pink tumbleweed

a day in the life - recap

2012-02-09T16:07:00.000-08:00

well, i did it. one day really isn't too bad. but believe me, it's a lot. i really wanted to document every aspect of my day. everything. those are the things i find i want to remember most.
so with my tripod, two cameras, journaling throughout the day, and constant attention to the moment i was in, i documented my little heart out.
ali edwards has the process down to a science, and all of the overlays i used can be bought here.
of course, all of this will be compiled into an album, but here is a sampling of what i captured.

one of my journaling sheets that records my day hour by hour:
now to print and create an album. the fun part!

gearing up for "a day in the life"

2012-02-06T16:11:00.000-08:00

i love new ways to document and celebrate life. Ali Edwards is really sort of brilliant when it comes to doing this. she is so very inspiring.
this wednesday i will be documenting my entire day. all the little seemingly meaningless things. all the big things. everything. you can get more information and read Ali's method on her blog.

in april 2010 i documented a week in the life. you can read my journey here.

i've posted a small sample of my documentation...

does anyone want to join me??

quote tag for inspiration

2012-02-04T21:25:00.000-08:00

i am teaching this months combined young women lesson. handouts are not necessary when you teach, but making things is kind of my thing.
so i put together this little frame, holder thingy. official technical term. it houses my little handmade quote tag....

here is the basket of handmade goodness for the girls...

instagram daily....last day!!

2012-02-01T06:58:00.000-08:00

day 31: you - again

so i finished. every single day documented through the instagram daily photo challenge. the last day was to be a photo of yourself. i had just gone to wal-mart and picked up yet another houseplant. i kind of had to. the name was kimberly queen fern. absolutely perfect since i was wearing my crown necklace! it was practically jumping off the shelf at me!
i need a new daily challenge of some sort. any ideas?

this was another moment captured on my phone with instagram. ashton had put on one of dads beanies. he was captivated by yo gabba gabba when i got this shot.

refresh

2012-01-30T07:38:00.001-08:00

i have been wanting my picture wall changed for quite some time. in my mind the change wasn't complicated. it was going to be really inexpensive and quick. when i shared my vision with my husband tools, levels, and a trip to lowes replaced my idea of "uncomplicated". it's for the best. i "eyeball" everything. measure nothing. fly by the seat of my pants. when you are building and hanging a shelf that approach doesn't really work too well.

i am quite pleased with the results....
(though i might add a few things here and there)

this was my original inspiration, back in 2006!! it's from the ever brilliant pottery barn catalog. don't most of us want our homes to look like a page from that catalog??
here's a bigger view of mine:

day 29: inside your refrigerator

just the basics...and a few oddities.

day 30: nature

being that it's still january, and everything outside is still iced over and brown, i wanted a view of my indoor nature. one of many houseplants.

rosette valentine wreath

2012-01-28T21:37:00.000-08:00

my house is very bare and wanting for valentine decorations. so when my friend invited me to do this cute wreath with her, i thought it was the perfect place to start! it wasn't quick. it wasn't simple. but the results were well worth the effort. to get the full instructions and supplies, go here. i modified my colors slightly because i wanted a softer more vintage-y feel.

i just love looking at all those rosettes. so very pretty, feminine and valentines!

here are the past two days instagram daily photos:

day 27: lunch

if i'm not eating pb&j, i'm eating the above meal: grilled cheese dipped in salsa. delicious.

day 28: light

my eiffel tower lamp was a total score at target three years ago. it still brings me great happiness and will for years to come.

instagram daily photo: day 26

2012-01-27T08:00:00.001-08:00

before posting yesterdays instagram photo, i wanted to post a photo of me wearing my luscious pearl/crown necklace. as you can see it fancies up my t-shirts quite nicely.

i found out yesterday there is one drawback; as i was putting ashton in his booster chair for lunch, the pendant knocked him in the head. he looked very disgruntled, but got over it quickly.

sorry ash. mommy will try to be careful not to knock her children out with her bling in the future.

day 26: colour

i am on another drawing kick these days. my smash book makes a perfect canvas for random creative bursts!

instagram daily photo: days 24 & 25

2012-01-25T06:51:00.000-08:00

day 24: guilty pleasure

yo gabba gabba. it's a kids tv show that i absolutely love. i have from the start...even before it was cool and all the SNL stars starting guest staring in it. it is quirky, colorful, dance-y, cute, animated, and artistic.

day 25: something i made

this is my latest creation. it's hard to see in this picture, but the pearls are BIG and luscious. i am a pearl girl. definitely. that rhinestone crown is big too. i'll have to take a picture of me wearing it so you can see it in all it's fabulous BIG glory! the scale is intense.

instagram daily photo: days 22 & 23

2012-01-23T20:56:00.000-08:00

day 22: my shoes

i bought these boots with christmas money. they were the first pair of shoes i bought online, without trying them on, and i love them. LOVE. THEM. they go with just about everything. the price was right. they are comfortable. they rock. completely rock.

day 23: something old

this is one of my most precious possessions. it was my grandmothers. it is one of two things that i have of hers. it's a sterling silver buckle cuff-style bracelet from the 1933 chicago worlds fair. it's amazing. i really need to wear that bracelet more, don't i?

instagram daily photo: days 19, 20 and 21

2012-01-21T17:22:00.001-08:00

day 19: sweet

my chocolate is never far from reach.

day 20: someone i love

words cannot express just how much i love this man. he is my everything!

day 21: reflection

us looking into our kitchen window. it was seriously a great coincidence that the cherry stain glass is in the picture (as that is our last name!!).

favorite places and spaces: red letter books, boulder, co

2012-01-18T18:50:00.000-08:00

as previously mentioned, i have sort of a thing for books. old books are preferable. so when i stumbled upon this gem of a bookstore in boulder i was one happy girl!

if it's glamour, soft cushy chairs, designer drinks and plush carpeting you're looking for, keep looking. this is not your book store. but if you want stacks (and i do mean stacks, you can't even see beyond the stacks of the books to the register) of old beautiful books this is where you want to be. and the prices are terrific!

no frills, no expensive decor, nothing matches. just fabulous books.

instagram daily -

day 17: water

day 18: something you bought

i scored these gorgeous apothecary-style vessels for a total of $8.00!! pure happiness.

instagram daily photo: days 13,14,15 & 16

2012-01-16T08:23:00.000-08:00

i have a little bit of catching up to do. i have been taking daily photos, here are the past few days:

day 13: in your bag

i had to empty the contents and take a few up-close shots. i think this is such a great way to document where you are in life!!
this shot is a good view of everything in that big bag of mine -
2 pair of sunglasses (a girl needs options)
wallet
green leather bag of lots of lipgloss and chapstick
white canvas bag of various necessities
gum
small notebook
thumb drive
small floral bag containing various pens
half eaten peppermint bark (my rule: have chocolate on me at all times!)
small camera
feminine hygiene necessities
cell phone (not pictured but never without)

i ALWAYS have a notebook on me. all the time! i am constantly finding inspiration in the darndest places. i am also very visual, so writing and drawing as inspiration strikes is just part of who i am. i carry my thumb drive because often i have pictures, illustrations, graphics that i want to print at the office supple store.

there are few things more frustrating in life than being ill-prepared. i am never without lipgloss, aspirin, lotion, band aids, or my handy tide stick.

day 14: something i'm reading

everyday i read my scriptures. but aside from that, i am currently reading a few other books.
to the rescue the biography of thomas s. monson by heidi s. swinton
the promise of discipleship by neil a. maxwell
a mothers book of secrets: keys to making motherhood memorable, meaningful and magnificent by: linda j. eyre & shawni eyre pothier

day 15: happiness

my kids are such a big part of my happiness. although my happiness isn't quite complete because kyle isn't here. i miss him!!

day 16: morning

typically i enjoy a beverage, oatmeal and the today show each morning (in between getting kids off to school and keeping ashton corralled).

my style & instagram daily - day 12

2012-01-12T21:37:00.000-08:00

i am a girl who adores fashion. at the top of my list, an addition to almost every outfit, can't leave the house without 'em....pearls! they really do complete any outfit.

and chunky, antique, interesting jewelry...

add these to a prairie girl, meets prom dress ensemble and it is a match made in heaven. my version of heaven. where cowboy boots can also complete most outfits.

then there is the more polished version of myself. the super girly, preppy, audrey hepburn me. (i know i total departure from the first, but a girl has to have options)

this version of myself yearns for matte red lips, leopard accessories, bold colors, and a great heel. pearls also work quite nicely here too....when don't they?

all images via pinterest

day 12: close-up

i love that kissable, baby-soft hair. i smell it all day long and can't get enough!

