Etsy, sweet Etsy

I love Etsy for many reasons- fun, unique, reasonable prices, inspiration for my own projects, great procrastination tool, etc.  I know many of you share my feeling.  And, yet I'm still shocked that there are many people who don't know about Etsy.


I  do have a frustration with Etsy though- it is so overwhelming to search, especially when I have a specific item in mind. So, really enjoy and appreciate when bloggers post items/sellers they like. It has lead me to some cool, and useful, things off  (and go and forth between opening my own shop). I'm thinking it is time pay it forward. 


I posted about seller savoiefairephoto  here.  

I can't wait to order more.   I almost want to order one for our new house (fingers crossed), but we have last name issues. 

Good News (?)

I mentioned way back in July, that we had an offer accepted on a house. A short sale house.  Well that was 6 months ago... finally last week we got the seller's bank sent a letter of sale. So now we can move on to house inspection.  And if all goes well (fingers crossed), we can move forward with buying the house. 
In addition to crossing my fingers, I'm trying not to get my hopes up.  This has been such a long, frustrating process that it seems too good to be true.
We'll see...

photo

Just What You Were Looking For!

If you are looking for more great blog reads, check out

- Kristen on Miss Prissy Page she also is a crafty JMU girl, which you know are the bestt kind!

Then make sure to visit

-Leigh on The Kesler Express  you know she is awesome because- not only is her name Leigh, BUT she too is a crafty girl from JMU

If the three of us were still at JMU we could form our own sorority- Martha Stewart on crack!

Wake Up Little Susie

*** disclaimer- I now realize this post is long, a wordy. But I really want your feedback.  I'm sorry I felt the need give you the whole back-story.


Yesterday I shared my night owl lifestyle- which by the way is not my fault...I'm genetically predisposed. It's been scientifically proven.  


Naturally, I dread, hate and fight about getting up in the morning.  As any of my previous roommates can attest to, my alarm rings for an hour at max volume before I make an effort at moving. When I finally tumble out, I'm totally grumpy and unfriendly.  Not a great way to start the day.


Last summer, while preparing to go back to school (and making my birthday list)  I spent some time thinking how to make my mornings less traumatic.  


I figured since I hate waking up in the morning, I should find any way I can to make it as pleasant as possible (turn my sleepy frown upside down).  John likes to wake up NPR or the news station.  But all that talking, early in the morning annoys me.  I find radio stations too unpredictable- they could be talking, playing obnoxious music, etc.  That annoys me too.  No surprise- that freaking alarm buzzer really annoys me. 


This lead me to

Sony Dream Machine 

I LOVE my ipod alarm clock.  I can pick the song I wake up to; it can be smoothing, and calming, even seasonal.  Cannon in D, Seasons of Love, White Christmas, My Girl, Come Monday- I've been "happy" waking up to each.

But I've gotten board- (& John disagrees with many of my choices- especially Seasons of Love) 

What do you suggest I add to my Wake-Up playlist?  And what do you do start your morning off right?

thanks for your input ;)

My Tale Of Being A Night Owl

night owl

I've hinted at it before- but I am most defiantly, without a doubt, in no way a morning person.  I never, not even when sick or recovering from an all-nighter, go to asleep before 12:00 am (generally later).  

I try, well sometimes,  really try to go to sleep earlier. Regardless of how tired I am after work, by 9:00pm I have plenty 'o' energy.  My preferred sleeping hours seem to be 2am-9am.  I find I am at my most focused, productive and creative late at night.

One, itty, bitty little problem... teachers have to be at school early, can't be late and have no flexability in their schedule.   And try as I might- I haven't been able find an elementary school that starts at noon. 

Do you know of a night school for kids?

You Like Me! You Really Like Me!

 

It is a normal Sunday night over here, Chinese food and TV (Golden Globes) and reading through my blogroll.  

One of my blogfriends Kelly, at One Day At A Time  ,was posting about an award Kristen from Miss Prissy Paige  give her.  I greatly enjoyed reading Kelly's long list of personal facts....then I got to the bottom of her list....and she passed the award on to me!!!


This is only the second blog award I've ever received!! (I have a long overdue post about the Honest Scrap from Emily)


Kelly is great- go check her out, and we have much in common.  We were both teachers, and live in close proximity- but most significantly we both love cannolis.  Really, Kelly has a great blog that focuses on the positives.  She also shares great recipes- yum, yum. 


On to my fun facts:


1.  I grew up in Connecticut.  No, I don't play tennis, drive a Volvo or wear a sweater around my shoulders.
2. My younger sister is taller than me. 
3. Chester is the 4th Golden Retriever I've had.
4 & 5. I have a screw in my ankle from a swimming injury. Yes, swimming.  I was a competitive swimmer for 7ish years, but called it quits after two surgeries.
6.  I am a major night owl.  My want to teach at an elementary night school, but have yet to find one. 
7. I'm also a big, sentimental pack rat.  When I cleaned out my closet last summer, I found a box of stuff from middle school.  I had saved the change from post-graduation celebratory Friendly's ice cream.  (and I HATED middle school)
8. John and I both drive Ford Explores- our saving grace is that they are different colors.
9. John and I met at a Mardi Gras Party.
10.  John and I were introduced by our respective roommates.  They are now married too. 
11. I own 4 copies of the movie Grease.  
12.  Freshman year my college roommate's mom said our room was like "Martha Stewart on crack".  I took it as a compliment. 
13. I am almost always the DD, because I'm much more fun when NOT drinking.  And I'd rather save the calories for chocolate. 
14.  John and I got married on the quad of our college campus!  It was awesome!
15. My birthday is the day after my mom's.  


Now to pay it forward (in random order):


Lauren @ Lauren Makes - Lauren has great, creative crafty projects.  And none of them overwhelming.


Amigh @ My French Corner   - Amigh just finished a week of posts about wine. Enjoy!


Emily @ Imperfect -  While Emily claims to be imperfect, she sure has many perfectly awesome decorating and craft ideas. 


Kim @ Newlywoodwards - Kim was the mastermind beyond the DIY holiday blog party.  I don't know how she as the time to works, go to grad school and create (& post) lots of great projects. 


Sarah @ Jeune Maria - Sarah has such a glamors and fashionable style.  She always posts pretty pictures.  And you must see her wedding photos (and read the posts) it is incredible!  


Thanks again Kelly!

Back 'Atcha

Welcome (& thank you) to all the readers who clicked over from My French Corner!  Thanks for stopping by.   Please make yourself at home- pour some Café au lait, and stay awhile.  


One of my most favorite  friends writes a charming blog about adding a little French flare to life, and she gave me a little shout out today.  

Amigh is a fantastic teacher (she teaches writing- so you know her blog is some good reading), but moreover she is a warm and kind person.  I'm lucky to work with such a thoughtful friend each day. (especially with the lovably zany students with special ed needs I send her way) 

So go check out Amigh's little French-flavored corner of the blog-world.