Finally finished with the Craftroom

This is the funnest space. I share my scraproom with my children.
Micheal installed the last of the lights underneath the shelves last night. So now I can see.
After much organization (and purging) I am feeling right at home in my dream space. I feel so lucky and grateful!
* It's the final season of The Sopranos! This weeks episode was a little slow, but its got to be the best television EVER>
** Madison is going to camp for 2 weeks this summer. Gotta let her out of the nest a little,Sniff, Sniff



I am shamefully posting my "before" pic as well as the after.=)

Ikea Closet Organization

My husband installed these shelves for my shoes today!!! Does he rock or what??
The whole closet is awesome, not only is it huge but we used commercial store fittings
to maximize our storage. In this photo you can see my glass "cubbies". These are used in store displays, like the ones you see for hair products in salons. You give the fixture store your dimentions and they sell you the glass by the peice as well as the appropriate connectors and you "build" it. We use our for tee shirts and other randonm clothes storage.
The shoe shelves are the Ikea Bjarnum shelf brackets and connectors. To save money I didnt buy the Ikea shelves,instead my DH cut and edgebanded the white melamine. Which saved a ton of cash.
As a recovered clutter bug I work very hard to purge and stay organized. My philosophy is nothing on the floor which helps the closet stay clean, so it doesnt become a dumping spot.
The opposite wall is for hanging clothes which I have a picture of in my slideshow. He hung slat wall and used store fixtures there as well.
I am pinching myself... I LOVE that man.

Easter Yorkie

I had to share an Easter photo my Scampers. He looks like a calender dog after a grooming. He is a snuggly, loving cat like dog. Madison and I argue over who loves him more. You can tell hes my new baby, as I am posting his photos before my children's.

*** I finally scrapbooked...I made an awesome chipboard calender for my mom and also busted out a few simple layouts. YAYYYY!!!!

IKEA wall stickers in Scrap Room

QUICK & EASY Design Tip
Love these realistic photo wall stickers from IKEA. They added a bit of color and fun to a very beige room. They came in packs of 3, for $12 bucks. I put the other single stem on an opposite wall.
They also had some bamboo photo stickers, which were very cool.
One of my favorite buys from my favorite store!

** Quick update :
I am completely artistically blocked. I can not get my scrappin MOJO on. I am so frustrated. I haven't loved any of the pages I have done and struggled through every one.

Mr and Mrs Aruba

I'd thought I post another photo from Aruba, notice the Balashi, Aruba's own beer.
We have a good story about the "snorkel hut". People would approach me as if I were a were another species and ask about my accent.
I am officially scrapbooking for the next 2 weeks. I'm dying to craft. Sometimes the scrapping part can be hard to do after a long day. Its not like some crafts where you can sit back on the sofa, like knitting or needlepoint.
My goal is to try to bust out some pages just for fun!

One Happy Island

Mike and I just returned from our first adult vacation to ARUBA. My mama graciously kept the children. We decided on the trip relatively last minute around the middle of Feb.
We booked a 5 night stay at the extremely reasonable Tamarjin/ Divi, an all inclusive resort.
Not a five star hotel, but clean, oceanfront rooms. We would snorkel from in front of our room to what I called "the Drinkin' Shack", chug a Balashi (the official beer of Aruba)then snorkel back. The nature of the all inclusive package encourages you to take full advantage of the alcohol and food..which we did.
We fell in love with Aruba. The island is safe, clean easy to get around. There weren't people pandering on the beach. The staff and every islander we met were friendly and helpful.
The drinking water is delicious, food was above average buffet food and hey had the best club sandwiches EVER!
It was a pleasure to have as our neighbors, Michele and Josh, the cutest couple from Boston. I hope to see them again if they ever travel south.
My favorite memory CASINO night. We had never gambled before. Our first stop was at Stellaris. I was disappointed when the slots machines did not have handles and instead of paying out with raining coins, you would get tickets. (kind of like chucky cheese) When I couldn't stand the $5.00 minimums on the table games we relocated.(yes I am cheap)
We later went to the Alahabro casino adjacent to our hotel and proceeded to the roulette table with, $2.00 minimum bets. More my style. I hit 00. Mike and I played $50 bucks for around 2 hours. My husband looked extremely hot anyway that night, but as he sat there at the roulette table smoking his Cuban cigar, giving me cash, he looked like Alec Baldwin.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to go, for my mom babysitting, for the business giving him time off.
I cant wait to go again. This time we will take mom and the children. (She will especially appreciate the all inclusive bar.
This photo was from casino night..will post a few more later.

