I Don't Know What to Title This Post. (you are free to comment with suggestions:)

If everything goes right, Blogger will post this Sunday. It's Friday night right now. And this picture is how I feel. Like I'm going crazy! I still haven't started packing, and it is almost 11:00pm. (Don't rush me people, I'm waiting for the last minute;) Anyways. Today you get an outfit post. That will hopefully make you laugh. At least smile:)

This is actually not the outfit I wore today. Well, half of it is. I love this skirt. It reminds me of something a witch would wear. I think it's because there are tiny bicycles all over one of the panels, which makes me think of the witch on the bike in the Wizard of Oz:). (Not sure if I ever mentioned it before, probably have, but I am in LOVE with that witch. She is my favorite movie character ever.) Anyways, I bought this pajama lounge shirt in Target today. Threw it on right when I stepped in the door (it was just so comfy looking!). And, to be honest, I like it as a shirt. So sloppy, comfy, hippie-like. I'm kinda diggin' the pajamas in public thing, I think:).

So this is my librarian face. I think it is very stereotype-ish. Sorry, if there are any librarians reading this. To be honest, every single librarian I've ever met is a truly lovely person. Really lovely. And they all have these sweet, tiny voices that I'm very, very envious of.

AHHHA! I know what you're thinking-- that this is one of my beloved peace signs popping out. It is actually not. My fingers are stuck this way from playing too much Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot with the kids today. I find that scissors are the dark horse in that game. It's my Go-To. (Don't tell my kids.;)

Hope you're having a lovely weekend!! I'll hopefully get time to post photos of our little get-away tomorrow:). Bye now!!

Recipe

skirt, Scrapbook Brand

pj shirt, Target

flip-flops, Target

hair flower, Hive & Honey

headband, made myself

glasses, UO 

Track #14. Jackson.

I am slightly obsessed with Johnny Cash. And his music. I might even go so far as to say I’m a radical fan. His mug is forever inked on my left forearm. (I’ll get to that.) Needless to say, I fell in love with that raspy, sometimes off-tune singing of his...And never fell out of it. Don’t know who I’m talking about?? Watch the movie Walk the Line. (And, yes, I loved him before I ever saw that movie. But it did re-affirm my obsession.:)

Since my kids were tiny babies, they have fallen asleep to some sort of noise. In those first months of their lives, it was always the hum of my treadmill. (I use to put it on for nap times. Sometimes I wasn’t even on it. It just did the trick.) When we moved to our house, and the treadmill got demoted to the basement, I played music at bedtime. Specifically, Johnny Cash’s At Folsom Prison album. (It’s my favorite.) His grandpa voice just sort of lulled them to sleep. It’s a funny thing, when your three year old daughter can sing Folsom Prison Blues word for word. My little girly girl singing, “I’m stuck in Folsom Prison...and time keeps draggin’ on...” Too funny!

Of all my Cash favorites, my very favorite song has to be Jackson. (I really like his songs with June Carter.) From the lyrics that sing, “We got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper sprout...” (us) to the one up-ing the both of them do throughout their lover’s spat, it is all so real and wonderful. I remember my mom telling me a very long time ago, “the person you’ll love the most, he’ll also be the person who makes you the most angry.” I never understood that motherly advice until I was married. Maybe not even the first year of marriage, because we still had some degree of “Awwwww...you’re so cute. SWeeeeetiE!” (Often said through gritted teeth.) I understood that feeling after we’d been married a couple years...and , in the heat of an argument, I knew there was nothing to keep me from loving this guy. The same guy I wanted to strangle punch kiss (ehem.)—but this wonderful, amazing guy all the same. I could appreciate that he loved me the same way, despite all of my short comings (oh. and there are tons of those.) That’s why this song is my favorite. Threatening each other to leave. But threatening to go to the same place (do they really want to be apart?;) It’s funny and real and full of love. You’ve just gotta listen for it. It’s there. At least for me it is.

