Hellooo, my name is Sarah. I am a thirty-something pop culture fanatic and live in a suburb of Detroit (Royal Oak). I share a bungalow with my husband, two daughters, Q & V (ages 9 & 6), and my two kitty cats. I am a novice crafter with lofty dreams. You can visit me at www.girl-land.com or contact me at sarah[at]girl-land.com.
Before I post my laundry room board, I'm just now putting aside my whining to contemplate the passing of Amy Winehouse. Was her demise a surprise to anyone? Not really. Is it a total shame? Absolutely. I'd say that Back to Black was one of those albums for me that affected my life. Have you listened to it? Please do.
So back to my laundry room! I will freely admit that I snatched this color combo from Nicole's basement bathroom. Right down to the exact paint color! Speaking of paint, I am so ecstatic to be able to move right into a house and NOT have to worry about painting. I get to pick all the room colors out and the painters will do it for us. PHEW! All the fun and none of the effort-- that's what I'm talkin' about.
Do you have your soundtrack downloaded yet? If not, it's realllllllly good. Way better than the first soundtrack. I already loved Death Cab for Cutie, St. Vincent, Grizzly Bear and Thom Yorke before, now I love them even more!
And once you download it, buy some CD labels and slap this baby on it...enjoy!
Click image to enlarge, right click to save to your computer. Open in CD labeling software (such as Memorex exPressIt Label Design Studio), choose "use your own background", then voila!
Halloween has come and gone. I'm hoping snow holds off for awhile. Fall is my favorite season, and we get far too little of it.
These pics are from our anniversary mini-getaway. Thanks, by the way, to everyone who sent us congratulatory anni wishes! We had a wonderful time sans kids, and they in turn had a wonderful time with their grandparents.
Now we just wait for Thanksgiving and then Christmas which will also be here and gone before we know it. In the meantime, my husband has put together a nice little cozy warm playlist and called it "Autumn Sweater", and I thought I'd share. I must admit that I added the last three songs because they are my current new faves. I'm sure many of you may guess why.
Here to Fall - Yo La Tengo Cheated Hearts - Yeah Yeah Yeahs Time to Pretend - MGMT Fake Empire - The National Postcards from Italy - Beirut (Alli, this one's for you, how appropos! hee hee) 1901 - Phoenix Autumn Sweater - Yo La Tengo Favorite Song - KaiserCartel Alone Again Or - Calexico Possibility - Lykke Li Friends - Band of Skulls Violet Hour - Sea Wolf
If you give it a listen, let me know what you think.
Ryan has a good ear for music. He creates pretty good playlists and gives them awesome names like Dirty on Purpose or Mullet Proof Fence (we have a bizarre sense of humor). It's funny to me, but he doesn't remember liking music much until college when he discovered The Beatles.
For me, I can remember being 7 years old and going with my brother to a record shop and stocking up on Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Pat Benetar and Stray Cats pin back buttons. He would buy the albums, and seeing certain covers like Clash's London Calling, Synchronicity by The Police and Culture Club's Kissing to be Clever certainly takes me back. Although it would be the Flashdance soundtrack that was my first ever album purchased. What are your first memories of music? What was the first album you ever bought?
Here are my two official faves! Who can tell me where this Koop Island Blues is from?? It was on a show tonight BUTT I love it anyway (hahahaha).
Close second is Actor Out of Work by St. Vincent:
I really REALLY wanted to include French Navy by Camera Obscura because I love them so, but I hate to say that I realllllly dislike that song. I don't know why. Sorry to the C.O. fans out there-- I'm not soured on them, but that song is like nails on chalkboard to me. Let me know if anyone is a fan of any of these songs! xo
Jazzercise. I’ve been going at least 3 times per week and Sunday I went at 8:30 am (a real feat for me being the hater of early rising and exercising that I am). Are you sick of hearing about this yet? You don’t know how ecstatic I am to have found a form of exercise that I can not only endure but actually enjoy.
New Moon Trailer. Typically, huge muscles aren’t my thing, but WOW, Taylor. Just wow. Good thing the shirtless pics of Rob just came out because I might have been like, “Edward who?”.
