BellaDella

Whether (weather) or not

2011-08-28T10:05:00.002-04:00

I thought after a week of an earthquake, aftershocks, and a hurricane that it was time to say hello. I am never sure whether or not I am ready to be back here. And there is no reason for that...just a busy life like everyone else.

Yesterday was filled with rain and wind but this morning the sun is shining so happily. It feels really good. I've been out since early this morning in my new green rain boots with rake in hand. The little farm is a mess. But I like putting things back together again.

I felt so dramatic buying those new boots on Friday afternoon. We get a little silly here on the East coast with storms. Any storms. People by bread and milk whether or not they need it or even use them on a normal basis. I went out for tortilla chips, Little Debbie cakes (you know, the essentials), and threw some boots in the cart. I felt really silly. But people were too busy fighting over D batteries to care whether or not I was buying boots.

I am headed back outside now. I like making order out of a little bit of chaos. And whether or not I get it all done today doesn't matter.

It will all be waiting for me tomorrow and the next day...just like this little blog, whether or not I am ready.

Sunday best

2011-04-10T08:27:00.003-04:00

As I sit here this morning the fog is lifting- both outside and in my head. It's wet and dreary and I suppose a good time for sleeping in. I just can't sleep my weekends away, though. Or any other day, really. I'm at my best in the morning.

I've been outside to feed the birds. I took the trash out. I'm even taunting Mother Nature with some stuff out on the clothesline.

I'm hoping she's just sleeping in and will soon wake up with her Sunday best- blue skies and sunshine. I have flowers to plant and things to spray paint.

Seeing Red

2011-04-06T15:33:00.003-04:00

Target is my home away from home. But last night it was anything but home sweet home.

Perhaps someone was wise to my wicked ways. I bought two dresses recently at full price- $27.99 each. Gasp. It's not often that something comes home with me without the red sticker tag. Let's blame that on an unused Christmas giftcard. And perhaps temporary insanity.

On Sunday I open the ad and there is my dress staring at me. Taunting me with $17.99. But mine were still in the closet. Still had the tags. Apparently Mother Nature meant for me to get the sale price. The weather has been anything but dress friendly.

So, yesterday I threw those dresses in a bag, grabbed my receipt and walked out with $58.00 on another giftcard. That was around 8am.

My plan was to swoop back in at 5pm and get those dresses back. And I did. They were waiting for me. Oh- did I mention I had two $2 off Target dress coupons? Oh yes, I did.

Um, did I mention I had another 40 or so coupons for other stuff? I did. I was armed with a meticulous list and a plan.

That plan did not include a team meeting in the toothpaste aisle. A meeting that ran out of that aisle and blocked one of the clearance end caps. I know. Don't get me started...oh wait, too late for that.

I believe that perhaps there was a better time for this meeting, like not during after work errand rush hour. And perhaps a better place. Like anywhere that I didn't need to be.

But I do now know how to stock a Target shelf and that Brian's birthday is on Friday and that Betty is celebrating 5 years with the company. Perhaps the greeting card aisle next time?

I somehow managed to negotiate the Target togetherness and grab 3 tubes of Colgate. But it wasn't without a serious amount of eye rolling. And head shakes. And loud sighs.

So guess what, when everyone is in the toothpaste aisle it doesn't leave a lot of folk for the registers. I had two choices, the teenage boy or the teenage girl. Both seemed less than stoked to be anywhere near Target.

Did I mention I had coupons? And had two separate transactions planned. I did. Oh, and a giftcard.

Transaction #1. I hand her the giftcard and she scans it and throws it in the trash. Are you kidding me? And then we go dumpster diving at register 6. Funny, there were A LOT of other giftcards in there. Who would have thought? After about 10 tries we found mine. Fun.

Transaction #2. She scans everything in s-l-o-w m-o-t-i-o-n. Apparently her previous job was at my local theater concession stand. You know, when you are about to miss the previews. But I digress...

Everything is bagged and in my cart. Coupon time. At this point anyone and everyone in line behind me leaves. Fine.

I hand her the pile of coupons and I watch the screen ready to pounce. If you are a Target coupon user you know their computers are challenging. And so am I. Not a good mix.

Immediately it started saying that the items were not there. Oh for the love of...

She wanted to search through my bags. Well, she'd have to kill me first. I stepped between her and the cart. Them were fightin words.

She didn't touch the bags. And I saved $58.00. Which ironically was what I got back for returning the dresses.

Those damn dresses.

Skipping school

2011-04-01T06:24:00.005-04:00

I'm up early this morning as usual. And as usual I hit the snooze button at least 5 times. Good thing I set the alarm extra early to allow for that fun. I could make that an Olympic sport...with my eyes closed and one arm tied behind my back.

Usually I'd be laying out my jeans and making sure I have the $2.09 for my large vanilla iced coffee from McDonalds. It's my rite of passage into the weekend. It's what Fridays were made for.

But I'm skipping school today. And by skipping I mean I took a vacation day and by school I mean work. But school references abound when I refer to my daily routine. I still call them school nights. I swear I think the bell is going to ring in my building at 5pm.

But anyway...I'm skipping school. I'm putting on my jeans and lacing up my sneakers and heading out with the Fella. And we are going to run around the amusement park today like teenagers. And by run I mean walk and by teenagers I mean...well, I don't know what I mean.

It's Friday. Enough said. I hope you do something fun before the bell rings. I hope you skip out early and get your weekend started.

Feels good

2011-03-29T14:06:00.008-04:00

I felt like I was wearing the same outfit every single day. Logging on here was like walking into a room that was way overdue for my typical move this, move that overhaul. I was itching to move things around. So I did.

And now it's a happy sigh to walk into my little corner of this blog universe. It feels good. I hope you like it too.

I wrote a press release today for work. And it wasn't lost on me that I can actually say that I went to school for this. I usually say that sarcastically while rolling my eyes and pulling out my hair over yet another mail merge. Not one single Communications professor of mine ever said a word about name tags. Then again, I think we might have all changed majors.

Today felt good. I liked seeing my name next to the word CONTACT. I like saying I'm in charge. If you know me, this is not news to you.

I was standing in line at the grocery store the other night and the lady in front of me asked to use my discount card. I obliged of course. Two words- cheaper gas. She then turned to look me up and down and announced that I looked like the AFTER on one of those makeover shows. I laughed. What an interesting choice for a compliment. That was a compliment, right?

I wondered if she has glimpsed a bit of BEFORE in my bathroom mirror. But I left the store smiling and it felt good.

I have one of my favorites sayings up on my banner now....
because when you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing.
And life feels so good.

A bit random today, I know.
But random feels good.

Smile

2011-03-15T15:53:00.001-04:00

Just something to make you smile.

Are you having a good day?

How NOT to tell your husband you don't like his sausage

2011-03-14T13:53:00.003-04:00

This is the Fella smiling after cooking us lunch. Consider this the before photo. I do not have an after. Only the one burned in my memory.

He asked his mom for the recipe and made it all on his own. The Fella doesn't generally cook. As in NEVER. He grills, he microwaves, he orders pizza. He doesn't cook. But lately he's been inspired to give it a try. And I love that. Love him.

Saturday we went out and bought all the ingredients. Everything looked good- the rice, the tomatoes. But this part got me.

Kielbasa. Beef Kielbasa. I can do it, I thought. It's just an giant hotdog. I like hotdogs- fried to a crisp and smothered on a bun. Could that rice and tomato make me forget?

He served up a small portion on my plate. I smiled through several bites of everything but kielbasa. And then I took a teeny tiny bite. I chewed. It got bigger. I chewed more. This wasn't going well.

And then I did it.
After my adorable Fella worked so hard and made us lunch...
I spit in out in a napkin in front of him.
I did.

That my friends is how NOT to tell your husband you don't like his sausage.

He has since forgiven me and I was allowed to kiss my cook. Though I can promise I will never hear the end of it. That's how we roll.

Sunlight

2011-03-09T15:52:00.004-05:00

It seems funny to be writing about sunlight on a day that is so dark I've thought it was bedtime since I got up.

It seems funny because I'm sort of twisted and love cloudy days. Sometimes I prefer them.

Funny because you generally need a flashlight to get around my house or office or anywhere you find me spending large amounts of time. I'm not a fan of overhead lighting and fluorescent light generally sends me into convulsions.

But Spring means that extra hour....and then two or three after I get home. I witness the flaming sky and fleeting sun but not through my dirty windshield. I get to be me when I get home. Playing in the yard. Taking clothes off the line. Pulling weeds. Taking pictures.

