tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-272212092024-03-14T05:28:07.128-04:00vanillabean knitspaints...reads...sews...quilts...Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.comBlogger298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-83659823811695089922011-09-19T23:54:00.006-04:002011-09-20T00:24:20.124-04:00Onto New Things - Please Join Me!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;">Hello, dear friends!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;">If you're still reading or subscribed, thank you for your support and friendship! I've dropped off the face of the earth, and miss you all dearly. It was a combination of lots of work travel to North Carolina, volunteer work obligations, fun travels, road trips, lazy summer attitude and of course....shenanigans. Then time went on...and it was harder to break the silence. Until now!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;">I was also feeling quiet since I wanted to focus more on interior design and illustration, but found it hard to do on my knitting / crafty blog. Pigeon holed and not knowing where to go. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;">So it's time for a <a href="http://marissahuber.com/">fresh start</a>. Please join me on my new blog at http://marissahuber.com</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"> I'll still be drawing a lot, and talking about food and travels, showing off my knitting and crafty things, and knowing me, and to my mom's chagrin, sharing some slightly embarrassing stories occasionally because I cannot HELP myself, and you KNOW this! But I think this is why you like me anyhow (wink wink).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;">I've loved having this space over the past 5 years. It has given me the chance to write again, draw again, try new things, find the confidence to be braver, a place to talk about and document life changes, grieve and discuss my beloved brother, connect with my beloved Philly knitting pals, share parts of my life with my loved ones far away, and gain access to this wonderful online community.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;">It's only right that I leave you with my latest knitting project that I'm wrapping up, the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/favorite-scarf-ever">Most Favorite Scarf Ever</a> by Lisa Bruce in my Colinette Jitterbug.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/6047784136/" title="Colinette Jitterbug, Take 3 by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6047784136_ae22a8c1d6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Colinette Jitterbug, Take 3" /></a></span></div></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;">And a "professional" type picture of how I'm looking these days.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/6043659403/" title="Moi by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6150/6043659403_c8b87d393c.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Moi" /></a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;">And one last picture of how you all know me to be on the inside.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/6010081436/" title="Art Basel 2010 by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/6010081436_9cfe82609b.jpg" width="377" height="500" alt="Art Basel 2010" /></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;">Thank you for sharing this space with me!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;">Lots of love,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;">Marissa</span></div>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-81603529793328852142011-03-01T11:32:00.005-05:002011-03-01T12:28:47.738-05:00Out of Hibernation<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Like many of you, I have been hibernating, thus the long absence. </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5403457320/" title="Pretty White Trees by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5296/5403457320_67cc05edb7.jpg" alt="Pretty White Trees" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >My knitting mojo returned during the winter, and I whipped up these adorable mocassins for an old friend's new little girl. Aren't they darling? They're by <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/baby-bootie-moccasins/">Whit Van Ness</a> for The Purl Bee. </span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5466829892/" title="Cutest Things Ever, Right?! by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5259/5466829892_3f120f94d7.jpg" alt="Cutest Things Ever, Right?!" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I started and finished the <a href="http://www.fairmountfibers.com/patterns/fairmount-fibers-patterns/fall-2010">Dijon Sweater</a> by our friends at Fairmount Fibers. It's with Manos del Uruguay, which is the yarn that Fairmount Fibers distributes, which is handmade in Uruguay on a women's collective. Gorgeous yarn, great cause...it's a win for all.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5466230317/" title="Dijon Detail by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5466230317_7eca2cb9de.jpg" alt="Dijon Detail" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br />Over a brunch with my knitting gals, we decided I needed to redo the top. I'm glad I did it, so that the end result is much nicer, and the inside looks just as pretty as the outside. Before you think I became too classy, please note that I posed wearing this unfinished sweater flashing my armpit holes.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5466232617/" title="Dijon Inside - Still Lookin' Good! by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5466232617_165f47bf0a.jpg" alt="Dijon Inside - Still Lookin' Good!" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I'm so proud of myself for this sweater. It's my third one, but it actually fits very well and looks better than I anticipated. Not too shabby for this lady.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5466227093/" title="Dijon Finito! by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5058/5466227093_bb4ebca853.jpg" alt="Dijon Finito!" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br />I also wanted to share the gorgeous crocheted afghan my dear friend recently Clara made us for our wedding. She picked colors that were in our wedding, and it's such a special gift. Thank you Clara! You will be receiving a heartfelt, severely overdue letter!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5466231129/" title="Loving My Afghan from Clara! by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5466231129_1c8207e898.jpg" alt="Loving My Afghan from Clara!" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br />Happy March!</span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-39261672656782830972010-12-31T20:37:00.005-05:002011-01-04T12:00:24.050-05:00Saying Goodbye to 2010<span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Surely it's a sign of getting older, but this year seemed to go by more quickly than ever. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the things that happened in 2010 before it passes tonight.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5049/5311136052_b04d4d304d.jpg" alt="<span class=" error="" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">I got married to a person who loves me exactly as I am, silliness and quirkiness and sometimes crabbiness (when tired). And vice versa.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">I worked out pretty consistently for about 3/4 entire year, and feel much more healthy and energized. Started running with "The Wolfpack" on Saturday mornings.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Read my first 2 Jane Austen books and really enjoyed them!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Baked a little under my goal of one loaf of bread per month (unless you count the individual small loaves, which I will!).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Went to Art Basel</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">in Miami with my Mom, Aunt and Cousin.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Was showered with love and generosity from so many members of my family and faux-family this year.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Started oil painting! Love it.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Did a bunch of color studi</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">es which got me to start noticing my surroundings in new ways.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Helped my Tita and Tito design out the layout for their kitchen renovation! Loved doing this too. I want to do more stuff like this.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Lost my knitting mojo for the summer, and found it again in the fall.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Went on my first cruise, and did not get seasick (knock on wood).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Enjoyed 3 road trips!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Attended my little cousin's hockey game. Attended my first IU basketball game.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Played water polo in one last practice / scrimmage and realized that I didn't want to invest the time, but truly enjoyed the experience.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Treated ourselves to a new MacBook Pro!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Found some new music to pique my interest again. Ryan Bingham, the Crazy Heart Soundtrack, The National, and Jens Lekman.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Got to watch friends' babies be born, get bigger and give me my baby fix.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Experienced 5 years of my brother being gone but not forgotten. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Met one of our financial goals to save money.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Bought a pair of knee high brown boots I love.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">And worked towards my own personal happiness.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Happy New Year, friends!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">
