- yum!  I asked Ollie if he was going to eat the angel food or just the frosting and he answered that "Angels only lick the frosting so they won't get big tummy aches." 

2. Thank goodness for dry shampoo because I hate washing and fixing my hair. Seriously, it's like doing the laundry.

3. During lullabies tonight Sophia told me she loves her friend Evan's mom because "she wears pretty, sparkly eye shadow".  She followed that up by telling me she loves my face because I look foxy like a diva.  Yikes. 

4. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is the most hilarious show on TV.  So inappropriate.  Tears funny.  Really.

5. In an attempt to eat consciously, I started a food journal.  It lasted one day.  Come on Amy!  Get with the program.  Maybe if my journal looked a little more like this...

 
amy   

   
  

Mardi Makeover

I am finally starting to get back into the groove of things.  Our home is looking beautiful and increasingly organized, I have a constant playlist of incredible music (today, Carla Bruni, Rufus Wainwright, and Melody Gardot are in heavy rotation), and I happened upon a big pile of old Domino magazines. I am feeling inspired and productive.  What a combination!

My thrifted makeover was all about vintage jewelry.  Nothing precious, just fun. 

I doubled over two gold necklaces, securing each with brass wire and vintage jump rings. 

Then I strung them together.  I love how one side is much longer than the other.  Where the two necklaces meet, I attached a vintage brooch.

Voila!  Lovely vintage-y necklace!

I'm loving all this disco gold!

Plans for an interior redux are well under way.  As I wrote, I found a pile of fab magazines and proceeded to tear out wonderful images.

 
I have always assumed that blue was just not the color for me (too cold).  But as I searched, I kept coming back to this beautiful, powdery gray shade.  I ran out and picked up a quart and tried it on several spots around the living room.

 

It's a very drastic change, but I think I love it!  

A tougher sell will be the deep, sophisticated midnight blue that I am in love with.  Look back at the tear sheets and you'll see why.  That kind of painting project is nothing short of a terror. 

I'm hoping to do a another little post later today.  See you later alligators!

amy
  

   

 
  

Lost my marbles

Happy Monday!  Oh, did you come here looking for a makeover?  It's going to have to be Makeover Mardi this week.  Oliver and I have been entranced by the marble run today.  We've had so much fun creating elaborate courses and have just about run out of time. 

Who could resist?  All these candy coated images (besides my Ollie) were found on weheartit.  Today, why not pull out a classic marble game.  Hungry Hippoes?  Mouse Trap?  Shoot the Moon? 

amy   

Treasury, etc.

I am so excited that two of my lovely vintage items were featured in etsy Treasuries!

My pretty pair of vases were featured in "twice as nice" by susantique.

My mossy green mugs were featured in a treasury created by LeChapeau.  Thank you so much to both of you!

amy

Tag, you're it!

A long time ago (actually last week), I was tagged by beautiful Kassi from Bacwoods Fern to share 7 random things about me that you may not know.  I've had such a hard time with this and ended up enlisting the help of the kids for those last few ideas. 

So here it is...my not so interesting but definitely random 7.

1. Oliver says I make the best spaghetti. 

 I have to admit that I do make a delicious spicy red sauce.

2. New Orleans is my absolute favorite city/ getaway. 

 
I love everything about it!

3. Sophia says I sing beautiful lullabies.  One of our many nighttime rituals.

Such fakers!

4. Breakfast is by far my favorite meal of the day.  Can't go without it.

My favorite?  Toast with a wedge of cheese and a thick slice of tomato.

5. I love all my clutter, but sometimes I just wish I could paint all my walls white and edit everything out. 

But that's just not me.

6. I have always wanted a tattoo but can't seem to commit to an image for life.

   

7. I recently downloaded a lovely jazzy french album by Carla Bruni.  I love it!  She's not just an ex-model and first lady of France.

all images (except my kids) were found on weheartit.

All right you crazy kids, time to reveal your shattering truths.

Rachel from Rachie's Place

Heidi from Kitschenfeast

Jill from Lune Vintage 

Candi Mandi from Here's Looking at Me Kid

Jessie from The Concrete Catwalk 

I am excited to read your goodies!

amy