Ikea Scraproom, first glipse!

It is 90% finished, but I am pleased with it so far. My children have an adjacent desk to craft beside me.
I ready to stop working on the craft room and start crafting!!!!!!

MAC Cosmetics...Primer and must haves

For those of you who have never experienced the magic of MAC, I'll start with a quick primer.
#1 must have : Lip Glass in Nymphette or Viva La Glam V to be worn with a nude liner or the MAC Spice liner pencil. I prefer the pencil, even though you have to sharpen it

#2 must have: Bronzing ; trust the sales person for your color



#3 Splurge on 3 eyeshadows: The richness of the shades, the way you can build and layer the color, totally worth the $$$; my new personal fav Gleam.. a midtone shadow for that total shimmer look. I could eat it, its so yummy!!! Whether you want matte or shimmer there is a marked improvement from the drug store brands



#4 Blush: these also layer and build well to achieve a more dramatic look My personal fav at the moment is FAB from the Barbie collection .. it is sheer but works well with bronzer..



#5 Eyelashes: for a special occasion ..SPLURGE.. they will apply them for you. This will totally change your face and mood, making you feel like a movie star




If you go for a make over it can be quite overwhelming, let the artist know your budget. Tell them your personal style, but dont be afraid to experiment with a new look. Start with the Lip Glass. The products are of such high quality and are surprisingly affordable you will be an instant fan.

Michael Dare Evans is 37!!!

He was 17 when I met him. I can not believe how fast time is passing by.

He is pretty cool for an old fart. He rocks smoking hot riffs on his electric guitar, he games, watches cartoons, plays in the woods...

Seriously, he is the epitome of what all people should strive to be. Responsible, loving, hilarious, calm, self-less, humble. I love him so much.

This photo, I think, captures the essence of his maturity...

Hey Its Ridgley 35th birthday too!!!!! And my long lost friend Frank Hurley, whom I miss so badly.

Happy Birthday B*tches

Cant stop watching court tv....someone help me...please

This hearing about Anna Nicole Smith's burial and who gets the rights to her body is insane.
If I am not watching, I'm listening on the XM in the car.
I am probably the only one who feels any empathy for Howard Stern..but I do. I dont think he hung around just for the money. The "character" who gives me the creeps is her mother. Please!
I am am obviously not well because I could not pull myself away from this debaucle for the last 2 days.
Snap out of it!!!

**Positive energy to Ridgley... Her surgery went well, but she feels awful. I hope she recovers quickly.

Shields' on Dads 60th Birthday!!!!!

Shields Family!

These were taken on my Dad's 60th birthday. He looks good, huh?
I love love love the pic of me Kate and Sarah!

Just one of many new projects..

We have been busy finishing random projects around the house.
We have done a little something to every room. My scrap space got quite an overhaul. I am very excited about it.


Pictured is our guest room, which I rearranged and "pimped". These canvases are my answer to not buying artwork. I painted them to tie in the bed spread. Such an easy project to add color to any room.
A FEW RANDOM UPDATES
*I got a pretty major hair cut!
*My Dad just turned 60!
*Mike and I are going to ARUBA, March 10-15th.

IKEA B*TCHES!!!!