I get to do the things that I desire...that pile up after a long day of being stuck behind a desk. After the long commute the little farm is still awake and waiting for me.

I'm ready to Spring forward.
Are you?

Back

2011-03-08T14:13:00.004-05:00

Back to routines. I love those.
Back to normal. Whatever that means.
Back to blogging.

Are you ready to come back to the little farm?
I've missed you.

Amnesia

2011-01-10T21:40:00.003-05:00

I think I need to just get on here and write before I forget how. It seems my Christmas amnesia exploded into all out blog amnesia.

All the Christmas decorations are put away...just yesterday, actually.

And as I sit here I still have no idea what to write about.
No pictures to show you.

The truth is I'm busy.

I work in a very small office and back in November we went from four to three. I won't lie- it's something I sort of wished for. I wished for it in the way that I needed more. More to do. More challenge. My long dormant ambition needed a spark. I've known that for a long time.

Careful what you wish for.

I'm busy. Extra work. Extra hours. Extra stress.
I forgot what all that was like. Another amnesia of sorts.
But you know what...I forgot how good it felt.
And I forgot how good this felt.
Back soon, friends.

Christmas Amnesia

2010-12-08T14:27:00.003-05:00

Christmas has thrown up all over my living room. That image ain't exactly pretty...and well, neither is the little farm at the moment.

There are legions of nutcrackers not yet in formation. There are boxes that I will open with more anticipation and surprise than those that find their way under the tree. I swear I have some sort of Christmas decoration amnesia.

The Fella does. I know this because of the conversation we have every year. And by conversation I'm referring to him standing at the bottom of the attic ladder repeating-

This better be the last one.

Thank goodness he can't see me standing at the top of the ladder. I'm pretty sure I'm wearing an expression that screams one of those fiber optic trees at the CVS register would look really good with my bowl of festive Hershey kisses.

I opened one box last night and admired the adorable little mouse ornament perched on top. Of course I wasn't surprised when I didn't remember buying the little guy.

And then he ran out of the box. Eek.
Good thing we have six cats....who don't know a darn thing 'bout catching mice.

It's a good thing I'll forget about all of this before next year comes around.

The Perfect Storm

2010-12-07T10:12:00.003-05:00

I ventured out on Saturday afternoon to run errands. Around 4pm the flakes started falling. And then I did what I always do when this happens- alert BellaMomma. She had already been alerted.

Sunday morning dawned like this...

And by late morning it was gone. The perfect storm.

I didn't mean to

2010-12-01T12:26:00.002-05:00

I didn't mean to be gone so long. I never do.

Seeing the green in these photos shows me the weeks that have passed. The green is gone and covered with leaves.

What better way to mark my return than with a another wonderful quilt find. I won't bore you with the price, but it was less than five dollars. I think it might make a lovely tree skirt. I love using things like this for Christmas.

And speaking of that...the only decorations I have out is a bowl of red, green and silver Hershey Kisses. That's a good start, right? Oh- and a bag of red and green M&Ms. They somehow hopped into my cart at Target. I didn't mean to.

Rainy day

2010-11-16T09:40:00.002-05:00

It's the sort of day that lends itself to naps and all day pajamas. I'll think about those things as I sit at my desk today. Of course it doesn't take a rainy day for those thoughts to invade.

I might not be at home today but I'll relish the chance to wear my new red rain coat and open my bright green umbrella from Target. I'll cherish the sound of raindrops hitting the tin roof of the store when I took the trash out this morning.

It's a beautiful day.

Photo taken from through the window of my truck this morning.

All work and no play

2010-11-12T09:06:00.002-05:00

So goes life, right?

I've been up to my eyeballs with work for the last month or so. While a little time was left for things like blogging, I always seemed zapped of the creativity and the motivation.

Well, now it's time to play.

Today I have the house to myself and if you know me at all you know how much I love these hours of alone time with no plans at all.

I have furniture that needs rearranging and a stack of magazines to read. I might take a walk with the camera. I don't know. I love not knowing.

How are you? Have you been working or playing?

Scary beautiful

2010-10-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

I'm afraid of spiders.
I'd like to think that in turn, spiders are very afraid of me.
And my shoes. You know, the last thing they generally see.
I'd like to think that word gets around.

They scare me.
And the fact I find these photos so beautiful-
VERY SCARY.

Her legs remind me of candy corn.

By the way, this is the place where you should figure out that there are a bunch of spider photos below. And a really pretty web. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Happy Halloween!
I hope it's scary beautiful.

Don't have a pot to piss in

2010-10-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

Or do I?

I was telling BellaMomma about this green enamel pot I recently scooped up at a thrift store- in their kitchen section.

I paused in the middle of my story.

You don't think?
No, it couldn't be.

As I was sitting their talking to my mom, this innocent green pot was on the stove at home. It occurred to me that perhaps it was in the wrong room. Know what I mean?

We googled it. We laughed until, well, we 'bout peed in our pants.
I didn't mention it to the Fella. Afterall- I hadn't cooked anything in it...yet.

So- what do you think?
Is this pot for vegetable soup or pee soup?

Sign of the times

2010-10-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Just an old sign.
Perfect for today.

It reminds me of something that my mom and dad always say. You know the thing about the older you get the faster time flies.

It's October 26 already. I'm not sure where it went- the month, the year. I know my weekends move at warp speed but the in between races by too.

Everything but the kitchen sink

2010-10-25T10:45:00.002-04:00

Everything was working this weekend...but the kitchen sink. Which clogged when I had just made a pot of chili. I must share that it is not wise to drain hamburger grease in the sink. And yes, I do know better.

It clogged while the family was over. They left smelling of Drano.

I thought the week would start out hectic. I thought I would be spending Monday morning calling plumbers and trying not to look at the stack of dirty dishes and piles of dirty laundry. Oh the joys of a washing machine in the kitchen.

But I didn't.

It all worked itself out. The clog. The cleaning. It's all free and clear.

And so goes my mind too. Free and clear.
Anything clogging up your life these days?

Lunch break

2010-10-12T13:22:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I grab a bite from the Mexican cart.
Sometimes I pack my lunch and eat at my desk.
Sometimes you can find me in the park.
And sometimes I run errands.
This is what running errands looks like.

This is my haul from Friday's lunch break.
My favorite stores are not far from my office. I'm lucky like that.

And then a funny thing happened when I was taking photos.
I made a pretty pillow.

That was easy.

My Fella

2010-10-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

I captured this photo of my Fella over the Summer. It's become a favorite of mine.

He's a favorite of mine. And he's starting a new journey and I'm really proud of him.

Wallflowers

2010-10-07T12:54:00.004-04:00

Just some little farm pretties to make you smile today. I think we all have alot to smile about. After all- the weekend is almost here.

Practicing my pageant wave

2010-10-05T10:43:00.002-04:00

The wonderful and talented Kathie Truitt of Hillbilly Debutante has named me her Hillbilly Debutante for the month of October. How cool is that?

Check it out here.

If you are visiting from Kathie's blog...WELCOME. I'm so glad you stopped by. And you can find more photos on my Flickr account here.

Note- The Fella took that photo of me at a farmer's market on our road trip to Pittsburgh a few weeks ago. Sort of serendipitous.

October

2010-10-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Can you believe it?

I hope you have a wonderful Autumn weekend. Take a little time to just sit and enjoy life. I'll try to do the same.

Tray Chic

2010-09-30T12:59:00.003-04:00

Don't hate me. I found a set of old metal tray tables. And the stand. Three trays had their legs. One didn't. That one is already on my wall. Dare I tell you how much this awesomeness cost me?

Do you really want to know? Really?

~cough~ two dollars ~cough~

Remember that happy dance I mentioned?
I'm doing it again. But for reals this time.

Not a typical Monday

2010-09-27T11:36:00.002-04:00

There aren't usually lights outside my door. Great day for a zit, huh?

There isn't usually a band. (I think that needs to change.)

But today is not a typical Monday. Today a little Hollywood comes to Richmond. And they are filming right outside our office.

And no, Mom, I haven't met anyone yet.

Almost

2010-09-23T09:37:00.004-04:00

It was almost a good day yesterday. You know the sort? I'm certain that the universe was playing with me just a little bit. Perhaps a little fun at my expense. I'm happy to laugh about it all today. After all, that's pretty much all you can do. Well, that and say thank you. The big sort of thank you.

I was almost in an accident. It wasn't my fault- or wouldn't have been- but somehow that never seems to matter. An oncoming car ran off the road and then over corrected. She was coming straight for me. I braced. I flashed back to this. She came within inches- almost.

