Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Sleep in Your Car


I found this funny how-to on WikiHow. Sorry for my absence. I do have a life, but more will come, I promise.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

The Best Almost-Instant Manicure:


Most everyone knows that I love painting nails, and that I'm a sucker for bright, happy, cutesy colors. Those are all well and good for toenails, but for my hands, I prefer something a bit less distracting. Enter Borghese nail lacquer in Angelica Blush. In just the right shade of translucent pink, it is very pretty without looking unnatural. So, you just start with clean, filed nails, sweep on a coat of polish, and voila! Perfect!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Love in the Library

Oooh...I love the library! I am always falling for one or two or twenty books in there. Librarians are some of the most intriguing people around, and so helpful. They usually inquire as to whether I need help carrying my 17 lb stack back to my car. Dear souls.
Yes, so anyway, last time I paid a visit, I found this fantastic gem. It has a nebulous "Scando-Japanese" look, with cool and cozy colors paired in a most pleasing way. And the projects are darling! In most cases, I will check out a book, salivate over the designs, and return it before I can actually realize any of my inspirations. This time; however, I am working on the party bag. Sewn from plummy shantung, lined with a flowery print, and adorned with little ruffles, it is quite a treat. I'll post pictures when I have it done.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Baby Treats

I LOVE baby clothes!! I've always been a fan of anything small, and "big people" clothing reinterpreted in a miniaturized scale is way too scrumptious cute! Here is what I found at Twilite Moon:
Little boys are awesome because you can throw together just about anything for an outfit, and they somehow end up looking fantastic. And vertical stripes are a must.You can stone, burn, and red-letterize me, but it is my firm belief that all guys should wear cords. No particular reason, other than I think they are the coolest thing left behind by the 70's, and they always look great.

Itty bitty laces. Miniscule stitching. Way too cute.

They're red, and they're Mary Janes. I totally envy any little girl I see wearing these.



I love this dress! It looks so grown-up and pretty, and would match those Mary Janes perfectly.



I'm not too hot on the idea of women wearing suspenders, but it works for this little throwback.
Ok, enough for today. More style at a later date.

Friday, November 27, 2009

More from Anthropologie

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving. I found this skirt today and I think it is the cutest thing:
Perfect for any Christmas party! Add a wooly sweater for casual gatherings, or something soft and shiny for a fancier soiree. Not quite worth the $88 price tag, but it serves well as inspiration.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

It's All Relative

The lady pictured above is my great-grandmother, Elizabeth Brubaker, for whom I was given my middle name. (the gentleman is her second husband, of no relation to me) The other day, Mrs. Comstock said my nose looks like my grandma Lizzie's. So what do you guys think? Do I have the schnozz of a long-deceased Mennonite granny, or did it get here by some other means?

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Eating Real

It has been a long time since I've seen a documentary this good. If you haven't seen it yet, get off my blog, and go rent it.

Friday, November 6, 2009

NEWS!!

I have just opened my new Etsy store, The Crafty Chicken! I've only got two items in so far, but it's enough to get me excited.

The Lucia skirt:

The yellow suit:
(which, coincidentialy, is very handy for faking an hourglass)

Friday, October 23, 2009

Tagged by Nahla

Rules-
List seven songs (and who they're by) that are your favorites, and then tag seven people.

1. "Sing to Jesus" -Fernando Ortega
2. "Make My Life a Prayer to You" -Keith Green
3. "The Alchemist" -Russell Watson
4. "I Would Give Everything I Own" -Bread
5. "He Was Heard" -Michael Card
6. "Pledge My Head to Heaven" -Keith Green
7. "Mi Abuelito" -Fernando Ortega
I'll tag: Frizz, Raja-Man, Ridge, and Laurel. Forgive me if I missed someone important, they can go ahead and paricipate as well.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

More Blessings

Back in December, we learned that CFAC was scheduled to shut down in February. It kept being "saved" through various efforts, until we recieved notification that on the 31st of this month, it is definitely closing it's doors for the last time. Thankfully, Dad had gotten an offer from Semitool, and so today he accepted it. God always provides.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

I'm Falling

I would totally wear this. I mean, it looks completely feasible: loose jeans, boots, sweater, it all just goes together in the most realistic way. Refreshingly different from what is usually modeled. It's wearable. Find it at Anthropologie.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

some factoids

Random Questions Tag
What kind of car would you like when you're older?
I honestly don't want to drive, but given my druthers, it'd be either a '44 Powerwagon, Fiat, or Vespa.

Where would you want to live when you're older?
with someone I like a lot (who would wear a matching ring) in a yurt or cottage next to a brook.

Do you want to go to college?
No, I personally hate schoolwork. I'd rather do things with colorful yarn and fabric

How many siblings do you have?
One, Christian. I'm a first-born, but not exactly a "type A"

How many children would you like to have when you're married?
However many, but I would prefer more to less

Boys or girls?
lots of each

This or That

City or Country girl?
Country girl.

