More to come once I sort through the pictures and get my thoughts in order. But for now, I'll leave you with this beautiful picture of me...where I am weeping. Which was more or less the theme of the day, if you must know.
Saturday Was My Bridal Shower
Monday, August 5, 2013
Saturday was my bridal shower. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I even had a bridal shower (and that I'm going to be a bride?), let alone how incredibly wonderful it was.
More to come once I sort through the pictures and get my thoughts in order. But for now, I'll leave you with this beautiful picture of me...where I am weeping. Which was more or less the theme of the day, if you must know.
More to come once I sort through the pictures and get my thoughts in order. But for now, I'll leave you with this beautiful picture of me...where I am weeping. Which was more or less the theme of the day, if you must know.
Sponsor Spotlight: Green Button Crafts
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Friends! I am so, so, SO excited to welcome our first real life sponsor to this here blog!
Her name is Megan and she is my friend from our days at Penn. Have you ever spent 10 months with a group of people taking a full Masters course load and working? It kind of kills you. But it also gives you more friends...Megan is one of those friends!
Megan owns Green Button Crafts and she's stopping by the blog today! Take it away, Megan!!!
1. What is Green Button Crafts?
Green Button Crafts is a home and holiday decor shop with a strong commitment to earth-friendly materials and business practices. All of my pieces are handmade by me (and sometimes with the help of my handy & handsome husband) and are inspired by warm and welcoming homes. People feel pride in their homes and I want to help my customers make their spaces feel uniquely theirs.
2. What motivated you to start your shop?
While I was planning my wedding, I found all of these beautiful and amazing rustic accents and wedding decor that I wanted. I knew I couldn't afford to buy everything all so I started thinking about how I might make them and put my own, personalized touch on them; this is how I got sucked into the black hole that is crafting and DIY wedding projects! I say that jokingly because I actually really love it which is why even after the wedding was said and done, I knew I wanted to continue creating new pieces for home, holiday and wedding decor that I could share with others. It's really exciting and I've gotten so much support from family and friends on this new adventure.
3. Tell us about the craft you made that you've loved the most...
This is a tough one because each of my little crafty creations have meant something different to me. I think my favorite piece so far though would have to be the "Love" sign. It was actually my first post-wedding experiment and I just really love the way that the rustic beauty of the wood tones combines with the soft colors of the painted lettering. The "O" is made from burlap that I cut to the shape of a heart and painted pink for a touch of texture. The wood from this project is reclaimed pallet wood and the burlap is from a coffee roaster in the Philly area.
4. Any terrible DIY blunders?
Guilty! I could tell you about the day that I went by myself to excitedly retrieve a few pallets for the first time and ooops, it turns out they weigh 50 lbs and oops are about 5 feet wide which is larger than the opening of my trunk door. Lesson learned? Bring a husband and a saw next time! I've also had some signs that I've spent a great deal of time on, and then only feeling lukewarm about the finished product. I think anytime you start a new adventure, there are going to be some bumps in the road. I am learning to take them in stride and see my work (and my process) improving with each piece. I am also learning to use some pretty impressive power tools which has been so liberating!
5. Tell us a little about yourself...we hear you just got hitched and have a super cute puppy?
I did in fact just get hitched and we do have a pretty adorable puppy! Josh and I, and our little Peanut, live in South Jersey suburbia-land and commute into Philadelphia for our day jobs. We surround ourselves with our crazy friends, our lovable families (including our little Green Button mascot, Jack) and lots of reclaimed wood, sweet sweet reclaimed wood. When home, you can usually either find me making new stencils on my Silhouette (LOVE this machine!) or in the basement workshop sanding, cutting and painting away.
Head on over to Megan's Etsy shop, please and thank you! I've already placed my order for an Ampersand for our wedding reception and I'm so excited! Thank you Megan!
Her name is Megan and she is my friend from our days at Penn. Have you ever spent 10 months with a group of people taking a full Masters course load and working? It kind of kills you. But it also gives you more friends...Megan is one of those friends!
Megan owns Green Button Crafts and she's stopping by the blog today! Take it away, Megan!!!
