More Fantastic Finds

Another day spent on the computer...in my defense, I was originally looking for meal ideas and recipes.  I just happened to get a tad distracted :-/

RuthBleakley

Petite Lap Giraffe

TensionNOT

Uber Gizmo

Bucikah

I'm in the mood for tiny things, if you can't tell.  I'm especially wanting the little giraffe, and might even have to get a finger tattoo...I'm in love!

Things I Love

Here are a few things that I have fallen in love with...

Photojojo

pixelcloud

Raw Photo Design

Lovely Designs

Home Create

Just some little items I found while surfing the web today. :)

Grateful 365 Project

I saw this on a friend's facebook page and absolutely adore the concept.  The idea is to take a picture a day to keep in touch with the little things in life that make our year so special and unique.  It's supposed to actually be a photography project, but I truly believe that you don't need talent in taking photos in order to convey what means the world to you.  And the fact that there are millions of people around the world participating in the same project help lends the idea a sense of community and group support: not everyone values or treasures the same ideas/objects.  It's quite amazing.  Here are a few shots from the Project 365 Flickr group:

Photo by: Anthony Herald

Photo by: Lyfe Thru My Lense

Photo by: Paul R. Giunta Photography

Keep in mind, these pictures are for the photography project (just called Project 365).  The majority of us in life aren't this talented (and by us, I mean me).  The Grateful 365 Project is a little more sentimental and meaningful, meant for the day to day activities and to help us appreciate the small things in life.  

If you are interested in the photography portion, check out this link.  It helps explain the process and gives you some inspiration from shots others have taken.  If you're interested in the origins of where the Grateful Project came from, and would like to check out the impending documentary, take a gander here.  Also, Hogan Imaging's Facebook link is how I learned more about the project, and 365 Grateful the Documentary site is where I found more information about the project.

Hopefully this made sense...my brain is a mess right now trying to figure out how to describe it.  I personally will be starting this project on Sunday, so feel free to check back to watch the process.  Leave a comment if you have a question, or feel free to email me or find me on Facebook (English N Timmy Brownderson).  Good luck with your project!!!

The Dirty Things in Life

If you know me at all, you know I hate dirt.  I hate bugs, I hate being sweaty, I hate walking barefoot...I actually dislike most of what has to do with outside.  Sounds horrible, I know, but I can't help it.  What I do like about outside mostly has to do with picnic blankets separating me from the grass and ants, or lawn chairs that keep me completely elevated.  I like looking outside, so I often have my windows and curtains open, but I honestly don't like being out there with all the teeny tiny gross bugs.  

So, with this new eye opening information, can anyone tell me WHY I decided that I needed to redo my flower beds?!  Great idea in my head, horrible idea when acted out.  Here is what I had to deal with before I got started:

To be honest it was actually worse than this.  Imagine it covered with rocks and three horrible bushes destroying the picture.  We had to shovel up the rocks and bushes...that random thing there is a weed.

Needless to say, there were lots of bugs, lots of dirt, I was sweaty and tired from shoveling so much, and I now have blisters on my hands.  Me = not happy.  But it really needed it; our house was an eye sore on a street where people actually plant flowers and bushes and take care of them.  I wait and let the weeds grow as much as possible until I get a warning to cut them down...

Four hours later, and here is the final result:

The strip along the sidewalk used to be rock and weeds.  So much better now, aye?!

I finally get to put my flowers on display, and now have somewhere to sit and watch the dogs run in the front yard.  Ignore my half eaten cushions and bench.  My dogs are the reason I can't have nice things.

So, I accomplished one of my to-do items.  I'm so happy with the result, and I think whoever moves in after will appreciate the easy upkeep of their new flower beds.  Yay for me, un-yay for my blistery hands.

Oh, the Vision of Success!

I've mentioned before that I've actually started planning the reception, but a lot of what I was looking at was online.  I've downloaded at least a hundred of photos of other couples' weddings to help me envision the style I wanted, but it was still hard for me to grasp.  I took my first trip to town today with the specific purpose of finding decorations, trays, and whatnot for the party, and am sooooo happy with what I found.  

I found at least 5 or 6 of these trays for the food, and quite a few assorted baskets for the tables.

Isn't this birdhouse amazing?!  It will be at the party, but I didn't buy it specifically for that...I am determined to find a place for it in our home.

 The jars will be used as cups for all of the guests.  I'm loving the yellow ribbon...matches the plates perfectly!

These precious antique beer bottles will be a perfect substitute for vases for my sunflowers!

I feel so accomplished with my purchases, and it is all thanks to the local Goodwill.  Or, thanks to the wonderful people that donated to the Goodwill!  There is still a lot to do, but my vision is coming true (yes, I'm a poet).  Cups, plates, cloth for the napkins I'll be making, and much more is all sitting in the garage waiting for summer.  I'm so excited!