instagram daily - day 11

2012-01-11T10:48:00.001-08:00

day 11 - where I sleep

smash book & instagram daily - day 10

2012-01-10T14:46:00.001-08:00

i am totally addicted to this....

it's a smash book. it's an art journal of sorts. it has a cute base to each page to start from, and you add more fabulousness to it. right up my alley! i've already started to play in mine. here are a few pages:

day 10 - childhood

instagram daily photo: day 8 & 9

2012-01-09T08:06:00.000-08:00

day 8: your sky

yesterday the sky was deceptively blue. it was freezing out!! this is the view from my backyard.

day 9: daily routine

there are many things i do consistently everyday, but taking my medication cannot be skipped. i would say that is the most necessary part of my daily routine.

instagram daily photo: day 7

2012-01-07T08:03:00.000-08:00

day 7: favorite

this was a hard one. of course i have lots of favorites, but even when i narrowed it down to my favorite scripture, i have too many of those too. but i always come back to this one. it says it all for me, and reminds me to feast on the scriptures daily...DAILY. i need to. my day, my life, just goes better when i abide by this practice.

images of our home and instagram daily - day 6

2012-01-06T08:13:00.001-08:00

day 6: makes you smile

this is the remnants of ben and stephans snow fort, with our tree stuck in the middle. ghetto? yes. funny and smile-worthy? absolutely!

now that our christmas stuff is down and put away, and my home is back to normal, i thought i would post some of the views i see daily.

main photo wall, with new texas star and number 6

this star represents my son kyle, who is currently living in texas with his dad and family there.

6 is the number of members of our happy family

above my fireplace

one of my passions is reading. another is travel. i've yet to go to europe, but I WILL. oh yes, i will.

i found these copies of the count of monte cristo at a bookshop in boulder (to be featured on my favorite places and spaces segment at a future date)

this sitting area makes me so happy! it's super cozy at night when lit with the industrial-style lamp.

these coat pegs won't always be home to such tiny coats. had to capture it.

spices above my stove. and a sweet little vintage note holder from natalie

instagram daily photo: day 5

2012-01-05T08:36:00.001-08:00

day 5: what i wore
(taken by noah)

so i don't own a full length mirror. isn't that ludicrous? yes! otherwise i would have taken todays daily photo myself. i tried doing what i do every sunday after getting ready for church, standing on the toilet in my bathroom to see my full outfit in the bathroom mirror. but the toilet in the photo somehow distracted from, well, everything.
so i begrudgingly gave my iphone to noah to take the least blurry photo he could. ashton had to be in it too because anytime a posed photo is being taken he runs into the shot and stands still like he is in a prison line-up.
i wanted to highlight a few key points of todays outfit.
first, and certainly NOT least, my jewelry. my lovely friend natalie gave me the coolest necklace watch. it has a crown on one side. so perfect for me! and the pendant above it was made by me. i have been really into clip-on pendants lately. this one i wear almost daily. for two reasons: cupcake and crown. enough said.

and my toms. my mom bought everyone a pair for christmas. the coolest thing about them, other than the fact that they just totally rock, is that the company gives a pair to a child in need. hence their slogan: one for one.

favorite places and spaces: union station, denver and instagram daily challenge

2012-01-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

day four: letterbox

i am starting a new segment on my blog in which i will be featuring some of my favorite places and spaces.
to start off i want to talk about a place that is straight out of 1880 (that is the exact year it was built). union station in denver. it is truly gorgeous both inside and out. i took these photos and edited a few of them to give them more of a nostalgic feel.

i did the best i could with horrible lighting (we went at night and the inside is very poorly lit) and setting my camera up on an adjacent pew with the timer.

would love to do a full-fledged photo shoot here...in the daytime with the beautiful lighting that i'm sure floods the inside during the day.

instagram daily challenge

2012-01-03T21:42:00.000-08:00

i downloaded the coolest app, and i'm probably one of the last people on the planet to get it. instagram. what makes it so cool is the sharing aspect of it. i have a whole new serge of inspiration with photography and capturing the everyday!
they are having a photo a day challenge. perfect! as today is january 3rd, i'm a few days late to the party, so today's post is a bit of a catch up.

if you want to join in, here is the challenge:

day 1: you

day two: breakfast

day three: something you adore

future craft projects via pinterest

2012-01-02T08:35:00.001-08:00

it's no secret that pinterest is where i spend a great deal of time browsing/dreaming/lusting/being inspired. but seriously, i swear it IS productive!! i get brilliant ideas not only for craft projects but also wonderful ideas to make my homemaking tasks easier.

here is a collection of projects that are on my to do list:

salt dough (his and her) thumbprint pendant:

art journaling happiness!:

clothespin cuteness:

scarf loveliness:

fabric covered buttons out of favorite baby clothes:

banner made with photos:
(and you all know how much i love banners)

made from where you each are from...yes!:

let's get crafting!!

welcome 2012!

2011-12-31T16:18:00.000-08:00

best wishes to you and yours! i'm starting the year off right with a blog entry (one of my "committed" goals)

have you found your word yet?
no?
well here are some great ones....

my word for 2012

2011-12-30T15:51:00.000-08:00

as 2011 comes to a close it's time to start fresh. think about resolutions, changes, opportunities. i started a tradition for myself in 2008 of choosing a word that will be the inspiration for my year. i initially got the idea here.

i have asked my family to join in with me and think of a word of their own. then they must journal it, art-it-up, integrate it, LIVE it!
as i have been mulling it over and seeing what comes to mind, so many words sounded pretty good. but late last night, right before i was going to go to bed my word came to me like a bolt of lightning. it clicked.

my word for 2012 is:

committed to health.
committed to being a better blogger.
committed to the gospel.
committed to motherhood.
committed to my happy marriage.
committed to integrity.
committed to being in the moment.
committed to joy.
committed to being true to myself.

i am committed!

what is your word for 2012?

sister aprons and a few other lovelies

2011-12-20T07:51:00.001-08:00

'tis the season for projects in great abundance. here is a small sample (i can't post them all as some of the recipients are readers!) of some of the commissioned projects that have been keeping me busy...

these custom aprons are for sisters who adore purple...

i have been doing a few variations of mothers necklaces with the birthstones of their children...
(this one is mine. the hanging crystal represents ryan)

in between projects i will do a pair or two of earrings...for good measure!

our local IKEA has a large photograph of the union station in denver. $50.00 is a little out of our budget right now, so i took my own version, enlarged it and put it in a frame i already had.
incidentally, the inside of this station is just as breathtaking!!

steadfastly busy doing my thing

2011-12-02T20:56:00.000-08:00

6 months absence makes for a daunting blog update undertaking! why i keep doing this to myself i will never know. the easy thing to do would be to simply keep up with the blog. i guess easy isn't my thing.

so let me separate this update into two catagories (as anything pertaining to family would be on my other blog).

SPIRITUAL:

i may or may not have mentioned that i am currently serving as the first counselor in the young womens presidency (go here to learn more about that).
this calling is one of my favorites. by far. i absolutely LOVE serving the youth! i am inspired, uplifted, and extremely blessed by them.
for the past year and a half i have been diligently working on my personal progress to earn my young women recognition award. this process is similar to a young man earning his eagle scout. it's very involved and rewarding.
a few weeks ago i received my medallion!!!
now on to the honor bee...

i have been pouring myself into daily scripture study and loving every minute of it. i have drawn closer to my Savior and Heavenly Father. i am so thankful for the scriptures.

every tuesday i attend an institute class. we are studying the pearl of great price. amazing. every week i leave that class feeling spiritually nourished and spiritually on fire. sometimes i can't wait to go home and re-read/study some of the things we have discussed in class. this has been a huge blessing for me.

CREATIVE:

i can't post everything i have been busily crafting/sewing/photographing/jewelry-ing, as some of it is for people who are giving them for presents. but i will post a small sample of the things i have completed.

with the onset of colder weather i have pulled out my crochet hooks and put them to good use! i actually finished this chunky cowl-neck scarf tonight. LOVE!

this very long scarf is super soft and wraps around my neck about a hundred times, making it even cozier. the red makes me happy too. so festive.

i made my halloween costume this year. i was a fancy witch. fancy because i made this very fancy witch hat complete with rhinestones, feathers, and netting. oh!...and the best part of my costume...i wore a whispy boa all night!!!! dreamy!

last year for christmas i made a few special people charm bracelets similar to this one (each one is different and personalized). since then, i have made a few more based on requests from friends of those special people.

nest necklaces. each pearl represents a child. i made this one for a friend who made the most amazing cake for our halloween party. i love working in trade!

these last two are ones i made just for me. i wanted to have something to wear that represented me and my sweetheart hubby. hence the "s" and the "k" and the heart.

i'm really loving the whole clip-on charm thing. i will be making different baubles to attach. maybe some will be holiday-inspired? not sure yet. having fun with this design.

i solemnly swear to not let 6 stinkin' months pass without so much as a peep!! it's so much more fun to share what i'm doing.

who i am

2011-06-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

i don't post too many family things on this blog (which is why i started my "family"blog). however, there are some things that warrant this blog.
my dad died when i was three. it was a horrible death, which, in a way defined who i would become. my mother did an amazing job picking up the pieces and raising my sister and i with grace and love. i am who i am because of her. recently my aunt (my fathers sister) contacted me. it was welcome contact indeed, as i have had very little from my fathers family. it has me spinning a bit though, as more has been revealed to me of my past. who i am. most of all it has made me realize how thankful i am for my life. how thankful i am for my trials and my history. heavenly father knows me, and that is evident everyday. in honor of my recent brush with my past, i thought i appropriate to post a few photos of my father and mother.

