Hormonal

Just read a post of Leslie's, and I totally lost it! Ack. I tell ya, I am not a normally mushy person, but I have been crying at the drop of a hat lately. Ryan and I were just watching the end of "The Sixth Sense", you know, the part where Haley Joel Osment tells Toni Collette that her mother visits him and said the answer to her question is "yes" (her question was "Do I make you proud?"). We were just flipping channels, and I started welling up within like 20 seconds. He thought I was faking or that I'm just schizophrenic, not sure which. I can't help it!

So it got me to thinking of other parts of movies that I have seen probably 10-30 times each, and every time I see them-- doesn't matter if I watch the whole movie or just that scene-- I bawl like a baby:

1. To Kill a Mockingbird (where Scout finally meets Boo Radley and says to him, "Hey, Boo"). Also to note, I can't hear any of the music from the score of that movie without welling up.

2. Field of Dreams (the part where Kevin Costner asks his dad to "have a catch" at the end)

3. Philadelphia (where they show the home movies of Tom Hanks as a child at the end)

4. You Can Count on Me (when Mark Ruffalo is telling Laura Linney how he will be ok sitting on the park bench at the end)

5. Edward Scissorhands (when Edward is carving Kim's likeness in the ice-- that damn Ice Dance song!!!! I cannot listen to it at all)

6. Meet Joe Black (during Anthony Hopkins' speech during his party)

7. The Joy Luck Club (when Ming-Na meets her half sisters in China)

8. Titanic (ok, a little embarrassed about this one, but it's not when Leo bites it. It's when the musicians are playing their music, and the montage starts showing a mother reading a story to her kids knowing they are all going to drown, and the two old people are spooning in their beds!!!!! Gratuitous sadness, people!!!)

9. Cider House Rules (when Tobey McGuire gives the "Goodnight you princes of Maine..." thing at the end).

10. Big Fish (when Billy Crudup is carrying Albert Finney into the river and all his loved ones are there to say goodbye-- Ok, I'm getting teary just writing about it....SAP!!!!)

Then, of course, there are the standard movies-- Life is Beautiful, like the WHOLE frigging movie. And Frequency. Oh, and when I was a kid, West Side Story was like my favorite movie, and I must have seen it like 40 times. Of course, I'd cry when Tony got shot every stinking time.

Anybody else?

Massive Shopping Spree

I'm all of a sudden freaking out and realizing what has to happen before this baby gets here. The biggest thing of which is renovating our bedroom into Quinn's toddler room. Seems easy enough-- but the logistics are killing me. And the fact that we have a 1,200 square foot space to work with isn't easy either. Moving furniture, painting, cleaning out just SCADS OF STUFF, and possibly having to get some more electrical work done is completely overwhelming me.

Today I went nuts spending $$ we don't have yet. I bought a twin bedframe, pop up trundle for underneath, and twin mattress set. Phew. I'm also going to need to buy another small table and chair set for her, another chest of drawers, and something else which is totally unnecessary for a 2 year old's room, therefore I am not telling you what it is (ahem).

My aunt is making a red/pink themed quilt as well. Can't wait to see what she comes up with as it will the focal point of the room. I'm hoping it comes out to be something like these sans the hearts:

And I've been holding onto this little ditty for quite awhile! Can't believe it's going to be displayed soon. I think I've had it for over a year.

Oh, and look what else I found on Etsy today!!! It would look perfect with the Black Apple prints and gnome mirror, but I think I need to cool it until everything is in place and I can see where there are holes:

But! A little progress towards the name. Ryan's "considering" a name I like. We had decided Vivian, but we are both a tad sick of it now. I really like Violet, but he said no way. His top choices: Fallon, Tate, Tatum. VETOES! It's hard because our last name is pronounced "Muh-LA-lee", so it doesn't sound great with names ending in an "ee" sound or starting with an L or M or with too many L's or M's in them. I really like Mia and Leila, but he has vetoed, and I think it's for the best anyway because of the aforementioned challenges. Hey, any suggestions, throw them my way!

All Done!

Q is disappointed by the passing of Xmas. Can you tell?

