Too Much Rain!

I am thankful to not have floated away in the recent flash floods here.  I thought I would share this picture since it is not often that a piglet in rain boots is so appropriate.

Mini Oscar Recap

So I am over all really happy with the Oscar results.  My only qualms would be with Geoffrey Rush not winning Best Supporting Actor, even though I have the utmost respect for Christian Bale.  I thought Anne Hathaway was fabulous at hosting, but thought James Franco seemed a bit stiff...Also, how awesome were all of Anne's wardrobe changes?  I also loved her little musical number.  Some other notes on clothing, because isn't that one of the main reasons we watch?  Mila Kunis looked ever so lovely in that lavender lace gown...I know everyone was talking about Cate Blanchette's gown-For the record, I loved it.  She is an icon, plain and simple.  On the flip side, what on earth was Kathryn Bigelow wearing?  I know she is special and all being the only female director to win an Oscar but I would not have let her in the door wearing that.  Also on a sad note...Scarlett Johansson's hair.  I am a fan of "toussled waves" and all, but it really looked like she just woke up.  One could make the argument that no one was really looking at her hair, but still, it's the Oscar's.  Also, in a league of her own...Natalie Portman.  Sigh.  I have always been a fan of hers and I am so happy that she won.  Her acceptance speech was just so lovely and she just radiated grace and elegance.  She positively glowed. 

Claire Can Craft-Make a Pet Bed!

So last week there was a sale on fleece at Joann Fabrics and I was feeling motivated.  Stormy (a.k.a. Mr S.) needed a new bed so I thought hey, why not?  I had seen a picture of one of these but couldn't find instructions on how to make it.  So I decided to wing it and it turned out quite well.  Here is a tutorial if you would like to make one yourself.

No-Sew Pet Bed

1 yard fleece
Quilt batting/fluff of some sort
Old pet bed/pillow
Scissors

1.  Measure the size you want the bed to be.  For me, I wanted the bed to fit in the top of Stormy's cat castle. 

2.  I used Stormy's old cat bed as a guide.  Add 6 inches to each side of your guide, or from Step 1's measurement.

3.  I measured 6 inches all around and marked them with a little black sharpie dot.

4.  Cut around the dots to make a circle.  Yes, I know...mine is somewhat odd looking, but worry not, it does not need to be perfect.

5.  Cut out batting.  I used the flat kind that comes in rolls because it was on sale, but I am sure you could use the fluffy kind in a bag or even an old pillow of the same size.  I cut out 6 circles of the batting.  If you are not using your old pet bed, cut out as many circles of batting as you feel is necessary for amply fluffiness. 

6.  Put 1/2 the batting on one side of the old bed, 1/2 on the other.  Again, if you are not using an old bed, just stack the batting all together.

7.  Set stuffing on top of the fleece circles, cut slices all around the fleece.  Make the cuts from the edge to about 1 inch away from the stuffing. 

8.  Set 1 piece of fleece on top of the stuffing, making a sandwich.

9.  Tie the strips all around the bed, holding the stuffing inside.  Tada!  The bed is done.  I tied single knots, but you could do a double knot if you wish. 

10.  Fits in the kitty castle!

Because I Care

An Open Letter to Winter

Dear Winter,
   I've known you for quite some time.  Being from Wisconsin, I became familiar with you from a very young age.  We've had some good times.  Snow forts, snowmen, sledding and the excuse to buy a cute hat are all reasons that I allowed myself to become attached to you.  However, in the past few years you have done things to put a strain on our relationship.  You turn up unannounced.  By now you should know that this is highly impolite and not a good way to make friends.  At times you lead us on and we think that you are gone for the season and then-BAM-there you are again.  A very disagreeable habit.  To be honest, Winter, you have worn our your welcome.  When I see indications that you are near, I feel highly perturbed...angry...even surly at times.  You bring out the worst in me.  In fact, I kind of want to punch you.  In short, Winter, we are through.  You are not my friend,  no matter how appealing those racks of new scarves look.  Sincerely,
                                                    -Claire