MTV Movie Awards. Whatev, Eminem. Like you weren’t in on the Bruno thing. At first, I was unsure, but after watching it again, I am convinced. No such thing as bad publicity, right? It was a very Twilight night too which, of course, is always good. Rob in his disheveled glory and KStew in her awkward, award-dropping, finest. Other highlights were Andy Samberg’s naked opener and poor Leighton Meister who was accused of being a closet gas-passer. Good stuff.
Up. Q had her first successful full-length, in-the-theater, movie-watching experience. Ryan took her to see Up, and she was only slightly antsy towards the end. My big girl.
Challenges. Work is having a weight loss challenge and Jazzercise is having an attendance challenge. I’m all over both. I had a dream I had Charlize Theron’s body last night. Ok, ok—a *bit* of a stretch, but an inspiration nonetheless. I’m feeling healthier and stronger every day. Weight loss has been consistent albeit slow, however, I can tell I’m feeling more tone for sure. Check my left sidebar for progress! I’m thinking I need to start documenting my measurements.
Glee. Have you seen this show??? Must watch it now!!! I’m in total and utter love. I’ve watched it three times now. Cutest thing ever. We’ve all had “Don’t Stop Believin’” stuck in our heads all weekend. Q keeps asking me to sing this line to her, “He took the midnight train going anywhere…” Bummed we have to wait until the fall to see more.
Alone Time. This weekend, Ryan is taking the girls to see my in-laws. And he told me I could stay home. It’s about 30 hours to myself (ahhh, heaven), but I’m planning my time wisely. I currently have a massage scheduled and flea marketing with Amy too. So far, so good!
Girl Land Summer Mix 2009. Starting my annual compilation! I can’t promise you there will be all high-quality songs (I can forewarn you that there will be a Britney tune), but hopefully I don’t lose the small amount of credibility I may have. A good mix, I say. Perhaps some new Camera Obscura, The Dirty Projectors, Bat for Lashes, etc. Shall be coming within the next couple weeks. Holding your breath, no?
Power the Librarian. My friend's son made this movie for a contest to win some money for my hometown library. That's his sister, Jessamy, in the film. And I THINK it may be Zac himself as the freaky Power dude. Leave a comment and tell the judges how deserving they would be of the prize money!!!
Are we glad Monday's over? Yes! Do we hate Tuesdays even MORE than Mondays? Yes! Boooo. xo
So typical Monday. I get home, I'm tired and crabby. I feel like I live in squalor. Everything is in chaos. Quinn eats her dinner (crab quiche and grape tomatoes) and Ryan gives her a few orange segments-- she starts choking on a piece because she takes WAY too big of bites...and she pukes all over me as I'm eating my dinner. Lovely. All night long I got to hear, "Sorry I puked on your pants, Mommy."
I started making some glitter houses like last year's. Glad Amy nudged me in the right direction because my heart wasn't into it. Until tonight! I like this one, and I do think it looks better in person, but I'm wondering if it's too plain or too gaudy. I like that perfect mix, ya know? I owe the color combo to Sweet Jessie. And the little girl in the doorway came from some wrapping paper she sent me last Xmas-- I printed it on vellum. It looks cute with a little flicker LED light inside. I couldn't get a good pic of it with the lights off though. I feel like there should be something around the windows, but I don't want to overdo it. The windows are also vellum that let the light through and they do look less plain in person.
So I'll have two like this one at DUCF, two like the last year's, and one medium size that I'm not sure of the color combo yet. Maybe a red house with a white roof? Seems so crazy to be talking about Xmas since we haven't even seen Halloween yet!
Speaking of, we took the girls to Boo at the Zoo this weekend. We were hemming and hawing up until the very last second. Stopped at Pronto for some booze to warm our cockles (um, us, not the girls) and then proceeded to the zoo. Quinn decided she liked saying, "Here you go" instead of "Trick or Treat". Priceless. Vivian was just all around pissed. We had a snowsuit for her with ears on it as her costume was being altered, but she wasn't having it. So Ryan zipped her up in his jacket, poor baby.
Hope everyone survived their respective Monday. When you get puked on, the week can only improve, don't you agree?