I usually don't post pics of her face (I'm weird like that), but I couldn't resist. The smock was made last year by the talented Jen, but it was a wee bit big on her until this year. Oh, and her hair usually doesn't look so Gene Wilder-esque, but A) she needs a haircut and B) she'd just woken up from a nap.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday! We surely did. The retro kitchen was a hit! Now if Q and I can get rid of our lingering illness and coughs, we'll be all set!

Running out of Red Sugar & Steam

So I'm making my Christmas Strawberries to take to my parent's tomorrow, and I'm running out of red decorator sugar. Plus, my "dough" is getting mushy, so I needed to put it back in the fridge for a bit, so I'm taking a break.

Jessie sent me the sweetest festive care package today! I had sent her just a few tiny things for coming in second in my Scared of Santa contest (well, plus I had something I wanted to send her for awhile now), and I got a return gifty. SO SWEET. Ok, first look how cute still wrapped. I'm sure she knew this vintage paper would be right up my alley!

Now, something dressy for something sweet:

And last, but certainly not least, indulging my obsession of Japanese fabrics! Filled with Puffs PLUS no less. My nose and I love it equally!

One final pic. I wanted to make an arrangement to take to my mom. It turned out less than spectacular. I wanted more height, but realized I didn't have enough flowers for more height. This is the third planter I attempted because the others were too large. Plus, I had to throw out some of the holly because it was browning. Sigh. But I think this is still acceptable. I like arranging flowers-- my grandma was a florist actually. It's so darn hard to do though! Usually my arrangements look pretty good from one angle (which is a no no), but oh well.

Off too fill stockings! We'll "open" stockings on Wed morning when we come home from visting both sets of parents.

Through the Looking Glass

So my mom actually founded the garden club in the city where she lives. It now has something like 150 members. They have a garden tour in the summer, and they always have nifty activities. They just had a challenge, the purpose of which was to familiarize themselves with the types of rules and regulations you would have to adhere to if you were creating a display for a flower show. Flowers, in this challenge, were to be incorporated somehow into the display but not be the focus of the display.

Each member (men and women) had a certain sized box. Each was instructed to make it look like the viewer was peering through a window of some sort. Each space within the box had to be covered which meant you had to work vertically too. I just thought it was so interesting! There were no prizes or anything—it was just for fun, and last night they set up all their displays and walked around looking at everyone else’s.

My mom chose the appearance of looking through an attic window. She had an Alice in Wonderland thing going on. I thought it turned out so good! Ryan said it was creepy, but I love the whole feeling that the doll had been playing with the things surrounding her. It reminded me of a book that I liked from junior high. The Alice in Wonderland doll was my mom’s as a child. Here’s her display:

Girl Land Heaven

This is my idea of heaven-- and I would be 1 inch tall!

This is from Feather Your Nest in Arkansas. They have a TO DIE FOR online store and I can't believe I just found Gina's blog. Kudos to Gina for her blog muzak playlist which includes Fat Bottom Girls by Queen. The perfect blog-perusing tune! Ha.

I'm getting ants in my pants for Christmas. I'm so excited to give Q her new kitchen. I can't wait!

God Bless the Scandinavians!

The Junior Society just sent a newsletter out about Fjorn Scandanavia. Not only do I love everything in their store, I ADORE this picture.

Reason #1,281 for wanting to learn to sew...I so want to make these:

Is everyone ready for Christmas?? I'm buying myself Photoshop from Ryan as my Xmas gift. What a guy. Can't wait to mess around with it! Also really REALLY want to buy a sewing machine. We'll see...

Oh, and my tentative baby-pulling day (I'm getting a c-section again) is May 1! If this pans out, Baby Girl M. will be sharing a birthday with one Mr. Wes Anderson, director of one of my faves, Bottle Rocket.

Birmingham Thugs!

So Ryan has worked downtown Detroit (near Woodward and Larned) for almost 10 years now. Has parked in a parking structure with pedestrian access. He's had numerous appointments downtown as well in other locations of the city. ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEM.

