wardrobe enhancement and other ramblings.

take a moment to admire my new dress, then I'll explain why I'm excited enough about it to do a blog post.

(upclose and a little blurry)

so here's the thing.  I'm 5'1" and have odd proportions.  I'm basically shaped like a triangle which makes buying clothes, especially dresses, extremely difficult.  Also, if I hear one more comment about how easy it must be to find clothes in my size, or how i'm one of those people [who likes to exercise], or you can eat whatever you want-I'ma gonna scream!  On all points, no, no, no!  About 9 years ago I lost about 15 pounds that made me an unhappy girl for many years, and I have kept that off, and then added another 5 off recently.  So, no I' don't need more meat on my bones, I got small bones anyway.  So, end of that rant.  For my niece Katie's wedding (and other wedding festivities) last year I lucked up on some really cute dresses and tops to add to my work-church-dress up wardrobe.  This helped build my spring/summer wardrobe for those purposes, but limited my resources for casual/ultra-casual wear-also I didn't find what I wanted.  In the fall I knit about 3 pullovers to help with the fall/winter wardrobe [more knitting I need to photograph].  I've made plenty of cardigans, but needed some tops that I didn't have to hunt for something to wear underneath.  Fast forward to this year, early spring I was finally able to add some shoes, another thing that is difficult for me to find for other reasons.  So this spring/summer i was on a mission, I wanted a couple skirts that I could wear on the weekends-after work that were machine washable-casual/comfy, but not too casual.  I also didn't want to spend a lot of money on them, and I didn't want shorts [another fitting issue].  As an aside, I have work/church/dress up clothes, clothes that I wear around the house [hello yoga pants when it's cold!], clothes I clean in, and those I wear to work out.  I thought about making my own skirts, but really didn't want to spend the time required to make it happen.  So, this leads me to awesome bargain #1 these 3 Lily Pulitzer skirts I got on ebay for . . . .

$65 for ALL three.  [there are alligators on the blue and green skirt] There would have been a fourth, but it got snatched up before I could complete my deal with the seller.  They are so cute, and they fit perfect and are exactly what I was looking for, but of course I didn't want to wear a white t-shirt with all three.  I just finished knitting a drapey tank that will go with all three, and i have plans to wear it this weekend.  Crazy, I know, I won't sew a skirt, but I'll knit a top.  I've enhanced my summer wardrobe with 2 additional tanks, of which I have not taken pictures, but hope to fix that in the next couple weeks.  After attending the Shibui Knits trunk show at Cast on Cottage a couple months ago, I've become hooked on summer knitting.  So many awesome yarns out there that are light weight and just the thing for summers in Georgia, and the patterns!  So anyway, let me get back to the dress.  Since I've been spending more time on the deck with Sophie, I decided I needed a casual [house dress-esque] dress or a very very casual skirt I could put on after work.  It could even be ugly for all I cared.  Yesterday, I dropped off some donations at Second Life Thrift store in Decatur.  Here's my plug for them, they use their profits to help local homeless cats and dogs, so they get all my good stuff that I donate, really love their mission.  I did a quick once over [they actually have my size!], and didn't find a skirt, but I found the dress above- a J. Crew dress, and it was only $5, now how awesome is that, AND.IT.FITS [touchdown!]  I didn't have time to try it on since I had to get back to the office, but I am soooooo excited to get something that works on the cheap.  So I ask you since I saved a gazillion dollars on my summer wardrobe, does that mean I can buy more yarn for more wardrobe enhancing?!!!!!  What's go you excited.

10 favorite ways to eat tomatoes

a photo of one of my tomato plants, we are FINALLY getting some produce. i have always LOVED tomatoes, so here's my list.