One more thing-- I have a new term here in Girl Land bloggy world, COO (= Currently Obsessing Over). Today I'm COO the upcoming Twilight soundtrack. I thought I was too old to appreciate Paramore, but then I read the lead singer is 34 (Older than me! Yay!), and their song, Decode, is super catchy. I will be buying the soundtrack on November 4 after I cast my vote (EEK). Another nifty draw is that I read today that Robert Pattinson's voice (he sings a song on it) is like a young Jeff Buckley's. SOLD! Actually, I think the latter's songs Everybody Here Wants You or New Year's Prayer would have been lovely and fitting for the soundtrack. Or Fiona Apple's The First Taste. I told you...COO emphasis on the first O.
My days are fleeting now. I have lofty ideas of painting a baby doll highchair for Q, painting some picture frames for Q’s room, making matching Halloween embroidered or appliquéd shirts for both V and Q, sanding step stools, etc. But by the time we come home, eat dinner, do nighttime routine (baths every night—my kids sweat!), and read books, it’s almost 8:30.
Working full time again definitely makes me appreciate them both more though, I think. Q is really funny. She has learned to operate Ryan’s iPod Touch. She takes it out of the case, puts it on the speaker, turns the speaker on, then scrolls through the songs until she gets to her favorite—“Whole Wide World” by Wreckless Erick. She’s obsessed. Q calls him “Reslick Erick”. I’m so glad she doesn’t need to listen to Barney or The Wiggles every day. She also loves Feist and Talking Heads (“Where are Talking Heads’ knees, Daddy???”). And it makes me proud that my 2 year old is more technologically savvy than one of our presidential candidates (ahem).
OSB Update: So far, so good! Had a few minor incidents involving movie theater popcorn, but still on track. I’m addicted to Morningstar Farms Chik Patties. Cut up, they seriously taste like FRIED chicken tenders. My favorite salad is currently mixed greens, 1 chik patty cut up, cucumber, grape tomatoes, ½ oz. shredded cheddar (full fat yo), and 1 ½ Tbsp. Newman’s Own light honey mustard. It’s 6 WW pts and fills you up. Plus, it counts as 2 veggies and is chock full o’ protein. You could add another 2 pts with a little bacon (I use the pre-cooked stuff) and crumbled egg whites. Tastes just like J. Alexander’s Cypress Salad. Yum!
I had to share the above. Makes ya all warm and fuzzy, eh? I'm doing a happy dance myself (whoop, whoop!) because I believe Q has the hang of this potty training thing. No accidents AT ALL today and #2 on the toilet TWICE. Awwwwwww, snap.
Sorry to the non-watchers who must be bored of my blathering, but did you SEE SYTYCD tonight??? So good, I thought. Loved the Twitch/Katee number to Mercy by Duffy (on Girl Land's 2008 Summer Soundtrack, btw, ha). Both Will and Courtney's dances were great too! Sticking by my prediction that Comfort and Mark will be gone tomorrow which sucks because I like them both.
As a folow up to last year's summer playlist, I have compiled a new one for 2008. It's published to Apple iTunes here. It took me mustering up all my willpower not to name it "Boner Jams '08".
You will have to excuse the inclusion of the Pussycat Dolls and Jesse McCartney, but damn if I can't get those two songs out of my head! I tried to compensate for the crap by adding a little Weezer and Rilo Kiley.
1. American Boy - Estelle feat Kanye West: Lurves me some Kanye. This is my fave song of the bunch.
2. Mercy - Duffy: I actually saw her perform this on Ellen, and I liked the live version better.
3. When I Grow Up - PCD: These chicks are so dirty looking. But this song is really catchy. I am like a 12 year old boy-- I like the part where they say they want to have boobies. Heh.
4. Pork & Beans - Weezer: How can you go wrong with Weezer? The video has this stupid YouTube vid in it of the dramatic prairie dog, so that's a bonus. Is that a band member's face superimposed on it in the video????