Last night, he had a work seminar downtown hooty tooty Birmingham. He parks at a parking structure directly across from hooty tooty Townsend Hotel adjacent to 220 Merrill. Here:

Gets out of his seminar, walks into the structure, and sees a dude smashing his driver's side window (with no luck) then back driver's side window with a crowbar! My husband then proceeds to run AFTER the man! If any of you know my husband, you will know that he is seriously the skinniest person you may ever meet. Although, he is unnaturally strong, I do not know what the HELL he thought he would do with this man if he caught up to him. I was quietly yelling at him (hard to do) on the phone telling him to get out of the frigging parking structure. Poor Q-- she looked at me like I was nuts. Although, she was watching Shrek the Halls for the 20th time, so she quickly lost interest in my tirade.

So to anyone who says Detroit is not safe, better watch out next time you go see a movie or pay $14 for a martini in the ol' B-Ham!!!!!

Holiday Meme

I snatched this one from Susie. How fun! Also took some pics of decorations around my house today.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper. My grandmother was a floral designer and her presentation carried over to all packages. Beautiful ribbon, beautiful paper, etc. I get a little lazy sometimes, but only use gift bags for impossible-to-wrap gifts.

2. Real tree or artificial? REAL! We have it down to a science, really. I think I would feel badly if we ever decided on a fake tree. The smell of our house is what gets me in the holiday mood!

3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving which came early this year.

4. When do you take the tree down? First week of January.

I don't know what #5 was supposed to be-- it was missing!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Cabbage Patch Kid preemie when I was 8. Also Keystone Capers Atari game maybe also at 8. Loves me some Atari!

7. Do you have a Nativity scene? I have one that was my mother's and may have been my grandmother's at one time? Not sure. I really like the one my mom has with tiny wooden painted people. My friend and I used to play with it all the time as kids.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Ryan because I feel like if we want something, we just buy it ourselves.

9. Easiest person to buy for? My mom. I always see things I think she'd like.

10. Worst Christmas Gift you ever received? Probably some dumb nightgown from my aunt when I was way too old to be wearing nightgowns.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, definitely. Email Xmas cards? Why bother!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Christmas Story (we actually saw it in the theater when I was 10), used to love The Santa Clause until I watched it again this year and realized how bad it was, The Nutcracker ballet (only the one with Mikhail Baryshnikov though)-- I know there are more, I just can't think...

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? All year but more seriously in November.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Um, yeah!

15. Favorite things to eat at Christmas? Christmas Strawberries, buckeyes, used to be my Aunt Irlitta's toffee that I haven't had in awhile but I think my brother said he's making? Cheese fondue, meatballs, munchies and chocolate covered cherries on Christmas Eve night!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Big fat colored ones! None of those tiny ones!

17. Favorite Christmas song or album? White Christmas by The Drifters. Quinn wants to listen to it OVER AND OVER and calls it the "Dup dup Song"-- if you've heard it, you know why. Also like Ice Dance from Edward Scissorhands. Not really a Xmas song per se, but I made a Christmas mix cd a few years back and put it on there. Very pretty and sad.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Travel but we want to see our family! Maybe we will start rotating and every other year stay home. We'll see...

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? I can't remember the dang song!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We grew up opening everything on Xmas Eve, and I like doing that! Now we open on Xmas Eve at my family's and then open Xmas Day with the in laws.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Going through the motions of buying gifts for those who ask for gift cards. I'd rather just refrain from gift-giving altogether if we're going to do that, but this year, I gave up and said FINE. Seems rather silly, but easier for us I guess.

23. What is the “silliest” family tradition you do, or miss doing? My grandmother would serve a black forest torte on Xmas Day after we'd eaten a zillion cookies and say, "Who wants a piece of Baby Jesus' birthday cake???" UGH! I don't really miss it-- well, I guess I kinda do.

24. Ugliest Christmas Decoration ever invented? Those stupid inflatable snow globes.

25. Which looks best, theme trees or homey trees? I like homey especially with heirloom ornaments.

26. Gingerbread or sugar cookies? Sugar cookies with super sweet buttercream frosting and sprinkles!

Contest Winner!

It was a close race, but Tracy is our winner! In fact, it was a tie at 10am when I was to check for the winner, and then I received the tiebreaker at 10:56. Thanks to those who participated. T'was fun!

