Ode to Living Room Blankets

A house without a pile of blankets is not a home.

We throw them out for living room picnics and cover our eyes with them during spooky nighttime movies. We wrap babies in drafty homes in them.

Blankets provide reassurance to children when they’re sick. And blankies naturally feed into children’s feelings of security when they’re spending the night away from home. And then when they go away for their first year of college.

Blankets cover our beds and call to us when we’re travelling. When we’re feeling homesick, our blankets are the reason why we can’t wait to “get home and sleep in our own bed.”

A chevron print draped over a reading chair might contribute to well-curated home decor. Nothing fancy about ’em!

Comfort, security, warmth, reassurance, remedy and good sleep. We can attribute our feelings of home to the blankets that wrap us in their carefully-nitted yarns and woven threads.

*All of the blankets above were thrifted from various thrift stores around town. I find it exceedingly difficult to walk past the blanket shelves without stopping. I love the meaning, history, and familial connection that thrift store blankets bring with them. The top hand-knit blanket, for example, does not form a perfect rectangle. We have to fold it very carefully. This is how I know it’s handmade, probably by someone’s grandma for a baby shower or housewarming gift. And I actually do have the chevron blanket draped over a chair next to the bookcase where hubster’s (unused) weight bench used to be. I happen to think it looks much more inviting and will get much more use:)

March 12, 2012

Two Opposite Weekends in Wisconsin

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Last weekend looked like this:

It was actually a really fun night. After what seemed like 8 inches of snow had fallen, I decided to go outside and start shovelling. I was soon joined by my big, little and four-legged boys. Once the sidewalk and driveway were all clear, we decided to take advantage of the highly-packable snow. We haven’t seen much of the white stuff this season (I can’t even begin to tell you how supremely odd this is unless you live here). It was 9 o’ clock at night, but we were having too much fun.

This weekend, it doesn’t feel like we’re in the same state. Today’s high was a mild 65, and Wednesday’s prediction is 73. Ahhhh. In all my 28 years, I’ve never seen a March in Wisconsin as beautiful as this one. Usually by March, we’re all pulling our hair out waiting for some green, warmth, and hint of life.

But we found our first bugs of the season, usually not seen until at least May.

And we had our first outdoor picnic of the year. I told hubster that I wasn’t coming inside all day, and he couldn’t make me. And I totally did. I might have even skipped church and Bible study (Dear God, please forgive me). I really felt like nothing could’ve made me feel more of God’s presence than a day like today. I grabbed another munchkin’ (Peanut’s cousin), and we played outside until the clouds started rolling in. I may have even gotten a little sun-kissed. Truly amazing!

March 9, 2012

Children Pick up on Everything

Those tiny people in your life pick up on everything…

That’s why I make a conscious choice to:

1. Take him with me to our polling place when we vote, to get into the habit.
2. Work out in front of him several times a week, so it’s part of his daily routine.
3. Make sure he knows there are so many things to do away from the TV, so he stays productive.
4. Introduced animals from the beginning, so they’re “no big deal.”
5. Let him “clean” and “cook” things, with supervision, so he’s well-rounded in domestic duties.
6. Read in front of and to him constantly, so he becomes a reader.
7. Stifle the swearing, so he doesn’t sound like a thug.
8. Talk about “love” so he knows what to value.
9. Celebrate the holidays in meaningful ways, so he has beautiful memories.
10. Take him outside as much as possible, so he values the Earth.
11. Make teeth brushing and dentist visits fun, so his choppers and heart stay healthy.
12. Have him pay for his own new toys from monies earned, so he achieves a sense of accomplishment.
13. Hug and squeeze him many times daily, so he understands love in tangible ways.
14. Have him say “sorry,” so he knows when to apologize.
15. Dance around in his underwear, so he doesn’t take everything too seriously.

Toddler chest presses

March 1, 2012

DIY Key Peg Board Makeover

This hodge podge of keys really bothered me, especially once I started dreaming up ways to streamline the look a little bit.

I bought a handful of these key tags and used my brand new 1-1/4″ hole punch. The circles just happened to be exactly the right size for the key tags.

I removed all the ties that the key tags came with and replaced them with some hemp ties and matching beads. I glued the 1-1/4″ circles (with a standard hole punched out) to one side of the key tag and labeled the key on the other side. Hint: use “code names” for the keys so if any unsavory intruders happen upon the pegboard, they won’t know exactly which key is for the garage and which is for the Mercedes. You know, just in case…

Here’s the finished look. I could’ve made it look a little cuter, but I was going for a cohesive, understated look here. Because I’m sure my husband wouldn’t appreciate his motorcycle keys all decked out in frilly pink ribbons with embroidery.