<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">xoxo, Mariss</span></span></div></span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-1984138877657834832010-12-20T18:12:00.005-05:002011-01-04T11:57:56.963-05:00Creepy Ornament Party + Cute Doxies!<div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We got a late start on our </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/2009/12/fried-chicken-ornaments.html"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">annual tradition</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> of creating ornaments this year. At last count, we were going to make one for each of our 8 years together. </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/page22/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Last year</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> we made a blue bird, fried chicken drumstick, pink </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">snuggie</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">christmas</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> tree, star, and yellow </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">popple</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">. For other people, I made a fly fishing vest, a leopard </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">snuggie</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> and a candy cane.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Our good pals came over last night for pizza, ornament making and eggnog spiked with </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.artintheage.com/spirits-snap/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Snap liquor</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">. Mike rounded out our count of 8 ornaments with the </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5276694369/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">creepiest elf ever</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> (and boyfriend to Shona's </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://laladexpress.blogspot.com/2010/12/please-dont-be-freightened.html"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">scary ornament</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">, and a sweet pink and white candy cane. Olivia made a cute ornament of her</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5277304428/in/photostream/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"> greyhound Salty</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">, and inspired me to make canine ornaments for my cousins in NYC. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">They have 2 rescue </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">daschunds</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> named Mr. and Mrs. Beasley. I adore my cousins and the dogs, so thought they deserved their own ornaments. Mr. B had a health scare too, so I thought this could cheer them up a bit.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2295498314_c3a737f699.jpg" alt="My nephew-dog" width="500" height="375" /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Here are their names with some holly (inspired by ornaments my Mom and Godmother made with felt back in the 70s!).</span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5164/5277305068_a5b9a587c0.jpg" alt="Mr. & Mrs. Beasley Ornaments" width="500" height="375" /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">And the back! I will not lie. I am damn proud of these ornaments. The colors are lovely, and they're just so cute!<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5276694933/" title="Mr. & Mrs. Beasley Ornaments by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5248/5276694933_585a200a39.jpg" alt="Mr. & Mrs. Beasley Ornaments" width="500" height="375" /></span></span></a></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I may have a few more ornaments left in me this year. Here's hoping!<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5276694961/" title="Mr. & Mrs. Beasley Ornaments by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/5276694961_5d84813d5c.jpg" alt="Mr. & Mrs. Beasley Ornaments" width="500" height="375" /><br /></span></span></a></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5276694961/" title="Mr. & Mrs. Beasley Ornaments by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></a></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Oh, and the fourth member of our group made his own </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5277304346/in/photostream/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">creepy ornamen</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">t to put Mike's to shame. It may have been my idea, to commemorate a Halloween costume that our friend made to document the trash and chicken bones that are constantly littering our street...</span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Ah, Christmas cheer!</span></span></div>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-5414431500654602412010-12-13T12:28:00.000-05:002010-12-17T12:30:58.069-05:00Bits of Yellow on a Gray Day<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" >This is one of my favorite color studies that I did. It was a gloomy and gray day last May, and it felt like it would never warm up again. I found myself riding my bike home slightly miserably, but then I started noticing electric jolts of yellow, amarillo, chartreuse, mustard, citron, and any other name for the color of lemons you can think of.<br /><br /></span><div style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a title="Color Study No. 18 by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4606738944/"><img alt="Color Study No. 18" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/4606738944_72b3fa0696.jpg" width="368" height="500" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br />It cheered me up a bit. It reminded me that life is never just about the good things and beauty. As every good story and tale over time shows us, there is always light with dark.<br /><br />Life tends to kick you in the ass at times, but we keep on going. If we're lucky, we have many loved ones that can lend support or rally us in bad times, and will celebrate with us in better times. If we're luckier, they'll let us be there for them as well.<br /><br />One thing that I really learned from my trips to the Philippines, is that nothing is more important than family. It doesn't matter if it's the family you're born with, or the family you make in my family's opinion. It's all the same. Even the family that I may not see more than once in a very long while, when I do see them, the love and shared connection is strong. We laugh and we cry, and sometimes at the same time.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family: times new roman;">This past week has been a hard one for my family. My dear cousin's newborn baby passed away due to complications, and it was the anniversary of my brother, Tito (uncle) and Lolo's (grandfather) death. We are a strong bunch, but it can be a bit melancholy over the holidays. This Christmas season, I'm grateful for all the love and support my family gives each other, and I wish for peace and love for all. I'm looking forward to spending time with my Indiana family, but will be really missing my Mom and Dad too. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times new roman;">I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas if you celebrate, and are also surrounded by people you love! </span><br /></span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-27538390629310729672010-12-13T12:02:00.005-05:002010-12-17T13:05:29.399-05:00Necklace Holder...Finally<span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >I have been meaning to make a simple necklace holder for about 5 years. Just something simple, a piece of nice wood with hooks, and something in the back to mount it.<br /><br />How funny that when I did finally got around to making this, it only took about 2 hours.<br /><br />I found a gorgeous piece of wood that was 12 x 18", sanded it with our orbital sander (one of our favorite wedding gifts!), beveled the edges, drilled the holes, varnished it, and Mike hung it up for me one day while rearranging all the artwork in the house.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5245124337/" title="Jewelry Holder by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5082/5245124337_379c320eeb.jpg" alt="Jewelry Holder" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br />I would have painted it, but there were 3 different colored lines in the wood that were so pretty, almost greenish gold, that I kept it plain. I'm becoming more of a neutral gal lately, or as my crazy <a href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/2008/01/noro-legwarmers.html">color twin</a> and I like to joke, our tastes are maturing!<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5245124109/" title="Necklace Holder by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5245124109_69998cb43f.jpg" alt="Necklace Holder" width="500" height="375" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Sweet and easy if you have a few minutes and some patience. I highly recommend measuring twice to get the alignment correct on your hooks. It made a difference, and I'm glad I was not lazy this time.<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5245726146/" title="Necklace Holder by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5290/5245726146_2306f5c91c.jpg" alt="Necklace Holder" width="500" height="375" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />P.S. Enjoy the cast of my teeth. That's what you get when you are sweet to the nice dude at the orthodontist! </span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-84364593710529604102010-12-09T20:22:00.006-05:002010-12-13T13:35:14.459-05:00Montserrat Orange + Peonies<span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">Remember the rainbow spectrum of </span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4665576253/sizes/o/in/photostream/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">luscious oil paints</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:130%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span"> I received for my bridal shower? </span></span><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I made something with them! It was a long overdue painting for our super talented wedding photographers </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.1313blog.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Ashley and Philip Colhouer</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">. The first attempt didn't work out how I wanted it to, which led to the delay. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1437/5168761715_c8ec59987b.jpg" alt="IMG_2805" width="375" height="500" /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I thought somethin</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">g graphic and sweet would be perfect for their adorable little girl. Here are the progress shots leading up to the most final image. I'm tempted to go into it one more time, I think th</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">at it's a little flat, but overall, I feel that it's finished.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1233/5169361672_7f5d6ba1d8.jpg" alt="IMG_2806" width="375" height="500" /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Oil </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">paints are really wonderful. It's like painting with butter.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5245726566/" title="IMG_2866 by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5290/5245726566_d06954fbbe.jpg" alt="IMG_2866" width="375" height="500" /></span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I think I'll consider this finished. I don't want to delay more, and don't want to mess it up.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5245726722/" title="Almost done by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5164/5245726722_0ba074b9d6.jpg" alt="Almost done" width="500" height="499" /></span></span></a></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I like how writing makes you feel more confident about your endeavors over </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/2007/06/draw-anyway.html"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">time</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">. </span></span></div>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-51958471189876166942010-11-22T16:13:00.008-05:002010-12-09T08:35:46.329-05:00Fall to Winter+ a Little Baking<div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">With the frigid temperatures this week, the golden fall leaves from last week seem far away.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span style="font-size:130%;"><a title="Blue + Yellow by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5199546550/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img alt="Blue + Yellow" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5199546550_f68afb96da.