I'm still having nightmares over this one...

Vote for Your Favorite!

Without further ado, here are the Scared of Santa pics submitted (all 5 of them!). Scary Santas indeed!
1. This is Tracy around 2 years old. Wouldn't you be scared too? That Santa looks undead.

2. This is Anne's favorite Scared of Santa pic. She said she was looking for the weird kid in line before Ralphie, but couldn't find it.



3. This is Amy's daughter, Ramona. So she wasn't scared, per se, but Amy said the dude's beard was falling off and didn't even notice. Worthy of a chuckle, eh?

4. Jessie sent this pic in. Not of anyone she knew, but highly amusing nonetheless. I don't know what's scarier-- the Santa or that kid's hair.

5. Here are Colleen's kids, Maeve and Finn. Finn looks kinda entranced by our bearded friend. Maeve-- not so much.

Please vote for your fave pic HERE and the pic who wins the most votes by Monday morning will get a vintage/handmade-licious treat!

THANKS FOR VOTING!!! CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED! TRACY IS THE WINNER.

Anyone??

So I thought it would be fun to do this contest...the lovely Colleen is the only person to play so far!!! I've got good vintage and handmade stuff available here, people!!! For free!!! Don't make me beg (hee hee).



On another whiny front, I have my first NPC (non-paying customer) on Etsy. I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt, but she placed a rather sizeable order. Sigh. It's been three days, and I finally decided to relist these three items above and request cancellation of the order.

I am, however, thankful for my wonderful health, family, and good luck in general (knock, knock, knock on wood). You cannot believe the amount of bad luck that has befallen some of my friends, their siblings, their teenage daughter's boyfriends, their husbands and daughters, etc. I know they will all muddle through and be ok in the end, but they shouldn't have to!! Really, I thank my lucky stars every day!

XX

That's right! Girl Land will most definitely be GIRL Land come May. We will be expecting a little girl. All tests and ultrasounds indicate a healthy one at that, so we are very lucky! xo

P.S. Check out this cute blog and lovely giveaway at Plumtickled Fabrics!

Girl Land Holiday Contest!

This will be a mini contest due to the Christmas holiday quickly approaching! My friend, Danielle, gave me the idea. After reading my Scared of Santa post, she told me at dinner the other day of the funny pic she had of herself and her sis. I received it today and love it! Danielle is on the right and was cool as a cuke (so cute). Her sister, Cheryl, well…that’s another story!
Anywho, email me your fave Scared of Santa pic by Friday noon. It could be you as a kid, a relative, your child, a picture you find online, etc. I will post the funniest/scariest/most disturbing/most amusing three on Saturday and YOU can all vote for your fave. The pic with the most votes on Monday will get a hand-picked Girl Land mystery prize! Could be vintage items, supplies or handmade tchotchkes by yours truly.

My girl’s brunch and shopping excursion yesterday was so fun. My friend, Danielle, also said she was feeling like a “Christmas Loser” because I was undertaking so much holiday stuff. Funny, I feel the same after reading other people’s blogs! I explained that I am, by no means, Martha. To illustrate, not only did I smoke my guests out by filling the pan too full of rolls causing them to pop out of the pan causing brown sugar/butter to ooze out all over the inside of my stove and BURN, but my friend found a twist tie in the breakfast casserole. How GROSS! It was from the bread that went in the casserole (was wondering where it went!), but still gross. Oh, and I thought everyone was coming at 9:30, but my invite had stated 9. As my friend, Sue, says, “I’m shooting through”.

Happy to You!

...as Q would say. To the best hubby (and daddy) ever. Who else wouldn't complain ONCE when asked to take/pick up from daycare on his b-day so his wife can go shopping with her friends???? I suppose the iPod touch didn't hurt (and coconut cream pie...yuck). Thank you for so many things! Happy 33rd. Love you!!! xo

Shop Update!