1. What is Green Button Crafts?
Green Button Crafts is a home and holiday decor shop with a strong commitment to earth-friendly materials and business practices. All of my pieces are handmade by me (and sometimes with the help of my handy & handsome husband) and are inspired by warm and welcoming homes. People feel pride in their homes and I want to help my customers make their spaces feel uniquely theirs.
2. What motivated you to start your shop?
While I was planning my wedding, I found all of these beautiful and amazing rustic accents and wedding decor that I wanted. I knew I couldn't afford to buy everything all so I started thinking about how I might make them and put my own, personalized touch on them; this is how I got sucked into the black hole that is crafting and DIY wedding projects! I say that jokingly because I actually really love it which is why even after the wedding was said and done, I knew I wanted to continue creating new pieces for home, holiday and wedding decor that I could share with others. It's really exciting and I've gotten so much support from family and friends on this new adventure.
3. Tell us about the craft you made that you've loved the most...
This is a tough one because each of my little crafty creations have meant something different to me. I think my favorite piece so far though would have to be the "Love" sign. It was actually my first post-wedding experiment and I just really love the way that the rustic beauty of the wood tones combines with the soft colors of the painted lettering. The "O" is made from burlap that I cut to the shape of a heart and painted pink for a touch of texture. The wood from this project is reclaimed pallet wood and the burlap is from a coffee roaster in the Philly area.
4. Any terrible DIY blunders?
Guilty! I could tell you about the day that I went by myself to excitedly retrieve a few pallets for the first time and ooops, it turns out they weigh 50 lbs and oops are about 5 feet wide which is larger than the opening of my trunk door. Lesson learned? Bring a husband and a saw next time! I've also had some signs that I've spent a great deal of time on, and then only feeling lukewarm about the finished product. I think anytime you start a new adventure, there are going to be some bumps in the road. I am learning to take them in stride and see my work (and my process) improving with each piece. I am also learning to use some pretty impressive power tools which has been so liberating!
5. Tell us a little about yourself...we hear you just got hitched and have a super cute puppy?
I did in fact just get hitched and we do have a pretty adorable puppy! Josh and I, and our little Peanut, live in South Jersey suburbia-land and commute into Philadelphia for our day jobs. We surround ourselves with our crazy friends, our lovable families (including our little Green Button mascot, Jack) and lots of reclaimed wood, sweet sweet reclaimed wood. When home, you can usually either find me making new stencils on my Silhouette (LOVE this machine!) or in the basement workshop sanding, cutting and painting away.
Head on over to Megan's Etsy shop, please and thank you! I've already placed my order for an Ampersand for our wedding reception and I'm so excited! Thank you Megan!
Fun with Mim and Boxes
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
A few Saturdays ago, John and I did a heavy duty clear out of our house. Do you ever need to do one of those? When suddenly you look around your home on a Wednesday and say to yourself "Holy crap, when did we get all of this stuff?"
Well that happened to me and it happened particularly strongly in our bedroom. Why do I have so many sweaters? And how did I get so many T-shirts? And most importantly why do I have so many pairs of yoga pants that have holes in them?
And so, I locked myself in our bedroom with an NCIS marathon and got to sorting through my clothes. I threw out/donated (because no one needs clothes with holes in them) two giant garbage bags. I would say I'm only about half way done.
But that's not the point of this story. The point of this story is that about two hours into the closet purge when I heard a pound on the door and running away. "I'M ABANDONING HER!"
I opened the door to find this.
I laughed for about 10 minutes. Two hours later, I emerged moderately defeated by my closet and my cardigan sweater collection. John heard to me opening the door and yelled, "Hey Kate, come down here for a second!" I walked down the steps to find this.
Seriously, our lives.
Well that happened to me and it happened particularly strongly in our bedroom. Why do I have so many sweaters? And how did I get so many T-shirts? And most importantly why do I have so many pairs of yoga pants that have holes in them?
And so, I locked myself in our bedroom with an NCIS marathon and got to sorting through my clothes. I threw out/donated (because no one needs clothes with holes in them) two giant garbage bags. I would say I'm only about half way done.