I'm always amazed how clear you can think in those flashes of panic. First applying the brakes and then hitting the gas to escape. I think it's a moment of prayer. It's not the bow your head, clasp your hands sort of prayer. It's a silent conversation with God. Show me the way. And if it weren't for such amazing gratitude and reflection- you'd almost miss that moment. Of course I had to stop shaking first.

And I had almost made it home last night when it almost happened again. Another car wavered.

See- I told you the universe was playing with me just a little bit.

It almost makes sense that I woke up yesterday morning thinking about my truck tires. Weird. I thought maybe I was destined for a flat. When you get a new truck those sort of thoughts creep into your head. They do. I was almost ready to drive something else.

But I almost believe it was a sign. Or a premonition- I get those.

And I'm almost certain that I have a guardian angel. And I know her name is Della. She was with me yesterday, too. Thank you, Grandma.

Flower power

2010-09-21T10:04:00.002-04:00

Vintage tins make me do a thrift store happy dance. In my head. I don't actually dance. Just so you know.

It's always good to treat yourself to flowers. Especially the ones that require zero care. And cost fifty cents.

Monday morning

2010-09-20T10:39:00.003-04:00

It's Monday morning and I'm stuck at my desk. I left behind the sunshine and cool breeze and as I passed the carporch on my way out this morning this called my name...

I'd much rather be there. At home.
Tell me- where you would like to be?

Where there is smoke

2010-09-17T08:00:00.001-04:00

There just might be BBQ.

We were on our way to Pittsburgh. On 522 in West Virginia. And all of the sudden the Fella slammed on the brakes and flew into a little gravel parking lot.

There was smoke.
And there was definitely BBQ.
And it was time for lunch.

We were so glad we stopped. The smell was heavenly. The sandwiches were divine. A wonderful pulled pork with a sauce that reminded you of Brunswick stew. Mike would not tell us what was in it. But I have two jars to help me figure it out.

Timber Ridge Grocery- World Famous BBQ
Mike & Becky Shepherd
12261 Valley Road
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia 25411
304.886.5162
Pork/Chicken/Ribs
call for orders

If you are ever in the area it's a must. The old building is around 130 years old and was once a post office and also a general store. You know I love those.

Little vintage cupboard

2010-09-16T08:00:00.002-04:00

One day BellaMomma told me about an old cupboard she spied at a yardsale. It was an old children's cupboard- meant for play. It was white. It was chippy. But she didn't have the $15 on her at the time so she left it behind and asked the seller to hold onto it for her. She would be back.

Or her daughter would happen upon the same yardsale soon after and swoop up the cupboard. And in my defense- it was like a week later.

I'll leave a little space here to insert the comment that I know is coming sometime today. I bet she tells a different story. Love you, Mom.

I brought it home and put it on an old vanity that....um, BellaMomma bought for me a long time ago. That seems ironic or funny or sad or wrong or something like that.

But here it is. Please note the paint-by-numbers on the top. Apparently she was going back for that too. Oops.

Did you notice the old jars?

Out of line

2010-09-15T15:16:00.002-04:00

I ran out of clothesline.

The quilt on the old fence sort of makes my heart swoon. It does.

Did you notice that I disappeared again? Yeah.
I know, it's been a long, long time.
I didn't mean to leave for so long. But I'm back again now.

And I've truly missed you guys so much- I'm not going anywhere anytime soon.

Not too shabby

2010-09-01T16:37:00.005-04:00

Things around the farm are a little shabby.

Chipping paint and weeds galore greet you at every turn. Sometimes it bothers me.

I want to call off for a week and power wash and paint. And you know I'm totally delusional when I think I could possibly accomplish something like that in a mere week. Heck, that I could even accomplish that at all. I can't even get the kitchen painted.

And don't even get me started on the weeds. That would require a sabbatical. Possibly early retirement.

But sometimes I look around and it works.
Yes, I say to myself.
This is totally the look I'm going for.

It's sort of shabby chic on a grand scale.
It works.

What I Wore...Today

2010-09-01T11:19:00.002-04:00

I have not posted for What I Wore Wednesday in quite a while.

Why- you ask?
Frankly- I haven't been a big fan of my fashion choices lately. I'm talking about hormone induced 5 changes before work fashion fiascoes.

I was annoying myself. You didn't need to see that.
But today I like myself. Hair dye helps.
And I bought a new hair dryer yesterday- life changing.

And I've got some good stuff coming up as the weather cools. Will that ever happen?

Boots, sweaters, skirts, jackets...

I've been thrifting with Winter in mind. Heck, I do everything at this point with Winter in mind. It's going to be 97 today. Enough said.

A-tisket, A-tasket

2010-08-31T08:00:00.000-04:00

A wonderful vintage sewing basket.

I found it at the same yardsale as the little wagon. Needless to say- it was a good sale. So- what should I put inside?

I'll fix your little red wagon

2010-08-30T12:39:00.002-04:00

Saturday morning I found something I didn't even know I was looking for. But as soon as I spied it...Where have you been all my life?

Radio Flyer Wagon- $5

I plan to fill it with mums and pumpkins soon. I cleared ALL the ivy from around the little well house yesterday morning. It is still a work in progress. So are my sore muscles.

Old Navy Coupon- Don't miss out!

2010-08-28T06:53:00.003-04:00

Hi guys- just popping in for a few minutes to let you know about a great deal at Old Navy and a few other stores this weekend.

It's a coupon for 30% off!

Get it HERE at one of my favorite coupon sites www.dealseekingmom.com

Right now Old Navy has their flip flops BOGO! Yes- you heard me right- you can get two flops for $3.50 plus 30% off of that. I found t-shirts marked down to $3 as well.

Just print the coupon and you can use it as many times as you want today and tomorrow. It's good at Gap and Banana Republic too.

Happy shopping.
And scroll down and check out my wonderful quilt find if you didn't see it yesterday. It's a dream.

Quilt love

2010-08-27T09:29:00.005-04:00

I loved it when it was all jumbled in my arms last week at the Salvation Army and I handed over the $6.98 to bring it home.

I loved it when it was soaking in the wash and coming to life again. There is something so soul reviving about stain removal.

I loved it hanging on the line yesterday. So at home on the little farm.

But I loved it most last night when I snuggled underneath. It smelled of Tide and sunshine and it hugged me all night long. It loves me back.

I Heart NY

2010-08-26T11:55:00.004-04:00

I dare you to go to New York City and not-
1- Hear Jay-Z's Empire State of Mind (you know the one featuring Alicia Keys)
2- Sing it to yourself all day long...

New York!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There's nothing you can’t do,
Now you're in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
the lights will inspire you,
Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York

I dare you. I also dare you to go to NYC and not love it.

It was my first time.

And I can't wait to go back. We had one day and we hit Times Square and Central Park and FAO Schwarz and Toys R Us. It was a great NYC orientation and we can't wait to return.

New York!
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
There's nothing you can’t do,
Now you're in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
the lights will inspire you,
Let's hear it for New York, New York, New York

Where have I been?

2010-08-25T10:48:00.003-04:00

That's a good question. I know I've been back from our mini-vacation for so long that I had to consult my calendar this morning to see if we were gone in July or August.

It was August. Like three weeks ago. Geez.
Good thing I have these photos or I might not remember any of it. Since our return we've been dealing with stuff like broken cars, broken internet, broken...

Let's just say there's definitely been a bit of a broken pattern.
And today I've decided enough- the only thing that is going to break is my streak of not posting. That ends today. After all- I miss you guys.

So, as I ease back into this, here are my vacation photos. We headed North to visit the Fella's sister and her family- meaning our adorable nieces and nephew.

First stop- Six Flags in New Jersey.

So much fun. We've decided this will become an annual outing for the kids- both big and little.

Tomorrow- we finally head into New York City. And then after NYC- we head back to the little farm. I have so much to show you.

What I Wore

2010-08-18T09:45:00.001-04:00

Shirt- Target- Merona
Jeans- Target- Merona

But wait- I need to tell you more about these jeans. They are my new favorite thing ever and I've found 3 on clearance. Are you ready for this? They have a tummy panel. Like I can breathe out and the jeans do the work for me. I know. And they are stretchy. You can find them here. Please forgive the Target photog for making these look like Mom Jeans. And forgive me if you like Mom jeans. And remind me to tell you a story about Mom jeans...oh nevermind.

But check your local store. Mine have been around $7 a pair. Seriously, go. And while you are there buy yourself a belt. Do it. Don't be afraid (and you know who you are.)