I still have to list my paperboard suitcases and Polaroid emulsions, but for the most part everything is up in my Etsy shop! The MICE show was a bit disappointing as far as traffic and sales (to say the least), but SO MUCH FUN. I always look forward to seeing Taryn, Carol, and Jason. They definitely made it worthwhile. Xoxo, you guys! Plus, I got to finally/officially meet Amanda who's so sweet. The beer and pizza were flowing, and I wish I could have partaken in the former. :)



Hope everyone had a fab weekend!

Liking & Anticipating!

Things I Like Today:

1. Last Christmas by Wham. Wonderfully cheesy and nostalgic. Oh. My. Gawd. I just found this picture. So great!


2. Cosi’s Signature Salad w/ reduced fat sherry shallot vinaigrette, dried cranberries, pistachios, grapes, and stinky bleu cheese (yes, I’m a bad PG woman and still eat bleu cheese)! YUM!
   
   
3. Q’s Xmas Gift that Ryan assembled last weekend. It’s in our guest room (where she plays often) with a blanket over it. Ahhh, the joys of having a 2 year old. Even if she sees it (and she’s never even attempted), she’d forget anyway.


4. My super blunt boss. He just said, “You smell like coneys (= coney dogs),” after eating #2 above. He probably would have also told me if I had greens in my teeth. I actually appreciate his bluntness quite a bit. He’s quite a character and a pretty good boss.
   


5. 30 Rock, 30 Rock, 30 Rock. I’d like to buy stock in the Sheinhardt Wig Company. Can I do that? Maybe I’ll just get one of these shirts.
   


6. http://www.retailmenot.com/. This is the best place to find online coupon codes! Such a great service. I try to add any online coupons I find too to share the love.
   


7. This picture! I didn't take it. Crafty Beaver did! Isn't it great??

Things I’m Looking Forward To:

1. The MICE show tomorrow! I have everything made but decided last minute not to use my Girl Land banner, so I’m going to make a Girl Land tree topper tonight to post my shop name. Not for sale of course. Also have to stamp up some more bags, but then I’m done.



2. 5th Annual Brunch w/ the girls Monday. Four of us take the day off work, have brunch at my house, drink bloody marys and mimosas, then go to Twelve Oaks to shop! Rule is PG people are the DD’s. Yes, we get that buzzed typically. It’s the one time each year that I get to bust out my grandmother’s Spode and entertain. This year, I’m making my favorite breakfast casserole, monkey bread, and a spiced fruit compote.
   


3. My ultrasound Tuesday! Q will soon learn whether she’ll have a little bro or sister coming. My gut feeling (no pun intended) is a boy. Of course I don’t care either way although I’m a bit lazy, so I just keep thinking how much more convenient a girl would be since we have all the clothes, room is already painted girlie, etc.
   
   
4. Christmas strawberries. I’m making cookies this weekend: Buckeyes, Hello Dollies (aka moon bars), frosted sugar cookies, and my beloved strawberries. Check out the comments I made on this recipe (I’m the first one) because the plastic stems are a must (no green sugar!). Warning: though they may look incredibly pretty and festive, besides my brother, cousin, and sis-in-law who have grown to love them, I don’t know many other people who do. Will post a pic after I make them. Need to think of some more innovative ways to package cookies for my friends/neighbors (check out Julie’s super cute idea!).
   

Have a lovely weekend full of fires in the fireplace, large mugs of peppermint hot cocoa, pretty snow that doesn’t stick to the roads, and non-stressful holiday shopping (boy, was that an oxymoron)!

Schizo Girl is Happy Again

Look at my new stamp!!! Tee hee! I need a new inkpad, but I kinda like that they aren't perfect. If you need a custom stamp, Farrah is the girl! She was so easy to work with, and I had the made-to-order stamp in hand EIGHT DAYS after I placed the order. I may not sell anything Saturday (I had a dream that I only made $3.00), but at least I will have cute bags. Yay!

Et Tu, eBay?

I have to give you all a warning. I have never EVER had a problem with eBay ‘lo these many years I have used it. Well, until this weekend. I had to have this egg nog bowl and mugs. I was going to buy Naomi’s but then I saw the whole set and decided I “needed” it. For what, I have no idea.