"you decide every moment of every day: who you are and what you believe in. you get a second chance every second."

i choose to live my life deliberately, joyfully, gracefully. with faith every step of the way!

inspiration: coco channel

2011-06-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

as a woman who is constantly immersing herself in fashion, jewelry and style i have many people that inspire me. fashion designers are definitely at the top of that list. there is one designer, one who started it all. one who has always inspired me. coco.
after watching this movie last night i learned a bit more about her.

i dedicate this post to the beautiful mademoiselle channel, and her poetic words that ring true for me.

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”

“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty”

“How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.”

"I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny."

necklace, earrings & eye candy

2011-05-31T06:48:00.000-07:00

i am slowly getting around to posting new creations. i have had some technical difficulties.

this necklace has been keeping my neck company a lot lately. i'm kind of fond of it.

these earrings are on their way to a special friend...

eye candy found while wasting - no, ENJOYing time on my new obsession...

source

busy with this and that

2011-05-26T15:05:00.001-07:00

i have been absent from the blog. it's true. however, i have not been idle. i'm still busily crafting, cooking, and being otherwise artistically involved.

here is a necklace unlike any other i've ever made. when i was creating it i kept feeling like it was really something my sister would love. sometimes i get that feeling when i'm making something. it's a mixed feeling because though i may love what i am making, once i have someone in mind i know it belongs to them. and so, happy birthday nichole. this necklace belongs to you.

why i adore my dogs...

2011-04-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

If you can start the day without caffeine;
If you can get going without pep pills;
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains;
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles;
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it;
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time;
If you can forgive a friend's lack of consideration;
If you can overlook it when those you love take it out on you when, through no fault of your own, something goes wrong;
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment;
If you can ignore a friend's limited education and never correct him;
If you can resist treating a rich friend better than a poor friend;
If you can face the world without lies and deceit;
If you can conquer tension without medical help;
If you can relax without liquor;
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs;
If you can honestly say that deep in your heart you have no prejudice against creed or color, religion or politics;
Then, my friend, you are almost as good as your dog.

source

style spotlight

2011-03-29T21:08:00.001-07:00

i stumbled across one of the most amazing style blogs: atlantic-pacific.

what initially caught my eye was this necklace:
i actually own this necklace. it is one of my favorite iconic, statement pieces. the name is "runway pearls". it makes any outfit i match it with. love!

and it just kept getting better. outfit after outfit. AHmazing. brilliant color/pattern combos, and the most eye-catching jewelry schemes. she piles on the jewelry. my kind of gal. we would be fast friends. i just know it.

her hair in this shot is really sort of breathtaking, no?

piled on jewelry...YES please!

did i mention the brilliant pattern combos?
do yourself a favor and check out her blog. you will be utterly inspired. promise.

denver art museum

2011-03-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

saturday i had the pleasure of spending a few hours lingering amongst genius, romance and unspeakable beauty. not a bad way to spend ones time.

this is where i was...

the museum is fairly large with 7 floors of various art. i knew i only had a few hours, so i concentrated my time with the american and european art and spanish colonial art.

it's been determined; i will be purchasing a membership. this is easily one of my favorite places to be.

i heart books

2011-03-03T15:52:00.001-08:00

i have a passion for books. i don't mean to offend anyone who may own a kindle, or another like device, but there is nothing like holding a real book in your hands. the smell, the texture of the pages, the weight and tangibility of them. no electronic device could possibly compare to that. ever.

i am a collector of beautiful books. here are some of my favorites that are kept on the shelf above my bed. the small leather book on the end is my grandmothers diary from 1947. i never knew her, but inherited her diary some years ago. she wrote everyday about things like doing chores (laundry was quite the task back then and consumed much of the day), playing bridge with the girls and motherhood. i treasure it.

okay, so don't hate me, but i recently found these lovely volumes of the count of monte cristo (published in 1914) at an obscure used bookshop in boulder for $1.00 each. yes. just a buck a piece. i still haven't gotten over the bliss of that find.

i have the entire collection of these childrens classics (the french short stories is not part of it). when we were living in pennsylvania, renting our home, we were rummaging through the garage (filled with tons of junk belonging to the owner) and came across these books. they were in sad shape due to being shoved in a box and stashed in the rafters. the garage was quite dilapidated and exposed the elements. after airing them out i was able to get most of the mildew smell out. i love the colors and graphics. gorgeous.

i couldn't do a post about books and not include a picture of just a few of our cookbooks. we use them frequently. the brick on the end is a treasure that stephan found last summer while skipping rocks with the boys under a bridge near the royal gorge. he fished it out of the stream.

corners of my home

2011-03-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

i love to document different parts of my life. home is a big part of that. here are a few snippets of the view from here.

master bedroom. i have serious typography lust. so to surround myself with beautiful typography i've created a cluster of meaningful words, pictures and numbers.

close up. (please excuse the blurriness of this photo.)

art and typography = perfection.

my wee eiffel tower collection. embellished with gorgeousness, of course.

lovely orchid that stephan gave me for our anniversary last year. it's just started to bloom again.

books and plants. another passion of mine. (post dedicated to my books to follow)

the start of my abstract plate wall. i've been collecting beautiful, interesting, and quirky plates to adorn our eclectic kitchen.

i'm a sucker for brilliant packaging

2011-03-03T15:10:00.000-08:00

i am. a total sucker for great packaging. something that literally jumps off the shelf and screams, "i'm all that...you NEED me!"
apparently i am not the only one.

case in point:

when you open this up you find this impossibly adorable booklet:

and this is why i spend the bulk of my days at target. they know the way to this consumers heart.

true that

2011-02-28T14:37:00.000-08:00

source

this about sums it up for me.

what we cook: indian food

2011-02-23T19:19:00.000-08:00

i'm a fool for some yummy indian food! plus, i wanted to learn how to butcher a whole chicken. perfect opportunity if you ask me.

the menu with recipes:

palak dal (spinach and lentils)
1/2 cup lentils
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, minced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon ginger paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground coriander
salt, to taste
1 pound spinach, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice

cook lentils. remove from heat and drain. set aside. heat the oil in a wide-based pan over med. heat. add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and saute for 2 min. or till onion is translucent. add all the spices, salt, the spinach, and lemon juice. mix well. cook, uncovered until spinach is wilted down (we used frozen spinach. worked great) stir in lentils (we added green peas too - yum).

murgi ka tikka (chicken tikka)
14 ounces boneless chicken, cubed
1 tablespoon veg. oil, for basting
marinade -
3/4 cup plain, low-fat yogurt
1 teaspoon ginger paste
2 teaspoons garlic paste
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon hot chili powder, or to taste
salt, to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons tandoori masala (recipe to follow)
1 teaspoon garam masala (recipe to follow)

make the marinade by mixing together all the ingredients in a bowl. add the chicken cubes, coat thoroughly. cover and marinade for 5-6 hours or preferably overnight.
bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking. heat a few tablespoons oil in saute pan. once the pan is very hot, add chicken. turn to brown on each side. you can finish it in the pan or in the oven at 350 for about 15 minutes.

tandoori masala
1 cup cumin seeds
1/2 cup coriander seeds
2 teaspoons fenugreek seeds
1/2 teaspoon carum seeds
8 green cardamom seeds, removed from pods
10 whole cloves
2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
1 teaspoon ground mace
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
4 bay leaves
3/4 inch piece cinnamon stick

combine in a spice grinder, grind to powder. store in an airtight container and refrigerate. it will stay for months.

garam masala
1 1/2 cups cumin seeds
3/4 cup coriander seeds
2 teaspoons green cardamom seeds
2 teaspoons black cardamom seeds
1 tablespoon whole cloves
two 1 1/4 inch pieces cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns, or to taste
4-5 bay leaves
1/8 nutmeg kernel

combine in a grinder. grind to powder. store in airtight container and refrigerate. it will stay for months.