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I celebrated my 32nd birthday on November 19th! I threw myself a lovely party and invited a medley of friends from different parts of my life. I left it to them to get along, which they did! I baked apple and pear crisp, cupcakes, the </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/2007/10/sugared-cranberries.html"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">sugared cranberries</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> (which have become tradition), Layla's amazingly easy and addictive artichoke spinach dip, and a cake. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5245124209_b572e4c220.jpg" alt="Birthday Sugared Cranberries" width="375" height="500" /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Having learned from last years unintentional </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/2009/12/76-champagne-punch.html"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">$76 champagne punch</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">, I tried to tone it down a bit this year (so that I could spend all of my money on baked goods). Tip: try not to pick drinks that require multiple fancy bottles of liquor by accident, though it is a fun way to stock up your bar! I went with a citrus infused champagne punch via </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/drink/views/Champagne-Punch-241174"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Epicurious</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">. I like champagne punches because they're festive and bubbly, and don't seem to leave my friends with a hangover. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">It was beautiful with all the oranges, limes and lemons cut up in circles. And there were barely any leftovers (beverage wise). I had to send the troops home with cupcakes and pumpkin bread.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5245124295_0aed62e95f.jpg" alt="Sweet Potato Casserole" width="375" height="500" /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The following week we stayed in the area for Thanksgiving this year. It was a nice change to not travel to Indiana, though we missed seeing family and friends. We headed down to Atlantic City area to spend Thanksgiving with my Uncle, Aunt and cousins. I brought Mike's mom's Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan topping (so good, I can be encouraged to post recipe if anyone is interested), more sugared cranberries, and a blue ribbon dutch apple pie</span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">Other than that, we made our first Black Friday purchase ever, a new MacBook Pro laptop! What a glorious little machine that probably deserves a nickname. I bummed around and spent way too much time watching </span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367279/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">Arrested Development</span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span"> (yes, I'm a latecomer!) on Netflix on the new laptop and cackling merrily and loudly at their shenanigans. </span></span><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I may or may not have re-read the last Harry Potter book snuggled up on my couch and watched a couple of the movies.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Until next time,</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times new roman;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">M</span></span><br /></div>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-85049944868061550682010-11-22T15:38:00.003-05:002010-11-22T16:18:55.132-05:00Never Knitting @#$% Socks - Socks<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The last pair of socks I knitted took me a year. Not because they were hard, but because I felt that they were sucking the life out of me for sheer boredom. I even wrote extensive notes to myself on my Ravelry page lest I make the poor decision to think I'd like knitting socks again. You can see me get more insane and melodramatic as the time passes. <br /><br />See below:<br /><br />9/2008: I was inspired to finally make these socks for Mike with this yarn after he called to tell me he had “extra time” before work and had removed a large bolt from my truck tire and changed the tire for me. What a keeper.<br /></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">10/2008: The pattern is pretty, quite easy, but this yarn is just not my favorite color. Girls, I ain’t subtle when it comes to color. But I do love that boy, so he’ll get some socks and love the color.<br /><br />10/27/2008: SOCKS = B-O-R-I-N-G<br /><br />1/22/2009: So boring I can’t even have it listed as a WIP (work in progress).<br /><br />2/2/2009: Goal for 2009, finish these %&#^#$^$ socks!!!! for the LOVE of GOD!!<br /><br />2/7/09: I’m giving these f#$%ers another chance. Maybe they’re not so bad.<br /><br />2/18: I told Mike that his socks were finally almost done. I said, “Are you even excited about these stupid socks?” He surprised me and said, “Yes! I can’t wait to put them on my feet!” That’s making me work a bit quicker to finish. Awww.<br /><br />2/26: DOOOOOOONE!!! I am so excited, you don’t even understand. We’re calling these the betrothal socks. Mike bought me a gorgeous ring, and I put love and lots of cursing into these #$%#$% socks. He loves them, put them on right away. Well, I’ll admit, I joked around, went down on one knee, and asked him to marry me with the socks and put them on his feet. We cracked up, since we’re nerds. </span><br /><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">So after all that, and proclaiming to a woman at knitting circle, "I'll NEVER knit socks again!" I turned around, felt the squishiest pretty socks, while still trying, "Socks are NOT for ME! I hate them, ugh....OOOOH! Pretty socks!"</span></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Bought. Paid. Cast on. And totally enjoying. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a title="Socks for Me by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5199484016/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img height="500" alt="Socks for Me" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/5199484016_f6f2f45194.jpg" width="375" /></span></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">The secret is bigger needles for this pain in the @#$#!</span></p>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-88224291107243084772010-11-12T15:57:00.008-05:002010-11-17T17:05:03.177-05:00Chop Chop and a Falcon<div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">October was eaten up by two trips to Indiana on consecutive weekends for yours truly. Mike stayed for the week, so I did a round trip road trip, with a round trip flight from Indy to Philly sandwiched in between. It was wonderful because I also got to spend time with one of my best friends Tracy, and have brunch with some very special people.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We had two weddings to attend, our niece's and Mike's best friend's wedding.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Right before the trips, I made a spontaneous decision to chop off 10 inches of my hair. It was only going to be a few inches, but I figured, who knows when it will be this long again, and wanted to donate it. Not completely selfishly, mind you. I did want to donate, but I also wanted to have an excuse for myself when I missed my long hair that said, "Get over yourself, Merce, you gave your hair to some kid in need. Quit whining!" </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So yeah. I'm happy, and actually, it gave me some much needed polish for work. I was feeling blah hair wise. Oddly, my short hair is harder to care for, since it sticks up in the morning. Ha.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5169359604/" title="IMG_1456 by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1182/5169359604_b24fd8ce12.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_1456" /></a></span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5169359604/" title="IMG_1456 by mariss+drew, on Flickr"></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">As I said, Mike's BFF had a wedding in Indiana. Well, it was Halloween themed! And it had a taco bar! And tombstone shaped cakes that Mike helped make! We dressed up nice and wedding-like beforehand, especially since Mike was in Sheila's wedding party. Aw, how cute.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/5168760281_6b6f7221d0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2772" /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then, yours truly ended up in a parking lot with Mike's entire family (Mike was diligently taking wedding photos) where we all changed discreetly by the cars and put on makeup (hawk-like eyeliner for me, more vampire powder for others). No seriously, check out that eyeshadow!</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/5169360284_0755683dee.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="We Like Each Other" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I jumped at the chance to be part of a <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0265666/">Royal Tenenbaum</a> themed couples costume, as the third wheel to Richie and Margot Tenenbaum. I could have easily found a curly black wig and red tracksuit, but that would be no fun. Not when I had the best idea ever for a Mordecai Tenenbaum costume. (This is the pet falcon that belongs to Richie Tenenbaum).</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">How amazing do we look?! Susan (one of my amazing sisters-in-law) even made the wooden finger that Margot has. It was the most fun...</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5169360756_222d77022c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Royal Tenenbaums" /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then we have one of Mordecai and Mike. I can't tell you how much fun I had with these wings. And it was the easiest costume to make. Hot glue gun, feathers, scraps of fabric and a little glitter.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1289/5185655926_a06ed7b7ed.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Mordecai and Mike " /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Mike and I couldn't do the couple's costume because I did not feel like being the mate to a pink gorilla. Though I have been called a crazy banana before...</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1286/5185655932_4c79f08443.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Mike at Sheila's Wedding" /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There's always next year!</span></span></span></span></div>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-54007064053311494742010-10-09T16:34:00.005-04:002010-10-09T17:34:48.296-04:00Yeah yeah yeah...I know....<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The longer I waited to write, the lazier I got. So I took some time off and just enjoyed my summer...and then some more summer, and a bit of fall (wink).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I've missed you all! Without further ado, some excuses and photos in a semi-coherent package:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Lots of rollercoasters at Hershey Park with my best friend, godson (cutest boy alive), Mike and about 20 of their closest relatives.