weekend review...week in preview

   So the weekend went by way too fast, as it always does.  Hubs is giving me tips on using my new camera, hopefully this week I will get some good shots to share with you.  I am majorly excited that our snow is gone and it makes me feel exponentially better about everything.  I am still love love loving my Bobble, even though I have been told it is pretentious.  If that is true-awesome-because it is definitely worth well over the $10 I paid for it. 
   In this next week my goals include finding a couple inexpensive pairs of flats to make over.  If anyone knows a good place to find some, do share!  I'll definitely be popping by ye olde Hobby Lobby to pick up some yarn ( makin a cowl on my knifty knitter) and ModPodge...wow, it's been years since I used that.  Perhaps I will find something else in the way of sealers.  Other goals for the week involve working out a bit longer than usual and taking off early to head to Ohio for a long weekend. 

New Camera!

Yay!  Finally got my new camera and I am already loving it and soon on my way to becoming one of those people who is constantly taking pictures of everything.  We also hit up Half Price Books, which is fast becoming our new favorite store.  If you have one within driving distance, I would highly recommend them.  Hubs picked up an armful computer/animation books for well under $50.  Pretty sweet.  I picked out a bunch of comics to make up these awesome flats.

Slightly geeky ramblings

   The IBM Challenge was so fun to watch!  It sounds like many awesome charities will be benefiting as well. 
   On a somewhat unrelated note, I've been on something of a library kick recently.  My coworker Brent told me about a great blog written by a few library workers.  They discuss library things as well as their patrons and the questions they ask.  Great reading, especially if you are like me and love all things related to libraries.
   I also googled and found out the difference between microfilm and microfiche.  Turns out it's pretty much the same stuff, just in different forms.  Anyways, that is all.  Next post wont be so geeky.  Promise.

Verne. Jules Verne.

So a few weeks back Hubs and I went to see TRON: Legacy...it was awesome, BTW, don't let the critics reviews fool you.  It is worth seeing for the soundtrack alone, but I digress...In the film, Olivia Wilde's character Quorra is talking to Kevin Flynn's son Sam...they are looking at some very old books and she says "Flynn is teaching me about the art of the selfless. About removing oneself from the equation. But between you and me, Jules Verne is my favorite."  Absolutely my favorite quote from the movie, probably because Jules Verne has always been my favorite too.  Evidently someone at Google feels the same way, because the Doodle du Jour is in honor of Verne's 183rd birthday.  In my opinion, it's one of the best Doodle's ever.  It's interactive, so be sure to use the little lever at the side to see more underwater awesomeness, including the beloved narwhals!

Rose Red

In keeping with my Valentine's theme, I thought I would post a little collection of red items.

Chickadee315

Trilby Made

What A Do

jLorleeDesignbyteS

Like a wink and a smile

So since Valentine's Day is 10 days away I thought I'd share some super cute cards.  Regular card shop fare is sweet, but a bit of personalization is always nice.

Gramkin Paper Studio

Sapling Press

JulieAnnA

Orange Twist

Rock the Red

To raise awareness of heart disease, Go Red for Women has made February 4th National Wear Red Day.  So, peruse your closets and jewelry boxes and get out there and rock some red!

And so it goes...

So it is Day III of the "Snopocolypse" and I am still at home.  Granted, I like being home, however being imobile is not my prefered way of spending my time off.  It is looking like the combination of de-icer and my helpful Hubs will prove effective in dislodging our vehicle (commonly refered to as The Beancar due to being small and rounded and over all looking like a jellybean) from the iron grasp of the ice.  Over all, I am completely over winter.  As much as I love wearing sweaters, coats and cute hats, I am beginning to think it is highly over rated. 

Winter Weather Disapproval Levels Raised to Red

After this "catastrophic" winter event, levels have been raised to red.  There is almost too much disapproval for one picture to contain it all....and that is exactly how I feel about this ice and snow. 

The Amazing Miss Mila

I generally do not pay much attention to award shows, but I had to share this.  Mila Kunis in Resort Alexander McQueen designed by Sarah Burton. As you can see from the background, this is from the SAG Awards.

The colors in her gown are so vivid, almost like a watercolor painting. Her subtle makeup and soft curls compliment the flowing fabric.  She just radiates effortless elegance.

Mila Kunis Photo: Steve Granitz, WireImage