it's happening
The leaves are turning yellow and orange, falling and getting crunchy underfoot. Is it early this year? It seems early to me.
Then again, I think I say that every year.
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The leaves are turning yellow and orange, falling and getting crunchy underfoot. Is it early this year? It seems early to me.
Then again, I think I say that every year.
Green today- dew on the grass. It's the coolest morning yet, and I seem to be fine with it.
I'm working on a little project but we're out of wood glue. I'm also still planning some new items for my shop, but I'm waiting for something to arrive in the mail.
Soup for dinner would be nice. Maybe we'll bake something to go with it.
I'm going with the flow. Savoring my coffee a little longer in the morning. Staying calm about wearing a little sweater today. Not stressing over putting the comforter back on the bed. Taking it easy with Autumn Color Week photos here at the blog. And this weekend it our official start of the season, the Apple Fest. I hope it stays cool. (Did I just say that?!)
There's been a lot of chit-chat going on lately about thrifting, so today I thought I'd share a few of my thrifting tips. Perhaps you'll find them useful, or at least familiar. If I had to guess, I'd say that 90% of our clothing and housewares are second-hand items. I love to thrift!
What I love the most about going thrifting is the possibility of a really good bargain. It's like cheating but in the best way. When something fantastic appears (like these clogs), it makes all the effort of buying second-hand worthwhile.
Tip #1. Limit the field.
I have two thrift stores (well, maybe three) that I love the most. They are close to me, I know their hours, and I know their strengths. My very favorite store sorts clothing by size AND color. Yes. My second favorite always has good, cheap linens and a different sale each day of the week.
Tip #2. Check in often.
Every time I drive by my favorite thrift store, I stop in for a couple minutes. I cruise quickly through my key areas (shoes, boys clothes, housewares, linens) and I usually leave empty handed. I only hunt for clothes for Brian and myself when I'm child free and have a little time. N gets TONS of hand-me-downs, the lucky girl. I never shop for her.
Tip #3. Know what you're looking for.
I keep a list- sometimes in my head and sometimes on paper- of things I'm looking for. Rachel recently did this with photos from her J. Crew catalog. Smart cookie. I also keep a little piece of paper in my wallet with the measurements of our tables in case I run across a good tablecloth.
Here's what's on my list now: a little basket for the top of the basement stairs to catch dirty tea towels and stinky socks (found one this morning- that's it just above), a long but slim neutral sweater to wear belted (found it today- Mark Shale, cashmere blend- woo hoo!), a pair of nice khaki chinos (like these navy ones), classic penny loafers for myself, a coat for J (to replace the thrifted North Face coat he lost- boo hoo.), a v-neck sweater for Bri, a cute little vintage clutch purse (now that I've seen Rachel's.)
I also keep a running mental list of things for which I'm always watching: jeans and pants for J, white layering t-shirts, vintage tablecloths and napkins (my one real weakness), shoes for Brian, books.
Tip #4. Be picky.
This is a hard one. Look for good name brands and designers that you like. I know that Gap and Banana Republic pants usually fit me well, so I keep an eye out for those. But if it's a great brand but has seen better days- pass. it. by. Try on clothes! Be critical of the fit. Try on shoes. (Some people are scared of shoes, but I'm not. If they are in good shape with little wear, I'll get them. I wash them well with soapy water and spray the inside with Lysol.) Look for cracks and chips in dishes. Ask to plug things in to see if they work.
Tip #5. Don't be too picky.
Keeping all the parts of the last tip in mind, know your skills. Small rips in seams can be repaired. Buttons can be updated. Skirts can be shortened. Dresses can be altered into smock tops. Oxyclean is a miracle worker. I've gotten many a stain out of clothes and linens. Wool sweaters (even ones that say dry clean only) can be hand washed and laid flat to dry. Leather loves saddle soap and mink oil.
Tip #6. Be creative about sources.
Thrift stores aren't the only way to buy second hand. Craigslist rocks. So does the free section of the classifieds. Garage sales are cool, but occasionally people have a sentimental attachment to stuff and inflate prices. Church sales are awesome in the housewares department. Have a clothes swap with friends. Don't be ashamed of hand-me-downs. Large item pickup days and dumpster diving is cool- not embarrassing.
Tip #7. Don't go overboard.
Personally, I have found a direct correlation between clutter and overabundance of crap and feeling frazzled and depressed. No matter what it is, ask yourself again and again, "Do I really need this?"
Happy thrifting! (and weekending too.)
I have been working on a couple of items for my shop, and I have a post about thrifting rattling around in my head, but these things will have to wait. I'm in the kitchen today. A dear friend of mine is having a crisis, and sometimes when you're not sure how to help, you have to stick with what you know: lasagna, spaghetti and turkey meatballs, chicken noodle soup, banana bread.
I'll be back soon with the other stuff. xo.
But you knew that. The thing is, it's really fun. Seriously. People pay me to paint on their walls! Come on. How could it not be?