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4665575745/" title="Roller Coaster by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4665575745_d194c57ec2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Roller Coaster" /></span></span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4665575745/" title="Roller Coaster by mariss+drew, on Flickr"></a>An end in sight to hundreds of fabric flowers. I have this down to a 2o step art that takes 1.5 minute per flower. Ghetto of course, but they'll hold up and have their volume.<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065492730/" title="Fabric Flowers by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5065492730_ece68051fb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Fabric Flowers" /></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065492730/" title="Fabric Flowers by mariss+drew, on Flickr"></a>Enjoying the oil paints that I received for my super sweet Bridal Shower from one of my best friends, Heather. She was certainly listening when I said I wanted to start oil painting. It is so much fun!<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4665576253/" title="Paint! by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4665576253_ab69c80be6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Paint!" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Starting small, with color studies. But more to come!<br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065492662/" title="Oil Painting! by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5065492662_6740a25f6f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Oil Painting!" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />A bit of tie-dying and fabric dying to create some more fabric for those billions of fabric flowers I made. I don't regret it actually, and I saved them all to make some big fabric filled pillows when my callouses heal. Just kidding. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065492606/" title="Dyed Fabric for Flowers by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5065492606_983a7f2cb1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Dyed Fabric for Flowers" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Packed and partied and packed and planned and packed and left town for our wedding in July! Road trip from Philly to Ft. Lauderdale to get hitched in my hometown.<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065493744/" title="Hazy Skyline by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5065493744_a3d41a2c9f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Hazy Skyline" /></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I decided to just keep going with the fabric flowers. It was 20 hour drive, so why not finish up the stash of fabric I had? As you may guess, these flowers will be a recurring theme in this post...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Shoeboxes and my organizational and resourceful nerd skills came in handy. It reminded me of roadtrips with my family when Andrew and I would create our own little spaces for all of our belongings, lest we get bored! And if we crossed that invisible line, madness and hitting would ensue.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065493744/" title="Hazy Skyline by mariss+drew, on Flickr"></a><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5064882909_cff7742bf0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Roadtrip Crafts" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I made a ringbearer pillow from scratch from Philly to Baltimore. I was quite impressed with myself. It even had a little fabric handle on the back side.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5065494264_fffaaa3af0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Roadtrip Sewing" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We arrived in Florida, and had a few days to enjoy with family and friends in town to finish up some last minute stuff. Excluding the fabric flowers, we really didn't go crazy with the DIY stuff. We only made the chuppah (Mike built it, and I'm not sure what the term for it is if you're not Jewish, but that's what I've been calling it since I'm a South Floridian), fabric flowers for the chuppah and the faux-to booth backdrop, programs, some paper goods, etc...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We had a wonderful day, and we didn't expect or want everything to be perfect. I slid down a floating ramp while taking photos (before the ceremony, so that we could have more time to party), skinned my elbow and nearly fell into the intercoastal. And you know what?! It was hil-arious (mostly since nobody got hurt). Thankfully, I stuck in that position from the boning in the dress and lack of abdominal muscles from laughing so hard, so I had time to yell out, "Take a picture!!!!"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5060458412_2008da1dd4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Bustin' Arse" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I cried and laughed repeatedly at the same time for two days straight. I'm such a girl....</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065352913/" title="DSC_0223 by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5065352913_b1801e7362.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0223" /></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">My dad and I danced to "Rainbow Connection" by Kermit the Frog. And I cried some more. Then him and my BFF Brooke both made speeches that had more than just me crying. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">How cute are my mom and dad below?! I had them both walk me down the aisle, since they're both equally important to me. Plus, my dad wouldn't have had it any other way!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065352913/" title="DSC_0223 by mariss+drew, on Flickr"></a></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065353663/" title="DSC_0225 by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5065353663_5b38c53fbc.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0225" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I threw my bouquet at the girls, it hit the ceiling and with my water polo goalie reflexes, I caught it myself. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Yes, I caught my own bouquet. I backhanded it a second time, because I am not doing this again! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">All of the colors worked out beautifully, and our wedding party looked gorgeous. We had told them to just buy any dress that fit into a palette of poppy reds to oranges and yellows. They enjoyed having the choice, and it was better than if we had even tried to plan it.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065347143/" title="DSC_0212 by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5065347143_8edec348c3.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="DSC_0212" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">You can see a short blog post of our photos from our brilliant photographers, Ashley and Philip Colhouer </span></span><a href="http://www.1313blog.com/?p=3208"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">here</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. I can't say enough great things about them. If I move back to Florida ever, we are so hanging out! You'll also see my crazy self and friends making insane faces for the faux-to booth, including a couple who ended up knocking the thing over, cracking up and kissing. I love my family and extended fake family.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We had people from Sweden, France, Indiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Philippines, Canada, Missouri, DC, California, etc. We were overwhelmed with love.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I talked to everyone that I could, tried to stay in the present and focus on all of our loved ones, and just enjoy the ride. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5064883247_1cabc8957c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Ft. Lauderdale" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We watched a storm roll in off the ocean, and swam with friends. Found out about new babies and engagements! Went on a short cruise in the Carribean since a road trip with the whole set of Fiesta Ware that my mom scored for $30 at a yard sale (!!!) and other super-generous gifts and my 100K mile car just didn't seem feasible at the time. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5065495548_0602779418.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Flamingo Gardens" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It was perfect, and we had time to get back to Philly in time to hang out with my mom and her twin that was visiting from the Philippines for our big day. So I ditched the new hubbie after a few days and took a road trip to NYC with the twins. We had a blast and saw Mamma Mia and ate lobster for lunch at Bergdorf Goodman, and tons of Filipino food. Mmmm!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We wrote millions of thank you cards and didn't mind it one bit. We were so grateful for all the love and generosity. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We've been cooking and baking A LOT. Having knives that aren't broken off at the tip make such a difference. Bliss....</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065495744/" title="Heirloom Tomatoes by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5065495744_9bcb3946c5.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Heirloom Tomatoes" /></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A glimpse of the Fiesta Ware. My mom is the best. That and an Audobon bird clock are just about our favorite gifts. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5064885201/" title="Fiesta Ware by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5064885201_404f6b4c1e.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Fiesta Ware" /></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5064885201/" title="Fiesta Ware by mariss+drew, on Flickr"></a>Bread has been baked.<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065497130/" title="Healthy Bread Homemade by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5065497130_f0db9d5126.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Healthy Bread Homemade" /></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065497130/" title="Healthy Bread Homemade by mariss+drew, on Flickr"></a>Dutch babies and muffins have been baked.<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065497258/" title="Dutch Baby by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5065497258_af6d0d763f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Dutch Baby" /></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5065497258/" title="Dutch Baby by mariss+drew, on Flickr"></a>Farmer markets have been visited. Books have been read from the library. And someone you know has gotten hooked to True Blood and Arrested Development (on Netflix).<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5064885773/" title="Sunday Market by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5064885773_511a34a7c3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Sunday Market" /></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5064885773/" title="Sunday Market by mariss+drew, on Flickr"></a>Oh, and an iPod cake was made for one of my favorite Apple obsessed uncles!<br /><br /></span></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/5064887401/" title="iPod Cake by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5064887401_aebf9ec4f6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="iPod Cake" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thanks for visiting me again! I'm glad to be back.