Sweater- Target- Merona
Jeans- Gift from- God

Dress- Ross
Flops- Old Navy (another must)

Sweater- Target- Merona- from like two years ago
Jeans- Old news. These are my old Target jeans. They may never see the light of day.

Sweater- thrifted and I can't remember the brand
Skirt- thrifted- J.Jill

Head on over to The Pleated Poppy for more.

And if you guessed NYC you were right. My first time. More later.

Big hint

2010-08-17T16:04:00.002-04:00

I think the Fella and I make beautiful music together.

Can you guess where we are?

Head in the clouds

2010-08-16T14:52:00.002-04:00

Definition: adj. unable to concentrate on matters at hand; flighty.
That's me. Webster should be using this photo. My photo.

The Fella and I hit the road for a few days. And I think it takes at least two days to recover for each day you take off from normal life. If you do the math on that I should be back to normal sometime this week. Maybe.

But I am back and I have pictures to share. More tomorrow.

One to grow on

2010-08-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

“This very moment is a seed from which the flowers of tomorrow's happiness grow.”
~Margaret Lindsey

Many, many happy tomorrows, friends.

These blooms started as seeds on the back porch this past Spring. It's a process that never ceases to amaze me.

Life happens

2010-08-04T12:29:00.003-04:00

It was Sunday morning. The rain had finished earlier but drops still plummeted to the ground- flung by the wind. I imagine the road was still a little wet.

We were outside. I'm not sure what we were talking about. Just minutes earlier he was making fun of my attire- the polka dotted boots, cut off sweats, and turquoise cardigan. I'd later be elated that I bothered to put on a bra.

Then squealing tires. Screeching brakes trying to grab the road. Running. The slow sound of bouncing, crumbling metal. Over and then over and then silence. And then yelling- me and the Fella.

The Fella- Your cell is by the TV.
Running. Through the house- in the backdoor and out the front.
911- send.
Hopping a fence.
No one is answering. No one is answering! I screamed.
Me- Why is he standing by the road? Why? No.

The truck was empty. Still running. Frozen in time. Pointed in the other direction as if it wanted to drive back in time. Turn around and go back to where it came from. It wanted to slow down. To know about the curve.

He was laying by the road. The driver. Much like the animals you see and wonder why they were trying to cross in the first place.

He moaned. He moved. Oh thank god he moved. But he had to stay still. He repeated his phone number and he wanted his mom. Of course.

Then the helping hands of neighbors, and sirens, curious onlookers and silent prayers.

The helicopter landed in the cow pasture across the road.

And then it was over. Had it really happened?

We live on a straight stretch of road that lies quietly between two tricky curves. Two possibly devastating curves. We hear the desperate tires all the time. The brakes and the speed. The flashing lights break up the deep darkness of the country some nights. I've called my neighbor more than once to tell him his fence is down again.

This was the first time it was our problem. For just a few moments in time it was ours. He was ours. For just a split second. He's a 19 year old kid with a broken back, ruptured spleen. Gashes and road rash.

To say he is lucky seems, well, not the right thing to say. He is. He's alive. He has his life. I wonder what he will do with it.

I hope he will slow down.
I hope he will wear his seat belt.
Just slow down.

I don't know him. I doubt I ever will. He has our number. I gave that to his mom when I spoke to her on Monday. I sent her the pictures. Once he wasn't ours- I sought out my camera. But I'm not showing those. I think those belong to him.

So, if you wonder where I disappeared to- that's where we've been. We've been with him. And we've been thanking Him. Life happens, doesn't it? It just happens.

Back then...

2010-07-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

I wonder what it was like back then.

Back when it was just the store. That was built first. Have I ever told you that?

This photograph was taken last week. Editing with sepia and black and white is like stepping into a time machine.

Hop to it

2010-07-29T14:58:00.002-04:00

Meaning- hurry.

The heat has been extreme here this Summer.

It's created a strange mix of life in slow motion and fast forward. Fast and furious. You can probably put some emphasis on the furious part.

There have been days when I only went outside because it was a requirement to move about the world. Stiffling, really. A prisoner.

That old saying- Hurry up and wait- comes to mind. Do you think that applies?

I hate that feeling.
And my creative juices have become as scarce as the rain.
My camera was gathering dust. There is plenty of that around.

But Tuesday night brought a reprieve- a momentary glimpse of good old July. A breeze. A rain shower. Dusk lighting. And me and my camera. A deep sigh. It was like a jail break.

I walked around the little farm. I sat in the grass. I soaked up the color and noises and creatures instead of the humidity. And I was in a hurry to enjoy it. Again- a mix of fast and slow.

And now it's almost August. One more month of true Summer. There is still a lot of stuff to do. We better hop to it. Hurry before it's gone.

Note: The photos above are pokeberry. It's a plant that is as annoying as the heat but the colors are tremendous.

Always on my list

2010-07-26T12:46:00.005-04:00

Old linens.
Old children's rockers.
Old metal colanders.
Handmade pillows.
Vintage printer drawers.

These are always on my list.
And I've been lucky lately.
Have you? Have you been finding stuff on your list?

A little slice of heaven

2010-07-23T14:30:00.002-04:00

That's what the weekend is to me- a little slice of heaven.
That's what our little farm is too.

And even though the temperatures around here are more in line with a place much, much further south of heaven- it's going to be a good one.

A good one.
An air conditioned one.
With new magazines to read and Target trips and slices of tomatoes.
A little slice of heaven.

What I Wore

2010-07-21T09:34:00.003-04:00

Welcome to What I Wore Wednesday. It's the day you take a peek inside my thrifty closet.

Okay- now I'm laughing. If you are having a bad day go to picnik.com and draw funny faces on your photos. I know, it doesn't take much to make me happy.

And by the way- I was traveling for work last Thursday and Friday. Thus the hotel bathroom photos. Good light in there, though.

Posted for What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy.

A peek inside MY room

2010-07-20T11:29:00.004-04:00

Several months ago I decided I needed a space of my own. Okay, I totally know that technically the entire house is mine when it comes to decorating and that sort of thing. And the Fella does have his own man cave. Which is something I highly recommend. Highly.

But I really needed a workspace for blogging, couponing and that sort of thing. So I brought in a desk and created a little studio for myself.

I thought it was about time to share a little bit of it with you- more than the peeks you get on Wednesday when I am posing in front of the wardrobe.

The bed belonged to my father-in-law when he was a kid.
The wardrobe was a gift from my cousin when we moved in.
I picked it out.
It was $125 from a local antique mall and it holds shoes and bags.
The desk was made by my grandpa and is one of my prized possessions.
I added the red.
The piece on top is from the Fella's old bedroom.
I added the red.
The chair was $2 at a yardsale.
Everything else is gifted or thrifted.
I decided the afghan could hang on the wall. Why not?

Thanks for stopping by today. YOU are just the best.

Tis the season

2010-07-19T15:59:00.002-04:00

It's definitely (oppressively) Summer.
But it feels like Christmas.
And it feels like football.

I'd like you to meet the two newest Atlanta Falcons season ticket holders.

Yep, we did it. And no, we are not moving to Atlanta. We plan to attend 3 games and sell the rest.

It's a dream come true for my Fella. He's like a kid at Christmas.
Section 111, Row 11 will do that to you. That's lower level on the Falcons' side. Near the end zone.

I just had to share. We are a tad bit excited.
So, tell me, do you have anything exciting going on?

What I Wore

2010-07-14T09:11:00.002-04:00

This week's What I Wore brings a sort of mishmash of what I've been wearing the last couple of weeks. I think it's about time I get some advertising dollars from Target and Ross. Really. If you want to take a peek inside more closets head over to The Pleated Poppy.

As always- I hope I show that you can truly dress for less. Emphasis on the dress part- I seem to be buying a lot of those. That's okay, though. Dresses seem to remain pretty timeless and a lot of them will carry me through the Fall with tights and layers.

Thanks for the show and tell time. Hope you have a fabulous Wednesday!

I think I'm going to need a bigger kitchen

2010-07-12T13:51:00.004-04:00

I just can't help myself. More kitchen stuff...

It's a good thing I've got an entire store to fill up. See my banner photo above if you are new around here. Miles of empty shelves to fill up. We've been out there working a lot lately too. Cleaning up and fixin up on a budget- as in labor is free.

But back to the kitchen stuff...You can hang those old lids on the wall with a plate hanger. They are great in the garden too. The tea kettle is Homeco. It's part of a set I think. That's hanging in the pantry. The old cookie cutters are in a basket and the utensils in an old jar...all in the kitchen. I made some room.

