Guitar, anyone?

Just in case there are musicians/aspiring musicians out there reading my blog, I just wanted to let you know that my husband is selling one of his guitars. Here's a brief description of it:

It's an Alvarez MD80 Masterworks Series Dreadnough Acoustic Guitar. It features solid Engelmann spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, bound rosewood fretboard, multi-ply maple top and back binding, abalone rosette, nickel die-cast tuners, an Indian rosewood bridge, and satin finish.

It's a beautiful guitar and is in excellent condition. My husband loved it but has since upgraded guitars. It comes with a hard case. If anyone's interested, just let me know in the comment section, and I can get in touch with you about price. Thanks!

Christmas Coat

When we got our first pug, Sophie, Randy and I spoiled her like nothing else. Toys, treats, and dog clothes. She got a new collar every few months and new clothes whenever I got a whim. But, now that we have two pugs and money is a little tighter, those whims are few and far between. So, I often feel badly for Henry, our second pug, who didn't ever get the experience of being showered upon. Lately, I realized he really didn't have a nice dog coat. And, my forever friend has been hard at work creating cute & creative dog coats (that can be seen at our etsy shop here). Long story short... I've been inspired by her to try my hand at making a Christmas coat for our boy, Henry. Here is my very first attempt.

Henry's Christmas coat

up close .. gold & silver accents on cream knitted cotton with red belt

a picture of our girl, Sophie... because she hates when Henry gets all the attention

Finished just in time

Here they are. The completed knitted slippers. Just in time for below 30 degree weather that's coming our way. Warm, comfortable, and handmade. They definitely serve their function... but I didn't expect them to be quite as cute as they are. A happy surprise.

At least one foot will be warm.

My latest endeavor has been knitting. I'm a novice without question, but lately, I've been all about self-taught skills (i.e. my violin... which has been going pretty well). Years ago, I bought a knitting kit that came with all the necessary accessories and a how-to book. This weekend, I finally dusted it off and did some light reading. I skimmed through the projects section and came upon cute knitted slippers. It just so happens I was in need of said slippers. So, I put on my patient hat and got to work.

Two and a half days later... TA DAH!

One cute, warm knitted slipper. Definitely was trial and error, but I must say it exceeded my expectations. Therefore, I have begun one my second knitted slipper. I guess my two feet will just have to learn to share for another two and a half days. It's a lesson in patience for us all :)

Well, I'd like to thank....

Hooray! I've been "blinged!" While I must admit, I'm not quite sure what it all means, I'm very excited to be a part of it. However, I'm more excited to know that someone besides my sister is reading my blogs... thanks Vanilla Bean Counter! She sent me these rules that go with the bling by which I must abide.
(1) List six things that make you happy
(2) Pass the award on to 6 more kreativ bloggers
(3) Link back to the person who gave you the award
(4) Link to the people you are passing it on to and leave them a comment to let them know.


Okay, 6 things that make me happy...

1) Getting in bed early and watching an episode of whatever HBO show my husband and I are renting at the time. It's the only time that we both relax and forget about the day's events.

2) Any baking adventure. I love baking anything from cookies to cakes to pies. I think I'm in my element when I have the KitchenAid mixer going full blast and an oven preheating. I should have been a pastry chef.

3) Traveling. Although, I must admit, I don't get to do it often. However, this will change once I get a job and before I have kids. I've been across the United States and to Jamaica, but there are sooo many other cool places I'd like to see.

4) Photography. It's a passion of mine. I love the way things look through a camera lens.

5) MY PUGS! Any of my friends or family know that they are a huge part of my life. They are my children... or my "fur babies." They make me laugh... and only frustrate me a little. But their cuteness and unconditional love is totally worth it.

6) My forever friend. She's been awesome to have around during grad school. I don't think I could have gotten through it without her. I'm glad I could share all the frustration, stress, and hilarity experienced in our pursuit of higher education.... or just a freakin' job.

Lucky bloggers to receive the award next:
Waiting for Cider
Weber's in Action

The End of the Season

For some reason, we had awesome luck with tomatoes this year. So much so that Randy picked the last of the crop just a few days ago. To save them from the growingly cold temperatures of November, we brought them in and placed them in a sunny location in hopes they will turn ripe.
Here's to the end of the season.

Just wondering...

When are holidays ever your own? As a child, you go where your parents take you on holidays. It's easy, because you have no choice. But, being a semi-recent newly wed, my husband and I are trying to figure out the holiday thing. And things are never as easy as it was when I was a kid.

Take Thanksgiving, for example. We usually spend Thanksgiving with my husband's side of the family. This year, however, seems to be a big dilemma. Who's going to host it? Who's going to come... extended family? immediate family? in-laws? Well, Randy's older brother and his wife, Cheryl, decided to host it because they have two young children. But, plans are on a halt because of Cheryl's parents. They've been invited, but no one knows if they're coming. If they do come, there won't be enough room for everyone. BLAH.

So, here we are. Stuck in the middle. Between his side and mine. Trying our best to share time down the middle, but I miss my family. My parents haven't visited our house since early summer. The only other time we'll see them is Christmas. So, while everyone's still waiting on others to decide what's going on, I've made my plans. Thanksgiving at our house. My parents. Us. That's it. It'll be wonderful. Then, we'll decorate for Christmas the day after.

I guess that's how it has to be when you're married. Trying to spread yourselves so thin between families and holidays. I'm just wondering when the holidays will ever just be for Randy and myself. No demands. No promises. No 5 places to be in one day. No hearing through the grapevine that someone was upset that we couldn't be there for this holiday or couldn't stay longer for that holiday. I guess it's just time to put a foot down and make our own plans.

Ahh... just put this one under "Things they don't warn you about before marriage."

A bit early, I know.

I don't know what it is. I've never been like this before. Perhaps it's the retail industry's fault. Perhaps it's because this is my favorite time of year. But for some reason, I'm really into the holiday spirit. I can't wait for Thanksgiving, but even more so, I'm really excited about Christmas.

I know it's early. I usually make fun of people who want to get ready early. I usually cringe when Christmas music comes on right after Halloween. But this year, it doesn't bother me. Huh. Weird.

I think my increased spirit is because the holidays are the only time I really get to spend some good, quality time with my family, who lives so far away. And, now that Randy knows that he gets the day after Thanksgiving and Christmas off, I'm thrilled that we'll definitely get to go up north for our holiday visits. So, I'm spreading a little cheer early. I've even begun to make a few Christmas gifts. Cheer and creativity... such a great mix.

Halloween Bash '08

Another successful Halloween party! I can't believe that our little tradition has turned 3 years old. This year, we had a smaller, intimate party with two other couple friends, and it was a great time. And everyone's costumes... better than ever!

Randy, the saloon man

me, the saloon girl

Travis and Kim, the tacky tourists

Josh and Mandi as Fred and Daphne