Monday, February 22, 2010

Snowflakes and Dogheads

When I woke up this morning and I knew we had gotten at least a couple of inches of snow. Normally by this time of the year I have had enough of the snow. I think I blogged about winter ennui this same time last year. But today is different. There are patches of sunny from time to time and when my neighbors turn off their snowblowers, I can hear a cardinal singing.

The dogs are loving it. I mean LOVING it! I forget that winter is hard on them too. They're bored. So a new layer fresh snow was a welcome surprise when they went out this morning. They've been running in and out all day, bringing cold air in on their fur; ears and noses are bright red and dogheads are smiling. To commemorate all the glorious snow days we've had in 2010, I complied this short movie of Johnny and June frolicking. please to enjoy, xoxo jenni

Monday, February 15, 2010

Instant Fun will be with you in a moment...

So Poloroid is releasing a new instant that's due out "later in the year". When I saw it I instantly fell in love.


The look is retro-inspired but it has a nice soft ergonomic shape. It comes in the wood grain shown above as well as a couple of metallic finishes. But seriously, if there's wood grain, who cares about metallic finishes. I would have done a wood grain series. Birch, cherry, plywood.

I haven't seen any examples of the photos it produces, or even what the size format is, but it's still early. Here's the pertinent info from Polaroid press...

"Supported by a strategic relationship with Summit Global Group, a longtime Polaroid partner, and The Impossible Project, the manufacturer of classic film for Polaroid film cameras, Polaroid will offer a completely redesigned, modern version of the Polaroid OneStep camera, the PIC 1000. The PIC 1000 will be available in a range of fun colors and use classic Polaroid Color 600 Instant Film to produce the brand’s classic white border instant pictures. The Polaroid Color 600 Instant Film will work with both classic and new Polaroid cameras and will be offered in packs of 10 pictures. The new classic PIC 1000 camera and instant color film will be available at national retailers in 2010. " -Polaroid Press Release

off topic rant: have you seen the new nissan cube? adorable. love the wrap around back window!

The next instant on my comparison list is the
Fuji Instax Mini Instant Camera.


This one is super cute, compact, very affordable, and available now. And the photos look great. I love the vintagey look with the smaller credit card sized format. And did I mention affordable? It's listing for $90 on photojojo for the camera alone or $115 for camera and film.

Courtesy of photojojo ...
It prints credit card-sized photos on bold Fuji film, but retains a classic instant film look that everyone loves. Plus, you've got more control when you're shooting: four exposure settings for indoor/outdoor shooting, a built-in flash, and a sweeping wide angle.

No USB cables, no memory cards, and no computer. Just a few basic chemical reactions that develop in the palm of your hand.

Mini prints develop instantly Easy-loading Fuji film cartridges still in production Exposure settings for cloudy/indoors/outdoors Built-in flash Runs on four AA batteries Wide angle lens 5" x 5" x 2.5"

Mini prints develop instantly
Easy-loading Fuji film cartridges still in production
Exposure settings for cloudy/indoors/outdoors
Built-in flash
Runs on four AA batteries
Wide angle lens
5" x 5" x 2.5"

I figure for these prices, why choose, I should get them both. xoxo - jenni

Monday, February 8, 2010

Look What I Made!

I've been wanting to make a bright and busy duvet cover ever since I saw this photo 2 years ago...

After a whirlwind weekend of crafting I finally got around to stitching up a fabulous duvet cover using an Amy Butler layer cake and a few yards of her pods fabric for some contrast. I was so taken with the finished results that I decided to whip up a couple pairs of pillow cases from some vintage sheets I've been hanging on to with that purpose in mind.


It feels good to cross a few things off the crafty list. Now what's next? Stay tuned... xoxo jenni

ps: scrumdillydilly, I'm totally stealing your making the bed set idea! Love it. You're my idol.

For the Birds

I just finished the final touches on a hand-sewn bird mobile for Elkey's sweet little nursery. I'm thrilled with how it turned out, so I'm here to brag and show off the results. I have already made a list of 3 more versions I want to create, so I'm thinking I'll put these up on Etsy.