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Love, </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Marissa</span></span></div>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-72391942291018632302010-05-20T16:25:00.004-04:002010-05-20T16:45:38.744-04:00To Do: Fabric Flowers<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Our next wedding project is making some simple fabric flowers to create an arch for the ceremony. I purchased some solid fabrics a few months ago, and a new pair of scissors (half off! thanks to the lovely, </span><a href="http://knit-knac.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Andrea</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">!) We have finished the tissue paper pomanders, so now we can move onto this step.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><a title="Fabric Flowers by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4624604493/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Fabric Flowers" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4624604493_662a4cdbc2.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Heck, I even washed the fabrics when I purchased them, so they would be ready to iron and sew up when I got around to it. I'm thinking of improvising on </span><a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/paper-and-fabric-flowers"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Martha Stewart's </span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">fabric flower tutorials. </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><a title="Fabric by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4477130091/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Fabric" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4477130091_426f32bcba.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">There are some cute ideas, especially the May Day type wands for the flower girls. Mine are adorable, and little spitfires (in a good way). I'm worried that they may whack some guests, or their siblings if i created this though....</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> <br /></span><a title="Washed by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4477129717/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Washed" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4477129717_a46d8b4b9e.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Our colors are slowly turning into yellows and oranges. I may dye some muslin with some bright pinks, to bring that out. I just didn't see anything at the fabric store in the warm colors I wanted. I have a feeling that I'll be making enough fabric flowers in the next two weeks to last a lifetime. Good thing I have two thimbles! Perhaps Mike will be watching golf or hockey instead of March Madness for this craft.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><a title="Hanging to Dry by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4477129651/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Hanging to Dry" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2782/4477129651_ff66bff9b5.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Other than that, we just have to finalize some details for the actual ceremony, and take care of a few things here and there, like making namecards. A </span><a href="http://www.madgirlsmanifesto.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">great friend </span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">of mine is an officiant, and we're so lucky to have her marrying us! She's also a poet, and I just know it will be so special.</span> <br /><br />Hope you're all having a lovely day!Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-29353241929197559202010-05-14T12:06:00.001-04:002010-05-14T12:12:18.112-04:00Stamps, Purging + Best Trail Mix Ever<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">We finally mailed our invitations out. Being the artsy people that we are, we really liked the Abstract Expressionist stamps. I didn't realize until I brought them home how large they were. The Pollock and Motherwell stamps are about a whopping 2" x 3" stamp! I found it hilarious, and made sure to give some of our sillier friends both huge stamps on the front of their invite. It was also fun to pair up some of the stamps with our artist friends, since we have so many of them!<br /><br /></span><a title="Invitations Mailed by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4605838966/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Invitations Mailed" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4605838966_6333c6f2fb.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Every time the season changes, I feel the need to purge and donate many of the belongings that I no longer need or want. I like to take advantage of these moods, so I can finally rip my emotions away from a 15 year old tee-shirt with my name in plastic letters back.<br /><br />My friend Kari used to say that she wanted to own a uniform of 7 outfits, and I thought she was nuts. Some days, that starts to make more sense. I definitely need a bit of a makeover in the clothing department, but that's for another day.<br /></span><a title="Invitations Mailed by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4605838966/"></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">When I was going through clothes and belongings, I finally tackled a box full of projects and research from my Interior Design program in college. I trashed most of it, but it was fun to look at the old projects and sketches. I always loved the beginning of a project, where we could sketch and dream big. I'd sketch quickly and just let a roll of trash paper (or tracing paper) keep going and going so that the ideas would not stop. If it was 2am or time for a chocolate milkshake break after 2 days of not sleeping, we'd use my 11 foot long drawing as a faux wedding veil to tease one of our wedding obsessed pals.<br /><br />Needless to say, this 11 foot drawing was one of the things I kept. And my final project boards with the original illustrations, I just can't trash those! Plus, it's fun to see how your work and style has evolved over the years.<br /><br /></span><a title="10 feet of trash paper... by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4605838914/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="10 feet of trash paper..." src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4605838914_e432194430.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />On the flip side, it's funny to see how some things do not change. I'm looking at this latest recipe card I made, and my handwriting and line quality are about the same. I've gotten a little looser with my line work, but other than that, it's pretty close!<br /><br />Moving on. Behold, the Best Trail Mix Ever. It's the </span><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/claire-robinson/pumpkin-seed-dried-cherry-trail-mix-recipe/index.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Pumpkin Seed Dried Cherry Trail Mix</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> by Claire Robinson. My Martha Stewart-like friend in the office gave me a taste of hers, and I asked for the recipe mid-bite. I finally made it on Tuesday, and I am in heaven. Just thinking about it makes me want more.<br /><br /></span><a title="Best Trail Mix Ever by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4606727276/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Best Trail Mix Ever" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1003/4606727276_31b26bc914.jpg" width="500" height="364" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />I followed the instructions, but had to go out and purchase Grade A Maple Syrup on hand (you shouldn't use Aunt Jemima, which I'll admit, I love on pancakes sometimes!), and added pomegranate to the mix.<br /><br />It is so good. And the colors are lovely too, with a green for the pepitas and a maple brittle that makes everything stick together. It satisfies the sweet, salty and crunchy categories (which is my favorite, probably since I was a biter as a kid).<br /><br /></span><a title="Detail of Trail Mix by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4606114001/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Detail of Trail Mix" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1099/4606114001_a7d9e935da.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Why aren't you making this yet?! Go on, and git!!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">Enjoy your weekends, everyone. I'm looking forward to a weekend in D.C. to celebrate my cousin's graduation part deux for her Masters from George Washington University! </span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-74538473902517184772010-05-05T12:21:00.002-04:002010-05-05T15:58:46.875-04:00Color Mixing<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Feeling inspired by the geometric prints and bright and muted colors led me this piece. I've been enjoying mixing random colors to create new shades, and placed some of my favorites here.<br /><br /></span><a title="Blocks of Color by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4505230422/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Blocks of Color" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/4505230422_aaa5ab6718.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Oddly, I'm finding myself drawn to the muted shades, and neutrals and browns lately. (Oddly to me, since you know how much I love bright, bold hues). I think I'm influenced alot by the season of year, and the colors popping up in design and fashion.<br /><br />Here are details of some of my favorite pairings. Minty blue-greens, non-1970s avocado, blushes and corals.<br /><br /></span><a title="IMG_2151 by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4505229636/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="IMG_2151" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4505229636_5fa152bc07.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Pinks and purples. Those have been my favorite since </span><a href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/2008/06/ode-to-grandma-huber.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">age three</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">!<br /><br /></span><a title="Candy Colored by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4504594559/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Candy Colored" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4504594559_517b030b24.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />And grays and browns and tans. I love them, lately. The tan on the right is what I mistakingly thought my natural skin color was before I moved to Indiana for college, and was not in a bathing suit playing waterpolor or diving daily... The bright yellow/green is lovely too.<br /><br /></span><a title="Skin Color by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4504594611/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Skin Color" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4504594611_b7f1452816.