There's something bugging me

2010-07-12T10:10:00.002-04:00

It's swarming.
It's buzzing.
It's all up in my face.
It bites.

Oh yeah- it's Monday morning.
What's bugging you today?

And just for the record- I'm not having a bad day, not at all, just not enough coffee yet.

Vintage Vera Napkins

2010-07-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

This is why I roll up my sleeves and dig to the bottom of those big bins of linens at my thrift store...

You just never know what you might find.
Oh how I love the thrill of the hunt.

What I Wore- Wedding Edition

2010-07-07T09:36:00.003-04:00

Today is our three year wedding anniversary. I thought it would be fun to mix that with What I Wore Wednesday.

We were married on July 7, 2007 at 7pm. The wedding took place at an old plantation home/bed & breakfast. Our family stayed there with us the entire weekend. What we didn't know- we would soon buy a little farm just down the road.

It was a total do-it-yourself affair and of course I was thrifty~

Dress- Ebay. It's Jessica McClintock and I paid $80.
Shoes- Ebay. Notice they are red.
Red sash- David's Bridal. $20.
Red ruby costume jewelry pin in hair- free.
Flower girl dresses- department store clearance.

Happy Anniversary to my Fella. I love you.

July

2010-07-06T12:41:00.002-04:00

Here is July on the little farm.

Flags. On the store. The house. The fence posts. Those are my favorite.
Heat. Going past 100 again today.
Grilling.
Picnics- more inside than out.
I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday weekend.

Into thin air

2010-07-05T13:42:00.003-04:00

I know I sort of disappeared. But I've been here. I've definitely been here. My disappearance was more into thin hair- than thin air.

Thyroid. I thought about calling this post Roid Rage and I still might use it later. The nurse at my doctor's office will tell you that is a more appropriate title. She called on Friday to tell me that my thyroid is under active. It's about the only thing on me that's under active- my imagination and stress level right now are through the roof. And I definitely need to STOP
Googling. How about a prescription for that?

I can take the lack of energy.
Headaches. Weight gain.
But the thinning hair...FREAKING me out.

Luckily before any of this started I had enough hair for four people. There is still plenty left for me. And if you saw me you'd probably never know. But I do. I totally get that whole crown and glory saying now.

So, I wasn't sure if I was going to share any of this, but here I am and here it is. I'm guessing there are probably plenty of you that are dealing with stuff like this.

This is just my time. And that's okay. And I'm okay. And I'm back. And I missed you all.

I get up with the chickens

2010-06-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

I'm up early today.
I'm always up early.
It's my favorite, favorite time.
MY time.

When is YOUR time?

I love them again

2010-06-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I think these things are just waiting for me. When they arrive on the little farm they have made their journey home. They are excited to jump into the car. I feel like Santa on the Island of Misfit Toys. I swoop in and they jump into my bag. I love them again.

Sort of silly, I know.

I'm always so proud that I love this stuff. Is proud the right word?
Lucky?
Blessed?
All of the above.

I really do love them again.
And I know I'm better for it.

What I Wore...

2010-06-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

It's the special day where I show you what I wore on each day of the week...except Wednesday...and Tuesday. Some things do not merit a photo. Especially ones that are broadcast to the world wide web.

A few things to note:

That Old Navy shirt from Saturday. I've had it for probably 5 years. That is the very first time I wore it. Sad. I never knew what to wear it with but I loved it so. I think I figured it out.

If I say it's from Target- it came home with a red tag on it. I am blind to anything there that's not on a clearance rack. And if you see something you like just wait a few weeks, it will be marked down.

Same with Ross. Their prices are fabulous to begin with, but just about everything I buy there is marked down in some way. I LOVE their selection of dresses. Keep that in mind if you are looking for something for a special occasion. And I hope and pray you have a Ross store in your town.

Don't be afraid of thrift stores. I know some women that are. The racks and racks of clothes can be quite intimidating to some, but remember it's all in fun and you just never know what you might find.

Posted for What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy.

I'm melting

2010-06-22T10:59:00.004-04:00

Remember the scene in The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy throws the water on the Wicked Witch and she mutters - "I'm melting. Melting."

Well, that is EXACTLY what I sound like whenever I have to motivate between one air conditioned oasis to another.

Emphasis on the word motivate.

And it seems that there are people that enjoy this. I don't enjoy those people. Some like it hot. Not me. I'm one popsicle away from a total meltdown.

My pile of unfinished projects (and by unfinished- I mean stuff I have not actually started) is higher than the temps around here. And I can barely count that high.

My mood has a heat index.
And I should have a label-
WARNING! EXTREMELY HOT. DO NOT TOUCH.
Wait- that applies all the time.

It's hot, hot, hot.
And I'm not sure what is more annoying-
The heat or me whining about it.
I could (might) be complaining about how cold my office is right now.
And I might be sort of witchy like that. The Wicked Witch of the East...Coast Heatwave.

Do they make brooms with AC?

Just a few things, Dad...

2010-06-20T10:45:00.000-04:00

He calls me babyduck.
The first thing he noticed when I was born were my tiny ears.
They are still tiny. But they hear a lot.

He asked me yesterday what things stick out when my brother and I think of him as a dad.

It's not really the individual things. It's what those things add up to...the best dad that two kids could have. I feel it's safe to speak for my brother too. Older sisters tend to do that.

But just a few~

Tractor rides. In your lap or on the wagon.
Following behind you in the garden as you tilled. The cold soil on my bare feet.
Hundreds of phone calls that started- "Dad, I'm having a bad day."
Baseball games.
Word problems.
Thunderstorms.
Ghost stories at the beach.
Riding on your shoulders.
Giving me away- twice!
Sitting in your lap watching football.
Sunday meals after church.
Steakums. Two please with cheese and Heinz 57.
Friday night popcorn.
Mornings before school when no one was allowed to speak to me but you.
Canned sausage on Saturday mornings.
Honeybuns and snickers from the store.
Bringing you iced tea in a jar when you were bushhogging or plowing.
Riding in the green Vega on the way to the beach.
Burning trash.
Playing Super Mario.

I'll think of a million more as soon as this is published. Father's Day is not just one day. It's not just one thing. It's the sum of the man.

Happy Father's Day. Love you more than you know. And I'm beyond proud to be your daughter.

And of course, thank you...

Snug...

2010-06-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

As a bug in a rug...

First picture- old sleeping bag I found at a yardsale.
Second picture- old rug I found for a dollar. It's about 8 feet long.

And snug as a bug in a rug- as in the AC is back on ladies. It's snuggling time again.

What I Wore Wednesday...

2010-06-16T10:56:00.003-04:00

I am back for another round of What I Wore.
Again, I don't have an outfit for Wednesday. Just go with it.

Since my last fashion show I've discovered that the Salvation Army has 50% off all clothes EVERY Wednesday! That's where all the really cheap stuff below came from. And that's where you might find me later today. Just sayin.

And also discovered that my camera settings were all out of whack. That's been fixed. I'll blame it on the heat.

Thanks for stopping by and happy thrift shopping.
Posted for What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy.

Full of hot air

2010-06-14T09:42:00.003-04:00

The BellaFella and I are in....HELLA.

Sorry, that was bad. But we have no air conditioning. And considering I've lost my sense of humor, that joke ain't too bad.

It's been gone since Friday. I'm hot, I'm withered, and frankly, mean. Oh- did I mention it's been in the upper 90's all weekend? No? Oh, it has been. And if you don't live in or have never visited the South- well, we have this annoying little thing called humidity.

We spent most of yesterday (after that lovely scene on the carporch) finding places that did have air conditioning.

We successfully went to the movies and saw the A-Team. Two thumbs up. Note to you ladies- Bradley Cooper places a character called Face. But I spent most of the time looking him anywhere but in the eyes. Hot. The sort of heat I didn't mind.

Anywho.

We will return to normally scheduled programming after I get both my air and sanity back.

Hope you have a cool (and I mean that in every sense of the word) Monday.

PS- Repair dude is coming at 9am tomorrow.

It's Sunday morning...

2010-06-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

And you can find me here.

On the carporch. Or carport/porch. I'm in the loveseat on the quilt. My feet are perched on that little blue table. And I'm drinking an iced coffee and reading the paper. I'm enjoying the morning breezes before they turn into tides of heat and humidity.

What does your Sunday morning look like?

Trunk Junk~ A few after photos

2010-06-11T12:32:00.003-04:00

Don't get too excited. You don't need to be sitting down or anything. Just simple uses for simple things.

I simply used the bottom of an old metal stool I found in the attic when we moved in. The white dish lid was found in the cellar.

It doesn't take much to create something you love.