I recently (yesterday! while the little one was at extended day preschool!) painted a mural for a nice little family, and the dad had a great idea for his son's room- nearly life-sized and stylized baseball players. I had the wrong lens on my camera and it was difficult to get a good photo, but trust me. It looked good. At least I thought it did. Sometimes I leave a job when the clients are gone. I tidy up, take a couple photos, and lock the door behind me. It makes me a little nervous every time.
So last night after a really long day for all of us that ended with small, exhausted, whiny children finally closing their eyes, Brian checked the answering machine and there was a message from that dad. He LOVED the mural. "No need to call back," he said. "I just wanted to tell you how pumped we are that this room looks so amazing. I really love it. Thank you." That right there is the absolute. best. part. of painting murals.
Wait. Maybe the second best. When the kids are really excited about their mural? Yes. That's the ABSOLUTE best.
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Oh yeah. I also updated my main website, themayfly.com, last weekend. It's not drastically different; it's just freshened up and I added a page for my portraits. I updated up a lot of the photos and the about page. So if you're inclined, go poke around.
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It has been a busy, busy week for us, and blissfully there is nothing on the calendar for today. We have clean laundry, a lasagna and rice krispie treats in our future...
I'm betting this is all you'll hear from me this week, so have a great weekend!
Let's get one thing clear. It's seriously lucky that we're naturally thin people (I'll duck while you throw things), because we do not diet. But what we do try hard to do is eat real, whole, homemade foods- local if possible- whenever we can. I like butter, sugar, milk, cheese, honey, whole wheat. I do not like partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose anything, artificial sweeteners, enriched flours. This is nothing new, right?
One of our last holdouts is was our very favorite creamer to which we are completely addicted: Coffee-mate Vanilla Caramel. It is full of gross things I can hardly pronounce.
Yesterday, feeling all clever, I had the grand plan to flavor some half and half, and dog-gone-it, it worked! It's yummy. Here's what I did:
I caramelized about 1/2 cup brown sugar + 2 tsp vanilla extract + 1 tsp water in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolved and it was bubbly and thick. I pulled it off the burner, let it cool for about 30 seconds and then slowly whisked in a pint of my favorite half and half. Then I poured it right back into the bottle.
Tasty? Absolutely. Cheaper? No. Low fat? No way. Healthier? It has to be.
Now I'm busy dreaming up some new flavors to try...
Yesterday was the little one's first day of extended preschool. From 9 am until 3 pm I was all alone. Instead of working (I'll work next Wednesday- I already have a mural scheduled.) I planned a day out on the town.
I went to the Nelson-Atkins. I rarely go. I'm not sure why. That's not true. Two small, squirrelly, squealing children. That's why. But yesterday for two and a half hours I walked around and soaked it in. Alone and unrushed it was a completely different experience.
â¢It was a misty, foggy day and it made the time feel more important. The air was thick and still. It was quieter than usual outside.
â¢Walking around inside I realized there is a complete lack of odor which somehow helped me sink into each artwork. But when someone would walk by me, I would be flooded with their fabric softener and perfume smells, and it would snap me right back. It was an interesting sensation.
â¢Even the busload of rowdy teens that arrived calmed and quieted entering the Bloch building. Where they warned ahead of time? Or is there something about entering a space like that just makes them feel a reverence for the artwork, their surroundings, the experience itself. I prefer to think the latter.
â¢I left feeling refreshed and inspired- to make art, to look at more art, to find a way to attend some of the programs and events they offer.
I may have found a first-day-of-school tradition!
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Next was a lunch date with my sweetie. We ate at The Filling Station. I asked him how long until we can move to the city. Fourteen years he said. Ah yes.
I stopped at my favorite thrift store and got a pair of navy chinos for $1.50.
Then I went and met Rachel at Panera for an iced tea (she had coffee) and we talked and laughed until time to pick up our kids. I think we scared away at least one little old guy. Sorry, little old guy!
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I hope you can find a day similar to this soon. It was most rewarding.
they watch America's Funniest Home videos. I'm laying reading my book on the couch. At my feet one nods off in daddy's arms. Across the room one is laughing hysterically. (J loves Tom Bergeron, btw.) It's raining but the house is dry and comfy. It smells of simmering dinner.
I think about Rachel's blog post and realize that although there are many things I could complain about, at this moment I really can't. Right now I'm just happy.
and numerous showers. That is the weather forecast I just read. It's perfect for the day after our annual apple pilferage. We unknowingly picked the exact same day as last year- September 3rd.
I am thinking a (renegade) crisp for dessert tonight and then some (renegade) muffins with a crunchy top to take along camping tomorrow.
Happy Friday!
p.s. The light is changing. Can you feel it?
Over the weekend N and I went with some good friends to the lake- unfortunately our boys had to stay home.
We ate well and swam off the dock. We took it easy. There was a third birthday to celebrate and another with a three followed by a larger number. ; )
The sun was warm but the breeze was cool. The beach was fun until the lips turned blue. At night we put on sweatshirts and took sunset boat rides. The kids passed out tired and the grownups built a fire. It felt like a fitting end to the summer.
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The little one started preschool yesterday and the boy voluntarily wore jeans today. He declared as he was getting dressed that he smelled the Apple Fest.
The season is turning for sure.
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