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Other than my latest obsession, we're getting ready to mail off invitations for our wedding. I got the <a href="https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10052&productId=10006680&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10000003&top_category=10000003&categoryId=10000031&top=&currentPage=0&sort=&viewAll=N&rn=CategoriesDisplay&WT.ac=10006680">Abstract Expressionist</a> stamps, since I could not stomach the <a href="https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10052&productId=10001792&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10000003&top_category=10000003&categoryId=10000025&top=&currentPage=0&sort=&viewAll=Y&rn=CategoriesDisplay&WT.ac=10001792">wedding cake ones</a>, and they were out of the <a href="https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10052&productId=10001827&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=10000003&top_category=10000003&categoryId=10000027&top=&currentPage=0&sort=&viewAll=N&rn=CategoriesDisplay&WT.ac=10001827">King and Queen of Hearts</a>. Mail is so much more fun with pretty stamps, but I'm not going postal (pun intended) and doing the vintage look.<br /><br />I'm attending a Green Building </span><a href="http://planphilly.com/event/best-greenbuild"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">event</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> tonight, and know I'll be glad I went. Paying in advance helps this cause.<br /><br />But right now, I would prefer to either go home, eat some pineapple, address mail and watch the most recent episode of Lost that I missed last night due to Quizzo! Or attend a free seminar on urban gardening (one can dream), or hear Charlaine Harris of the Sookie Stackhouse fame read from her newest book at the Philadelphia Free Library. And of course, see my knitting gals and especially Miss Regina at Rosie's.</span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-49749334936444191462010-04-29T12:12:00.006-04:002010-05-02T11:40:38.863-04:00Color Studies Quatro, Cinco y Seis<div> </div><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Life's been hectic the past few weeks. Changes at the job, but I'm looking forward to new opportunities within my workplace. Fingers crossed!<br /><br />Short trip to New York City to spend time with my cousins.<br /><br /></span><div style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a title="Color Study No. 3 by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4504595295/"><img alt="Color Study No. 3" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4504595295_b5b0644554.jpg" height="500" width="355" /></a></span> </div><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Indiana to pay my respects to a wonderful women who will be missed dearly.<br /><br />Florida for my bridal shower with family friends. My mom bought me a silly crown to wear which made me extra happy, since I love hats. My best friend truly went above and beyond!<br /><br /></span><div style="font-family: times new roman;"> </div> <span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><a title="Color Study No. 5 by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4505225162/"><img alt="Color Study No. 5" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4505225162_7229cc227f.jpg" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Sandcastles and an open air Jeep ride with my favorite two year old little boy and best friend. Practiced my Spanish, which is vastly improving with the help of said two year old!<br /><br />Lots of time with my adorable Mom and Dad.<br /></span><div style="font-family: times new roman;"> </div><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Happy hour in their neighbors garage. He rolls up his garage door on Friday and Monday afternoons, for "Bumper's Happy Hour". How cool is that? I got to drink out of the Holy Grail cup, and wear an iron key around my neck to be officially sworn in. I love my parents' block.<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Met my amazing </span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><a href="http://www.1313blog.com/">photographer</a> for our upcoming wedding! We just click (no pun intended).<br /><br />Flew into Ft. Lauderdale at 5AM, and got a wedding cake and some inexpensive flowers by 1PM!<br /><br /><a title="Color Study No. 6 by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4504594735/"><img alt="Color Study No. 6" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2687/4504594735_06822bf296.jpg" height="500" width="354" /></a></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />Baby show</span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >er and Derby Party yesterday in Philly.<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >Today: blissfully lazing about the house writing thank you notes!<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >I think I'm back on the grid now...<br /><br />P.S. I put some color studies in here since I was camera-less. </span><br /></span></span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-9554748637880229422010-04-13T15:00:00.001-04:002010-04-13T15:05:53.126-04:00First Signs of Spring<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I went for a run one afternoon after work, and noticed that it felt like the first official day of Spring. Everyone was outside, smiling, and there was green popping up everywhere.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I mixed as many greens as I could in order to experiment more, and create the colors I saw.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><a title="IMG_1967 by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4517781418/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="IMG_1967" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/4517781418_fe18749196.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I use artist's tape with watercolor, since it makes a lovely clean line and also flattens the watercolor paper after it dries. It worked in this case too.</span><br /><br /><a title="IMG_1965 by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4517781706/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="IMG_1965" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2678/4517781706_0ecb7ebd23.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Palette knives and anything makes you feel artsy. It's true.</span><br /><br /><a title="IMG_1988 by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4518237948/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="IMG_1988" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2097/4518237948_23838fea2e_o.jpg" width="327" height="436" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Finito.</span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-40553103386368863142010-04-10T17:53:00.003-04:002010-04-10T18:06:31.422-04:00Green, Grey + Denim<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4386622687/" title="Color Study No. 2 by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4386622687_28899e1dba.jpg" alt="Color Study No. 2" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Color study number 2. Green shoes, green scarf, green shirt, grey and denim.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4387379006/" title="IMG_1713 by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2680/4387379006_2ed4dd3d75.jpg" alt="IMG_1713" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">In other news, I had the great pleasure of seeing my friend Magda's artwork in a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Las-Gallas-Artist-Collective/67892774376?v=wall">show</a> last night with Lisa and <a href="http://robineiseman.blogspot.com/">Robin</a>. As Lisa aptly told Magda's father, "Magda is like the sun, when she walks in, everyone gravitates toward her and becomes happy." Mind you, Lisa was imitating a sunflower rather well, it was tres cute.<br /><br />There was a Latina vibe at the show, so we left craving <a href="http://www.bbqburritobar.com/">Mexican food</a>. I had my first cactus and sweet potato burrito, and must say, it will not be the last!<br /><br />Oh how I yearn to speak conversational Spanish one day!<br /></span></span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-14009416406208398592010-04-07T08:00:00.000-04:002010-04-07T10:43:24.525-04:00Color Study No. 1<p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">The summer before I met Mike, I had fully intended to try oil painting. It's one of the mediums I have not really tested out. The not being able to use water issue seemed hard to wrap my mind around at the time, especially to someone who mainly works in water based mediums. Then I started dating a painter, and became friends with an astonishing number of painters. Hearing about their trials and errors with oil paint, along with the level of expertise that came with years of practice ended up deterring me in some way. It felt so foreign, that I stuck to other mediums that felt more familiar.</span></p><p><a title="Sunlight by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4363415679/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span></a></p><p><a title="On Dirty Window by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4363415871/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="On Dirty Window" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4363415871_603bbd4964.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">As I've been painting and drawing more, and want to try new things, I'm thinking of trying out oil paints once more. Using oil based inks for gocco printing and linocut seems much easier to comprehend now. Months ago, when I told Mike I didn't know where to start with oils, he suggested I try some color studies. That sounded like a good idea, so I filed it in my brain and carried it around to revisit later.</span></p><p><a title="Sunlight by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4363415679/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Sunlight" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4363415679_6a7444535b.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">One day in February, I returned from work and the light was just setting as I stepped into my apartment. It made the room glow pink and orange, and there were pieces of sunbeam littered throughout the apartment. If there were a day to capture some color, this seemed like the day to start. I tried to get the color of the pink shadows, and the sunlight shining through my now almost dead begonia. </span></p><p><a title="Through Begonias by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4364157880/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Through Begonias" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2793/4364157880_14c4916c8f.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">So I did. I decided to make a 5" x 7" color study, and to try to focus on the colors and isolate the shades to communicate what I had seen. I decided not to try to overthink it, so that it did not become a chore. I'll keep the format the same, and it will probably stay pretty true to horizontal rectangles of color on a vertical frame. It's helpful to have some limitations in my opinion. Endless possibilities can seem paralyzing sometimes. Anyone else ever feel that way?</span></p><p><a title="Sunlight by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4363415625/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Sunlight" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4363415625_9433ee74fa.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I will only paint colors that I see on the same day, but can use whatever medium and will try to keep it loose.</span></p><p><a title="Shadow and Light by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4364157600/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Shadow and Light" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2695/4364157600_6bc52188d1.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I want to have a goal of how many to make. I'm at about thirteen right now, but am still deciding how many I want to create. One hundred seems too small, five hundred too large, and I'm partial to odd numbers.