But that's not the point of this story. The point of this story is that about two hours into the closet purge when I heard a pound on the door and running away. "I'M ABANDONING HER!"
I opened the door to find this.
I laughed for about 10 minutes. Two hours later, I emerged moderately defeated by my closet and my cardigan sweater collection. John heard to me opening the door and yelled, "Hey Kate, come down here for a second!" I walked down the steps to find this.
Seriously, our lives.
Some Things I Have Been Thinking about Lately
Monday, July 29, 2013
I turned 26 one month ago. Is it time for me to start using anti-aging face cream?
I am getting married in 103 days. I have been wearing an engagement ring for more than 24 months. John and I have been together for 68 months. How is it that time moves so fast but so slow? Is no one looking into the movement of time these days?
Why do I love to clean/organize my cubicle at work so much? When professionally will I have my own office with a door?
How many scarves for charity do we think I could make between now and December? I'm quickly approaching #5.
Is there anything that makes a Monday less Monday-ey than a new pair of black flats? I think not!
Why do I love to clean/organize my cubicle at work so much? When professionally will I have my own office with a door?
How many scarves for charity do we think I could make between now and December? I'm quickly approaching #5.
Is there anything that makes a Monday less Monday-ey than a new pair of black flats? I think not!
Something I Forgot I Did: Fuerza Bruta
Thursday, July 18, 2013
During my blogging hiatus, Becca, Shannon and I went to Fuerza Bruta!
Fuerza Bruta is this super strange participatory show in Union Square (I think the theater used to be a bank?). I think its a good thing I've waited so long to write about it though, because I couldn't decide how I felt about it after we left. I've had some time to think about it though, so I feel adequately prepared to review it for you.
When you walk into the theater, a voice tells you that at points of the show you're going to be asked to "move with the sets." At that point I looked at Becca and said "I'm definitely not going to like this". There was also noises that sounded like gun shots (not my fave in a dark room filled with people) and flashing lights. Epileptics beware (no, seriously I wouldn't recommend it).
There was no dialogue during the show, though from what I gathered from the dancing and yelling the plot was about young people in a fast moving world? The show was also pegged as a dance show, but I think there was really only six minutes of dancing and really it was just the same step over and over again (the dancing was pretty intense though, so major credit to the dancers).
And then this happened?
A giant inflatable pool is above your head and people swim around and bang on it so the water flies all around. And finally, there is a chance you will get sprayed with a hose. I didn't because I was toward the back, but if you are in the front you've been warned.
Conclusion: I didn't like it. It took me two months to decide but I definitely didn't like it. It is an experience, though so maybe I would reccommend it, but only if you get a Groupon like we did. Love me a Groupon!
Fuerza Bruta is this super strange participatory show in Union Square (I think the theater used to be a bank?). I think its a good thing I've waited so long to write about it though, because I couldn't decide how I felt about it after we left. I've had some time to think about it though, so I feel adequately prepared to review it for you.
When you walk into the theater, a voice tells you that at points of the show you're going to be asked to "move with the sets." At that point I looked at Becca and said "I'm definitely not going to like this". There was also noises that sounded like gun shots (not my fave in a dark room filled with people) and flashing lights. Epileptics beware (no, seriously I wouldn't recommend it).
There was no dialogue during the show, though from what I gathered from the dancing and yelling the plot was about young people in a fast moving world? The show was also pegged as a dance show, but I think there was really only six minutes of dancing and really it was just the same step over and over again (the dancing was pretty intense though, so major credit to the dancers).
And then this happened?
A giant inflatable pool is above your head and people swim around and bang on it so the water flies all around. And finally, there is a chance you will get sprayed with a hose. I didn't because I was toward the back, but if you are in the front you've been warned.
Conclusion: I didn't like it. It took me two months to decide but I definitely didn't like it. It is an experience, though so maybe I would reccommend it, but only if you get a Groupon like we did. Love me a Groupon!