5. Magic - Robin Thicke: I really liked his song from last year, Lost Without You. This one's good too.
6. The Moneymaker - Rilo Kiley: This song is older than the rest. It's a nice chillaxing song (did I just say that?).
11. It's Amazing - Jem: Nothing can beat her song, They. This one's pretty good though and mellow.
12. 4 Minutes - Madonna feat Justin: You know how I feel about my JT. And any other 50 something running around in her undies would look stupid, but Madonna looks dang good, I must say...
13. Cobrastyle - Robyn: I don't press people button. Nuff said.
Q had a busy day yesterday! Ryan took her downtown Detroit to his work so he could meet some of his co-workers. Then they went to Belle Isle and had some fun.
In the afternoon she had a haircut (just a trim) and had her first public meltdown in Trade Secret at the mall. Hurrah! I knew it was coming, but I was in denial. I wanted to just get the h outta there, but I had a whole buttload of stuff on the counter ready to be cashed out. Sigh. I'm sure this is just a taste of what's to come. But overall, she's still a pretty good kid.
Have you seen these They Might Be Giants DVDs? We received the ABC one when Q was really young. That one is super catchy and very quirky. And not the least bit annoying which is a challenge when it comes to children's entertainment. We just bought the 123's one, and it's even MORE catchy than the first! Seriously, I cannot get this one song out of my head. I was even dreaming about it last night. Even if you don't have kids, it's way amusing. I'd say even more for adults, really!
I am sure most of my crafty cohorts know that Emily Martin of The Black Apple is going to be on Martha on March 11. My Tivo is set and ready to go! But since I know some of my non-crafting friends and family read my blog, you must know that I would consider her to be one of biggest crafting heroes. Others being this sweet lady who inspired me to open my Etsy shop and of course, Miss Stewart herself. But I digress.
Emily's success with Etsy is crazy! Over 12,000 items sold, and she makes her living at it. I do think it's nice that she still pens personal little notes in her packages and writes you the occasional email when you comment on her blog. Here are just a few little things around our house that have been created by Emily.
Mama and Baby Dunce Dolls in my craft room:
A Bandit Hedgie Tee for Quinn (won't fit her for awhile):
Wee House Stationery:
And my very first Etsy purchases (made about a year and a half ago) now in Q's toddler room!
And a few of you sweeties have asked to see Q's room. I'm a little embarrassed of it right now. The whole theme was to be pink & red and enchanted foresty. No fairies, but mushrooms, looming trees, hedgehogs, and gnomes. Welllll, I'm waiting on the quilt and I'm hoping that it pulls everything together because right now I'm feeling like my vision is not turning out as I'd hoped. I still need the perfect clock and curtains, but I may wait until after the quilt is on the bed. Thinking just plain swiss dot curtains with light blocking shades underneath, but not sure of that either.
Also, wanted to share with you this little ditty. I found the first mix CD I ever made, and Q and I were rockin' out to it on the way to lunch with my cousin this morning. I love this song by Fleming & John! I particularly like the lines "Does she tell you want you want to hear? And I bet that she could grow a beard. I'd feel better thinking you were queer..." Sigh. What a sweet song.
Hope y'all survived Monday. I'm off to eat dinner...lobster bisque and yeast dinner rolls homemade by...NOT ME-- Westborn Market, actually. :) xo
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.
Eek, I had my hair chopped off Tuesday. I think I’m fine with it. It was pretty darn long, and it was a spur of the moment decision, but um, I think I’m fine with it (did I say that already?). It was so much easier to do Wednesday morning, and I’m liking the compliments (my 2 friends at work said it was “sexy”—not sure I agree, but I appreciated it nonetheless). I took this dorky picture on my camera phone to show my mom and cousin. Do you know what sway bangs are? I’m not sure either, but I have them. I guess it is a fancy name for angled bangs. Ok, enough about my dumb hair.
This week has been busy but fun! Monday worked on my craft room, Tuesday got my har did, Wednesday went to the zoo with Amy and Ramona to see The Candy Band! I am partial to Skittles myself, and as I told Amy, if I were asked to be in the The Candy Band, I would like to be called "Goobers". I really like having a kid so I can schlep her to fun things. Amy was sweet enough to ask us and get us free parking and admission! Whoo hooooo! The girls had fun, saw penguins and otters, danced, and Quinn learned a new word courtesy of Ramona. This is the two of them in the backseat most of the way home: STICKY sticky STICKY sticky STICKY sticky STICKY.