1. freshly rinsed and right off the vine-MAYBE a sprinkle of salt
2. as the star player of a sandwich-i'm a southern girl, and there's nothing like a ripe tomato on bread (okay, "good" bread), with a smidge of mayo and black pepper-mmmmmmmmMM
3. on pizza, yes as a topping
4. in a salad- especially caprese!
5. on a biscuit (yea, i know, kinda crazy)
6. on tacos or nachos
7. roasted and made into a pasta sauce
8. as bruschetta
9. as a side for any dinner
10. on any deli sandwich-makes it a little more healthy.

lunch.

i live for lunch. i headed outside to eat, enjoy the shade, some knitting and podcasts. although it's in the low 80s it was truly glorious. i also get to do some stealth people (co-worker) watching. we have several large trees in our parking lot, so no one usually seems me until they get to their car. i love the startled looks! i really really didn't want to come back inside. oh, and hello july-where did you come from?!

summer love

one of my favorite things about the summer (or at least warm weather) are the wonderful fresh veggies-here's part of tonight's dinner fresh from the grill-served along side sauted polenta, caprese salad and grilled chicken.

on a side note the road trip from last week was amazing-we saw and experienced so much it's impossible to post about it. the photos are here. we're making plans for next year already!

looking forward to.

since i haven't had a saturday and a sunday of "not having to really go and do anything" in a couple months, (vacations don't count) i'm looking forward to a few things i haven't done in a while (or ever)

~working on my lace wrap

~a cup of coffee on the deck saturday morning

~brunch on saturday

~cooking ina's beef bourguignon for sunday dinner

~only 3 QUICKLY errands for the whole weekend

~coffee and dessert with mom, kathy and her mom on sunday

~finishing up 2 knitting projects (sewing up the multi-shapes top and jennifer's baby sweater)

~i'm sure there will be some quilting in there as well!

hope we are blessed with some more beautiful weather like we did last weekend. i think my latest quilt really says summer. i am doing the hand quilting and adding a few beads for effect. i'm hoping to take advantage of the lazy days of summer i've heard so much about before it's over!

it's been a while

some random bits of updating:




melanie was curious about the coach purchase- stylish and chic (the bag not me, but trying)


the w&s bag- (mary) nothing super fun, but got some bits for the kitchen that were awesome deals: pizza pan, itty bitty scrapper, infuser for mulling spices for this fall, strainer, itty bitty spoonula (love these) new dishtowels, brining bags for this year's turkey, and a candle















the green cardi- done, done and done! love it, put it through the washer and dyer after this photo was taken. helped a bit with the fit and general look::: note to self- put together before doing sleeves in order to adjust for the shoulder drop (if present)















a huge mess- the family photo project underway- lotta progress made- plan to do some "mini" books as discussed on ali's blog. not anything overly detailed, just want to make sure the photos are in a central spot, and the suspects identified.















post photo- nicely organized---see anyone you know??

more progress on the moss sweater- working on the sleeves, and have picked up stitches rather than do the sleeve as a separate piece, hope it works- no photo yet

no pj for nearly a week:: jekyll island youth retreat- must be staying out of trouble as i haven't received any phonecalls! mohawk is gone- he decided it was boring! andrew enjoying not having "big" brother around, and the house to himself, doesn't pj make a cute swift? future blackmail photos

















outing to cast on cottage to pickup the rest of mom's yarn and lunch for andrew and i at henry's- yum!

play day with kathy and her girls:: pool, knitting, quilting, yummy snacks (no photos as there was no make up and seriously bad hair!)

got this gorgeous stuff for the PRSC- wow- what a difference from the last two

















hmmm, i think that's it- got some new recipe ideas for giada and mom comes home next week- wow- has anyone see july? i think it's missing!

a few of my favorite things

had several days to experience some of the things i really enjoy-
♥-time off (yea)
♥-knitting and quilting time
♥-visiting a new place- airforce museum and ga music hall of fame-both very cool and who knew ga had so much influence on all genres of music -some photos here, here, and here. ♥-time with the family- especially with no clock watching!
♥-shopping and bargains at the outlet mall

♥-the views and vistas while driving to dawson county


♥-had to stop to take a picture of these

♥-time to myself with no rushing, set agenda (except store purchases!), etc. would enjoy company next time.

♥-dinner with friends (friday night)

♥-brunch with SILs and sara-who made the most awesome carrot cake-wonder how they'd taste as cupcakes-hmmmmm?