Back to my left arm. I’m not sure what my mom thought when I came home with Johnny on my arm forever. (She takes my tattoos surprisingly well for not being a tattoo enthusiast. But I can tell she gets a little squirmy. Just cause I know her so well.) But it isn’t for Cash. It isn’t for his music. Or his story. It is my tattoo for Phil. He is my worst argument. My best day. My only love. I might want to threaten him with Jackson sometimes. But he better be down there to meet me. Or I’ll kick his butt;).

So, friends, that is why I have Johnny Cash tattooed on my arm. It says much more to my heart than having Phil’s name inked somewhere. It’s like our inside story. (He has a tattoo for me, too. I’ll share someday. Might even take a pic if he says yes.) Cash’s music isn’t made beautiful by the melodies or the voice. Even the rhythm of those songs can be funky. Johnny Cash songs are beautiful to me because you can hear his soul. All of the struggles. The good, bad, and ugly. It all resonates in the words and the imperfect way it is sung. I love it. Because it is beautiful in the same way that life is beautiful. In the same way that love is really beautiful. He sounds honest and real and a little gritty.

So, if you ever see the four of us jamming like goofballs in the truck at a red light, chances are we are enjoying a good old Cash song. We all have a favorite. Some songs, we even have specific lines assigned to certain family members (yeah—we’ve crossed the line. It’s bad). I think we get the most fun out of Jackson, though. Someday, we might just have to take a trip there. Just for memory’s sake. The four of us. On that note....

Good bye,
That’s all she wrote...;)

This Place.

Have you ever tried to explain a blog to someone who is not blog savvy? It is harder than it sounds. For a long time, I answered in a mumble-jumble of well, um, it's kinda like, aaaaaa....hold on, let me think about this. Yeah, not concise. Or interesting. Definitely not a pitch to come read my blog!

You don't even know how many times I started a blog. Made two posts. Erased the whole thing. Started again. Post. Erase. And so on. I was so nervous to just write that I never liked anything I wrote about. Then, when I started blogging here, I started to realize that this is my place. It is everything I make it and nothing I choose not to make it. (double negative. sorry.) That is when blogging became something I enjoyed. I really, really look forward to it each day. The world of writing is wide open-- and I can choose any topic. Any day. And, hopes are, someone will relate. Or smile. Even disagree. That is what I like most. Connecting in whatever way with people I may never meet in person, but now share a little of life's experiences with. It's rather lovely, I think.

The other day in Target (I'm in that store way to much. But so is every body else it seems. I run into the same people all the time. You know who you are:) , I was looking for a little journal. A pretty one that I could tuck in my purse. Keep by my computer. Basically, carry everywhere. A journal to write ideas in right when they pop into my head (blog ideas, book ideas, art ideas...they are all swirling around constantly throughout my day.  In muh big ol' head:). I've done this for a while, as do many other bloggers/crafty girls/writers. But my journals need replacing more often than they should...My purse is an evil abyss of trash and grossness that seems to ruin many of its own contents:). (Note: this is why you will never see a What's in My Bag post on here. You don't even want to know. Truly.) Anyways, I found this little bird journal. Knew right away it was meant for me. Because the quote on front put blogging in perfect context. "We write to taste life twice..." ~Anais Nin
It's a vehicle to re-live even the smallest moments of my day. In photos. And words. And share the things in life that are important and meaningful to me. It is why I love blogging. Really, it is a lovely part of my day.

On that note, I should have my new blog design up soon:). It is being designed by Kaelah, from Little Chief Honeybee. I love her style and artsy eye, so I'm really thrilled for the final design to be installed! Thank you to the girls who left questions on this post, too. Good questions-- got me thinking! I'll be working on them tonight:). And, I decided to change my header line to "writing to taste life twice". It's a little bit of a derivation from my journal quote, but summed up my feelings about this blog perfectly.

PS...We are headed to Washington DC this weekend for some fun and learning (gonna hit up some museums!)...I am going to schedule my posts for the weekend before I leave. I'll apologize in advance if blogger is rude and decides not to post them:). He is not always a nice guy, you know. That blogger monster;).