Gourmet meals or steak with a big salad?
Gourmet. Small and beautiful

Flying or driving?
driving {people crazy} as long as I don't have the wheel

Bike riding or swimming?
Bike riding! Yahoo!!

Sports or no sports?
NO SPORTS!!!

Books or movies?
both in moderation

Outside or inside?
outside if it's raining, snowing, or shining. Inside if I am otherwise engaged

School or chores?
My chores are more interesting

Wednesday or Sunday?
Sunday!! That's when I see all my friends, all at once! Wednesday is good for sewing and such

Friends or Family?
Friends are family. Family are friends. They're all good.

This or that?
This, definitely this. This means I have it. That means it's far away.

Fried or scrambled eggs?
scrambled, like everything else

Pancakes or cereal?
Oatmeal or buckwheat pancakes, unless the cereal I'm offered is muesli.

Big meal or something small?
how about a whole bunch of something small?

Movie or TV show?
I don't watch or care for TV. Movies.

Favorites


What is your favorite thing to do outside?
sunbathe, stretch, pick raspberries, talk to chickens, and (if nobody's watching) dance and run around until I fall over

What is your favorite meal?
popcorn and iced tea eaten with friends on a summer evening, or something insanely spicy...hmmmm I also love gingerbread....and oranges

What is your favorite pass-time?
spending time with my friends, sewing, looking at pretty pictures, crocheting, knitting, putting together (I think) clever outfits.

Where is your favorite place to read a good book?
My bed, where I can snuggle down in afghans and pillows

What is your favorite vegetable?
That is a hard choice. I love spinach, brussel sprouts, cabbage, beets, basically everything God made besides onions and mushrooms.
I think I'll tag: Josh

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

things to love about fall

1. cable-knit socks
2. colorful walking trails
3. wrist warmers
4. boots
5. plaid
6. uncrowded beaches
7. u-pick orchards
8. doggies wearing sweaters
9. end-of-season yard sales
10. campfires and starlight

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Carrot-Raisin Bran Muffins

If you have ever eaten "health food" and wondered why, for the sake of well-being, we should exercise the self denial of a Franciscan monk, then I have the perfect recipe for you. Also, if you think that bran and raisins only belong in the geriatric aisle, get ready to change your mind. These muffins not only are healthy & relatively cheap to make, they are also very yummy. (in my humble but oh-so-biased opinion) This makes a batch of 24
1 1/2 c. wheat bran
1 1/2 c. oat bran (you can just use wheat, but I like the variety)
2 c. milk
2/3 c. cooking oil
2 eggs
1 1/3 c. brown sugar
1 t. vanilla extract
2 c. whole wheat flour
2 t. baking powder
2 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 c. raisins
3 c. (+/-) shredded carrot

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees, and grease two muffin tins.
2. Mix together bran and milk. Let stand 10 minutes.
3. Gradually beat in oil, eggs, sugar & vanilla. Add baking powder, soda & salt. Gradually add flour. When thoroughly mixed, add raisins and carrot. Spoon into muffin tins.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Let them cool, and the rest is self-explanatory.
These will keep in an airtight container for a few days.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Sherwood Forest Costume Party
October 3rd, 2009
Wayfarers State Park, Bigfork Day Use Area 1:30p.m. - ?
We will be hosting a Robin Hood/Maid Marian costume party. Wear a Robin Hood themed costume, (no tights please!) or your favorite medieval outfit. Be creative, come as Robin Hood, The Sheriff of Nottingham , Little John, or a peasant. (Ladies as maidens)
Please bring a no mess, finger food snack to share. (and bring your own apple maybe?)
We will have some games, and great photo shoots. Families welcome and bring friends!
If you have any questions please call Hannah or Megan. Or leave a comment . (Because this is an open blog our phone numbers will not be listed)If the date conflicts with your family schedule, contact us ASAP

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Still Gazing




I have found a new favorite site: the official Hubble Telescope gallery!! After watching Louie Giglio's Indescribable, (thank you, Ridge!) I had to go find some of those pictures. Oh my, how lovely! The gallery of images will not disappoint you, and the screensavers are delightful fun. I am decidedly not a science obsessive, but I found the enormity of these stars absolutely enthralling.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

She's Coming

More on this intriguing subject later....

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Maid Marion In Progress

I know what I said about not sewing a Maid Marion costume; however, after talking with Megan, I realized that I probably do have time to whip something up. I'm not going to give the whole story yet, but here is one of the three patterns I will be using:I'm making it out of plum-colored shantung, and I'll be posting pictures soon!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Camping

Well, here are some pictures of our camping trip to Big Creek.
Megan....Rachel....
The mercantile playground is a very easy place to forget one's numeral age.Weddings in Polebridge are just an excuse to throw a{nother} party.
Rachel and Nora contact Bob, (no, not my Bob- a different Bob) while Mitch simultaneously cooks dinner and entertains Christian.