I was inspired by the bird mobile project posted on the Spool Sewing blog. You can check out their version here: Spool Sewing

PS: I just finished a wonderful Amy Butler patchwork duvet cover that I'll be posting pictures of later. xoxo - jenni

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

When things are the saddest, try to find a little happy.

Dear friends of mine are losing a loved one to cancer and it's been very sad. I know that sadness is just one of many emotions they are experiencing, but it's the one that has me thinking tonight.

It's made me think about sadness in general. How many precious memories are tinged with sadness, but it's just that emotion that makes them stand out in mind. The bittersweet moments alongside the happy ones are equal in weight and just as welcome.

I wouldn't want a blissfully happy life. I wouldn't want everyday to be sunny. Not just because I look forward to the occasional gray day, but because too much of a good thing can be bad. Sadness and pain are parts of life just like comfort and joy. They coexist and occasionally commingle. The important thing is to focus on the ride and when things are at their saddest, try to find a little happy.

Here are some of my "happys". xoxo — jenni

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

It's been a little over week since natural disaster struck Haiti and thousands of people are still without food, drinking water, shelter or medical care. Don't let them lose hope too. Please donate to the Haiti Relief fund or organization of your choice.

Not sure which one to give to? Click here for a list of charities benefiting the survivors of this terrible tragedy. You can also text "Haiti" to 90999, to automatically donate $10 to Red Cross. You will receive a "thank you" confirmation text.

please remember, if you can't afford to send money, prayers are always free.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Polyvore!

It's hard to put into words what makes Polyvore so totally addictive, but I am going to try.

First I'll try to explain what Polyvore is, for those of you that may not be familiar. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about Polyvore:

"Polyvore Is The Greatest Website Ever. Polyvore is a very easy-to-use web-based application that allows its users to mix and match pictures from all over the web to create very creative, unique, stylish and artistic sets. It is a lively community for creative people".

The sets can be in fashion, interior design or artistic expression. You gather 'your items' by searching through the well-categorized database of images. Since user submissions are encouraged, it's kind of like flickr, in that the database is constantly being updated with new images. Your items are saved in a library so you can use them to create new sets.


Another thing I really like about Polyvore is that my design ideas aren't limited by time or budget. This is online daydreaming. Like designing your engagement ring online or shopping for rims at tirerack.com. (yes, I day dream about rims) I am creating source material, so I can dream big. However, if the day ever does come when I find myself with an excess of time and funds, I can go back to my sets and find out exactly where to purchase any of the items in my library. So it also works like an interactive catalog as well. Are you beginning to see the evil genius of Polyvore?

So while the snow is falling outside, I sit in my office, with the lights dimmed, flipping through page after page of mid-century inspired housewares and smoky topaz jewelry. I'm comforted by the knowledge that the holidays are behind us and a New Year lies ahead.

Now please to enjoy my dreamy outfits. xoxo - jenni

Knotty Girl
Knotty Girl by Ms Atomic

Boho Chic
Boho Chic by Ms Atomic

Michigan & State
Michigan & State by Ms Atomic

Modern Day Love Child
Modern Day Love Child by Ms Atomic

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Organizing for Change

"A place for everything and everything in it's place." I don't know how old I was when I heard that saying for the first time, but I know I liked it right away. The idea that a well-organized life means less clutter emotionally as well as physically. This appeals to the OCD side of my personality. Unfortunately, the ADD side would prefer not to empty the dish washer or fold laundry, so I struggle with the task of organizing.

About 4 months ago I decided to convert a little-used guest room into a multi-purposed art room. A place where I could have all my fabric on bolts and displayed on long shelves. A spot for all of my yarn. A nook for all my paper goods... you get the point. "A place for everything and everything in it's place."

There's still a lot of painting and refining to be done and I have yet to find the perfect drapes, but I wanted to show off the progress so far and get some thoughts and feedback on the overall look. I operate in a bubble, so some outside ideas would be a refreshing change. xoxo- jenn

Before

After

Monday, November 30, 2009

Birthday Week :: Day One

Happy Birthday to Me! It's my birthday week and the fun began early today. I went to yoga and had an awesome class with a new instructor named Lynn. To add to the treat, studio owner, #1 yogi and friend Marlene was also in the class, student-side.