Daisy days

2010-06-09T13:13:00.003-04:00

Nostalgia seems to hang in the air as thick as the humidity.

I took a walk after supper last night. When I was 10 or 11 it would have been a bike ride on the old race path and extra fast past the old bee tree. Honey bees and sometimes some skinned knees.

I might stop and sit on the old concrete steps with my Aunt Rose or on the back porch. Or I might pedal by with just a wave. There was never a plan or destination. Just heat and free time. And bicycles and bare feet.

Last night it was just a simple walk in the field. My field. With the honeysuckle and blackberries. With the daisies.

They remember too.

Date night

2010-06-08T14:40:00.000-04:00

I rushed to get everything done last Friday. I had a date. Dinner and movie.

Yep, had a date. Right about the date- wrong about the time. Sex and the City 2 started at 5:25pm and not 5:10pm. Oops. I never claimed to be good with numbers.

Back to the truck.

So, Plan B. Dinner first then second try at movie. We'd been planning all week to get BBQ at our favorite place. But then we took a little detour to a Chinese place. We walked in to the sounds of vacuums.

Waiter dude- Mam, it will be 25 minutes until we start serving dinner.
Me- (under my breath) Well, maybe lock your door until that momentous occasion.

Back to the truck.

We sat there for 24 minutes and 30 seconds until we decided to get BBQ as planned. Don't ask me to make decisions when my brain is hormonal mush. And I'd proven already my date planning capabilities were seriously lacking.

BBQ was delish.
Back to the truck.
Back to the movies.

Oh- Did I mention that the Fella wasn't exactly excited about my movie selection? He wasn't. But if I can sit through zombies he can stomach Manolo Blahniks and girl talk. He might actually learn something.

So, after mortgaging one 3 liter of soda and medium popcorn, we settled into our seats in theater number 13. I wish I could tell you that I'm not superstitious. I can't. After all, we walked down the isle on 7/7/07 at 7pm. Just sayin.

We tried to ignore the two ladies (and I use that termly loosely) talking through the previews. Chick flick previews. The best kind. These are sacred moments. These are the only moments I will see these movie scenes inside the walls of a theater. You DON'T talk.

This wasn't going well.

The last thing I remember is Julia Roberts enticing me into Eat Pray Love. Soon I would be running away too. And praying.

And then they arrived. You know the type and there were four of them. And they schlepped right to our row. Of course. Giant purses, giant popcorns and the noisiest candy they could find. I knew quickly the only girl talk I'd be listening to was the chatter five seats down.

I couldn't hear Carrie.
I had the SHHHHHH pursed on my lips.

I'd already rolled my eyes 835 times. I swear one day there are going to get stuck and I will perpetually look annoyed...which is probably okay since I am well...perpetually annoyed.

Okay- back to the movie.
Carrie talked.
They talked.
Shhhhh! I might have given an evil eye too (while they weren't rolling).
And whoa- ATTITUDE! (Know that when I see it. Fella too.)
And then the Fella went off.

I never loved him more.
I want to see this movie! He yelled.
I want to hear this movie! He added.
All of it! I came here to see this movie and I am going to see all of it!
Go Fella. Go Fella. Go Fella.

And the Fella marched out and went to find the pre-adolescent wielding the flashlight.

He came in and shushed them too.
He got attitude.

I grabbed my purse, my popcorn and my keg of Pibb and made my dramatic exit.
Four free tickets later we were...

Back to the truck.

And headed to Target for some retail therapy.
I mean, that's what Carrie would do, right?

Junk in my trunk

2010-06-04T08:00:00.001-04:00

What? What did you think I was talking about?

I raided one of BellaMomma's sheds last weekend.
Consider this a BEFORE photo.

Happy Weekend.

How Bella Got Her Groove Back

2010-06-02T09:00:00.003-04:00

Posted for What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy.

Ok. This is a post that takes place on Wednesday. It is not literally what I wore on Wednesday. But a Wednesday outfit might be included. This week, it's not.

Is everyone with me? BellaMomma?

Ok- so I hardly consider myself stylish. But there was a time when I was fearless with my wardrobe. College. During my time in Colorado Springs at the University of Colorado I headed to class in homemade denim skirts (from old men's Levi's) and vintage leather jackets and even hats. Oh, and boots of course. I thrifted for clothes like a madwoman and was totally drawn to the vintage stuff. And I wore it.

Then I graduated and moved back to Virginia.
Got a job.
Bought lots of black pants.

Then I started blogging. And I quickly noticed all the fabulous women wearing fabulous things. Things that tugged at my heart strings. They had style. They had boots. They mixed black and brown. I know.

It was me. It was the old me.

I came out of my fashion closet. Or rather, I'm coming out. And that pun was totally intended.

This outfit makes me smile.
I mixed brown and black.
I found the perfect boots and I will share that journey with you soon.
I mixed a patterned sweater with a textured shirt. I know.
Skinny jeans.

Sweater- Target. You've probably seen this sweater all over the place. It has really cool white button like thingies sewn on the front and washes really well. Jeans- Ross. And it goes without saying that they have stretch in them. ALL jeans should have a little give...and take.

And now we have the boots with a fun Summer dress. You go girl.

And more free shoes. With twinkles and shiny things.

Free. I had another $10 giftcard for Famous Footwear and you guessed it these were on sale for $10. Now get this. These are Steve Madden and were orginally $49.99. Um- what? (If I could insert that Scooby Doo sound here I totally would.)

I think $4.99 is too much to pay for flops. Some poor soul paid $50 for flops. If that person was you, I'm sorry. But you really should get some help. I'm praying for you. And I'm hoping you find an Old Navy- 2/$5.

I'm back. All it took was a mirror and some not so great self-portraits. Oh- and those boots. And I've got my groove back.

Doesn't hold water

2010-06-01T13:37:00.002-04:00

Well, they don't.
More metal colanders.
Don't hate me, but I seem to find them everywhere I go.
Everywhere.

First- my favorite so far. White and red.

The very last one is not as old and is a heavy stainless steel. I'm using that one. I know, it looks filthy. It was. Two words- Magic Eraser.

The rest end up on the wall, in my garden or lined up for some future projects. Some of you have asked how much I pay for these beauties- .25 to $2. I never go over $2. Some would say I'm cheap. Heck, I'd say I'm cheap.

What I Wore Wednesday

2010-05-26T09:00:00.001-04:00

I'm playing along again with What I Wore Wednesday over at The Pleated Poppy. Although it seems that she might not be hosting this week. But it's her thing and I love it.

I've had a lot of fun messing around with this stuff and it's interesting to see your outfits in photographs like this. I've already rid my closet of some things you guys just don't need to see. And really, never would have because I never wore any of it.

Here are my outfits for Thursday, Friday, Monday, and Tuesday. You really didn't need to see the weekend wear. Trust me.

Gosh, I really wasn't a happy camper yesterday morning. Perhaps we should do these photos after the coffee. I do smile on occasion. I promise. And I like to laugh at myself. You might have noticed that.

Thanks for stopping by. And thanks for indulging me in another fashion show.

Many hats...

2010-05-25T12:01:00.005-04:00

Wife. Daughter. Sister. Friend.
Funny gal. Serious woman.
Country. And downtown 9 to 5.
Modern. Old soul.

We all wear many hats, don't we?
Tell me- which are you wearing today?
Perhaps one with a pretty, vintage hat pin.
This one belonged to my Auntie.

The Assignment- Happiness (Happy Update)

2010-05-23T07:45:00.000-04:00

I entered another photo here.
And guess what?

I made the Group 5 Finalists today! Found my happiness today for sure.

Please go take a look and make sure I'm not dreaming- click right here.
The assignment this time was happiness. Here is my entry.

It's my Fella and Bubba.
Happiness. His and mine. Ours.

My assignment for you- find your happiness this weekend. I bet you don't have to look far.

What I Wore Wednesday

2010-05-19T11:36:00.003-04:00

Today I'm participating in What I Wore Wednesday over at The Pleated Poppy. For me it's literally- what I'm wearing today. At this very minute.

You guys know I'm a thrifter but you might not know that most of my wardrobe is made up of thrifty finds or major sale items. I enter a store and make a beeline for the sale racks.

What I'm wearing today-

Shirt- .99 Goodwill. I think it's from the Gap. It's navy with white polka dots.
Pants- Liz Claiborne via Ross sale rack
Belt- Target sale rack. They still have this belt and it's stretchy and I adore it.
Shoes- Free from Famous Footwear.