This morning, Quinn had to go the doctor for a routine checkup and one shot. The kid didn't even cry. Tonight watched the Season Finale of So You Think You Can Dance. Lacey was robbed!!!!!!!! Well, Sabra may have been a *tad* better, but Lacey had a goofier (=better) personality. Dang-o. Also received these lovelies in the mail-- more fabric for Q's toddler room quilt and a mini diaper bag for Amelia's birthday although it's more of a gift for her mommy! She's getting some more things though too. I am also on the lookout for a vintage-looking table to pair with this chair, so I can create a lil' crafty space for Q in my new room!
Tomorrow, Ry and I are playing hookey and going to the in-laws to visit "The Spaniards" which are Ryan's uncle and cousin and her boyfriend visiting from Spain. They've never met Quinn before. They don't speak very much English, but maybe that language Q is speaking isn't jibberish-- maybe there's some Spanish in there somewhere...
Did I ever tell you I am a pop culture junkie? I think I got it from my brother. If I were to ever apply to the World Series of Pop Culture it would be with him and his wife (let's do it, Joel and Ruth! ha). I like being addicted to pop culture. Although, Ryan gives me a hard time because I can probably tell you the name of every cast member from Lost, but ask me about politics and world affairs, that’s another story. Kinda pathetic.
I may have also gotten it from my mother who (and I’m not kidding you) has called me up on multiple occasions and will ask something along the lines of, “Have you seen Beyonce’s new video? That song isn’t very good, and she’s being downright nasty in it!”. About five years ago, she called me and said, “Have you heard of this group called Maroon 5?” I hadn’t yet. She also loves Queen, Gwen Stefani, and Prince.
Anyway, I’m apparently keeping the pop culture awareness alive. The other day, in the car, I asked Q what she wanted to listen to. I’m NOT KIDDING YOU, she said, “No No Song! No No Song!!” which translates to Rehab by Amy Winehouse (as in “They try to make me go to Rehab, and I say NO NO NO”). She loves it and gets this little bobble head thing going in her carseat. Probably not a kid's song she should be listening to, but ain't no way I can handle something like The Wiggles in the morning. Ryan will have to balance her out with teaching her about more important (less fun but way more intellectually significant) things. He has already bought her U.S. President flashcards, and the kid’s not even 2—lucky her!
The hubby and I have been threatening that we're going to get rid of Rhapsody. We never do. The best thing about it is the playlist feature. I was scrolling through our playlists this morning, and I had to laugh. Some of Ryan's playlist titles include: "Dirty on Purpose", "Mullet- Proof Fence", and "R to the L.O." which has like one 50 Cent song in it for some reason.
I rarely burn cd's, but around this time every summer, I just get the itch. This summer I've stuck with entirely too many Sugar Pop songs, but I gots to be me. Here is my official 2007 Summer Soundtrack Playlist:
1. When Did Your Heart Go Missing - Rooney: How can you resist anything with the lead singer being Jason Schwartzmann's little brother? Doesn't hurt that Robert Carmine is really stinkin' cute. One minus is apparently there was a whole O.C. episode revolving around Rooney-- ick. One plus is that this song is very Keane-esque-- yay.
2. Tambourine - Eve: Have you seen this video? Eve is a total hottie.
3. Little of Your Time - Maroon 5: Adam Levine is Divine. I probably should have done Wake Up Call because I think it's the next single, but this is my favorite on the new cd.
4. Barracuda - Fergie: before you snub, listen! I really heart Heart (heh), and I think the Wilson sisters would be proud. Only drawback is it's on the Shrek 3 soundtrack. WTF. There's no video, so check out this weird penguin thing.
8. Young Folks - Peter, Bjorn and John: this song is musical crack. You'll wake up whistling, I swear you will. You think I'm kidding? Best line is Victoria Bergsman singing, "Doesn't matter what you did. You were high anyway". The pic at the top is a still from the video.