I have been a bit distracted by my latest IKEA adventure.
My lil' sis and I drove to Woodbridge Va last Friday to shop.
I got new furniture for my sons room, my daughters room and to pimp my scrap room!!!!!!
I have been assembling furniture all week.
I will post pics after the weekend of some of my favorite pieces!That whole shopping experience is completely intense. I'd go back tomorrow if I could.

I have a dream...

that my children will ACTIVELY care about the world around them.
Lawson has a curious nature while my daughter has an extreme myopic view of the world.
We went to the MLK parade today. They were playing MLK JR's speeches through huge speakers intermixed with some instrumental Tupac. It was such a powerful scene, that left me feeling mindful of my place in the community.

I was talking to my sister about how apathetic most Americans are. Our biggest socially conscience message is a magnetic yellow ribbon we slap on our mini van.
largely as a culture we dont care enough to be vocal, to step out of our daily routines and physically do anything/something. We hope that someone else will do it.

I hope that love for Target, IPODs, Dance Lessons and Nintendo our children will develop a sense of social responsibility before its lost. I dont think Gen X has done our part and we should feel shameful.
**My son, at the parade today..not very happy with Moms new camera.

"Family Days"...

Did you ever notice "family days" never turn out quite like your idealistic visions of quality time. In our heads we picture some happy playing family from a ketchup commercial. YEAH....

We were on the way to Fort Fisher to the Civil War reenactment, my daughter was brooding, acting like it was the worst punishment ever handed down. At this point, my son was excited, envisioning battles of epic proportions.

A half a second after getting out of the van, a cannon boomed in the distance.The sound was comically loud, startling both children into tears, ready to leave right then.

We were able to distract them with the beach and the many climbable trees, managing to have a delightful family outing.


**PHOTO 1
My daughter in a gnarley windswept Oak at Fort Fisher
***This I thought was the coolest picture. Nothing in the shot to take away from the period feel
****The boys are giving me their best battle poses.

Some boy flirted with my daughter!

Madison was holding Scamper in Blockbuster,
so this boy between the age of I'd say 9 to 12 started making small talk with her in line. She took the dog out front while I finished checking out. This boy, still in line says, "Dad, I'll be out front." He goes out and starts petting the puppy and talking to my daughter. The father and I both noticed this interaction.
Afterwards Maddie says to me, "The dog can help me meet dudes!" I told her the dog was an icebreaker, it was her alluring charm.

Mike after hearing this story tells me he will be taking the dog to the beach this summer... I DONT THINK SO.

After a long hard week we are having a family weekend. We are eating, watching movies, shooting stuff with air rifles, having a LEGO challenge and chillin'!

FLOR II

Another picture of the FLOR carpet tiles I am so in love with. (pattern Thick and Thin) If you look close you might see a fur ball sitting on the rug.
As much as I believe in modern design, it can be restricting to decorate with. The FLOR company has made a product that allows some whimsy and color for even the strictest modernists.

If you are a fan of design you must check out the show, DWELL on the Fine Living network. The Dwell Labs Forum is a good resource for creative ideas and design solutions.

I used to have such a hard time keeping my house tidy and organized, until I embraced minimalist decor. It really helped me to live a more simple and orderly life.

*** I was able to scrapbook this weekend... finally! After being so busy and pulled on with the holidays I was excited to get back to my hobbies.

****IKEA IS COMING TO CHARLOTTE! I can barely take it. I been dying to drive to Woodbridge, VA. for craftroom organization. I won't be able to wait much longer. I am obsessed.

I LOVE HIM SO BAD!

My husband, Mike, is the coolest human ever. I think he may feel a little neglected because of the puppy. But he need scratching, too!


You know how Nancy Reagan always looked at Ron, with big eyes full of pride. Thats how I feel about my husband all the time. He is hilarious, beyond smart and I respect him. My best friend, my buddy, I am thankful/honored to be Mrs.Evans.

Overcast!