I have taken an shamefully long hiatus from yoga and my muscles and joints are punishing me for my laziness. I am feeling every bit of my age these last few weeks. I'm sure Mister is tired of hearing me say "My fill in the blank hurts"

After yoga, I headed a few blocks east for a cup of coffee when I stumbled upon a vintage resale shop. There it was...poof...a totally adorable vintage boutique with amazing everything right in the middle of Barrington. Who knew?

It's a not-so-secret dream of mine to own a little vintage shop one day and this little boutique is just the kind of place I could happily spend my days. The proprietor, Laura, was as nice as can be and in no time we had struck up friendship based on a mutual love of bartering. I ran home to gather up an arm load of vintage that I've been trying to sell in my esty store and I headed back to Redefined to do some good 'ol fashioned trading. Here's a little peek-a-loo at my score... xoxo jenn

clockwise from upper left: upcycled barkcloth skirt, barkcloth & bakelight handbag,
barkcloth knitting needle case, black taffeta and brown lace party dress

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Sugar Lumps

If you aren't watching Flight of the Conchords, you should be. The show chronicle's the daily life of Bret and Jemaine, a musical duo from New Zealand now transplanted in New York City.

Billing themselves as "Formerly New Zealand's fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo", Bret and Jemaine combine witty lyrics and amusing characterizations to create a unique musical comedy.

The show hooks you right away with an awesome supporting cast, clever writing and some really good musical interludes. It's funny, creative and the accents are easy to imitate when recapping the shows later. There's no definitive word on a Season 3 yet but my fingers are crossed.

Please to enjoy...





xoxo- jenni

Drool-Worthy Floor Art

I've taken a little break from the bloggin' this summer. My list of "things to do before fall" includes a summer update and general howdy, but that'll have to wait. I'm here to talk to you about rugs. Not the head kind, but the floor variety.

This rug....
and this rug...Well, ladies and gentlemen, I ask you... have you ever seen rugs like these? Trust me when I tell you, these photos do them no justice. Insert gurgling Homer J. noise here. I lust for the both of these beauties, and there are at least 8 more drool-worthy selections. So where are they already?! Wait for it....











Amy Butler! Who knew it? Did you know it? Good for you, interior design nerd!

Here are the particulars, courtesy of Amy's lovely website


I'm so happy to introduce this line and work with my great friend Ravi and his family at Chandra in Atlanta. These rugs are truly handmade (I've seen it!). From the hand-tufting & dying of the 100% New Zealand wool, to the hand-carving of the designs by masters using special scissors. They are available in 5' x 7' 6" and 7' 9" x 10' 6". There are 19 rugs in the collection - 13 designs, six of which are colored in two colorways. They are all based on my fabrics and bedding prints!

click here to buy direct from my webstore

I'll be back soon with my summer wrap up. xoxo- jenni

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Whoopie! A Baking Triumph!

My baking successes are few and far between. Usually it's rock hard oatmeal raisin cookies, mushy wet cupcakes and I recall a totally inedible sweet potato bundt cake disaster. But practice makes perfect and things have been getting better. I'm proud to share the photos and the recipe for these delicious Whoopie Pies courtesy of wickedwhoopies.com. They are super-duper easy and a real crowd-pleaser. Whip a batch of these up the next time you are baking to impress. xoxo - jenni

A batch of vanilla cake tops and bottoms baking away in
my amazing oven with the confection bake setting.

WHOOPIE PIE SHELLS
  • 4 cups flour, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 cup cocoa
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 cup sour milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
VANILLA WHOOPIE PIE FILLING
  • 6 tablespoons marshmallow cream
  • 4 tablespoons vanilla (this is not a typo)
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 4 tablespoons milk
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups shortening

Directions
  1. Shell: Mix together shortening, butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla.

  2. Sift together dry ingredients and set aside. Add milk, cocoa and hot water. Then add the dry ingredients.

  3. Scoop large rounded spoonfuls of batter onto a greased cookie sheet and space at least 2-inches apart.

  4. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes.

  5. Filling: Add all ingredients in a bowl and beat until smooth. Then place scoop of filling between two of the shells.

  6. Hold on to your socks because they are about to be rocked-off!

Voila! The finished result.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Easy Rider?