Holly Does Brooklyn
Monday, July 15, 2013
A few weeks ago, my parents went on a cruise and left me and my sister home. Something about it being their 35th wedding anniversary and going away with their friends? Needless to say, Alyssa and I were pretty offended.
Instead of staying home by herself in Pennsylvania, Alyssa and Holly came to stay with me, John, Mim and Dilly for the week!
Holly isn't really used to going on big walks (she doesn't like them) so Alyssa and I spent their first night here training her to walk on the sidewalk by making her walk all the way to Prospect Park. Joke was on us though because we were halfway home and she just sat down. She sat down, looked at me and basically said with her eyes "I am done! It is too hot and I am tired. Carry me!" And so I threw her in my tote bag and carried her all the way home. Kate: 0 Holly: 1.
Holly got the hang of the walking pretty swiftly though the next morning. So much so that we were able to walk her all the way down to 4th Avenue for some bagels at our favorite place, Bagel Pub! She was such a good puppy girl!
During her stay, Holly and Mim also solidified their relationship as girlfriends. Seriously, neither of them would eat breakfast or dinner unless they got to eat it next to each other.
By the end of the week, Holly was a certifiable city puppy. My Mom said that when she got home, she slept for about three days. So did Mim! They really tire each other out with the playing and the licking and the barking and meowing at each other!
Come back soon, Holly!
Instead of staying home by herself in Pennsylvania, Alyssa and Holly came to stay with me, John, Mim and Dilly for the week!
Holly isn't really used to going on big walks (she doesn't like them) so Alyssa and I spent their first night here training her to walk on the sidewalk by making her walk all the way to Prospect Park. Joke was on us though because we were halfway home and she just sat down. She sat down, looked at me and basically said with her eyes "I am done! It is too hot and I am tired. Carry me!" And so I threw her in my tote bag and carried her all the way home. Kate: 0 Holly: 1.
Holly got the hang of the walking pretty swiftly though the next morning. So much so that we were able to walk her all the way down to 4th Avenue for some bagels at our favorite place, Bagel Pub! She was such a good puppy girl!
During her stay, Holly and Mim also solidified their relationship as girlfriends. Seriously, neither of them would eat breakfast or dinner unless they got to eat it next to each other.
By the end of the week, Holly was a certifiable city puppy. My Mom said that when she got home, she slept for about three days. So did Mim! They really tire each other out with the playing and the licking and the barking and meowing at each other!
Come back soon, Holly!
So Much Yarn...
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
In November I joined a group of Administrators at my job called the Naughty Knitters.
You read correctly, I am in a group called the Naughty Knitters even though I only crochet. I used to knit, but it takes too long. And did you know that if you mess up in knitting you have to knit backwards to fix it? In crocheting you just rip out the stitches and fix them...its much more my speed. Anyway, the University gives us money for yarn and supplies and we knit for charity!
From November to June we've been working on baby blankets for an organization in New York City that helps mothers in need. I made six baby blankets and I have to say they got better with each one. The group as a whole made 135 baby blankets! It was a really cool afternoon.
Now that baby blanket season is over, we've started working on scarves! I've made two so far and I'm almost done with number three! I love, love, love to crochet and I love it even more that people who need some warmth get what I make. I try hard to think good thoughts while I crochet and like to think that it makes the blanket and scarves extra warm and cozy!
You read correctly, I am in a group called the Naughty Knitters even though I only crochet. I used to knit, but it takes too long. And did you know that if you mess up in knitting you have to knit backwards to fix it? In crocheting you just rip out the stitches and fix them...its much more my speed. Anyway, the University gives us money for yarn and supplies and we knit for charity!
From November to June we've been working on baby blankets for an organization in New York City that helps mothers in need. I made six baby blankets and I have to say they got better with each one. The group as a whole made 135 baby blankets! It was a really cool afternoon.
Now that baby blanket season is over, we've started working on scarves! I've made two so far and I'm almost done with number three! I love, love, love to crochet and I love it even more that people who need some warmth get what I make. I try hard to think good thoughts while I crochet and like to think that it makes the blanket and scarves extra warm and cozy!
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