Long Sleeves in Summer.

I saw this pretty, tissue soft, long-sleeved shirt in a Free People store recently. I went back to it twice, but decided it was a bit pricey for me. I wanted it as a beach cover-up. Thought it would be just the right amount of cover, while still being light and beachy. However, at almost 60 bucks and being such thin material, I chose to hold off. The Free People fairies must have been smiling down on me:). Cause guess what went on sale a couple weeks ago?? EEP!! My beach cover-up! I bought it in white. Loved it so much, I went back and bought it in a soft minty color. Two shirts for the price of one with the sale! I'll take that.

The best part, I can wear it in more ways than just on the beach. It's so light and airy, it is perfect for those summer days when I'm in and out of air conditioning (I'm not a fan of air conditioning. It makes me cold). It's lovely. And the kids give me extra hugs. Cause I'm 'soft.' Niamh wanted ot sleep with it tonight (they have this funny thing where they sleep with my sweaters. I indulge them because I know these days won't last forever:)...Anyways, it's a hit. Go check them out here!

Oh-- and check out my favorite earrings store!! I couldn't get myself to commit to the gauged ear lobe thing, but this is a nice compromise. Earrings that give you the look without the commitment. Loving these. They are a little dangerous...but pretty awesome all the same:).

Hope your Tuesday was lovely. Mine was great. Gonna go watch BSG with Phil-- yeah, it's pretty much what we do every night at this time:). I feel like my levels of nerdiness spiked when I learned what the word 'Cylon' meant. Feel like I may never return to my less nerd-like state. Oh well! Night:).

Recipe

white shirt, FP

yellow tank, Target

jeans, Alloy

shoes, Fashion Bug

earrings, this shop!

Your Questions...

Hello friends! The kiddies and I just got in from the beach, and we are all still covered in sand. So just a quick post today. I need to clean off my sand monsters:). I am getting a blog-makeover:). Things are going to look a little different soon-- so stay tuned! Just fixing a few things that have been nagging me...and I'm really, really excited! I think it's going to look*fantastic*!

Since I'm doing some blog-house cleaning, I'd like to ask for your help (who likes cleaning up things alone?!;). I'm working on a new About page. And a Faq's page. I always love to nosey through these pages on my favorite blogs. Especially the new ones I start to read. It's a nice way to catch up a little, ya know? Soooooo, is there something you'd like to ask?? About Yours truly, the fam, my artwork-- anything...Leave a comment with your question. If it's something bizzare;), leave it anonymously. I'll do my best to include the things that you want to know or wonder about in my Faq's page. I want it to be as informative about myself and blog as possible, to give a nice back story for new readers.

So, that's it for today. I look forward to hearing your questions/thoughts. If you'd prefer to email them, send to krista7smith@yahoo.com. Thank you, lovelies!

Dear Philly,

I sat with my family at a graduation picnic tonight. Listening to my dad talk. And I started to wonder how a boy grows into a good man. What are the ingredients, the recipe? My dad is the greatest man I know. But how did he get there? There is something in him that strives to be a hard worker. Someone who does the right thing. A good husband, father, and friend. I know it starts with the Lord. But there has to be an element of life-- just living and growing. And learning.

I snapped these photos of Philly during the picnic, intimidating a rather large, industrial-sized fan. Blowing almost hurricane force winds;). (It was hot!!) And there is my dad. In that little kid's face. Strong. Facing the fight. And I felt a little relief, knowing he has a good start on that journey. And a wonderful, devoted father of his own to guide him through it all. The photos made me think of something I'd written maybe a couple years back. You can read on, if you'd like.

Worth Fighting For, to Philly

You love to wrestle Daddy. He is five times your weight, but you still believe you can pin him. Someday he will be the one to say “Uncle.” This is worth fighting for.

There are times when your cousin, though he is your best friend, is tackling you. Mama doesn’t rescue you, because you need to figure this one out yourself. This is worth fighting for.