By the way, hubster is the one who made the pegboard itself. You’ll have to ask him about those details. He got some quality scrap wood from work, drilled holes in it for the key hangers, and stained the board dark walnut. There was probably some sanding and varnishing in there somewhere too.

February 28, 2012

Writing Tip: Keep a Word Collection

When I was a young girl, I think my mom suggested each of us girls should start “collecting” something. I got into teddy bears for awhile, then baseball cards. Those collections have long been donated or passed on, but I still keep my prism collection in the kitchen window. Today, I would say I have a special affinity toward collecting books, pretty things made out of glass, fitness DVDs, pretty fabrics and vintage ephemera.

But there’s one collection that I hadn’t really noticed before: Word Collections. I guess, being a writer, it just comes naturally to pay strong attention to words and descriptions. I will often read and re-read really captivating or thoughtful descriptions, hoping maybe I’ll remember the sentiment again someday. While reading magazines on the treadmill, my subconscious is always pointing out great word phrases that I could use at work. See, I like to write them on subscription cards from my fitness magazines…

Words that resonate with me (you have to understand the word nerdy-ness of a writer) are noted in my writing journal.

Sometimes they return again in a poem. Sometimes they’re just there to trigger a thought. Sometimes they help me to explain things better. Oh yeah, maybe it helps build a better vocabulary too.

I started another word list in the notebook journal I carry around everywhere. Mostly these are “nice” words that I like to think about on an inspirational vintage book page:

This last one is my word collection from work. It helps me with product descriptions and such. I have a whole section dedicated to “color” descriptions and phrases that mean “fast.” I have over 90 of those. Haha!

I can’t always keep this many words in my head at one time. It helps to record them, especially when I hit a block.

So my advice to other blog writers, and writers in general, is to keep a running list of word inspiration like this. I really think it helps your words stay fresh. Otherwise, just meditate on pretty words like “composure” when you’re stressed out.

February 26, 2012

My Latest Thrifting Finds

Here’s the latest stash of goods from my last thrift shopping adventure.

I just fell in love this cute embroidered pillow. With a good cleaning, it’s now my husband’s new “snuggle pillow.” He likes to hug a small pillow when he’s sleeping, especially when I’m not around. His old one was looking a little…um…worn.

Speaking of embroidery…it’s kind of become an obsession. This beautiful embroidered picture is now hanging in our office.

This beautiful hand-knit blanket is the perfect size for a toddler bed! And the colors were perfect for the Peanut too. I guess I have to give my husband a little lesson in dryers though. He has since felted a few of these knitted squares. Oops!

I’ve kind of been on the lookout for a small glasses case. As I sifted through the thrift store stash, I unearthed this cutie. The vine design was worth so much more than $0.50. Yay!

I also picked up an atlas and some pretty vintage papers for my art journal. It was a productive trip, I’d say.

February 25, 2012

A Crafty Sunday Evening

This past Sunday, I had a surge of motivation that led me on a crafting frenzy. I sewed four spit-up rags for my brand-new baby nephew, whipped up one pair of super-adorable infant pants (that were supposed to be toddler pants, but oops), put together a sewn yo-yo garland, finished up a “happy birthday” banner for a work friend, ironed some wrinkly things that had been laying around, and put the finishing touches on a few other projects. I hooked up the embroidery hoop and am now dreaming of designs for a way-too-cute little onesie. Boats keep coming to mind, because his daddy’s in the Navy. Maybe an anchor. We shall see.

This has got to be the best kind of therapy around. Nothing can beat me when I’m a-workin’. And there’s nothing like that feeling afterwards when you look in awe at all you did and wonder how you did it. I’m going to try and remember this feeling so that next time I’m feeling down, I can replay this little trick. I’m also going to remember a few little projects that I can slip in during those 10 minute increments I keep talking about. I just love spending my time productively.

My Peanut, meanwhile, was completely engrossed in pretend play behind me. When I was done at the sewing table, he climbed his little legs up there and pretended to sew, cut, fold and perfect his little sewing craft. He brought in his two “babies” and taught them too! Those four little spit-up rags we put together are sure wrapped in a lot of love.