basmati rice

raita (yogurt sauce)
2 cups plain, low-fat yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon olive oil
half english cucumber, finely chopped
chopped cilantro, to taste

and yes, the kids all loved it! it was one of the most amazing dinners we have enjoyed in quite some time. high fives were definitely exchanged!

what we cook: donuts

2011-02-23T19:06:00.000-08:00

i'm starting a new segment on my blog titled "what we cook". it's something i have thought about for awhile, and contemplated having a separate blog for it. but at the end of the day, it makes more sense to just combine it into this one!
i have asked stephan to teach me how to cook. i'm not a bad cook, i do fairly well. but having a chef as a husband (a good one too) and not learning techniques seems wasteful. it's a surprisingly wonderful bonding activity for us that usually ends in high fives at the dinner table.

the other night we were invited to our friends house for family home evening. i asked me talented husband to 'whip up' some homemade donuts. they were fantastic. the only drawback was the dough didn't have proper time to rise, so the donuts weren't as fluffy as they could be. delicious nonetheless.

dipped in chocolate ganache. sinfully decadent.

inspiration: italy part 2

2011-02-18T07:35:00.000-08:00

as promised, part 2 of my italy. art and fashion. i've included just a few (very few) of my favorite pieces of art, as well as some iconic and a few of my favorite italian fashion designers.

iconic advertisements by: Leonetto Cappiello

DaVinci's Mona Lisa

DaVinci's Last Supper

Michelangelo's David

Michelangelo's The Fall of Adam

Fresco by Melozzo da Forli

VERSACE

PUCCI

MOSCHINO

MISSONI

GUCCI

FENDI

ARMANI

lovely pink holiday

2011-02-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

how could anyone not be a fan of such a delightful, love-ly, pink holiday?? it's beyond me.
okay, okay, i'll admit, there were some bad years. some lonely years. some bitter years when the constant reminder of lack of love was unbearable. even then i still loved the pinkness of it all. and the chocolate.

this year a special ice carving was one of my special valentines:

and i baked some yummy heart-shaped cupcakes:

for dinner we dined on pink, heart-shaped pancakes (i convinced my family that most things taste better pink!):

i made valentines for my special boys... everyone became illustrated. this was stephan's card (on the side it says "you are my happy thought".

i hope your valentines day was wonderful!

inspiration: italy part 1

2011-02-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

i am hopelessly in love with italy. have i ever been there? no. but i will. i ABSOLUTELY will.
this obsession began at a young age.

i'll take the pink one, please!

image source on first three: unknown (pictures i collected from i can't remember where!)

then came a few movies that really sealed the deal. the first being the talented mr. ripley. of course it didn't hurt that the movie is set in the 1950's. fabulous. the costuming was brilliant and dreamy. i immediately put san remo on my italy travel tour.

under the tuscan sun. tuscany goes on the list.

so let's continue with the food of it all. we'll start with gelato. i am not much of an ice cream lover. i had my first taste of gelato when i was very young and my palette just hasn't been satisfied with anything less since.

source

pasta. it is perfection. hands down my favorite thing to eat. i never tire of it. ever. i bet i could get some dang good pasta in italy!

pizza. who doesn't love a good slice? i am sure one can have amazing pizza all over italy, but i have a craving for a slice (or whole pie, who am i kidding??) from pizzeria da michele.

and yes, i will wait in that line.

source

the history enthusiast in me can't turn a blind eye to the breath-taking architecture italy has to offer. it is endless.

source

i didn't touch on art or fashion. they really deserve their own post, so stayed tuned.

pink perfection

2011-02-08T07:44:00.000-08:00

anyone who knows me, knows that pink is my FAVorite color. it has been for as long as i can remember. which is great because i am the girliest girl around. of course, i am also a mother of four boys. the wife of one manly-man husband, and mommy to two big boy dogs. all of this equals absolutely NO pink in my home. i asked stephan if he would mind if we painted our master bathroom the palest shade of pink. subtle. classic. elegant. his response (my polite version of it) was no way, no how.
sigh.
so, for now (because i haven't given up yet), my blog will be plastered with the pinkiest of pink gorgeous eye-candy! enjoy.

pantone's color of the year, a marvelous shade of pink:

can't you just see me jetting around town on this:

while wearing these:

Old Gringo Boots

Giovanni Boldini

love the pink union jack rug. such a dreamy dressing room.

i absolutely NEED this copy. i have scoured the internet looking for one, but to no avail.

and this, another necessary object:

my sister lives within walking distance to this dreamy tea shoppe. how heavenly would that be??

a pink diamond ring from Tiffany's? yes, please!

source:
#7 design sponge , #8 vintage pink copy of jane eyre, #9 pink typewriter, #10 crown & crumpet tea room, #12 cupcake, #13 rose cupcake, #14 pink diamond ring

charmed, i'm sure

2011-02-03T19:12:00.000-08:00

here are a few new adornments i have made. chunky, glamorous, dripping with pearls...just the way i like 'em.

(the above picture is a bit over-exposed, but you can better see the detail here...)

a great big chunky bracelet. there are two others in existence (*wink, wink*). each has unique charms, personalized for the wearer (this one is mine).

homemade pumpkin ricotta ravioli

2010-12-13T07:53:00.000-08:00

pasta is a passion of mine! so anytime i can get my talented husband to make it for me is a good and happy day.
yesterday he made a pumpkin ricotta filling wrapped in an herb pasta dough. (i apologize i don't have a recipe to share. he doesn't follow one, he just invents as he goes. but if anyone wants it he i could probably get him to remember) now if anyone is turning their nose up at the idea of pumpkin and ricotta (and a few other yummy savory ingredients), let me just say that all of my kids LOVED it! it was AHH -mazing!

i helped with the forming and cutting of these precious little purses of goodness...

he made a sage butter sauce, and shredded fresh parmesan on top. worth every single luscious calorie!

how about some origami for the holidays?

2010-12-10T15:32:00.000-08:00

my latest obsession? origami! i have tried my hand at several different folds with a measure of success.

the peace/long life crane:
(which looks fabulously festive on my eiffel tower, no?)

my visiting teaching sister will be receiving one of these on a pretty ribbon.

the penguin.
(one tough little fellow, i tell you)

a small box.
(a lid can be made too, but i think this little beauty will house some beads)

a bookmark.
(the backside is a full square so it is pretty secure on the page)

i love learning a new craft!! fun and creatively stimulating.

lifehouse

2010-12-09T07:27:00.000-08:00

when stephan and i met there was a song which seemed to perfectly capture our blooming relationship: hanging by a moment by lifehouse. one of our first dates was to a matchbox 20 concert. the opening act was a little known band, lifehouse. and so began my total adoration of their music. their lyrics are beautiful, and they have to ability to continually produce music that inspires. if you haven't listened to their song everything, you must. they aren't a self-professed christian band, but after listening to that song you can't deny that it is at least a little bit about Jesus Christ. to me, it is.
my friend erin invited me to their concert at a small venue. even better than that, was that we were invited to attend a private acoustic concert prior to the show. when i say private, i mean there were only like 15 of us! after that private show we had the opportunity to meet them. they are so genuine. completely down to earth, regular guys.
here i am with the band....beaming:

thank you erin for a unforgettable night with my favorite group!!

newest handmade diaper bag

2010-11-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

let me first apologize for these pictures. they are pretty crummy.
but here is a diaper bag i was commissioned to make for my friend. i have playing with the dimensions and such, and this one is my favorite to date.

i designed the pockets with baby stuff in mind; diapers, bottles, lotion, etc. the outside pocket is for the essentials; lipgloss (for mommy), keys, cell phone, ipod. i have found these are the items i am often reaching for with one hand while holding baby, or driving. so they need to be super easy to reach and grab.

and i had to add a bit of pretty to the outside as well. i did so in the form of my handmade flowers, done in beige silk, with a dab of adornment in the centers. lovely. even though she had a boy my philosophy on diaper bags is this: it is YOUR accessory. you have to carry it, and it should match your personality. have fun with it. you will be attached to this accessory wherever you go!

corners of my home

2010-11-03T15:17:00.000-07:00

some time ago, on some blog which may or may not still be in existence, i stumbled upon a segment titled "corners of my home". i really wish i could remember the name of the blog so i could give proper credit, because i love the idea! so much, that i want to implement it here.
yet another way to document life, as my home changes as much as we do...especially with the seasons.

give thanks banner

2010-11-02T20:25:00.000-07:00

with each new season my home must have a celebratory banner!

i started out with pumpkin chipboard.
covered with autumn themed paper.
printed out the letters for give thanks.
cut out with my circle cutter.
inked the edges.
tied together with brown lace.
voila!