A few months ago I decided that this summer I'd learn to ride a motorcycle. Mister took his advanced riding class with a private school in the city called Ride Chicago. I decided to take my basic licensing class at the same school.


The course includes one 5-hour classroom session aimed at educating new riders on the safety do's and don'ts of motorcycle operation and two 5-hour riding classes where we actually learn how to ride a motorcycle.

This weekend is the riding portion of my class and I am really looking forward to it. I have a healthy mix of excitement and trepidation... but mostly excitement. If all go's well, I'll have the Class M added to my driver's license by this time next week.

Wish me luck and stay posted to see the results! xoxo - jenni

Sunday, March 29, 2009

and so I bid a fond farewell...

When Chicago experienced an unseasonable warm spell 3 weeks ago, I told myself not to be fooled again. I have lived in and around the city my whole life and am acclimatized to it's fickle conditions.

Every winter we get a few days in February when the temperatures top out in the 70s. I start pulling out my flip flops and saying Spring is here! Peepers are singing in the ponds, crocuses are pushing through the newly thawed ground and all of life begins to turn toward Spring. We have fallen for it again. From the frogs to the flowers, we all know that the best case scenario is at least 5 more weeks of temperatures hovering just above freezing. Worst case scenario, a full-blown winter wonderland complete with fallen trees, power outages and piles of snow that will be here well into April.

Last night we were belted with at least 5" of wet, heavy snow. The kind of snow that's great for creating awe-inspiring lawn deities like my snow Buddha below.

Snow Buddha of Happiness

The temperatures are climbing again and it looks like Buddha may melt before too long. But while he's here, he will serve as a reminder that to be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring. xoxo- jenni

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Plate of Shrimp

plate of shrimp scene; Repo Man | the amazing David Lynch | June Carter Cash in down dog

"Suppose you're thinking about a plate of shrimp. Suddenly somebody will say like 'plate' or 'shrimp' or 'plate of shrimp', out of the blue, no explanation. No point in looking for one either; it's all part of the cosmic unconsciousness." — "Repo Man, 1984"

Last night I listened to David Lynch narrate on the topic of transcendental meditation while I screen printed Buddha t-shirts until 1am. I have a healthy combination of A.D.D. That's a discussion for another day. Anyhoo...David Lynch talks about the euphoric rush he gets from meditation. About the deep well of pure bliss. Bliss for all the senses.

Then, this morning I took a class with Marlene. While we sat in meditation, Marlene asked us to take an internal tour through the vast mansion that is "our inner-self". It was only 9:45 am and I was contemplating the cosmic enormity of my inner being.

Marlene imagined aloud for us, a giant house with hallways that led to more hallways, connecting to stairwells that ascended to rooms within rooms. That this mansion was a place where we could spend our entire lives exploring room by room; searching for a hidden chamber. The Heart.

She said that there was a world of infinite bliss just beyond the door of one of those internal rooms.

There it is again! Bliss! My plate of shrimp.

So it got me thinking about the concept of meditation. I understand that a person can achieve a sensation so unlike anything else that it can be described as "infinitely blissful". I comprehend the possibilities, but as to the "how" or "when" of it, I am clueless.

Maybe that's a part of the journey. Maybe you have to fake it until you make it (another marlene gem) Maybe just the awareness of such a place is the first step. what do you think? xoxox — j.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Our 44th. President

Momentousness.
Unprecedented.
Awe-inspiring.
Historical.

OBAMA

Let's embrace this opportunity to change. Let's keep this momentum going. Let's continue to advance forward as a nation. Let's have a country and a government we can all be proud of.

Let's use the strength our collective democratic voice to vote for more than a new American Idol.

Let's do the best we can, even when it's the hard thing to do. Let's not forget the sacrifices others made so that we can be free to choose our leaders.

Let's remember the day our world changed for the better.

Today I love my country and I'm proud to be an American.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

ARRRRGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To whom it may concern ~

The party in the first wishes to offer the party in the second a complete refund for services rendered. Please accept this offer as our final word on the subject. We will now consider this matter closed and no further action will be taken.

so on and so forth... ect, ect.



