State of the Home: June 2009

This little buddha (raising the roof) makes me happy- especially since I’ve got him hanging out with the big-eared bambi.

Loving my new chairs (here’s one of two).

 

Now that I’ve added in the new stuff and rearranged I really need to get some more art up on the walls to fill up all that awkward space!

 

Yeah, some major downers about a rental: um… bad taupey-orange colored mantle; at least we’re going to get to paint the walls this summer. Also, budgeting to get our magnificently 1970s, 9ft. long sofa reupholstered.  I think I’m going to do some sort of diy makeover on the bamboo floor mat too because it just doesn’t work in this room (and I don’t have anything else to put in here).

Crazy hedge/fence mess that I’ve been thinking I may be able to disguise with a faux horizontal fence made out of leftover plywood. stay tuned.

Bright sun-shiny day!

I had forgotten how much brighter it gets once there’s snow on the ground.  I’m always running around the house turning off lights and opening blinds once the day has started yet some rooms in our house still seem to not get enough light needed for a task at hand- often cooking in the kitchen, especially during the dark days of winter. Not so now that we’ve got snow!   Yippee!

“Spokane Blog Bible” Release Party

Dropped in with the intent of catching a bit of inspiration and perhaps meeting more interesting people in my community.  I was not let down. Although awkward walking into a room not knowing anyone it was nice to get out and meet some of the folks whose words I’ve been reading for months.  It was also a good step toward being out in the community more.

Next, I’m going to sit down, do a little reading of my new little pocket ‘bible’ and see if I’m not motivated to get over taking myself too seriously (which is one of the “thou shalt nots” ) and just start putting fingers to keyboard and letting it flow.

a TED wish worth checking out…

Photographer James Nachtwey will be breaking a big story on October 3 — using his powerful photographs to share a vital story that the world needs to know about. Starting tomorrow, October 3 — these pictures will be shown on outdoor screens around the world and online. Seeing and sharing these pictures will truly make a difference in solving the crisis that James is photographing.

For more information check him out on TED: James Nachtwey

Tofu my family actually likes…

Miso-glazed tofu stir-fry

Along with the Soy-ginger tofu recipe this miso-butter variation is a family favorite. I stumbled upon the recipe in “O” magazine in an article all about tofu and the author swore this recipe was one that even her kids enjoy. This is currently a menu staple and is often an addition to stir-frys and yakisoba dishes. Last night’s version included zuchinni, green beans, cabbage, carrots and green onions served on brown & wild rice, tossed with Nasoya’s Sizzling General Gao sauce and topped with tofu. The husband particularly liked this combo minus the zuchinni (but he won’t eat any squash).

A must see: “The Story of Stuff”

An extremely interesting video that follows the life cycle of all “stuff” from extraction to disposal in a simple, down-to-earth and easy to follow format. Although I have already been working to lessen my carbon footprint this video has had a profound impact on me. My 13-year old daughter even thinks all kids should see it. (this coming from a stereotypical teenager that often responds to things I find interesting as “whatever”) The video is a bit long but parceled into sections to make it easier to get through.  Check out their website for more resources.

more about “story of stuff ( consumo)“, posted with vodpod

Thriftin’ treasures

 

Sugar bowl $2.99, boogie van $.49, seagull tray $1.99

Scooby Doo's Mystery Van was so mod!

Going to use the sugar bowl in the bathroom for bobby pins, barrettes, etc. I’m using the seagull tray for jewelry and couldn’t resist the Boogie Van because it made me think of one my husband’s favorite bands, Fu Manchu, who have a song by the same name.

Kitschy state souvenir plates $.99 each (purple tag day)

this is my favorite ~ Kitschy Kentucky

I must say I am a bit taken aback that I am so attracted to these plates. It is clearly a nostalgic pull. These are so kitschy but in that great retro-font-I-can’t-get-enough-of sort of way! I think I’m going to do a little vignette on the dining room wall. I especially like the Kentucky plate because of its unique shape. The cherry on top? Today was 50% off purple price tags and these had them. My mom suggested that I also mention that I am not interested in collecting these- this is especially important to note in my family as there is a strong tendency for family members to latch onto “themed” gifts and unwittingly create collections for others. 

A thrifter's staples: $3.99 clutch, $9.99 cashmere, $.49 dish, $1.99 book

Totally scored today! I was in the mood for putzing around so I spent some time thoughtfully perusing the racks and discovered this great little buttery soft leather clutch that is as discreet as ever and will easily tuck away in my work tote. The sweater is a Banana Republic cashmere which needs a good de-pilling but will be a trusty longterm staple, I suspect. The book is a collection of household secrets from the newsletter Bottom Line which, if you’ve ever read you’ll know, is brimming with very practical and effective tips- worth much more in value than its paltry price tag. The small dish will work well on my dresser to hold my earrings.

Opening Ceremony was a masterpiece

 

Absolutely stunning. If I were Chinese I would be proud to be a citizen today watching the unbelievably complex performance carried out by 15,000 of my countrymen. All politics aside; it was inspiring and awesome.

Loving note from a neice

reaction to my telling my daughter & neice they had smelly feet

Friday Weekly Wordmashup #1

 

Wordmashup visual available through wordle.com- a program that analyzes your blog & creates a wordcloud.