a nice reminder for thanksgiving, but really for the whole year through.

eye-pleasing halloween printable

2010-10-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

i came across this adorable printable, that, of course, i printed up straight away!!

if you want one from your home (natalie, you know you do - wink!) head on over to craftily ever after. she has some great things going on over there!

upcycled food jars into halloween cuteness

2010-10-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

i love these spooky "lab" labels. i usually save all glass jars. the ones below are two kinds of applesauce and salsa.

simply:

rinse well.
peel off old labels.
paint lids with chalkboard paint (or paint of choice).
print off lab labels of choice (i googled said labels).
adhere with modge podge.
fill with labeled items. (if anyone needs werewolf fur i have a saint bernard who moonlights as a werewolf. he is always shedding.)

voila! nearly free Halloween decor......

i scored this AHmazing chair this weekend. although it looks like an antique, it's not. it's actually from a high-end design store. i bought it from a friend of a friend. it makes my heart swell and do little back-flips whenever i walk into our living room. eeee!!

things i'm loving right now

2010-10-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

right now i'm all about:

fresh baked chocolate chip cookies

halloween decor

handmade halloween decor

mathilda the mummy
(i refuse to be the ONLY female in this house!)

mulled cider jar candle from wal-mart
(and at just $5.00 it smells even better)

organizing every corner of my house...
then appreciating the colorful results

family home evenings on monday nights
the boys look forward to them, which makes my heart smile

my church calling as young women's secretary -
and working on my personal progress

this quote,
which strengthens me when i'm feeling vulnerable

cracking open a nice cold beverage

it's all about the simple pleasures in life!

family wall re-do & new jewelry creations...

2010-10-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

i've been wanting to re-do our family photo wall for awhile. mainly to add ashton to it, but also to update our photos too, and go with a different look. this was inspired by pottery barn. i merged a few different grouping that i adored, and though it isn't totally finished, i love it!! i think my favorite part is the that the family proclaimation to the world is grouped with our pictures!

photo credit: all mine except picture of me taken by stephan

i moved my beloved cherry sign (done by the fabulous jandi) to the front hallway. it makes sense there.

and now to the jewelry....
i really love this first piece. i think it's a good juxtaposition of wood, crystals and color. it makes me happy when i look at it.

this piece is my new favorite. it's just so ME! pearly, bling in the form of rhinestones, chain, a few charms, and to soften it all up a creamy satin ribbon running through the chaos. the picture doesn't really do justice...it's better on.

this piece was sundance inspired. leather holding together pearls and glass bead strung on silk cording. beautiful and rugged at the same time.

this one if quite different from anything i've made. it's longer than i usually wear (maybe that's why i have yet to wear it). the jury is still out on this one. maybe it will end up being a christmas present. :)

inexcusably absent...but busily crafting nonetheless...

2010-10-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

ok, so being a consistent blogger is NOT my strong point. i do sometimes lie in bed at night and mentally beat myself up over it (seriously...about a lot of things. guilt sucks). but despite the lack of communication i have been quite busy and bursting at the seams with inspiration!!

while my mom, sister, and her boyfriend mike were in town, mike and the boys built a half-pipe. it's crazy big, and totally sweet!

i've also been very domestic. i made a nice big batch of raspberry jam (with the help of jandi...thank you!!)

it turned out deeeliciously!!

i've been cranking out lots of jewelry (post on that to follow), and i made a happy birthday banner. something i have been wanting to do for quite some time. it will be a part of a new tradition i am starting in our home. the morning of your birthday, the birthday fairy will leave you one of your presents, some donuts, and this, the happiest of banners to greet you! fun, no.

again, more posts to come on other crafting/domestic endeavors. dear blog, my humble apologies for the neglect.

anthropologie-esque

2010-07-29T10:45:00.001-07:00

i am always so inspired when i step into the dreamy retail mecca that is anthropologie. who isn't? it's such a perfect marriage of vintage and timeless style...with a bit of parisian flair for good measure.
my recent projects reflect my total adoration of anthro-style....

i altered one of my favorite sweaters with some lace found at a local thrift shop:

yes, i'm still on the handmade flower kick. so i made a necklace that miss jane austen herself might wear to a fabulous ball:

this is what it looks like on - sort of -

and some more flowers... (the white one is HUGE and glorious!! can't wait to wear it)

thanks for peeking in.

handmade fabric flowers

2010-07-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

i am seriously so GIDDY about my latest crafting craze.....these scrumptious fabric flowers.
handmade.
start to finish. from satin, and silk.

feast your eyes on these babies:

i made this one last night. the guinea feathers and netting give it such a fabulous vintage flair. no?

and this yellow satin??? simply divine!

here are a few close-ups....

i've attached clips to the back of all of these. they can be worn in the hair, as a pin on clothing, attached to a card, just about any place your little heart desires.
they make me swoon!!

photography

2010-07-08T12:28:00.001-07:00

while i'm on the subject of photography, now seems like a good time to throw in a shameless plug for my business! if any of you live in the denver area and are interested in family pictures i'm your gal. please check out my photo blog for samples of my work, prices and general info:

kim cherry photography

family photo shoot

2010-07-04T19:24:00.001-07:00

edit: this is my 300th blog post!!! (actually that is kind of sad considering i've had this blog since 2006. that number should be A LOT bigger. ahem)

okay, now that's out of the way. on to my post topic:

our family was in dire need of updated photos...with EVERY family member in them! luckily, i am a photographer, so it was an easy fix. (i do have a love/hate relationship with my tripod though - "jumping" in the photo after you set the timer has it's drawbacks.)

i love my fairy tale life!!! ....and they lived happily ever after.

free fun at the local malls...

2010-06-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite things to do is take spontaneous pictures doing ordinary things. it just so happens that i have gone to two fabulous local malls this weekend. last night my friend natalie and i went to the glorious park meadows. of course a visit to sundance is always on the agenda! i didn't buy anything, but natalie scored the swingy dress she is wearing (my sister purchased the same one in black when she was in town - blog post coming on that!).

then tonight stephan, ashton and myself went to the cherry creek mall. upon entering the mall we stumbled upon this DElicious discovery....a frozen yogurt bar. they have about 10 yummy flavors to choose from and a wide assortment of toppings. they charge by the ounce ($0.44 per ounce). so if you go, don't go too heavy on the yogurt - it adds up quick! oh...and the name....??? perfection for this cherry girl!

alas, tiffany & co. was NOT open. dang it!! what does a girl have to do to actually step foot inside a tiffany store?? i guess pay better attention to saturday hours (they close at 6pm on saturdays). but i had to give some love to the sign.

finally the ever glamorous z gallery. if you are a fan of taking dorky pictures, as i obviously am, it is paradise. the perfect backdrop for over-the-top posing.
cheap fun.
even if it does annoy the sales staff. whatever.

anthropologie dreaming......

oh...all of the above photos were taken with my SUPER RAD new iphone (an early birthday present from stephan).
sigh.
ahh apple you do know your way to a gals technology-loving heart.

R.R.R. - jewelry, t's and week in the life scrapbook pages

2010-05-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

saddle up folks, it's gonna be a loooong post!

i am starting a new thing on my blog: R.R.R. which stands for Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. i do this a lot, especially with projects. whether it be sewing, scrapping, whatever. admittedly it is out of necessity (lack of money) rather than being environmentally conscious. but...the end result is the same. good and green all around!

but, just to prove that i actually AM working on my week in the life scrapbook, i decided to post a sample of some completed pages:

ok..now to the reuse and recycled awesomeness....
i decided to try my hand at the oh-so-popular ruffled t. these used to be long sleeve, so i cut the sleeves off and used that fabric to make ruffles. and.....voila! ruffle heaven!

more t's waiting for transformation....probably tonight!

now for the jewelry....
i have lots of it. lots. and it gets old to me, so i re-purposed some beads into these:

(favorito!)

cherry charm - get it... ahem.

and i LOVE it when my studio looks like beautiful MADness! and it does - total havoc and craziness abounding down there!!

a little bit of creativity happening at every station. weeee!

i know i should be scrapbooking....but...