I do not have pictures of my Belarusian torture session. (please direct any questions pertaining to the nature of Belarusian torture to either Mom or Mrs. Comstock)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Check out this amazing contest:

Maid Marian Costume Event

I wish it would have been announced earlier, as I don't have anything prepared for it.
How lovely it will be to see the results though!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Cherry Processing (a.k.a. Purgatory)

Whoever said that life was a bowl of cherries accurately assessed the fact that life can be arduous, dull, and messy.
Pitting and drying a mountain of cherries is not for the faint hearted (or the epicures, for that matter).
Fresh cherries are so-o-o-o-o good, and so are the frozen ones, but when they have been depleted of their moisture, (not to mention their attractiveness) they aren't the most appetizing. So why are we hoarding them like paranoid hamsters? Maybe because the idea of free fruit is way too tempting to keep from hauling home any less than 200 pounds. *sigh* I wonder if a cherry diet does anything for one's outlook on life?

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

What I've been Sewing

First, I found a vintage nightie pattern....... Then, I bought a couple old bedsheets at the thrift store......
Laying out the fabric......Tada! The finished nightie! Unfortunately, it doesn't fit, so I will probably try to sell it.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Heirlooms

Most of my readers probably know that my great-grandmother died several weeks ago. Dad went to CA to visit the family, and brought back some things she left for me. Most of them are linens and doilies for my hope chest, and also this lovely Victorian Irish crocheted collar.
There is also a circa WW1 hankie my grandmother's brother brought back from Scotland, which reads: "Frae Bonnie Scotland," but the picture does not want to load properly at this point.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Faceless Dolls

But they're not Amish.

This is Little Miss White Diamonds, my first experiment with eggshell hoops. She and her friends are about 1 1/2 inches tall, perfect for a photoshoot in the pansy patch.


My second hoopskirt girl is Little Miss Younger Than Springtime. She is my especial favorite, because of her green skirt and curly hair.


This diminutive fellow wants to dance. He doesn't really have a name, so if any of you folks have a good one, I would sure like to know.



Here is Little Miss Chokecherry Pie. She's not very sweet, and a bit of a loner. She dreams of starting her own band called Black & Blue, but so far she hasn't found anyone who wants to streak their hair and wear historic clothing.


Hmmmm......... so many options.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Urban Intervention


This seems like a good idea...

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Painting the Barn


I would like to thank Anna Takahashi for "doing me up" with such humour, patience, and artistry. Last night was so much fun, and I enjoyed myself thoroughly. It also got me thinking...
Our culture is pretty well saturated with the idea that our worth is mainly based on how we look, and at all costs, our appearance must never be marred. It seems easy enough to see through, but unfortunately, a lot of Christendom has been duped. One needs only to look at the Christian music artists to realize what many of their priorities are. So, is there a problem with makeup? God looks on the heart, right? But man looks on the outward appearance. If we get caught up in the chase for outward beauty, we are losing something important. We show the world that we live only for the moment- just like them, and that we are pursuing futility- just like them. We are not supposed to present a paragon of hopelessness.
Wait a minute, does that mean we should go around looking like slobs? I don't think so. That also looks pretty hopeless. I guess what I'm really getting at is the idea that perhaps if a girl wants a little makeup, it isn't always bad. However, we need to always remember the source of our true worth comes from inside, no matter how we look or perceive ourselves.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Out the Back Window


We have made contact!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Summer is Lovely

Ithought I might share my yard with you.





Have a beautiful day!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

And The Winner Is....

