Day 31

Scenes from around here this weekend...

Itty-bitty footprints in the dusting of snow we had last night...

A portrait of a lady cat...

Love is in the vending machine.

I'm so glad it is the last day of January.

Day 30

Lizzie and I put the first coat on her desk after work/school today. I think I might be tempted to paint ALL my furniture turquoise. I will show it off when we are finished.

But for now, I hope you enjoy this turquoise loveliness via flickr:

1. Turquoise shed, 2. Turquoise corner of my home, 3. Turquoise Window, 4. Turquoise House, 5. my new turquoise sidetable....., 6. Turquoise Rocks!, 7. turquoise, 8. pink and turquoise cupcakes, 9. Turquoise family

Day 29

I'm having a bit of an issue with my kitchen light fixture. Actually, the issue is me, and me being too lazy to go pick up more light bulbs.

We have a combination of the traditional 60w bulbs and the one energy-efficient one. I LOOOOVE the difference in the lighting, so classy. Actually, makes us all feel like we are in "The Bourne Identity".  First we serve dinner, THEN we interrogate.

On another note, there are three days left to leave a comment to qualify to win one of my market bags. I will be pooling ALL COMMENTS, not just names, so if you've commented in the last few weeks more than once, you get more chances to win.

Day 28

I've had several days off now, which is wonderful. I feel more rested, but perversely I also feel more stressed. I always feel as if I have to make the most of my days off, and I feel guilty if I don't get much accomplished. I find myself trying to do to many things at a time. Playing games on my Ipod, surfing the 'net, decorating Lizzie's room, rearranging the living room. Oh, and that ever present laundry. Really, I should be studying, but everything else seems so much more interesting. Playing games on the Ipod is definitely a time waster, and reading blogs definitely doesn't help. The more blogs I read, the more inspired I become and the more projects I imagine myself doing.  It's a crazy cycle.

The painting is finished in Lizzie's bedroom. It's now my favourite room in the house. We used slightly different shades of white for the walls and trim, and the whole room is so beautiful and fresh looking. Now, we get to do the fun stuff....decorate.

I picked up this wall decal from Michaels a while ago. On sale, of course. There's a blue one and a purple one. Both colours Lizzie chose for her room. 

We have lots of pictures, bulletin boards, and shelves still to hang. I'm trying to corral all her Webkins and cut down on a lot of little girl clutter. How is it they accumulate so much STUFF?

I bought this desk for $10 at a garage sale when we first did her room. So much pink! I've already filled the holes and it's almost ready for a coat of primer. 

This is the colour we (I mean Lizzie) chose for the desk. It is a glossy turquoise that I think will absolutely pop off the white walls. I believe it will become my favourite piece of furniture ever! Isn't this colour delicious. It certainly does a lot to drive away some of the winter doldrums.

There are lots more things I want to do in her room, but I'm trying to be patient. My next bedroom project is a quilt for her bed. This will be interesting as I've never made a quilt before. I am testing out my skills on a mini-quilt. 

I'm hoping to make the actual quilt with these fabrics.

Oh, my mind is really. I think I need to take a nap.

Day 27

Javier and I rarely get to see Oscar-nominated movies before they come out on DVD, never mind before the Academy Awards. We considered ourselves lucky to have been able to see "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", which was delicious in its own ways, especially scenes with the the young-looking Brad Pitt. Oh yummy.

Then this past weekend, we snuck our for a date to "Slumdog Millionaire". Actually, it wasn't really sneaking, everything was completely on the up-and-up. 

What a movie...if you haven't seen it, please go. This movie was absolutely breathtaking. I can't properly describe it, so I won't even make an attempt. Just know it is very Oscar worthy.

And as an added bonus - there is a Bollywood-style dance routine at the closing credits.

I LOVE watching Bollywood dancing. Watching movies like, "Monsoon Wedding" and "Bride and Prejudice" get me making my own bollywood moves and then I can't stop humming for days afterwards and twisting my arms in the air. I look utterly stupid, but it makes me happy.

I was absolutely thrilled when Lizzie chose a song for her upcoming interpretive skate routine with some Indian elements. We watched "Cheetah Girls - One World" this summer (remember our "Ch" themed meal?) and Lizzie chose the theme song for her routine. We and her choreographer have been watching Youtube videos for inspiration and I can't wait to start working on her dress. Think sari and bindi dots.

Day 26

Day 25

The television was on in the break room today when I had my lunch. Normally, I hide my head in a book, but today a little program sparked my interest - it was "Making Over America" on TLC with Trinny & Susannah. 