2010-05-02T20:04:00.001-07:00

ashton is at an age where he wants to be held...all the time. multi-tasking is very difficult with a baby in your arms all the time. but i want that baby in my arms. so....solution...a cute, functional baby carrier. i couldn't find one to purchase, and my friend told me about one she had just made, so i made it! it's called a sweet pod.
i started it on friday night and finished it tonight.
i love it so!!

it has a hood in a zip-away compartment that snaps to the shoulder straps. this keeps baby's head from bobbing around if he wants to fall asleep. brilliant!

ok, now back to my week in the life album...i will post it soon.

a week in the life - weekend recap

2010-04-29T06:54:00.001-07:00

my command center:

noah's command center (i love the mix of the missionaries, tank and giant plant):

my favorite lovely beverage:

the bus (a love/hate relationship for noah and i):

snow...in april!:

errands to run:

phone calls to make:

groceries to buy (forever buying milk!!):

SATURDAY -

a cute scene in the morning:
yummy fish and cous cous dinner:

yummy treat for lunch:

SUNDAY -

making a weight watchers recipe - stuffed peppers:

stephan using ashton as a puppet to tell the boys the story of little red riding hood... who was raised in the 'hood:

i am currently in the process of scrapbooking ALL of my week. i have an average of 60 pics per day. i won't use all those pictures, but it's a lot to sort through. i love this project!!

a week in the life - thursday recap

2010-04-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

the blooms in the spring:

lunch (polenta w/ marinara, spaghetti squash, asparagus, and peas):

tornado warning (the boys had to actually go into full tornado mode at school):

dinner (chicken and cheese corn tortilla quesadillas. simple. quick.):

evening herbal tea...ahh...

a week in the life - wednesday recap

2010-04-23T07:01:00.001-07:00

morning cat nap:

a flower from noah:

drive to drop off noah at school:

lining up :

coming home:

writing it all down (i am doing weight watchers - 20 pounds lost so far!!!):

deciding on a healthy choice:

driving home in the rain:

a week in the life - tuesday recap

2010-04-21T06:42:00.000-07:00

i know i've said that i am no longer posting photos of my family on this blog, but in the spirit of this project i am making an exception.

this project is all about capturing the ordinary. so, to take a cue from ali i am documenting just that...the ordinary along with the extraordinary. my tripod and camera timer has become my best friend this week!

tuesdays images:

a week in the life - monday recap

2010-04-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

i am loving this project.
learning more about me.
learning more about my family.
learning more about how beautiful the everyday "ordinary" is.

here are some of the images from today...

life is, quite simply, beautiful!

a week in the life - scrapbook prep

2010-04-18T18:58:00.001-07:00

starting tomorrow i will be documenting my life. for a week. every bit of it. then putting it into a scrapbook. i LOVE this idea! ali edwards (a scrapbooker i adore) posted about this on her blog.
she gives an extremely detailed account of the way she plans on documenting her week, which i found very helpful as a good starting off point.
i am not typically one to do "structured" albums, but every now and then it's nice to have it mapped out...fill in the blanks kind of thing. plus, this is one album that will be a favorite of mine and and my posterity. it's the everyday stuff that is most interesting (in my opinion).

so this is what my game plan is:

carry a notebook, camera, and envelope with me everywhere i go. document, document, document. and collect things from the week. things like receipts, menus, mail envelopes, you know, everyday stuff. the notebook is to write down (daily, of course) things of note or interest. even food i eat, chores, funny stories, thoughts.

then (hopefully each night) i will put together six pages for the day. two of those (front and back) will be baseball card page protector, which will hold small photos, ephemera, and a pre-made decorative card.
i will journal with the photos. i haven't figured out the exact format for that - yet.

here are some of the pre-made decorative cards. these will go into three slots of the baseball card protectors (front). i have dated them. the cards for the back aren't done yet.
my goal is to keep this album super simple, following ali's philosophy of sticking to the words and the photos. not a lot of extra's. this is not easy for me...i'm all about the extras. but i really want the stories to speak louder than the "fluff".
so....anyone wanna join me?? i'm super stoked about this one!

simple sewing project update

2010-04-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

i mentioned this FABulous book in my last post...

well i have completed a few things. ashton was in dire need of pants. CUTE pants. pants that don't look like pajamas (this really bothered noah...why was he allowed to wear pj's all day and he couldn't??)
so my first project was the simple pants:

and with the cutie scraps i have left i made these:

can't wait to see babykins wearing them with style!

weekend projects

2010-04-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

how was your weekend?
mine..?
good, good.
relaxing, laid-back, and i even managed to fit in a few projects while taking care of babykins.

a birthday card for my awesome sister-in-law...

a new crocheted cap for ashton (it's a little big now, but it will be perfect come next fall)...

a crocheted headband (i have posted these before, just wanted to make a cream-colored one)...

and i CANNOT wait to dive into this new sewing book!! i've marked about ten projects i must do. i will be sure to post the finished projects as i turn them out.

the writing on the wall

2010-04-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

i have needed some happy reminders lately. what better way than to walk into my kitchen and see this...

favorite images...

2010-04-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

here are a few of my favorite images. some are from postcards. some are from magazines.

all of them totally full of character, and emotion-evoking!

basic soldering

2010-03-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

one of my hobbies is jewelry making. this past year i decided to expand my skill set just a bit and delve into the wonderful world of soldering. soldered jewelry is very popular these days, so no better time to learn, right!
here is a brief tutorial of basic soldering:

(DISCLAIMER: my skills are rudimentary and all self-taught. i am not a professional, just a girl who wanted to learn, made a few mistakes along the way, and learned a bit)

step 1)
hunt and gather your supplies. they are:
copper tape - can be found at hobby lobby
flux (i prefer gel) - i bought mine online
solder (lead-free) - hobby lobby
solder iron - most craft stores
something to hold your project in place (everything gets extremely hot!!)
step 2)
cut your copper tape to the appropriate size of your glass
place half on, and wrap the other half to back
step 3)
apply gel flux to copper tape.
this will act as the bonding agent between the solder and the copper tape. without it your solder will not adhere (a lesson learned the hard way)
step 4)
with the solder iron, melt the solder onto the copper tape.
it takes a bit of practice to get a smooth line...mine are still in the "rustic" phase.

here is the finished product! quite satisfying...give it a try!

change

2010-03-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

it has become necessary for me to separate my personal life from this blog and start a separate family blog, which will be private. it makes me sad to have to do this, it is something i never wanted. i won't go into the specific reason for my decision, i will only say that there are some very sad and small people in this world with nothing better to do than follow my blog for less than honorable reasons.
this blog will continue to be public but will only have my artistic pursuits...nothing about my family life.
if i haven't already invited you to view my family blog, please email me at:
kimcherrycalifornia@yahoo dot com.

the view from here...

2010-03-09T20:04:00.001-08:00

my world has been a beautiful place these days....not that it isn't usually. but newborns have a way of making everything a little bit sweeter.

this morning, after taking noah to school and returning home, i found this little set-up on the table. i love finding his little toys put to use in the most inventive of ways. it's so noah!

dear studio, i miss you...

2010-03-04T07:13:00.001-08:00

dear studio,
i bet you're wondering where i've been. wondering if i have left you for other pursuits. no. i assure you that is not the case! i dearly miss your walls papered with inspiration and love.
i miss you, my antique suitcase that holds my ATC supplies.

i miss walking downstairs and seeing the splash of creativity that beacons me to come and play...to make a number of delightful things.

i miss you, main desk. you house some of my favorite "toys". the glues that hold so many paper creations together. the inks that color them. pens, brushes, papers and my dear art journals. i even miss you, left-over holiday chocolate. you call to me at night.

ahh, jewelry desk. you and your tiny little drawers filled with bling, gorgeous stones, beads galore! soon you will be put into play again. soon, my loves....

and last, but certainly not least...beloved sewing machine. you have been the instrument that has made numerous diaper bags, purses, burp cloths, clothing...so many lovelies.

don't fret. don't despair. though i can't be with you, be assured my mind is swimming with many sugared thoughts and ideas. i will return to you.

card carrying member of team APPLE!!

2010-03-01T16:43:00.000-08:00

hi. i'm kim and i am now a proud member of team apple!
friday night i made a very important, and long-awaited purchase...a MacBook Pro.
15 inch screen, sleek brushed silver finish, a delightful new computer smell that puts roses to shame. ahh. it's simply divine.
i am in love.
computer love.
and that, for me, is big!

i also got some sweet software too...in the form of CS4 and Aperture.
this photographer can't stop smiling and cooing over my wicked awesome set-up!
thanks steph...for believing in me THIS much!!

some new favorites...

2010-02-28T14:50:00.000-08:00

just a few new pics of the kiddos. it's fun to see my family grow...to see my family complete.

looking back - spring 2004

2010-02-21T18:27:00.001-08:00

in 2004 we lived in pennsylvania. we only lived there for a few years, but it was a wonderful period in our lives, and it was where noah was born.

i had short, dark hair. (if you haven't noticed, i change my hair A LOT)

noah was a tiny, roly-poly baby...

we lived in a dreamy little cottage-esque house set against a hill side.

and this was our front yard. a gorgeous creek (though more like a river to me) that was glorious all year round.

life was really quite beautiful! it still is!

documenting through photos - february

2010-02-20T06:59:00.001-08:00

gifts received from kyle and noah...