9. LDN - Lily Allen: I love this girl. LDN, by the way, I believe is the airport code for London
10. Like This - Kelly Rowland: I had trouble coming up with a 10th song, but I'm a sucker for Indian music (in the background).
I made a keychain. Do people like keychains? I have no idea. I hope so because I bought a bunch of rectangular and round. I have a whole set of kid's reference books, and there are some freaky weird pictures of animals and birds and such I think I may use. I really like this birdie. Maybe I will dig through and find some other pics. Oh, and I think I may add a charm to them as well. Here's one I made for Jessie, but I could do any name of course.
The weekend will be fun, but busy. One thing is for sure--I will be listening to my new favorite cd (not very cutting edge, but it's so damn catchy and I heart Adam Levine-- stay tuned for Adam Levine themed blog post). Tonight, 2 friends and I are putting on Brandy's "Happy Shower" (work shower after work) at my fave pizza joint. Saturday, my friend, Lizzie, is visiting with new baby, Evan from South Carolina and we're going to try to make it here. Sunday is brunch with the parentals, hubby, and Q here. I'm already eyeing the crepes stuffed with berries and Michigan honey. Mmmm!
Have a good weekend, Lovies! Xo to all.
Additional Tidbit: I just realized that on Track #10 Kiwi, Rashida Jones (she plays Karen on The Office) provides additional vocals. Just for all you Office fans out there...
Dave just saw Inland Empire. He told me I'd like the scenes showing a rabbit family that reminded him of my logo. As one article put it, "a dark version of Goodnight Moon". I then read that David Lynch had made these online-only short films and thrown them into the movie for no apparent reason. I was a big Twin Peaks fan, so I can't wait to watch them all.
I think my love of anthropomorphic animals started with one of my favorite toys as a kid, The Woodseys. My parents still have the log and all the lil' squirrel guys and furniture too. Thus my love of enchanted woodland folk began!
A fellow Etsyer, Ingero, was kind enough to create my logo for me based on some ideas I gave her. Among my inspirations were Etsy faves The Black Apple, Magic Jelly, and Art & Ghosts. Basically I told Ingero "something creepy cute". All the while, I had this video in my head as well. Radiohead is one of my all-time favorite bands I do believe...and this video, the epitome of creepy cute: There There by Radiohead.
I cannot WAIT! Oh, the anticipation. Plus, we have a nice sized ad on Page 9 of the Home Universe section of the Metro Times thanks to Danielle and Heidi.
Speaking of 93.9 The River, I am listening to it right now, and I am never turning the channel. When did they stop playing easy listening??? I'm out of the loop. They are playing my Amy Winehouse song right now. I've heard it a zillion times before, but I never get sick of it. Other songs I never get tired of: Smile by Lily Allen, Wake Up by Arcade Fire and Phantom Limb by The Shins!
So since we now have Wide Open West instead of Comcast, Q has been watching Noggin in the morning instead of Sprout. Not only do I LOVE Noggin for her and find the only super annoying shows to be Dora and Go, Diego, Go, I have been introduced to and am currently mildly obsessed with the Trachtenburg Slideshow Players.
Basically, they are a family consisting of mother, father, and 12 year old daughter who are modern day vaudevillians in a sense. All of their music is inspired by vintage slide collections purchased from flea markets and estate sales (We have something in common! See previous post). So they make this kind of unique indie music and when they perform, they play the slideshows in the background. How absolutely wonderful is that??
It reminded me of a band my husband told me about I think from the 60's or 70's? It was a band comprised of several kids and possibly the parents as well. In any case, most if not all of them were deficient in both tone and rhythm, however their parents kept coaxing them to perform and record songs. The only song I heard by them made me feel like I was silently going insane. In a good way though! I will need to post their name if I can get it from the hubby.
Anyway, all good stuff. I likes. Lots. Buy their DVD if you'd like to likes as well...
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Tomorrow, Ry and I are playing hookey and going to the in-laws to visit "The Spaniards" which are Ryan's uncle and cousin and her boyfriend visiting from Spain. They've never met Quinn before. They don't speak very much English, but maybe that language Q is speaking isn't jibberish-- maybe there's some Spanish in there somewhere...