</span></p><p><a title="Found Sunlight by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4363415907/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Found Sunlight" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4363415907_6b7c588a6f.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">So far, I'm enjoying this project, and am finding myself noticing the small bits of color, even if it is a piece of trash on my sad little sidewalk. It's also forcing me to practice mixing colors instead of just using ones that I have, even if they nearly match.</span></p><p><a title="Color Study No. 1 by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4388804144/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Color Study No. 1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4388804144_2df2d68a94.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Oil paints will be used, that's a promise. (wink)<br /><br /></span><a title="Color Study No. 1 by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4386616505/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Color Study No. 1" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4386616505_426f33578f.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I wished it could stay wet, but that's not what watercolors do!</span></p>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-86818107580381685832010-03-30T20:21:00.004-04:002010-03-30T20:56:13.341-04:00There's a Time & Place for DIY<span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >As an avid crafter and Jack of All Trades type of girl, I'm usually the type to do it myself. However as most of my fellow crafters know, sometimes doing it yourself is more expensive and not worth the hassle and time. With a lot of preparation, planning and help, I fully believe that nearly anything is possible. But sometimes you just have to look DIY projects in the face and say, "Hells to the Nah" and let it go.<br /><br />That was the route with our invitations. I fully intended to do it. I wanted to do it. We had ideas and sketched them out. But the more we thought about it, running into limited time with busy schedules, our hearts weren't into it. Also, I had an inkling that my vision and knowledge for what I wanted to do would not match up in this case. <br /><br />I'm so glad we goccoed our <a href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/2010/01/drawing-maps-and-gettin-hitched.html">Save the Dates</a>, but I'm a busy lady, and found it was more affordable to order so we could focus on other avenues. What a relief case to find a great deal, agree on a design, and press a button to pay. As my pal <a href="http://knittingbybicycle.net/">Andrea</a> sagely advised, I should not feel guilty, and perhaps can print thank you cards instead.<br /><br />So, onto the DIY projects that we are going to take on. Decorations for the ceremony, the reception, and a few fun things here and there. We're not going crazy, and have a plan of attack. One thing I've learned over the years is how to be realistic. (Give or take a bit). </span><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />It always helps to get the ideas out of my head and onto paper. Brainstorming with pen and ink, and of course some fun color.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4477130243/" title="DIY Planning by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2213/4477130243_c5cef4f165.jpg" alt="DIY Planning" height="393" width="500" /></a><br /><br />We're doing three main projects. The first is <a href="http://ruffledblog.com/2008/09/do-it-yourself-tissue-paper-pomanders/">tissue paper pomanders </a>(made with recycled paper so I don't feel too bad) in shades of creamsicle, marigold and vanilla. Mike and I make a great factory, and my cousin Cara visited this past weekend and helped out. We'll use these for putting on chairs down the aisle.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4477129141/" title="Wedding Ideas by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4477129141_1eb6b75fb3.jpg" alt="Wedding Ideas" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><br />The second project will be making a simple structure for us to stand underneath. Like a chuppuh, but without a top and only 2-3 posts. I do want to keep it simple and create easy fabric flowers to hang. That way we can do it ahead of time, and not have to worry about fresh flowers or anything. Affordable, and we can keep the flower garlands afterwards! We'll make it so we can bring it outside or inside, depending on the weather in Florida.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4477129257/" title="Wedding Ideas by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4477129257_4ca9037265.jpg" alt="Wedding Ideas" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><br />We'll make some fan programs most likely. Perhaps some little banners and pennants for the entree table. Decisions, decisions!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4477130415/" title="Ideas for Wedding by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/4477130415_06d81d0693.jpg" alt="Ideas for Wedding" height="500" width="361" /></a><br /><br />Our goal is to keep things simple, have fun, and allow our personalities to come through. Our colors are slowly migrating from pinky-orange to orangy-yellow with accents of pink. We'll make it work though, you know I hate matchy matchy! As long as we get hitched, dance with loved ones and have fun, that's all that matters.<br /><br />P.S. My heart nearly burst between laughing while watching Mike diligently creating tissue flowers while watching March Madness baseketball games.<br /></span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-83314462244255410182010-03-22T21:02:00.003-04:002010-03-22T21:27:33.685-04:00Ink Quilt + Piles of Books<span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >A baby girl was born to a lovely lady who loves matching colors. She's a sweetheart, so I sent her a drawing showing a "matchy-matchy" girly quilt with her little one's stats.<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4442534762/" title="Detail of Quilt by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/4442534762_33a4bb8c9e.jpg" alt="Detail of Quilt" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Really, what is faster than making a quilt? Drawing and painting one. Plus, you can make up whatever fabric patterns you wish!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4456094350/" title="For a New Baby Girl by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4456094350_2f28dedef4.jpg" alt="For a New Baby Girl" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I've been enjoying the extra sunlight, and our reading nook in my studio. His and her book piles are quickly growing. Most of my current pile were borrowed from the library, so I'm trying to finish. Especially </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.foxbookshop.com/book/9780307266798">The Hakawati</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> novel that is due soon, which resulted in my reading it on the treadmill today!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4455316511/" title="His and Hers Book Piles by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/4455316511_60bf5755ab.jpg" alt="His and Hers Book Piles" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I also blocked and called it quits on my </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/2008/08/gocco-love-and-frankenblanket-growth.html">Frankenblanket</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">. Finito. It's huge, stretched out, ugly / fun, and I'm done working on it, and about out of yarn. Now onto the few crafty projects Mike and I are tackling for our July wedding. More to come once we start!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4455316423/" title="Frankenblanket Finito by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4455316423_f23f193847.jpg" alt="Frankenblanket Finito" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /><br />Ah, and thank goodness for the time change. The older I get, the more closely my mood is tied to light after work. Exercise helps bust it, as do these gorgeous views from our apartment each night.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4455317005/" title="New One, Daily. Thanks Universe. by mariss+drew, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/4455317005_4cb5bf288d.jpg" alt="New One, Daily. Thanks Universe." height="375" width="500" /></a><br /><br />Hope you're all well! xo, M<br /></span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-71732075371433143722010-02-25T17:48:00.008-05:002010-04-07T10:04:12.907-04:00Color on My Mind<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I can't stop thinking about shades of turquoise, grey, fluorescent yellow, blush toned pinks, and warm purples. I even cleaned up my studio wall and just hung up these felt squares to get them out of my head.</span><br /><br /><a title="On my mind by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4386621673/"><img alt="On my mind" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2739/4386621673_e83f1cb2fc.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Okay, and hot pink, ugly-pretty shades of green and mauvey purples.<br /><br /></span><a title="Zig Zag by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4386621735/"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="Zig Zag" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4386621735_097506bb0a.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Color study projects are in the works. The thoughts just need to finish stewing.</span></span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-73904342805191650602010-02-24T12:57:00.002-05:002010-02-24T16:31:30.602-05:00Foreign Correspondent's Scarf<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I may as well make something else, since I whipped up the last scarf so quickly. Next up, using up two skeins of pewter Lorna's Laces to make the </span><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/foreign-correspondents-scarf"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Foreign Correspondent's Scarf</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">. Easy and pretty project, bring it on!</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><a title="Gray Wool by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/2972248164/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Gray Wool" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/2972248164_8d89505730.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I'm finding that I'm more likely to want to knit things that I want to wear these days, as opposed to process items. I'm also toning it down with some of my colors (knitting wise). I'm enjoying gray, cream...cream for God's sake! That's usually not in my color vocabulary, but I'm jonesing to use colors that I generally overlook. There is something magical about colors that edge their way into your heart, rather than forcing themselves on you (cinnabar).</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><a title="Herringbone by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4376228428/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Herringbone" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4376228428_f93c871c2f.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">It's not just me though, my color twin, </span><a href="http://jenjerpeach2.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Jen</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">, is also enjoying the neutrals. </span><br /><br /><a title="Foreign Correspondence Scarf by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4376228670/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Foreign Correspondence Scarf" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/4376228670_a20bcff158.