2010-02-15T11:14:00.001-08:00

for my birthday kyle gave me the ponytail lego chick. it was incredibly sweet...when he handed her to me he was kinda shy about it and said he just didn't have the right hair, but he tried to make her look like me. ahhh...
then for christmas, noah gave me "wicked-striped helmet hair girl" (i apologize to all you star wars geeks out there who probably know her real name, but i like my name better!)

they sit on a shelf in my kitchen, and from time to time (when no one is looking) i imagine they converse about serious matters such as.....

i want to live here...

2010-02-09T08:55:00.001-08:00

gorgeous scenery everywhere you look...

napping is a high priority...

people have a deep appreciation of music...

and bicycling...

see what i mean about the music thing...

cupcakes are easily and readily available...

people care, and act on their concerns...

street performers are willing to share the limelight...

when you're here, you are instantly cool...
where is this magical place you ask??? why, boulder, of course! where else?

be still my heart...

2010-02-07T13:29:00.000-08:00

what makes waking up every hour for small stretches at a time worth it?.....

this tiny, sweet, soft, cuddly, amazing little boy.
that's what!

i am really trying to post my birth story, but sitting at the computer for a stretch of time, and being able to think/type is a total luxury these days. again, so worth it!

welcome to the world little man!

2010-01-22T18:02:00.001-08:00

ashton michael cherry was born at 2:11pm on 1/20.
8 lbs 12 oz.
21 inches long.
bright, alert, absolutely, heart-meltingly adorable.
i am so in love!
and so is the rest of the family.

emotional purging to my dear blog...

2010-01-19T13:33:00.000-08:00

to say that i have been in a conflict of emotions today would be an understatement. i would say the biggest feeling i have had today is fear, mixed with a good dose of loneliness. i am a worrier and a control freak. for the past six years my life has been somewhat predictable. i know how to do three kids. i am at a comfortable place. sure a few curve balls have been thrown my way, and whenever you have kids there are always moments that make you hold your breath (for good and bad). but despite that, we have been a family of five.
tomorrow that will change to six. i am so thankful for this gift from heaven. i am so thankful to have been able to get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy. i am thankful that we have a wonderful, warm home to bring him home to. believe me, with all that's going on in the world right now, gratitude for all of my blessings is on the forefront of my mind. but i am a woman with hormones, and lots of worries.
i blog all of this to help purge it from my heart a bit, to document my feelings at this time in my life, and for therapy's sake. cheap therapy. funny how this blog has become my closest friend in a lot of ways. hmm. but i digress....
deep breath.
ok. i am ready for this, i think.
no, i am. i've done it before.
it's just that unknown thing again.
life is a grand adventure, a roller coaster ride. right now i am cresting a hill. you know the feeling of fear, apprehension, excitement, and butterflies in your stomach? yeah, i'm there. totally.
so take another deep breath.
remember not to close your eyes too tight (or you might miss something).
and throw your hands in the air! this is the best part!

sweet...

2010-01-17T15:33:00.001-08:00

i have been fulfilling some cravings lately...
while browsing through one of my favorite magazines, victoria, i came across a recipe for lemon butter cookies. mmm...
had to try 'em out!

the combination of lemon zest, toasted ground almonds and, well, lots of butter and sugar was heavenly. but what i didn't count on was how painful it would be to stand there and roll out the dough. sheesh. my back, legs and pregnant belly were really hating me.

and for my next sweet craving, it comes in the form of eye candy. as i've mentioned, i'm over the moon for art journaling, scrapbooking, or any form of paper play. so i've been pouring over this book and magazine getting totally inspired!

so many lovely sweet treats and it's not even february yet! fabulous.

love!

2010-01-16T07:54:00.001-08:00

isn't it wonderful when the simple things can bring a smile to your face?

like this beloved little japanese doll my sister gave me...

and this card, which i bought and framed...
having said that, my heart, thoughts and prayers have been with the victims in haiti. at the dinner table last night we asked the boys if they knew what was going on in that part of the world. to our surprise, our older boys did not. i can't believe there has been no mention of it in school! we filled them in on what happened and the prior circumstances (the poverty of that country). they quietly listened and absorbed most of it.
i believe in being honest with my children, and not shielding them too much from the current events. they need to know what's going on around them. they need to know that there is a different way of life than the rich, blessed life we lead. hopefully it will cultivate a greater compassion within them. hopefully they will come to appreciate what they have on a deeper level, and take less for granted. it is my goal to raise responsible, compassionate, selfless, hard-working, loving, appreciative boys.
this family's prayers are with those suffering souls in haiti. may they be blessed with some measure of comfort and peace despite the horrendous conditions that surround them.

the other boleyn girl

2010-01-15T08:19:00.001-08:00

every now and then i read a book that captivates me so that i have to blog about it. you know when you finish that last page and are sad to be done? a story that consumes you, and begs you to research it's origins?... that is the other boleyn girl.
if any of you have seen the movie, or even the showtime series, the tudors, you really are doing yourself a disservice to NOT read the book. READ IT. you won't be sorry.

the book is narrated by mary boleyn, the sister to anne boleyn. you immediately fall in love with this girl. so simple, sweet, and unassuming. so unlike her sister or the rest of her family.

anne boleyn is the girl you love to hate. really hate. and she existed, and probably did most of the horrible things the book touches on. she was king henry viii's second wife.
the scandal and treachery she left in her wake rival the juiciest plot in history.

henry viii. i admit, i don't know much about the tudors or life in the 1500's. but this story, this king, has piqued my interest and furthered my study in this time period.

queen katherine was his first, and very holy wife. she was a saint. she plays a fairly large role in the story, as anne robs her of her throne and has her banished from court. you feel for her and want to pledge your loyalty to her.
that is the beauty of this book. the author, philippa gregory, brings these people to life again. your heart becomes involved as if you were a commoner, or a courtier in england, circa 1524.

sigh. it's just beautiful in every way.

a word of warning, it's not for the faint of heart. this story does delve into the nitty gritty of what probably happened. there is some sexual content (it would be hard to leave that out, seeing as it's such a introval part of the story). treachery, adultry, and other sins.
having said that, i think the author does a good job of not getting too graphic. it is tastfully done, in my opinion. i feel it's worth reading because it is part of history.

recap of births past

2010-01-14T07:28:00.001-08:00

i have been pretty much consumed with the birthing process these days. as far as i'm concerned, it doesn't matter how many children you birth, that impending fear of pushing a baby out is still there. so many things are happening, and so many variables. each one different. no guarantees. i have been pretty lucky in the past with smooth deliveries, in a hospital, with perfect babies to show for it.

with ben, i had to be induced because of slight complications at the end of the pregnancy. it was by far my longest labor, like 12 hours i think. but i was comfortable with an epidural and a cozy hospital bed.

with kyle the process started naturally and quickly. about an hour from start to finish. no time for an epidural. however, because of the speed of it i didn't mind so much having him naturally. afterwards i felt great, and it was over before i knew it!

with noah the process also started naturally and even quicker. about 40 minutes from start to finish. barely made it to the hospital before he came out. they laid me down on the bed, me crying out for medication of SOME KIND, they assured me i could have a shot of something after they checked me. the nurse checked and said, um, well, you can push on your next contraction...the baby's head is crowning. no meds for me. so two or three pushes later, noah was born.
he was later taken to the NICU due to a few complication during the birth. he stayed there for about a week. scary. really scary. but all was well.

i don't know that i will go naturally with ashton. i really thought i would have had him by now, and i am scared about how big he may already be. i have an induction date set for wednesday, early am. i'm glad, and not glad at the same time. the last time i was induced i was in labor for 12 hours. yuck. but, i don't want him to get much bigger than he is, so whatever it takes. i am incredibly uncomfortable these days. all my energy is completely zapped. i don't do well being still, but am forced to be. i am ready for the next stage of this baby. i'm pretty sure the kids are too. when mom is out of commission everyone suffers a bit.

thanks to all of you who have been so kind with your prayers and well wishes. i feel very loved and supported!

a few lovely and delicious distractions...

2010-01-11T21:00:00.001-08:00

i really don't mean to complain, but any woman who has been pregnant will back me up when i say that the last few weeks can be a bit unbearable. i know i should be relishing this last bit of time before a tiny human consumes it all...but my body is under such strain.
i am finding that distracting myself from thinking about it too much helps...a little.

so, here are a few of the things that are seeing me through the long days:

a really good book:

sinfully delicious fruit:

and a new craving, that is now my FAVORITE cake ever...
multi-layer coconut cake (baked for me by my loving husband):

how lucky am i? yes, it is just as good as it looks.

documenting through photos - january

2010-01-08T15:35:00.000-08:00

i am not usually one who does "series" on my blog. but while talking with my friend natalie, who does, we started talking about the need for monthly photos of our kids. i loved this idea! i mean, for shame....a photographer that doesn't document their own kids on a monthly basis?! so i immediately knew i wanted to copy/steal/borrow her idea.

and so i introduce my new series, "documenting through photos". monthly pictures of each of my kids.