-casting on a new project with SILs-and reunion of the zombie socks

all good stuff- don't you agree? guess that leads to a very belated "Gratitude":: having the opportunity to take it all in, and reflect on how lucky i am right now. looking at each day full in the face, and "saying" i'm going to get all i can out of you today!

capre' diem ya'll!

lazy days of summer???

NOT!
friday was the last day of soccer camp, and andrew represented england in the "world" cup- they came in 4th (i think)----how about this get up for spirit! he really enjoyed the camp which was totally different from last year, and we'll probably do this one again.


















that night mom and i hosted a movie night for some ladies in the neighborhood, no photo-sorry, but some yummy snacks and pinot grigio while we watched the full monty, it was a hilariously good time- thanks amy, ann, diana, and jane for coming, and we hope to do this again.

saturday was another "girl" gathering for my southern living at home "show", more great ladies to hang out with and enjoy some time together. then off for a pedicure for mom before her lions and eagles gathering--cute toes- cute flowers- blurry photo.















the rest of saturday was spent grilling and cooking for the next week, burgers for the youth dinner sunday evening, and father's day lunch.

sunday- up and going early, exercise-coffee fellowship-church-father's day lunch for steve (again no photo, sorry) sausages, pasta, and turtle brownies (courtesy of lions and eagles) and ice cream- steve spent the day working on his mid-term, and i worked on getting ready for boston, youth dinner, planting hostas, and chauffeuring the boys to their youth activities, and checking on the moller's dogs.
i think i finally "sat" down about 8:30- looking forward to relaxing on tuesday and exploring boston/cambridge (flight gets in around 12:30 pm)- once i get back i'll have the habitate 4 humanity project, i've been looking forward to this activity. think i'll have a chance to relax when i get back?!!!

a boston post hopefully on sunday

ttfn

my number's up . .

actually it's here! i'm certified for the peachtree, i'll have a much earlier start time, so that means since i'll be walking!!! i should finish by about 10. . . now i just need to figure out how to park at my office before the race begins, 'cause this year the last bit of the race will go in front of my office on juniper street.. ya'll look for me now

what do you get when you add . . .

rhubarb, strawberries, a handful of brown sugar, a few shakes of cinnamon, a splash of oj, some thawed out scones leftover from a birthday party, this was the KEY ingredient, melted butter, and some HEATH toffee bits . . .











well one yummy dessert- rhubarb and strawberry surprise!

other weekend stuff:

the boys and i got the pinestraw done in just a couple hours- here are a few shots of what 50 bales looks like, the boys will get a bonus with their bi-weekly allowance, and they got to eat lunch at Moes, i know- cringe, but they enjoyed it so it's all good! the front and back definitely look better with the pinestraw.

marked several summer projects as "done"-yea!

did some serious grilling- 3 meals on this baby- and the steak fajitas with the vidalias-mmmmm




Here's a glimpse at the hydrangeas- yes, i have more than one bloom this time-

on the front porch i went with a container of mixed sun loving plants near the steps, and at the door two pots with caladiums and ferns- we'll see how these do-should be getting our porch and step railings soon.



the weekend was jammed packed, but i did manage to get to the pool for a couple hours on sunday, gave me a chance to do some magazine reading. is it just me or was bon apetit a bit skimpy this month?

diggin' the weekend

saturday started out with some homemade blueberry muffins- yum, i added some cinnamon and vanilla- just to see what would happen.











finally getting to some much needed landscaping. this entrance way has needed some work, i put a ton of different stuff here, annuals, perinneials, herbs, tomatoes, a couple rose bushes. plan to include some bulbs for spring and summer blooming. added mushroom compost, top soil, and other soil enchancers, so hopefully this will pay off in the long run.
before









after









this took about 6 hours which included buying the plants and getting everything in and cleaned up, mom and i enjoyed a light dinner of veggie omlets and salad-then we watched The Queen which i got for mother's day, helen merrin goes a wonderful queen elizabeth.

post compost and top soil hands, really go them dirty, but make the perfect excuse for a manicure next week!