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">So far, I'm digging this scarf. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herringbone_pattern">Herringbone</a> type patterns are always admired in my eyes, followed closely by the sometimes underestimated but glorious <a href="http://www.knittingonthenet.com/stitches/seed.htm">seed stitch</a>.</span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-4210932900949868402010-02-22T12:18:00.004-05:002010-02-22T14:28:17.388-05:00Pink + Purple Endless Knitting<span style="font-size:130%;">My fingers have been itching to knit something mindless, without having to deal with a pattern or much gauge. I saw </span><a href="http://wikstenmade.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Jenny Gordy's </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">adorable </span><a href="http://wikstenmade.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-hat-and-scarf-set.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">hat and scarf set</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> on Wiksten-Made, and was inspired to make my own continuous scarf.<br /><br /></span><a title="Wiksten Inspired Scarf by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4364158334/"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="Wiksten Inspired Scarf" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4364158334_92445b5bea.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />It was the perfect excuse to use a gorgeous skein of </span><a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=182_4_66"><span style="font-size:130%;">Socks that Rock.</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> from </span><a href="http://www.kelbournewoolens.com/blog/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Kate</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> that I somehow managed to keep during an intense holiday yarn steal and exchange at </span><a href="http://www.rosiesyarncellar.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Rosie's</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> last year. I wanted to something with it, but didn't have the right inspiration. The 2 x 2 rib helps to break up the pools of color, and I like the zig zag effect.<br /><br /></span><a title="Wiksten Inspired Scarf by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4364158296/"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="Wiksten Inspired Scarf" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4364158296_ac18b931a3.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Quick, easy and fun to wear. Wow, I've finally finished a project this year!<br /><br /></span><a title="Wiksten Inspired Scarf by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4378923761/"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="Wiksten Inspired Scarf" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/4378923761_90740aa2d4.jpg" width="323" height="500" /></span></a>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-65180309352432468772010-02-17T12:24:00.001-05:002010-02-17T17:15:29.274-05:00Ex-Mullet House Proud Patron<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">The year I turned 24, I became interested in cooking. Prior to that, "cooking" throughout college consisted of late night, post-party blueberry pancakes, variations on ramen noodles, or Hamburger Helper if we were feeling fancy.<br /><br />We lived a block away from the </span><a href="http://www.wafflehouse.com/welcome/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Waffle House</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> (lovingly nicknamed the Mullet House), where they'd let us drink unlimited coffee for as many hours as we needed to study. Our record was <em>nine hours</em>. One of my proudest moments during this era was reading Joseph Conrad's </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_of_Darkness"><em><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Heart of Darkness</span></em></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> in <em>one sitting</em>. That's a lot of coffee, folks.<br /><br />After many of my cohorts moved out of Bloomington, I got my first apartment and started cooking. Going to the Waffle House alone is a path to self destruction of which I wanted no part.<br /><br />So I cooked. Mainly, one salmon dish I could make decently over and over, until I couldn't eat it anymore, and then some new ones that I can't remember. Mom was called often, advice and cooking times were given, and some things were not meant to be eaten. </span><br /><br /><a title="Dinner Schedule by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4364158534/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Dinner Schedule" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4364158534_87ffcd8475.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Today, I consider myself a pretty good cook, but I enjoy following recipes. I'd rather trust the experts with their cultured palates and honed skills so that I don't end up with wasted food and half eaten experiments.<br /><br />I go through phases where I totally dig cooking, or can't bear the thought of heating up soup. Though one thing remains constant, my seven year old love of cookware and kitchen aisle goods. That said, the </span><a href="http://vanillabeanknits.blogspot.com/2009/10/archetypal-stand-mixer-in-turquoise.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> has been eclipsed by the glossiness that is </span><a href="http://www.staub.fr/fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=489&Itemid=239"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Staub's 5 Qt. Round La Cocotte in Aubergine</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">. The enamel glows. The rich warm-purple has a depth that has been in my head since I saw it in </span><a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/12/build-your-own-smitten-kitchen/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Smitten Kitchen</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> in December.<br /></span><a title="24. Staub Coquette by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4364158722/"></a><br /><a title="24. Staub Coquette by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4364158722/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="24. Staub Coquette" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4364158722_75b53f624b.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><br /><br />Material things have been on our minds alot recently, especially since we registered for our wedding. There are so many things that I don't need. For us, it is a panini press or appliances that we may use once a year, and get irritated with it taking up space the other 364 days. I'm sick of replacing coffee makers and crappy knives. I'd rather take good care of the things that we do get.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I'm trying to be more conscious of buying things that we really like, won't get sick of, and that could possibly last a lifetime. What I love about good design is that you can enjoy something even when you're not using it, just by looking at it. Like this purple object that I obviously have a huge crush on. </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">I must go before I get a restraining order from Staub.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">P.S. La Cocotte sounds much more sophisticated than Dutch Oven. As seen from my Mullet House references above, I believe I can use some more class, and less...</span></span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27221209.post-20080235260824076832010-02-09T12:11:00.001-05:002010-02-09T14:28:19.862-05:00One or The Other?<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I'm trying to carve out more time after work to draw and paint. Why is it that we feel the urge to get all of the chores done before we can take time for ourselves. I think it's important to be a little selfish, if it's for a good cause, such as yourself.</span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I played around with my markers to make geometric shaped grids. I thought of it more as a meditative exercise like Jess at </span></span><a href="http://www.sweeteventide.com/2010/01/sweet-zendalas.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Sweet Eventide's zendalas</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">. It was a fun exercise to get my hands moving again, and not to put any pressure on myself. After all, I hadn't drawn anything in quite awhile, and want to change that. </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /></span><a title="Play by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4330988723/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Play" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4330988723_a6636bba01.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I'm also taking advantage of having my very own art instructor handy. Mike was helping me draw </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ellipse"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">ellipses</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> better, and we ended up having an impromptu lesson on shadows and color. I was pretty impressed, he's able to make you understand things that you felt were beyond your grasp. Now I just need to practice my newfound understanding. And practice some more.</span><br /><br /></span><a title="Elliptical and Shadow Lesson by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4332763504/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Elliptical and Shadow Lesson" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4332763504_90ef5c1868.jpg" width="500" height="343" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I mean, this guy really knows what he's talking about, especially when it comes to drawing from life. The example below is his huge painting in progress out the window of his studio. The notepad shows some of the math that he uses as one of his references when site measuring the view. Who says math and art don't mix? Just thinking of all that work makes me anxious, but he loves doing it. I guess someone who sees a knitted shawl that takes a year may think the same of me, but everyone is different. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a title="Artists + Math Do Mix by mariss+drew, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/marissandrew/4331727062/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="Artists + Math Do Mix" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2804/4331727062_246848137f.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></span></a></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Sometimes I wish I was one of those people (like Mike) that had one thing that they were uber passionate about, and wanted to focus on that particular thing. But I don't think that's how I'm built. I love the thrill of a new interest, and learning as much as possible about it. This does mean I can get bored easily, I guess, but I don't think I'm alone in this. We all need challenges to grow and learn, or life gets stagnant. A wise friend said to just go with the flow. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;">What's your take? Are you all about one thing, or a medley of a few things like myself? For conversation's sake, my current core list of interests is design, art, crafts, and a side of baked goods.</span>Marisshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01205206558999482765noreply@blogger.com4