Yes, I said F-R-E-E. I participate in their rewards program and when the Fella buys his more expensive shoes I earn giftcards. These were on clearance for $10.00 and I had a rewards card for the same amount. Score!

That was fun. I think I'll try to do more of this. And maybe even smile next time. This was before my coffee. I'm just saying.

PS- If the title of my last post scared you. It's safe to go look at the vintage tins and buckets and stuff. I promise. There is no actual heavy metal music or anything. Just a very bad play on words.

Thrifting- Heavy Metal Style

2010-05-17T13:27:00.004-04:00

This weekend I met up with BellaMomma for some hardcore thrift shopping. I came home with a lot of metal- tins, trays, buckets, old trash cans.

I was like a magnet.
Sorry, I could not resist that reference.

Here are my finds from the weekend and a few things from the weeks before.

And my very favorite...
Another Calf-teria.
And NOPE- doesn't take much to make me happy.

Now I have a pair. Yeah, I know my new one is missing a nipple. And I can't believe I just typed the words- missing a nipple. But I love it anyway.

And I might have started a trend in the county we were in. Apparently everyone has these in their barns and no one has ever thought to use them as planters. Trust me, it's a conversation piece.

And by the way- found a lot more than all of this. But I couldn't do all my show and tell today. More to come.

don't roll your eyes at me

2010-05-13T09:57:00.008-04:00

I hate the sneezing and runny nose and itchy eyes that come with seasonal allergies. I really do. I've purchased and used 635 boxes of kleenex so far- but who's counting?

But do you know what I really hate?
I hate that Every. Single. Time. I open the lid to the washer I find two billion pieces of the aforementioned tissues.

Surprise!

It's sad when you roll your eyes at yourself. I do. A lot.

Wait- have I ever told you about my washing machine? It's in the kitchen. Between the icebox and stove. One wall of my kitchen is like the appliance aisle at Best Buy. It is.

Yep, Best Buy. Told you so.
And the dryer. On the back porch.
If you had any doubt of my country girl/farm status after this post. I don't think you are doubting now.

And I just wrote an entire post about tissues and my washing machine.
And I just rolled my eyes. Again.

Just had to share...

2010-05-11T10:48:00.005-04:00

The Fella gasped last night and pointed at a picture hanging above the window in our bedroom. A window that is above the head of our bed.

Fella- You can't put that there. It might fall.
Me- No it won't. It's fine.
Fella- You don't know that.
Me- Yes I do.
Fella- Well, I really don't like that up there.
Me- Well, you should have said something when I put it there....

3 YEARS AGO.

Coming this week- yardsale finds and the carporch.
And I'm out and about in Blogland visiting you all. See you soon.
And because you can't post without a picture...

Which seems to be a little out of focus. JUST LIKE ME TODAY.

It's BellaMomma's Day

2010-05-09T08:17:00.003-04:00

Today and everyday.
Thank you for being the best Mom.
And thank you for being my best friend.
And thank you for making me who I am.

So, so much of what you see and read here is her shining through in me.

Love you Mom.
Happy Mother's Day.

By the way...that is a photo of me. But it's one of Mom's favorites. And just maybe part of her little present when she gets back home.

Home is where my heart is...

2010-05-05T11:52:00.002-04:00

And I like to share my heart with you.

These are the little everyday pieces that make up our life on the little farm. There are a million more. Life is pretty darn good. My heart is full.

I had to stop and smell the roses

2010-05-04T13:12:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I've been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. And yesterday was one of those Mondays that ranks quite high on my Monday Hall of Fame. Let's just say it started with cat throw up and peaked with a dead bird inside my wall at work. And don't get me started on the ants.

A Monday through and through.
And I laughed all the way.
That's the only way.
But still I seemed to be on fastforward.
Out of breath.

I was still running around at 8 o'clock last night- filling my bird feeders and watering flowers when these stopped me in my tracks.

I literally had to stop and smell the roses. And today I have slowed down. I've taken one big deep breath for the week.

I bet some of you are running around like chickens too. Take a moment with me. And a deep breath. And a happy sigh.

Confessions of a caffeine addict

2010-04-30T10:55:00.006-04:00

I cannot deny it anymore.
It's become a problem.
I pass approximately 10 on the way to work.
McDonald's, that is.
Large. Vanilla. Iced. Coffee.

Dear Guinness World Records People-
Please find enclosed my application. I believe I can drink a large McDonald's vanilla iced coffee faster than anyone in the entire universe.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
BellaDella

It's gone before I make it out of the drive-thru. And if I didn't have the cup full of nothing but ice and a straw I would think it was a dream.

And apparently I am so much in denial I need a Dr. Pepper chaser. But to my defense it is DIET.

Come on- fess up- do you have a little addiction like this? Starbucks maybe? Hostess cupcakes? Don't know why those came to mind.

Happy Friday everyone.

Branching out

2010-04-27T14:27:00.002-04:00

Do you blog hop? I do. Especially when I'm experiencing a bit of blogger's block. You know you can literally lose yourself for hours. Hours.

I am always amazed. It seems the farther I think I've wandered from my online home, the more I realize we are all connected.

Like branches on a tree.

Her favorites are my favorites. Her followers are mine too. But for some reason our paths have never crossed. All connected.

Isn't it wonderful the way it all works?

Funny farm

2010-04-22T14:35:00.004-04:00

I sort of giggle to myself when I use the word farm to describe our home. It might be a bit of a stretch. Or maybe not. These days it feels more like the funny farm than a real farm. So I was thinking about all of this and here is some stuff I came up with.

Please note~
We grow more weeds than crops.
And by crops I mean corn, beans, tomatoes and cukes.
We have no farm animals.
Pretending to own the neighbor's cows does not count.
We do not own a tractor.
But the Fella does look cute on his John Deere.

But on the other hand~
I've been known to parade around the yard in my overalls.
And cowboy boots.
We have a garden and it's in front of a barn.
We own a barn.
And a chicken coop. No chickens.
Our little place was a farm in its former life.
We have all the old fence posts to prove it.
And a bucket called the "Calf-teria."
That I use as a planter. Found it in the cellar.
We have a cellar.
And I have a questionable star made out of tobacco sticks.
On the front porch.
And I know what tobacco sticks are.
And whippoorwills.
And I love the smell of tractor fuel.

And we definitely live in the country~
In a county that has one stop light.
And one grocery store.
And a small newspaper.
That made the recent MISTAKE of telling me about bear sightings.
In the neighboring county.
To which the Fella says-
Well you wanted to live in the country. True.
Our county has more cows than people.
And they make great neighbors.
The cows, that is.

I bet by now you are leaning towards that whole funny farm thing. I warned you earlier that I was a bit discombobulated. I'm embracing it.

2010-04-20T15:31:00.002-04:00

Things around the little farm have been a bit discombobulated lately. I love that word. But I don't exactly love that feeling. I am craving routine and a little light.

I can't think of a better place to find those things than here with you.
Tell me- what have you been up to lately?

Guest Room Spring Spruce-up

2010-04-14T12:47:00.002-04:00

I don't need a change of seasons to give me an excuse to change things up. Frankly that happens daily. But Spring certainly does give me a little bit of a nudge. Things are bright outside and that sort of seems to creep inside too.

I have a very specific budget for this process. Like- nada, zero, nothin, zilch.
So, I've been shopping my house, the attic, the kitchen, the store. You get it.

The guest room was bugging me. Yes, annoying me. Nagging me. She really wants a new coat of paint but I have not given in yet. But I did change the colors up a bit. Out with the pinks and in with the reds.

Happy sigh. Pink is a perfectly fine color, don't get me wrong, but this gal likes her red.

So, new curtains. Or. No, sew curtains.

Vintage hankies layered over one of those ugly white curtain rods. Voila- new window treatments.

And I switched out the glasses on the window ledge. I adore how they catch the light.

Flowers blooming in my wonderful green chippy chair, in the form of a pillow. BellaMomma gave me that chair years ago. That pillow floats around. It's thrifted, of course.

You'll notice I am totally staying on budget. And here's more red. And green. And vintage stuff.

Dresser- Kept in store by BellaMomma. Stolen and painted green. Free.
Mirror- Thrifted last year for .50
Lamp- Stolen from BellaMomma. It belonged to my Aunt Louise.
Gosh, it's so easy to stay on budget.

Just a little corner of my world right now. Hope you enjoyed it. More corners of the little farm coming up soon.

Tell me, do you change things up for Spring or daily like me? Or do I even need to ask?

Make a wish

2010-04-12T11:58:00.003-04:00

With closed eyes and a deep breath I bet I have scattered millions of these. Wishes carried in the wind.