on friday i went to why knot knit-they are closing- and pick up this and this, and lace circular needles- can't beat 30% off, will go back in a couple weeks to see what they have at 50- got my eye on a couple things!

will have updates on the containers, just a bit more, and then I can mark 2 things off my list-

COTC News

Tons of stuff I wanted to get done this weekend, and I think I did nearly everything based on this list
This tree needed to come down, and once we began looking at it we realized that 2 large limbs of the cherry tree also needed to be cut as it was reaching all the way into Mark and Jennifer's yard. Didn't get photos of this, but according to Mark, the squirrels were using the branches as a "freeway"! Hated to lose the privacy, but want to make the most of the cherry tree's new growth-









the after photo, maybe Mark can get into this side gate! Thinking of putting a Japanese maple here, I love how they look in the fall.

Next up, we I mean Steve, I just carried almost all of the limbs from the tree cutting to the back yarn, so need a photo of that- goes to show that regular exercise is good for you- carried some seriously big limbs back there all by my little old self!!!!

used the chain saw to cut down the holly bushes, felt a twinge of uncertainty on this one-think I'd like something taller considering the space, just wasn't feeling the love for the holly shrubs- plan to put tons of flowers here, and something in the container on or before Thanksgiving!!! Steve looks at this as bare, I look at it as a blank canvas-

Next up, we needed a place to put the lawn mover and gas cans as it tends to stink up the basement after PJ cuts the grass. We also want to use the area across from my craft area as a "hang out" area, so we got this at Home Depot, and PJ and Steve set to work putting it together. It's perfect for the area, and for what we wanted it for- I love Rubbermaid! It's so neat and tidy

I got to spend Labor Day enjoying the day off, spent several hours on the deck, having coffee, knitting, and watching the sun rise. I didn't get to knit myself silly, but I managed to sort through some patterns, and pull out some ideas for using up my stash. The boys actually agreed to let me knit them something- so they are getting one of these- PJ wants black with a gray band, and Andrew wants black with a gold band. I've already whined to Mary about trying to get the Tangerine Twist finished. I'm putting it aside to try to get my head around what I keep doing wrong. Following what Mary has told me I'm on the right page- it's just not getting to the needles. I did the gauge, and began working on the Moss from Jo Sharp Book #1 in natural.

Spent some time at the pool, and did some reading. The pool guy told us the pool may remain open til October 1st! Whoo hoo- some more time to enjoy the water. Finished Birds of a Feather, loved it!

Got caught up on making cards for the week, a few birthday, a sympathy, and a get well. All in all I feel like a got the most out of my weekend.

I got a surprise this afternoon when Steve attempted to clean the grill he found some corroded parts, so now we have a new grill--

I'm the official grill queen at our house- loving this new toy! 3 racks of ribs (cut in half) and 8 turkey sausages- yea baby!

Looking forward to 5 days in October with the Columbus Day, so hopefully I'll have some projects under my belt. Lots of stuff planned, and it looks like a soccer game will happen this weekend. Found the current Gourmet in a stack of mail, so I think I'll have a look-

TTFN

HHS. . High school . HOT. . . Six Flags

School Dayz are coming, last day for week day fun,

of course, I had to pick the HOTTEST DAY IN ATLANTA!!

100 degrees, code red smog alert---

First up freshman orientation at Harrison High School (HHS) Aconyms- that's what happens when you work with the feds--but I digress.

Here's a view from our seats,




there will be 2700 students this year, oh my gosh!!! However, the boys are re-zoned for Allatoona High next year, soooooo. . . . we're not getting too comfortable, if you know what I mean.


Here's some lovely art work in the gym- Go hoyas! I always thought a Hoya was another name for a bulldog- but nooooo- a hoya is a wall or bush, they just decided to call the mascot a hoya, howa bout that?!!?









The I'm too cool for my mom look, or is it that the okay mom I'm already humiliated since you're the only parent out of about 500 who is trying to take a picture of the school through the car window, because you're too much of a dingy to stand in the parking lot to take a picture- look.
After orientation- a visit to the trailers, oh, I'm sorry, they aren't trailers- they are "cottages", and they are not in a trailer park, but are stationed in an organized manner called a "learning community!". I'm sorry if it has wheels, lights, and you spend any amount of time there, it's a trailer for pete's sake---


Finally made it Six Flags- I again stayed in the shade, and let the boys do what they do--




Here's Andrew with Daffy Duck---- notice the requisite Union Jack bag!