I am most definitely a fan of shows about makeovers. In fact, I probably qualify more than a little bit for an episode of "What Not To Wear". It happens to those of us that spend much of our time in scrubs. You forget how to dress when you are not at work.

However, what really interested me about this show is that they live in an AIRSTREAM while on the road. Sigh...

Remember my dream?

I still haven't forgotten, though the dream is buried in cold weather, snow, and economic woes.

Oh Airstream, how I love you. It's nice to know we still have the spark.

Day 24

On my to do list today:

• Finish painting Lizzie's Room - one big circle of pink left surrounding the ceiling fan!
  
• Clear the surface of the kitchen table so we can actually sit and eat as a family
  
• Laundry, laundry, and yes, more laundry
  
• Sort through Lizzie's stuff and purge (when she isn't looking of course)
  
• Grocery shopping! (if I use exclamation marks it looks more exciting)
  
• Study for that pesky little exam
  
• Finish the dollhouse
  
• Oh and I'm sure I have plenty of other unfinished projects around
  

Tired already. Must take nap after writing list.

What's on your to-do list this weekend?

Day 23

Generate, www.gnr8.biz

I could totally make this...

and charge 429 US dollars for it

if I only had the time...

Day 22

I got Lost...

...and I fell in Love Big time

last night.

Heaven.

(and Shana, if you are checking, no shirtless Sayid's to be seen, sorry)

Day 21

Note to self: when trying to convince family that too busy during the day at home to get stuff done, destroy evidence of otherwise before you head to work so they CANNOT take blackmail-worthy photos with which to use against you later

photo by Lizzie taken when I was at work last night, 2009

Day 20

I was looking for some embroidery designs the other day when I came across Urban Threads.

This might have to become my new logo.

I admit it, I am a-DORK-able. 

Check out their website for more adorable machine and hand embroidery designs, project ideas, clipart, and FREE patterns (because we all like getting something for free once in a while.

Day 19

I am failing in my housewifely duties. Magnificently.

This is my new friend, the Dust Bunny, that was just staring at me from across the room. Is it wrong that I'm starting to identify with the balls of hair and dust that are accumulating around me? Maybe it's a form of Stockhold Syndrome.

I find it interesting that I would rather photograph the mess than actually sweep it up. It probably reveals some sordid element of my personality that I would prefer to leave unexamined. Or maybe I'm just creating art? Yeah, that's it. My messy house as art.

Day 18

See this hand? Two coats of primer and bits of bubble gum pink are still showing through. Let this be a warning to you. Never let your child pick out their own room paint!

Day 17

Saturday Meme: The First Apartment

1. Where had you moved from?

From my hometown of 6,000 to a HUGE city of 65,000 (or so I thought at the time)

2. Describe your first apartment.

It was awesome! Cinder block walls, painted of course. A big balcony with cut out polka-dots (it was very 60s). Really thin carpet. A coffee tables made out of boards, banana boxes, and placemats. We had a patio table with folding chairs for our dining table. And I loved every minute of living there because it was mine and I was ON MY OWN.

3. How old were you when you had your apartment?

I was a baby - just 18 and very young and naive.

4. Did you have roommates? If yes, tell us more.

I had two roommates. One that I lived with for 5 years. We got into too much trouble together. Oh my! The memories.

5. What was your place of employment then?

I was a waitress at a trendy little restaurant. The people there were so cool and it was one of the best jobs I've ever had. That was after I quit the job that made me wear a pinafore everyday.

6. How were your finances at the time?

Finances were none existent. I spent my tips at the bar on $2 Long Island Iced Tea & Karaoke night. Long Island Iced Tea was the drink of choice at the time.

7. Tell us about a lover who spent a night there.

Lover? Innocent little me. Never.

8. Tell us about a band you listened to then.

New Order, Prince, Erasure, and I think MC Hammer was big that year (but I never listened to him!)

9. How long did you live there and why did you move from there?

I lived there for a year. We left to conquer the even bigger city of 800,000 (or so). Now that was exciting!

"Just a silly meme every Saturday!" from Saturday9

Day 16

This is what happens when someone is blogging instead of watching over dinner.

Yes, someone scorched their favourite pot and part of the potatoes cooking inside. This is after scrubbing it for 20 minutes. I think I'll let it soak for a while...and maybe do some internet research (AKA blogging).

Oooh wait, look at the pretty freshly washed Pyrex. Obviously I'm easily distracted.