I wish I was at home on the little farm. Under the chenille spread with the fan blowing. Lazy days.

I wish I was nine again running barefoot in the yard with snakes of dirt around my neck. Blackened feet and that could run over the gravel. Riding my old bike with the banana seat. Digging in the dirt with old spoons.

I wish my toes were in the sand and my hair was in tangles from the salt air.

I wish I was sixteen and sitting in the dugout, score book in my lap. Spitting sunflower seeds. Bat and helmets at my feet.

I wish I was sitting at my cafe in Germany watching the world go by. I can picture the cakes and pastries in the shop window that overlooked the rose garden. I can smell the roses. Homesick and lovesick.

I wish I was in class again. Climbing down the stairs to the dining hall. All girls. The corner in the library. The mailbox with letters from far away. Box 736. I still remember.

I wish I was sitting somewhere, anywhere with all of you. Stories and laughter and wishes...blowing into the Spring wind.

What do you wish for?

My heart's all a flutter

2010-04-08T11:08:00.005-04:00

There are several things that officially usher in the warm months for me-
Thunderstorms. Budding trees. Whippoorwills. Lightening bugs. And lilac.

Everything is blooming right now. Everything. Last week the world was full of limbs and buds and seemed to hover somewhere between Winter and Spring. Then mother nature turned up the thermostat to 80-90 and everything came alive. Everything.

The lilac is blooming. Last night I ventured out into the pollen storm to visit and I was greeted by the sweet aroma and a delegation of butterflies.

I hope you are surrounded by your favorite things today. What makes your heart flutter?

Star survey

2010-04-06T12:56:00.003-04:00

Let's be honest, most of my decorating decisions leave the Fella a little perplexed. He is often confused...when two weeks to a month later he notices something new.

This he couldn't miss.

It's a star made of tobacco sticks. Tobacco sticks from my grandparent's tobacco barn. I've seen these at antique and junk stores for prices that make my eyes bug out. Okay- so anything over five dollars makes my eyes bug, but I digress.

My Spring spruce up is in full swing. I finally dug out these old sticks and my trusty hammer and nails and voila- a star. Price- zero. And that folks, is my budget for this year's spruce up.

I think it's a friendly little star. Well, not exactly little.

The Fella is concerned our neighbors (although few and far between) might think we are up to some sort of cult activity.

So, I am taking a survey of experts- that would be you. What do you think of the tobacco stick star?

Note- the front porch is a work in progress. I am scrubbing and painting and rearranging. I will keep you posted on the progress. And that's Mo in the window.

Spring Break

2010-03-31T11:28:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I found out that my office is closed on Friday. Happy dance.
Today I had already planned to leave early for some meetings.
So, I am taking tomorrow too.
A surprise Spring break for me.
Totally unplanned and on a whim. And I need it too.

So, I am going to take a little time and mess around the little farm and enjoy some sunsets and smell the new flowers. The forecast calls for temps in the 80's until Sunday. Gosh, perhaps it's more of a Summer break. Preview of Summer break- minus the humidity.

So, I will be back on Monday. And maybe, just maybe I will also have a chance to make some visits to all of you and reply to some comments and return some e-mails. I promise I have not forgotten about you.

Happy Easter friends!

Notes on the weekend

2010-03-29T13:00:00.004-04:00

The photos might make you think it was a quiet weekend around the little farm. It was not.

Saturday- Roller coaster rides at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. And maybe a couple of log rides. Note- it was not warm. Note- I'll do anything for the Fella. Wet jeans are not fun.

And remember the new Converse? No one told me that every single teen in this area has them. Red, black, turquoise, pink. No one had the grey ones. I didn't know I was so stylish- or so old.

Sunday- You know those Sundays where you swear you are just going to read the paper and then lounge in bed for the duration of the day? And then suddenly you can't find the paper because you have taken EVERYTHING out of your pantry. And then you can't find the guest bed because you piled all your Winter clothes there for their annual trip to the attic. And you have 10 loads of laundry going. Yep. That was Sunday.

Good thing Monday and work arrived- I needed some rest!

And so, while all that goes on in my self-imposed busy life, Spring is here. The flowers are blooming and everything is getting so green. 80 is predicted here for the weekend....when I will do all of that- all over again. Including the roller coasters but minus the pantry- I finished that.

Sunflower surprise

2010-03-25T14:26:00.002-04:00

I walked into Kroger the other day and spied sunflowers in the sale bucket. I decided to treat myself.

When I lived in Germany I often walked down to the marktplatz to buy fresh flowers, especially sunflowers. My little flower shop would take your selections and wrap them in the most beautiful paper and tie them raffia. 5 marks. Those were the days before the Euro. That generally translated to about $2.50 back then.

And the price tag at Kroger- $2.50. Marked down from more than I usually spend on flowers, or anything for that matter.

Here are those flowers still smiling at me- 2 weeks later.

Photograph taken just yesterday.

Treat yourself.
Remind yourself.
Surprise yourself.

Cocoanut and camellias

2010-03-23T13:30:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I arrange things in my mind. There are imagined combinations of colors and treasures. Sometimes it happens while I'm at work, sometimes as I am drifting into dreamland. Sometimes these intentions even make it to my ever present and very real to-do list.

This arrangment languished there all of last week- both in my mind and on my list.

The requirements were simple.
Vintage tin sitting unused. My favorite red.
Camellias blooming outside my window.

Now it is very real.
And really beautiful.

I think you should imagine it too and then make it. Find an old jar, an old tin can, something not meant to hold flowers. And fill it with something pretty. Come on- you deserve it.

A tight fit

2010-03-22T14:08:00.005-04:00

A little (um, big) migraine left me down for the count on Saturday. I am not sure what hurt more- my head or feeling my beloved weekend slipping away.

NO- I said as I turned over for another hour of sleep. BUT I could not move.

So- What did I do?
Well, upon feeling better on Sunday morning I jumped out of bed at 5:30am and commenced with an all out effort to make it fit- all my plans, intentions, and hopes for the first weekend of Spring.

I took the dogs out.
I fished the Sunday paper out of the mailbox.

And first, my sacred Sunday newspaper ritual. Nothing makes my heart swoon like coupons and the new Target ad. And I drink all that in with a big, big glass of iced coffee.

My time.

Then I had to squeeze in grocery shopping and errands. And these were the perfect fit for that-

I hopped in the car, rolled down the windows and blasted a little Dierks Bentley. And nothing but the back roads will do on a sunny Sunday morning.

Before I knew it the groceries were unloaded and put away. I changed uniforms and it was time to rake leaves.

This is me raking leaves.

I squeezed it all in. Laundry. Nesting. Dishes. Naps. Grilling. Open windows and breezes. Daffodils. The slow unfolding of the carporch. If you've been around you get the reference to that one. If you are new- I'll show you soon.

It was a tight fit. But I took a deep breath and dove right in. I squeezed the life right out of my one day, my Sunday. How about you- did you fit it all in?

Best buds

2010-03-19T11:52:00.002-04:00

It's time to welcome the weekend.
And time to welcome Spring.

And I wish you- all my best buds- the warmest and happiest of weekends.

I came here to write

2010-03-17T10:49:00.009-04:00

I came here to write. Because I lurked and was inspired.
I came here to share my world. Because I needed that creative outlet.
I came here to meet you. Because your worlds were so enticing.
I came here. I logged in. I hung up my sign- Bella Della. I posted.
And somewhere along the way I bloomed.

Traci ignited it and encouraged it. She's the talent behind Traci Thorson Photography. And she knows that I adore her. Go visit. You will love her too.

Recently I found Kate of Chronicles of a Country Girl. Her comments and support are a huge boost for me and I know I have lots to learn from her. Thanks, Kate. Go visit and tell her I said hello. Kate so sweetly wrote about me here.

And that is how Kat found me. Kat of Low Tide High Style. She's become a fast friend and yesterday I was blown away by her kindness in this post . Blown away. Thank you, Kat.

You ladies are the reason the camera is always by my side. And you make me see things in a way I never did before. You guys nourish the marriage between my writing and picture taking.

I still come here to write. I will always do that. That voice inside me literally never shuts up. But because the words weren't quite enough on this journey of show and tell- I took pictures. Lots of pictures.

And then the pictures took hold of me and a new love bloomed.

I've had this conversation quite a few times lately and wanted to share it and thank you for it, too.

Around the bend

2010-03-15T11:26:00.003-04:00

It's Monday.
Sigh.
The road seems long. Endless perhaps.

But you never know what good things are around the bend.

Photo- Saturday drive with the Fella.