Someday your sister will be more of a nuisance than a friend. But at some point she will need her little brother to be a big brother. She will need you to hang out for an hour, because you are the only boy she likes at that moment. Through all the petty fights, hang in there. Because this is worth fighting for.

Someday you will be on the field and the score will be big—on the wrong side of the board. And you will still play hard; still get your uniform dirty. This is worth fighting for.

Someday you will do something wrong and break mama’s heart, just for a second. And you will want me to believe in you again. This is worth fighting for.

Someday pop and dad will take you fishing, and you will think about taking a break from pulling in the Monster Fish. But you won’t. Because this is worth fighting for.

Someday a girl will catch your eye. You will want to be like the boys she likes, even though they are not like the boy you should be. Give her time. This is worth fighting for.

Someday you will be given a choice. No one will know if you choose wrong. No one will know if you choose right. You will always know, babe. This is worth fighting for.

Someday you will be a man and have a job and a lot of responsibilities. Remember that in the blur, in the frenzy called life, your family should come first. This is worth fighting for.

Someday it will be much easier to ignore what must be done than to do it. And it may be a really hard thing to face, to finish. You will do it, and Dad will be proud of the man you have become. This is worth fighting for.

Someday you will need to have a catch, take a swing, be a kid again. Always keep your ball glove in a place you won’t forget. Never lose the boy you are now, when a homerun in the living room makes your night. This is worth fighting for.

Remember that mama and daddy will always have your back. We will always be here to lift you up and get you going again, even if the fight has been knocked out of you. We are in your corner. Because you are worth fighting for.

I love that boy.

Saturday Craft!

Happy Saturday! Today has been a slow moving, trying to get things accomplished, but kinda-not-getting-anything-done sort of day:) Think I pulled a chest muscle yesterday, so I didn't sleep at all last night. And our day started really late due to Mama resting this morn. Oh well-- we did get out...bought Niamh some new uniforms for the coming school-year. And I was able to put together a little Saturday craft for you to try. Hope you enjoy!

List of Materials:

wooden plaque

image, cut to size (mine is 3" round)

ModPodge

sponge brush

hardware for hanging

embellishments (I used ribbon)

scissors and a hammer (not pictured. ours is too ugly:)

Pick an image to use. I chose Lost in Music (check her out here) and gave her two coats of ModPodge last night. This morning I cut her out. The diameter is 3" and fits perfect on my plaque's flat space.

Attach your hardware. It is pretty simple. But, when you place your image on the front, make sure it lines up with how you attached your hardware on back. I forgot to do that, and had to re-attach my hardware at the end. My girl hung sideways...opps;)

Apply your image to the plaque's surface.

Add your prettiest embellishments. I think paper flowers always look sweet, but a ribbon looked simple and perfect for this little chick.  (EEK!  Ignore the nails.  So need to paint them!)

You're done! Now hang her up and enjoy!!

I love these little plaques. They look super cute grouped in three's, too! Pick your favorite images and create a super sweet display on a little girl's bedroom wall, a craft space, or even hand them out as gifts!

And now for the picture of the day.....Niamh Steve and Philly Phyllis. I think Philly's face in the second picture is clearly saying, this photo is gonna come back to haunt me. I just know it. That poor boy does anything Niamh puts him up to. He follows her like a puppy:)

Leave a comment-- tell me your favorite new Sassy stamp image...And one of you will win my plaque:). (International girls can play along, too...) And have a great Saturday!! xoxo

Invitations.

It is almost August. And that means Niamh's birthday is right around the corner. She was born on 8/8/03 at 8:08 in the morning...and this year she's turning the big 8. (I need to play a round of 8's that week in the lottery!) The child plans her party theme all year long. It really is a continual point of discussion:). She really enjoys a big shindig!! I thought she was going with a Narnia theme. However, that seems to have been scratched. We were talking about making a concrete decision while doing errands the other day, and finally (finallllllly!) decided on a nerd/book theme. The child loves to read and my love of all things nerd/geeky has apparently rubbed off on her. Because she asked me to draw her up in big geeky glasses for her invites:).