1st Place:
Mushroom Girl walked down Trojan Elm Street, waving to her friends, the worms and bobbing her head to show off her new mushroom hat. But as she did, all the worms laughed out loud, shaking their heads and muttering, "What a silly hat to wear! If she keeps this up, she'll be the laughingstock of the entire town!" Mushroom Girl, hurt, saw an ax lying nearby and she snatched it up. "AAYYAAHHH!!" the now mad and somewhat eccentric Mushroom Girl shouted as her ax blade landed with a Crack! on the wooden pillar holding a metal mailbox with the names and warning: Wilburt & Cindy Lou Sprakalik. DO NOT DISTURB! scratched onto the side. Mushroom Girl, outraged, ran to the next mailbox, repeating her actions. The holes next to the mailboxes where the lazy worms lived were crumpled as the worms slithered out of their holes, terrified, and then squirmed away from their homes and mailboxes, yelling, "Run for your lives!! She's gone maddd!!!!" Mushroom Girl ran toward the helpless worms, ax held in the air, screaming, "You heartless worms! I have been your friend so far, but no longer! You insulted my lovely hat, and now you must pay!" Horrified, the worms tried to reason with the screaming girl. "Oh, but Mushroom Girl, we love your hat! It's beautiful!" The Girl Stopped, ax in mid air, and said, "Really?" All the worms nodded vigorously. "Oh, okay, I forgive you," said Mushroom Girl, dropping the ax. She hugged each worm, and skipped happily to her home. She looked in the mirror in her room to admire her hat, and burst out laughing. "I guess those worms were right," she thought,"I do look funny!" She took off her hat and decided her hair was good enough. Then she set off to play with her friends. The end.
by Nim
2nd Place:
Once upon a time there was a man that created little snakes. But the snakes began to grow into hideous carrot and gummy bear eating psychos. The world stood still, in fear and terror of their gummy bears and carrots being eaten away, until one day a knight in shining armor came to the rescue! Miss Poppy! He….. She was not afraid of the psycho snakes, but she knew just what needed to be done to defeat them. She put on her mushroom helmet, grabbed an ax, and set off for her quest! The snakes knew she was coming but they built up their defenses against Miss Poppy. But she knew exactly what to do in order to break though their walls; she cut down every mailbox in sight…….. I don’t know how that helps…. But anyway somehow it did.
Standing face to face with the Carrot Gummy bear eating psycho snakes, she pulled out her ax and they screamed RUN FOR YOUR LIvES!!!!
And we shall see how this story ends later.
by Ridge
(he still hasn't told me how it ends)
Thank you for entering, I had so much fun reading both of those, and you have proved yourselves eminently more imaginative than me. Nim will be presented with her prize tomorrow night, or the soonest I see her.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Contest

Well, I'm going to wrap up my art contest. You all have until Monday morning to submit your entry, and then I will award my prize to the winner!

To My Friends

There have been some unsettling things going on recently that I am afraid I am party to, and I want to apologize to anyone who was hurt, confused, or offended by what I have said lately. It seems that we have misunderstood each other, and I repent of having taken part in what may be a serious mess. You are all my friends, and whether I agree with you on everything or not, you are some of the dearest people I know.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Art


Here is a picture I drew when I was in an unusually weird mood. If you are hoping for an explaination, there is none.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Summer Fun

Well, our tri-family camping trip has been pretty documented, so I am just going to post about some fun stuff. As you know (or by now, you should know) that Megan and I are hopelessly addicted to slathering ourselves with mud. Not just any mud, the kind that you can only find in river and lake beds. Silken, ethereal, divine mud. I have decided that since we are so ardently attached to the wonders of mud, our messy sport should have a proper title. I have therefore taken the liberty of naming it squwimming. As in "squishy swimming." Now for something else fun.

Have you hula-hooped lately? If not, do so very soon, for it is what I consider one of the best cheap thrills around. Get alone (or with some equally kooky friends) play some boppy music, and hoop your troubles away!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Living Cheap(er)



It seems like everyone is talking about saving money, foregoing the "American Dream," and other topics in relation to "the economy." (a very cliched term, in my opinion) So, I have decided to give my two cent's worth. Of course, with inflation that may be closer to my $3.47 worth.
We all have heard slurs on people who seem -ahem- obsessed with their own health, and their lasting love for granola. (you know, the fruits, nuts & flakes) Seeing little tiny boxes of the stuff sold for obscene prices is enough to drive anyone back to mac & cheese.* But, the truth is, making it yourself doesn't require fancy equipment, a degree in nutritional analysis, or a large amount of brain juice. (lucky for me) Here is my favorite recipe: (it makes a lot of granola; make sure you have proper storage)
  • 1 1/2 c brown sugar

  • 2/3 c vegetable oil

  • 2/3 c honey

Combine these in a sauce pan, and heat til boiling. While it's heating up, first preheat your oven to 375, then get a big bowl and stir together:

  • 5 c oatmeal

  • 1 c dry milk

  • 3/4 c whole wheat flour

  • 1 1/2 t cinnamon

  • 1 c unsweetened coconut flakes

  • 1 c raw cashews

  • 1 c raw sunflower seeds
Ok, now pour the sticky stuff over the dry ingredients. Mix very thoroughly, and spread some (it won't all fit) onto a cookie sheet & bake for 10-15 min.
See, it's easy! More of my cheap(er) ways next time.


* I personally love macaroni & cheese, just not that fake orange store-bought stuff.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Summer of Love

Megan loves Volkswagons, and so do I, so in paying homage to the hands-down greatest scrawlable vehicles the West Coast has ever seen, here are some pictures: It's yellow. *sigh* It's GREEN! *very audible sigh*

The yellow one is for you, and the green one is for me, and if I were the poetic type, I would pen a song right about now