KYLE:

BEN:

NOAH:

BROTHERS:

N is for nursery and A is for.....

2010-01-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

i have finally gotten to the point where i can post some pictures of the nursery. (of course i'm still adding to it, rearranging, etc...but for the most part, it's complete.)
admittedly it is the nicest room in the house. a fact that hasn't escaped any of the boys, who have in turn said why can't my room be this nice. to which i reply, well when you were tiny, helpless, with no opinion, it DID!

some of the adornments were gifted to me/and the baby from dear friends. but the "A's" were made by me...more on that in a moment.
the paint job, and trim detail (which is hard to see in these pictures, but impeccably done) was done by stephan.

cuteness abounds in every corner!

his first picture...ultrasound at 20 weeks.

and now for all of the "A's"... most of you know the name, but i haven't actually 'revealed' it on my blog yet.
drum roll please.............
okay little ashton, we're realllly ready to meet you, hold you, cuddle you, snuggle you, spoil you, just BE with you! please join us SOON.

the bunny who got a second chance

2010-01-05T18:56:00.001-08:00

as most of you know, we have two very large dogs. and three very active boys. and a husband who is a chef, and looks upon most wild animals as culinary delights. so rabbits who come in our yard are throwing the dice with their lives. a sort of russian roullet.

while nichole was in town she went down into the basement to fetch something from our food pantry. it just so happens that it looks out into the window well. she came up and reported that there was a rabbit in there. a live rabbit.
what the? how the? why in the world would it...? hmm.
i told her that the chances of him getting out alive were slim to none. unless she wanted to climb in there and free him. (she is a lover of all things furry and cute, so i thought it appropriate to mentally prepare her for a bit of heartache) she didn't want to climb in the well and wrestle with a wild rabbit, but she did feel immense pity for the creature and threw a carrot his way.

when stephan came home from work the boys excitedly told him about the visitor. i fully expected he would shrug his shoulders and say, well, he shouldn't have hopped down there. his grave is dug. or something along those lines. i really didn't think he would go down and rescue it.
i was wrong. and many photo ops ensued!

by the disgruntled look on his face, i imagine this is what went through steph's mind:

run away little dude. run away and never return. oh, and don't let on to your little bunny posse the kindness this home owner showed you....it might have been a fluke!

oh the fun we have...

2010-01-04T07:46:00.000-08:00

whenever my mom and sister come to town we have such a wonderful time. there are usually a few things that we consistently do:

crocheting
laughing
shopping
eating

this trip was no exception. i took them to my new FAVORITE fabric and yarn store, fancy tiger.
i adore this store. seriously! it's got a cool indie vibe, and of course it doesn't hurt that the fabric is insanely cute. all the yarn is hand dyed, etc. the owners are serious crafters and are usually head to toe outfitted in clothing they have sewn/knit/crocheted themselves. inspiration station, people!

oh, and the logo...holy cuteness! i want to adopt/steal their catch phrase "be. do. make." plus any store with the name of fancy tiger has serious promise, no?

after purchasing some fabric joy we frequented a few of the uber-hip vintage shops that neighbor fancy tiger.
my one and only complaint was that i couldn't last longer. my pregnant belly was slowing me down something fierce.

prior to fancy tiger we needed to take care of some business in the form of a flat tire. fortunately we recently purchased said tire, so the flat was fixed free-o-charge.
while waiting, we snacked on some not so great soft serve, made better with vending machine junior mints. mmm...

and waited on the plush floor sample furnishings.

this picture was taken later that evening. nichole was trying out some of noahs newly obtained spy gear.
can't wait to see you guys again SOON! it's too hard to be separated from my peeps!

snapshots of christmas 2009

2010-01-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

all was calm....all was bright....

mom and nichole in town...what could be better?

santa brought noah a super cool tony hawk bike and harley davidson helmet.

and my mom brought stephan his FAVORITE pepper sauce from palo alto, ca. 10 bottles of it. no gift has made him happier!

sadly, santa forgot to put something in the dogs stocking. a fact which wasn't overlooked by noah - it was the first thing he noticed when he came downstairs. oops...uh...dang!

ben and kyle spent christmas day with their dad this year, so they opened their presents the next day.

what a blessed christmas we had. i am so thankful for being able to enjoy it with family. along with my mom and sister, stephans parents and sister came from the springs to spend the day with us. stephan made a lovely crepe buffet for dinner...mmmm.
it was a delightful day full of happiness!

my beautiful baby shower

2010-01-03T16:15:00.000-08:00

i have the best girlfriends! they threw me a fabulous baby shower that i will not soon forget. the theme, decorations, food, company, all of it was just beautiful! here is a snapshot of all of the splendor.....

(all photos credit natalie)

thank you girls for giving me such a gorgeous gift! i am so blessed to have you three ladies as my girlfriends. you are too good to me.

a few recent projects

2010-01-03T16:06:00.000-08:00

i have a couple blog posts that need posting, but i just wanted to show a few fun projects i've done recently first.

leave it to my clever friend natalie to find some fabulous things to make. i credit her for finding the instructions for the crocheted headband. i love how it turned out, and have already made them in a few different colors.

then we come to this fluffy scarf. natalie also found the instructions for it, and helped me make this one. go here for complete instructions.
i love this scarf, and so did my mom. so i gifted this one to her before she left. i will be promptly replacing it with one of my own! :)

6 going on 26...

2009-12-20T18:36:00.000-08:00

my youngest (for now) little guy turned 6 today. physically, he is 6. mentally, you would swear he was 26. the things he says and does are simply priceless.

one of noahs favorite things to do is dress up. sometimes for play, sometimes just to go out. i have a very small vote in what he leaves the house in. opinionated doesn't even begin to cover it!

so while at barnes and noble one night he saw, and immediately fell in love with a spy kit. included are these super cool spy glasses with mirrors on the inside. also included is a mustache. i foresee a 'stache' trend developing here.

of course when it comes to "noah, look this way so i can get a picture", he is all over it. no pose-promting required.

and he had to pose with his posse.
(yes, he is wearing his jammies....it's an after-church-sunday-traditon in our house. plus it is his birthday. who am i to argue what he wants to wear to his party??)

i love you dude! you are such a wonderful part of our family and i am so thankful i get to be your mom!! just remember who to give props to when your famous.

pink tumbleweed

a day in the life - recap

gearing up for "a day in the life"

quote tag for inspiration

instagram daily....last day!!

refresh

rosette valentine wreath

instagram daily photo: day 26

instagram daily photo: days 24 & 25

instagram daily photo: days 22 & 23

instagram daily photo: days 19, 20 and 21

favorite places and spaces: red letter books, boulder, co

instagram daily photo: days 13,14,15 & 16

my style & instagram daily - day 12

instagram daily - day 11

smash book & instagram daily - day 10

instagram daily photo: day 8 & 9

instagram daily photo: day 7

images of our home and instagram daily - day 6

instagram daily photo: day 5

favorite places and spaces: union station, denver and instagram daily challenge

instagram daily challenge

future craft projects via pinterest

welcome 2012!

my word for 2012

sister aprons and a few other lovelies

steadfastly busy doing my thing

who i am

inspiration: coco channel

necklace, earrings & eye candy

busy with this and that

why i adore my dogs...

style spotlight

denver art museum

i *heart* books

corners of my home

i'm a sucker for brilliant packaging

true that

what we cook: indian food

what we cook: donuts

inspiration: italy part 2

lovely pink holiday

inspiration: italy part 1

pink perfection

charmed, i'm sure

homemade pumpkin ricotta ravioli

how about some origami for the holidays?

lifehouse

newest handmade diaper bag

corners of my home

give thanks banner

eye-pleasing halloween printable

upcycled food jars into halloween cuteness

things i'm loving right now

family wall re-do & new jewelry creations...

inexcusably absent...but busily crafting nonetheless...

anthropologie-esque

handmade fabric flowers

photography

family photo shoot

free fun at the local malls...

R.R.R. - jewelry, t's and week in the life scrapbook pages

i know i should be scrapbooking....but...

a week in the life - weekend recap

a week in the life - thursday recap

a week in the life - wednesday recap

a week in the life - tuesday recap

a week in the life - monday recap

a week in the life - scrapbook prep

simple sewing project update

weekend projects

the writing on the wall

favorite images...

basic soldering

change

the view from here...

dear studio, i miss you...

card carrying member of team APPLE!!

some new favorites...

looking back - spring 2004

i heart books