This is my prototype. Yes, I am insane when it comes to invitations. I make highly specialized prototypes to see if they 'work.' This one passed the test:). A little book. With a nerdy corner bookmark inside. I got the thumbs up from Niamh. So, off to Michael's tonight to grab a few more embellishments to complete the set of them.

I think they will be adorable. Each one is unique, so she gets to pick who gets which bookmark:). I can't wait to get the decorations and favors. Thinking storybooks for the kids. It's better than candy (I guess;). Now I just need to figure out where to have it. I wish we could borrow a library for the day:). Or Barnes and Nobles. Although, I know for sure we'd get kicked out. Phil and I both have fun, high volume families:). Not bookstore material, really:).

Running.

I bought my first treadmill when I was 7 months pregnant with Niamh. By that time, I had already gained 60 pounds (oops.) and knew I was gonna need something to help me loose the weight. Going to the gym was not really an option with a new baby at home. I was going to need to work out every day, and I didn’t want to leave her that consistently. So, I went to Sears and got me a treadmill.

I’ve always been a runner. I’ve never had spectacular times. Never been super fast. But I do it. Typically, I run 5 times a week at least 4 miles each time. I can’t say I always want to. Sometimes it is a bad run, and I fight the desire to stop the whole time. Other days, I fly. Or at least that’s how it feels. And I love it. Love it. Running has been good to me. It clears my mind. Keeps me healthy. And it is my daily challenge. I’m a person who needs to be physically challenged. I hate the feeling of being stagnant. Or moving backwards. Or getting older. And the treadmill is my best workout buddy to combat these things.

I know there is a difference between treadmill runs and running on the road. I very much prefer the treadmill. Like I’ve said before, this girl is a scary beast when I workout...I’m always afraid someone will shoot me when I run on the road. Mistake me for a rabid, run-away zoo animal. But, on the days I do run outside, I don’t feel jipped by my treadmill. I can easily run 7 miles without feeling super strained. So I know my indoor workouts are not hindering me. I think they are actually really beneficial for my road runs.

On the treadmill, I can zero in on something I want to work on. Some months it is speed. Others, it is distance. But it is all right there in front of me. In big red numbers. That is why I prefer it. I am easily distracted on the road. By the car that doesn’t move over. Or the dog trying to break his chain to eat me. Or the random dude yelling really sweet things out his window as he drives by. In my bedroom, it’s just me and running. And that’s the way I like it.

Here are some thoughts that might be useful to those of you who make a bee-line to the treadmill at the gym, or have one in your own bedroom, or are thinking about getting one.

1.My number one advice to anyone who wants to consistently workout, especially moms—make the workout easily accessible. Owning a treadmill does this for you. And when you decide to buy one (YAY for you!) don’t go cheap. Buy a good one, with a wide belt area. And don’t get the self-propelled type. They really suck.

2.Some people are afraid of being on something that moves. Don’t be. Get yourself use to it by getting your butt on it everyday. It will become like second nature. I can run with my eyes closed. (I have. Got really tired once and closed them just for a minute.) I shuffle sideways. Run backwards. As long as you don’t have inner ear balance issues, you should be able to adapt and feel comfy eventually.

3.Use interval training. I use to think that if I walked at all during my run, it meant I wasn’t fit. That is so untrue. Intervals of pushing to your limits mixed with intervals of recovery—that is the best formula for burning FAT and working on your overall speed. At least two of my runs each week, I’ll take the last mile or two and do interval work. And they are the days I feel like I might die. The ones when I add a little walking or jogging into the run. Intervals kill me—but they make me a better runner.

4.Never run if you haven’t fueled-up properly. Don’t expect to run 3 miles if you’ve only eaten a rice cake all day. That isn’t the right way to fuel your muscles. And it won’t help you loose or maintain your weight. Oxygen Magazine is the best place I’ve found for eating/workout advice. It is a great publication. It is not the right magazine if you aren’t serious. Or if you want to read about makeup or fashion trends. It is all fitness. I love it.