Andrew with Sylvester and Tweety----awwww

Andrew is helping me show you that the Tangerine Twist visited Six Flags- the Goliath entrance as seen from below. I finally figured out what I was doing wrong thanks to the designer getting right back to me--love the internet thing. She's working on more patterns, apparently there's not too much difference in our sizes, so I hope she'll have something soon that's for the winter.

Here's a look at how the TT is shaping up, really an easy knit once you know what you're doing.


Yes, I'm bored, here are my toes and flip flops.

Six Flags is a "cool" place to do some people watching. I am always amazed at what people will go out in public wearing- Glamour magazine needs to come here and do a special---

Maybe we should all walk around in Saran Wrap then nothing will be left to the imagination---- Anyway, I saw some real doozies, and probably shouldn't discuss fashion do's and don'ts, but believe me this was tame compared to some things I saw. Oh yea, BTW if I ever buy a baseball had with Bugs Bunny ears and walk around in public, my children have permission to shoot me on sight-- saw a couple of those too!!!





Photo on the top-Not too bad--nice cover up on the right, shorts that are the right size. Should have a cover up on the left, ladies don't put your girls on display- please--the one in the middle doing okay, shorts fit, top not too skimpy, right size, etc.---- Photo on the bottom- if you have to hold your pants up with your hands while you're walking they are the wrong size- get a belt for crying out loud!!!!! What'd you do smuggle in your cousins into the park in those things- puhlease!! I don't know if his companion should even be discussed.


That was how we spent out HHS day- too hot, I was grimey and gross by the time I got home, but it was FOR THE KIDS! I do love them so- I finished a book and got some knitting done- so there you go--- now it's verrrrry late,
TTFN

Early Release for Good Behavior

This week at-- home and work,when I was there, I tried really hard to get stuff done so I could enjoy the weekend--have some fun, and get some organizing projects out of the way-
with that accomplished I figured I deserved some time off-

Very little cooking, taking advantage of lots of leftovers that are going to be transformed in some way or another- had a cookout to go to on Saturday--

This weekend was full of activities, but it was relaxing at the same time.
After doing some work in the basement, details to follow, I spent some time at the pool on both Saturday and Sunday! Yea, told Steve if we're paying HOA dues, I was going to take full advantage, and I did.
Here's my long arm shot, a bit hard since I don't have long arms. Anyway here's me, the pool, and the back of the clubhouse---




















My Miss Julia Stands her Ground book, a beverage- green apple bit, yum, and a snack- I'm set.

Here's the pool








HAPPY ANNIVERSARY House--we've been in our house for 1 year now, and I have really enjoyed being here. There's lots I still want to do, but we're not planning on going anywhere anytime soon, so there's time--

early morning view from the porch, love the view of the mountain across the street- beautiful!

One of the organization projects was to get things straight in the basement-

sorted through stuff for donating- cataloging for tax purposes, boxing up for pick up etc.

the craft area- to the left is the before picture. I'd been doing cards over the last few weeks, but not cleaning up after myself.

The other photo is the beginning of the "finished" look. Organized the paper, stamps, my knitting stash, scrapbook supplies. Still more to do. I then got the bright idea of re-organize my desk in the living room. Figured if I didn't use it upstairs, I'd take it downstairs as there is much more space for storing, especially those things that I don't need often. Now I've got to put that stuff away.

Final project of the weekend, was to get the photos printed for my 2007 album. Mom and Irene were out shopping, so they picked up the photos for me at Wolf- thank you!!

I also found out what I was doing wrong with the Tangerine Twist, I have to allow 18 sts for the button band, I contacted the designer, got an immediate response. I don't recall that bit in the instructions, so I'll have a re-read, and get myself going in the right direction!

Felt good that I was able to have some fun, and get some work done at the same time

TTFN