February 21, 2012

Here an Art Journal, There an Art Journal

It must be a sign that I need to keep up with this art journaling business. Even my inbox is teeming with inspiration. I love the idea of art journaling because it’s a combination of a bunch of my favorite things. I’ve never been much of a scrapbooker, but I like the idea of combining pictures with quotes, thoughts, or literature passages. There was an English teacher in high school who had everyone keep an art scrapbook for the semester and I was sooooo jealous I didn’t sign up for that session. I like the idea of keeping a diary, but not in a “dear diary” sense of spouting how your day went, but in a more messy stream-of-consciousness way. And I like the idea of keeping a scrapbook of art inspiration, doodles, ideas, intentions and self-reflection. I think you can learn a lot about yourself by discovering patterns in your work. The art journal does all of this in one pretty little place.

If you’re interested in giving this art journaling thing a shot, here’s a link to a free e-book that just came to my email: Cloth Paper Scissors: Art Journal Techniques.

Note to self: it’s about time you publish a few of your pages:)

February 16, 2012

Welcome to the Running Community

I wish the whole world could be a big version of running events. Have you ever seen how awesome people are at 5ks and other events? Even the winners come back and cheer on those that are bringing up the tail end. Everyone’s automatically amiable those days. And at the end, everyone gets to revel in the feeling of having accomplished something.

I never really was a runner until my later college years. One day, I just decided to enter a Half Marathon. I mean, usually people start a little smaller. But not me! And boy am I glad I did. My second run was a measly cross-country 3-mile run in hot, humid temperatures. I always say, if that had been my first run, I would’ve given up road racing right then and there. But the Half was one of the best experiences of my life. People were cheering at every corner the whole 13.1 miles. It felt like I was partying inside a huge celebration.

If you’re thinking about entering an upcoming race, I encourage you to go for it! To help you decide, I’ve listed my most favorite parts about running road races:

1. You get a nice solid run in on a Saturday before most people have even rolled out of bed.

2. The quiet sound of thousands of feet on the pavement! I wish I had a recording of this so I could use it for meditation. Yes, it’s truly that amazing!

3. You get some fun swag and usually a free T-shirt.

4. The amazing people who come out that early just to wave flags, direct traffic, ring cowbells and encourage runners. I need some of these people in my life every day. Imagine how much we could all get done with that level of enthusiasm and encouragement!

5. Vendors selling last year’s shoe models for less than a cheap meal!

6. The feeling of community. No one cares how fast you are or what you’re wearing, you just automatically belong. You’re all there to run and encourage each other and that feeling of connection is amazing.

7. Water stations. I love them. People volunteer to just stand with their arms out to hand you a cup of water or Gatorade. Such a gracious act. And you totally have permission to litter afterward!

I’m sending in a 5k application today for my husband and I. It’s become one of my dearly favorite yearly tradition with us. We plan on making running dates from now until April. How sweet is that?

February 7, 2012

Chia Seeds, the Next Superfood?

I’ve been reading Born to Run (which I highly highly recommend!), and these amazing little nuggets keep popping up out of the book. I just want more, more, more, just like those running endorphins. I can’t help but be mesmerized by the feats of Ann Trason, the mystery of the Tarahumara, and the discovery of chia seeds.

Ch ch ch chia! Yes, those same chia pets from the 80s will get you pretty darn close to a mega-loaded superfood. Let’s not pretend that these are a “secret cure” to anything, but they are really packed with so many amazing things. Even WebMD says: “Enjoy chia seeds for their flavor and to boost the fiber, protein, calcium, antioxidants, and omega-3s in your diet. But don’t expect a big weight loss boost.” Obviously, I’m not a doctor, so don’t take it from me. But even Dr. Oz has something to say about the teeny powerhouses. Because you know if Dr. Oz says it, then…

The Tarahumara, these seemingly superhuman long-distance runners in Mexico, use chia seeds as sort of our version of an energy gel. They mix the seeds with water and a little lemon juice and the mixture seems to give them an energy surge. The cool thing is, chia seeds hold water, which is a great benefit for the endurance athlete.

I don’t normally eat fish, except for canned tuna, due to a taste aversion. I’ve always leaned on walnuts, flaxseed and Smart Butter for small hits of Omega 3s. This, to me, sounds like another good way to squeeze a few more vitamins in. I’m putting my order in!

This book is just fascinating. It makes me want to get up and run 100 miles every time I pick it up, because a 5k sounds really wimpy. I highly suggest you pick up a copy or rent it from the library.