5.Be careful. Even though you will get very use to being on a moving belt, you still need to pay attention to safety. I stepped backwards onto my moving belt once (by accident), fell down, and got shot into a wall. (Wish I had it on video.) Gave myself a concussion. And a very brush-burned back. So—be careful. Don’t shed clothing while you’re running. Don’t look behind you. Don’t get distracted. Oh—and never step backwards onto a moving belt. It will end badly.

6.Finally, use the incline. It will exponentially increase the intensity of your workout. Hills are hard. But. BUT. They are good for your BUTT!! Ha. Your glutes power your running. Glutes and back muscles are your largest muscle groups. Work on them girls! They will burn calories and fat for you all day. An incline on the treadmill, even if you just walk it, is going to tone that area. Go for it!

Just some thoughts for you. I really love my machine. It has been my best investment. Do any of you have a treadmill? Or use one a lot at the gym?? What is your daily run like? I’d love to hear—I’m always so interested in other people’s running plans. It is good to bounce ideas off one another. Share your workouts! Or ask questions...It is how we learn and grow. And push past our limits.

It's HOT Baby!!

Hi everybody!! I'm squeezing this in between trying to get the dishes done (before Phil gets home!) and leaving for a girl's night movie with my sisters! I'll just get right to it. Today was 200 degrees. Not really, but that's how it felt. I love the heat, but I was drenched in sweat. So, none of my outfit pics turned out very good:(. Oh well...

Now to my giveaway winners...

Lipstick Princess is going to Casper and Amelia is headed out to Melissa Bothwell-Inglis. Yay for you two!!! Please email me your mailing address by Friday:) And now for my You're a Winner Dance. You can laugh. It is terrible.

make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

Just so you know, those of you who played but didn't win, I have more custom items already made for future giveaways! Think thermoses for August. So, please stay tuned! I'd love to give you all something...so sending out handfuls of kisses. ~xxxxx~

Have a lovely night!

Recipe

jeans, Alloy

lace top, American Rag

tank, Target

shoes, target

necklace, Charlotte Russe

Artwork Peek.

Working on new artwork for later this summer/early fall when I re-open my Etsy shop. I want it packed with new, sweet artwork. Here is a little peek:)

I love blue hair:). And the thought of reading lots and lots of books. Although, I rarely ever find the time. On another note-- last chance to enter my Giveaway! It closes tomorrow at 12 noon EST. So hurry and enter if you haven't already!

Off to watch some BSG with Phil. Wish I never started watching this series. It has consumed me!!:) I'm addicted.

Family Beach Day:)

Headed down to Ocean City today. Just for a couple hours. The beach is my favorite place in the world. I love the noises. People chatting and laughing, kids yelling, and all of it brought down a notch by the crashing waves. Like the sounds get filtered, and you end up with a muffled version of it all. Really quite relaxing and lovely. Phil was off, so he joined us beach bums.

I think this last photo may be the creepiest one I've ever taken! Phil buried them. Giggles and all. The sand was so heavy, they were panting-- so it only lasted a second. But how funny?! Out little sand monsters. Niamh got quite an ear-full...So, I've been re-assuring the poor girl all day that the sand is not getting her brain dirty. Such a worrier. Just like her mama:). Philly, on the other hand, could be plastered in that stuff for a week and not know the difference. I'm kind of fond of it myself. Gets your skin so nice and soft:).

Hope you are having a lovely summer day, wherever you are!:)

Christmas No More:)

Here is something I made the other night. A sliding card. I really wanted to make a card using one of the new Sugar Nellie Sassy Christmas stamps-- but have it be completely not Christmas-like. I gave her a little pearl pin in place of the Christmas tree pin. And put a flower in her hair instead of holly. All I had to do then was cut out the candy canes behind her back. Not a hint of Christmas, which makes this stamp a little more versatile than it may appear:).

The challenge of completely altering the feel of a stamp is something I love to see. It makes them more useful. And fun! Have any Sassy stamps you have changed up a bit?? Comment with a link! I'd love to take a peek:)!!