Let's take some pictures of me and my Ollie. Aren't we the cutest couple ever?

Okay, I've successfully wasted a few hours. Bye.

Day 15

Miss Lizzie decided that pink is no longer the colour she wishes to wake up to every morning. A change is in the works at chez Oliver Rain. This weekend we are playing Oliver Rain: The Extreme Home Makeover Edition.

Lizzie's Room by oliver rain

We won't be doing everything this weekend, because both our time and funds are limited, but Lizzie and I will be using this as our inspiration. This weekend we will paint the walls & trim white.

Stay tuned for updates and possibly some video.

Day 14

I finally had the chance to meet my friend's new little one today. She's just over a month old and oh, so cute and cuddly.

I made her this little sweater before she was born and now she finally has it. It is an easy-peasy pattern from one of my vintage pattern books.

The buttons are my favourite parts. I have an extensive, but boring collection of buttons, but by chance I had two pretty roses, one pink and one blue, plus this little hexagon.

My friend likes handmade things and sweaters, so I combined the two together. I think this suits mom & her beautiful baby girl just perfectly.

To my friend (just in case you are lurking), I had a nice time this afternoon. Thanks for having me over!

Day 13

One of the cutest gifts anyone in our family received this year. From my father-in-law to my mother-in-law who collects owls.

I stole him for a moment to show you how cute he is.

And he fits in the palm of my hand.

But that wasn't all...inside it held this sweet owl pendant. (A shout out thank you to Sista J for providing the pashmina backdrop.)

Okay, now I'm off for some Favourite Corner Time.

Day 12

My kitties like small spaces...

Day 11

I stumbled downstairs this afternoon into a brilliantly tidy kitchen and living room. I thought maybe cleaning fairies had stopped by but it was really just my wonderful Lizzie & Javier. It made me so happy, and then I started thinking about other things that make me happy today.

1. Sharing a yummy Coke with Javier

2. Laughing until tears formed in the corners of my eyes watching Neil Patrick Harris on SNL

3. My shiny new red Blackberry

4. Cuddly babies on my night shift

5. Family game night

6. Cookie jars full of Double Bubble (no wait that's Javier's happy thing - xmas gift from Lizzie)

7. Saying prayers with Lizzie before bed

8. Lattes

9. Finding out I can buy a latte at 6:30 tomorrow morning before I go to work!

10. Sharing a bottle of red wine with Javier on a Sunday night

Day 10

Signing up for Club Little House swap renewed my interest in all things dollhouse. Since I got the box in the mail a few weeks ago and started building my own dollhouse, its turned into a full-blown obsession. I literally spend hours on the internet drooling over dollhouse furniture and dollhouse blogs. This cannot be healthy for a grown woman, but I say it's for Lizzie, right? Of course, she has to fight me for the opportunity to help me work on the dollhouse (oops), so maybe it's more about me?

Here's a few of the items I've decided that I cannot live without.

Of course my dollhouse needs a sewing machine. Any self-respecting dollhouse resident would have be a crafter like me.

Everyone needs a tea kettle.

I love this loveseat, but at a price of $78.00 I think I have to take a pass. Sigh. Did I mention this obsession may become expensive?
This cuckoo clock is perfect for the cottage that is almost complete. 

And then there are more dollhouse to build. I can't decide which one I like the best. The Westville.

or The Lily.

I'm sure Javier is thrilled with my newest interest. No surprise for him that I'm obsessed with something new.

My dollhouse is almost ready and I'll post pictures of it, and my Little House items then.

Day 9

Although I am EXTREMELY flattered that some of you think I could develop the market bag on my own, I have to admit that the pattern was from this book. It's available though Chapters, Amazon, or any of the other popular book chains. I would probably break about a bazillion copyright laws by posting my own tutorial.

This pattern was contributed by the wonderfully talented Anna Torborg of twelve22, who is also the editor of the book. 

Here's a photo of her creation.

I discovered this book when I first discovered all the crafty blogs out there a few years ago. I was thrilled to be able to have a book that was a compilation of works by many of wonderful crafty bloggers I had just discovered on the internet. 

Some of the other creations you can make with patterns are scarves, organizers, other bags, etc. I would highly recommend this book as the stories offer great insight into the backgrounds of these crafty ladies. and the patterns are not that difficult and ideal for a beginning crafter.

So I'm so sorry that I cannot post a tutorial, but I hope you will still drop a comment to be eligible for the draw for a market bag handmade by me!