My world has no color! I went on a search for my photo of the day but it was so cloudy everything was gray. I will post this photo of a 6ft tall aloe plant for my POD. This plant is so prehistoric looking, I thought it was an interesting subject.

I am bit artistically challenged at the moment. I keep trying to scrapbook but its not there. I have this buzzing in my ear to decorate my front room, formally the Lego spot, but I am at a loss. Maybe I am burnt from the holidays. I feel internally distracted.

I had a playdate this morning. She gave me a photography lesson, which was helpful in overcoming my fear of the manual settings on my camera. I still live in my hometown which makes it hard for me to meet new people, especially creative craft people like myself. My biggest lesson for the day, however, was not to drink to much coffee before I am going to take pictures. I was shaking like a leaf.

Old Dixie

2007 Photography Challenge

These shrimp boats are right next to my parents house. I feel very sentimental about them.
They say everything about where I grew up. The waterway, the south, buying dinner from my neighbors.
I cheated! Shot in automatic on DRebel XTI with the 28-80mm Tameron. I didn't know what to do with the bright morning sun.
Still a newborn SLR user!

2007 Photography Challenge

This is my POD, best I could for today! The most technical part of this shot employed the use of my white display board. (like the ones you use for the science fair)

Two Peas Photography Challenge

It's over!!!!!

The holiday madness has ended!

New Years Eve rocked! For a last minute party we had a great turnout, 20 something people.
Saw some old school friends and met some new ones (Lauren). Even my little sister came.
I still haven't recovered.

I have some gorgeous "posed" photographs, but this one pretty much sums it up.

***New Years photos added to slideshow..Scroll to bottom!

Whew, 2006....

It has been some kind of year. Grateful is not enough of a word to describe how blessed we feel/are. Wow!

** Modern Design Tip: Round Mirrors. Balanced vignettes (the orchids framing the mirror.) Look for height, texture, color in floral. Use sticks in tall vases
***This is my first manual photo from the Digital Rebel. Not too bad. The depth of focus was an issue. Any photography tips ?????
****NEW YEARS EVE! Holler! Scott W is coming. He dances. We love him!

She believes in Santa and plays with dolls...

I just want to press pause. She wont be a little girl much longer. I promise myself to pay close attention, its going so fast!

FLOR

If you are not familiar with FLOR carpeting squares, you must check out the link of the day. It is the the ultimate answer for using carpeting in modern design. (But will work for any decor ) I am using them for area rugs and so far they are holding p well to the children dog and general family wear and tear.
This carpet is my main rug using "Fedora" and "Solid Ground" and the "Modern Mix". I can change the orange if I get bored with it.

PRETTY LINK OF THE DAY

HOLLER! New Year Party at my house! Its a Festivus miracle everyone has babysitters.
I am making my playlists now so bring your dancin' shoes, Ridgley's in town .
I will control my urge to play Madonna Confession's on the Dance Floor more than once, twice at the most.

Clear Plastic Furniture

I adore clear furniture. The Eero Aarnio bubble chair is probably the most photographed chair of all time. I will absolutely have one of these one day. To me this isn't just a prop from the Real World house, it is the epitome of what I love about modern design.

PRETTY LINK OF THE DAY

Scampers

Our newest edition, a yorkie, 6 months old , weighing in at just under 3lbs.....
This little guy is the sweetest, most nuzzely, dog EVER.
The children call him Scamper, but I call him "Herses" (which you have to pronounce in a high pitched sing song, baby voice).
Pure love!


My SIL gave me the new Amy Sedaris book for Christmas, "I Like You; Hospitality Under the Influence". I think the author and I were separated at birth. Hilariously smart, a must read. So she gets the designation of

PRETTY LINK OF THE DAY

Thank you Evans West

Seasons Greetings B*tches!

After a full day of presents, food, family, and lots of rain I am jolly and thankful..... Especially for my new Canon Digital Rebel XT! Holler....

PRETTY LINK OF THE DAY

Ya Gotta love a white tree...