So my advice to all you eBay buyers is this. Before bidding, you apparently need to confirm shipping with the seller (even if it is clearly indicated on their listing) because while sellers are “encouraged” to indicate proper shipping charges, current eBay policy does not mandate that their invoice reflects the shipping charges that were quoted on their listing. I ended up paying almost $5.00 more than was quoted on the listing page. So anywho, all, buyer beware.

Edit: I have calmed down *a bit* and after reading my post again, I felt like a total crazy woman. Therefore, this has been edited down a bit to convey my intended "warning to ebay buyers" only. :) Oh, and to show you my cute egg nog set. Sorry for freaking out. Ommmmmmm, ommmmmmmm, ommmmmmm.

Santa’s Watching, Santa’s Creeping

So as I was saying yesterday, we took Q and her buddy to see Santa. This is about as close as I could get her.

Today, I was listening to the radio, and they were talking about websites that post “Scared of Santa” pics. Here are some of my favorites from the particular site I visited. Can you BLAME these kids for freaking? This first Santa almost made me wet my pants.

I’m not sure if the parents realize the severity of the trauma they could be causing. For example, have you seen Silent Night Deadly Night? Pretty amusing (but bad) B-movie from the 80s about a traumatized kid who freaks out and punishes all the “naughty” people. I tried to find the theme song lyrics online because they are extremely disturbing but make me laugh at the same time. All I could find were these:

Santa’s Watching/Santa’s Creeping
Now you’re nodding/now you’re sleeping
Were you good for Mom and Dad?
Santa knows if you’ve been bad.

If that doesn’t scare the hell outta you, I don’t know what would. I’m very much attracted to the vintage Santas with like the red felt fuzzy bodies, but I can admit they are very scary. Here’s a favorite ornament from childhood.

Ok, to conclude and to round out the whole theme of this post, I need to show you the picture of the gift I had originally purchased for Ryan and my brother (Joel, I bought you something else instead). After further consideration, I kind of think most people would think “WTF” if they opened this. Even if it is cool and even if Tina was watching Twin Peaks while making them. Ryan’s still getting one though (and Joel, if you like it, you can have it too…no pressure tho).

Isn’t it great?? Do you guys think I'm weird?

A Pretty-O Video

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend! My friend and I took our girls to my hometown yesterday to do a little shopping. They got to see Santa. Q decided "No like-a Santa Clausen". She was ok, but she wouldn't get too close to him. There were absolutely no other kids there, and the Santa is friends with my parents. He's been Santa for like 20 years and has a real full beard. Ah, the joys of a small town.

Watched this video yesterday, and I'm in love with it. Maybe my brother can tell me what the heck she's saying since it's in Japanese.

Emulsion, Baby

So I've had these old slides for awhile, and I almost forgot I had them. I cheated a little and got them on eBay. There are probably only like 20 (out of like 100) that are even worthwhile. Anyway, tonight I made some Polaroid Emulsion prints. Do you know what that is? It's a very weird process-- you expose slides onto Polaroid film with this weird machine (I have a Daylab Jr.), pull it apart, dry it, put contact paper on the back, then put it in boiling water. The image comes up as a transparent film that you can manipulate onto watercolor paper in a bowl of room temp water. Here's one of the images floating in said bowl.

You can see some more of the images on my flickr page. They are all dated 1960. The ones I chose had handwritten titles on the slides themselves, and I have decided to name each print based on the handwritten title. The colors are a little niftier in person, but you get the idea. They look kind of dreamy and surreal. That's why I like the process so much. This one's my favorite from tonight's endeavors, I think. It's called "Carl & Bruno". Ha.

Also, done with my glitter abode. And look! Santy Claus came early!! I need to get a little battery operated light to put inside. I originally bought a battery-operated flicker tealight that I was going to sell with it, but I decided it's not bright enough. Plus it's yellow which I didn't know when I bought.

I want to show you all a cool order that I placed last night, but I can't! I bought one of the things for both Ryan and my brother (who reads my blog I think; hi, Joel!). I don't even know if they'll like it, but the item description on Etsy indicated that the crafter was watching Twin Peaks when she made them. How can I go wrong with that? T'will have to wait until after Xmas...dango!