Respectfully Blah Blah Blah

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Ahh... the holidays

This time of year combines two of my passions; ambitious crafting and thoughtful gift-giving.

I can't remember where I heard it said, (please insert your version of Dear Abby's voice now) "The perfect gift is one that you know the receiver will enjoy, but they would never buy for themselves"

I'd like to share a personal story now. Years ago, I received an Exotic Fruit-of-the-Month membership. The giver of this gift knew that I liked fruit and certainly knew that no human being on the face of the earth would ever buy them self a fruit membership. With the formula for a perfect gift in place, what could go wrong?

The membership enticed with promises of fresh fruits harvested at the height of their seasonal perfection. Shipped from the far corners of the globe (i always imagined on a tramp steamer), directly to your door. Forbidden fruits from foreign lands.

Often was the case that more exotic fruits would be unavailable in a particular month due to flood or drought. Such unfortunate events would occur and the slightly less-sexy Ruby Red Grapefruit would replace the exotic Mango.

Grapefruit? Seriously? This is it? 15 lbs. of grapefruit was the best you could do to replace perfectly ripe Comice pears? You couldn't dig up a Starfruit? Heck, I'd settle for a decent Kiwi.

To add insult to injury, I would arrive home to discover a delivery notice on my door. We attempted to deliver a parcel. blah blah blah. I'd drive to the post office with an eager pessimism. Maybe there would be Pomegranates? The double doors from the back room would swing open and the front end of a rolling cart would emerge. My heart would sink. 15 lbs. of Florida Grapefruit.

Let me say, it was by no fault of the giver, that the formula failed. If Mother Nature hadn't stepped in to direct this fruit folly, it may well have been a wonderful surprise.

That brings us to the moral of the story. There is only one "perfect gift". The one that comes from your heart and is given with kindness.

It's the First Night of Christmas, so I thought I'd leave you with this lovely little card. xoxo- jenni

Partridge in a Pear Shaped Tree by Avenue Handmade

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Voting with the Applause-O-Meter

Good evening citizens of these United States. Today I voted. Today I struck a blow for hope. Today my friend K voted. She made her choice for a new leader. There were many people voting early today.

The lines were long but the election judges were determined to keep things moving. We took our ballots, we gave our name and number, we agreed not to switch places in line. In fact, we agreed not to move from our position in line for any reason. I assume emergencies and natural disaster were accounted for ahead of time. And with agreements in place and ballots in hand, I headed off to my semi-private voting box. Am I too young to remember the voting boxes you see in movies? They looked like photo booths or shower stalls, only less entertaining. They are a lot less entertaining now.

Ms. June Carter-Cash. Leader of Canines for Change.

I cast my vote for Obama. I know you're supposed to keep your vote a big secret but I don't see why. I'm proud of my vote. I'm excited about this new era of leadership and I see a better, more aware, more educated future ahead of us. I'm embracing the change whole-heartedly. It's my most sincere hope that McCain gets his hat handed to him.

In other exciting news, K and I saved a dog today! We were on our way to vote when we both spied this lovely little pup.

Her name is Coco and she is a very sweet German Shorthair Pointer. She was cowering in the tall grass along side a very busy road. We pulled off onto the side of the road and approached the dog slowly. I bent down and held my arm out toward her and she came right to me. She was scared, it was heart-breaking. Anyway, K started making phone calls to see if anyone had reported her missing and I made arrangements to take her to the vet and to have her scanned for a microchip. It never ended up getting that far. Within 45 minutes we were in touch with Coco's owner through the police and they were reeunited shortly after that.

Apparently, Coco stepped on the electric window button at the same time the woman turned the corner and Coco just fell right out. Ouch! She had some bruising on her chest and ribs and she was bleeding a bit here and there, but overall she was in really good shape. I knew she had a home somewhere near, but in the back of my heart, I was hoping she could stay here. At least for a little while. Ultimately I am happy and relived that she is back home safe and sound.

Today I voted and I saved a dog's life. That's a very good day. xoxo- jenni

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

As I was saying...

What is it about Fall that gets me all fired up? The colors go without saying right? The smell is a definite contender. The smell around here is especially nice. On the weekends, the air gets hazy and smells like burning leaves. It's just chilly enough to make you stamp your feet a bit around the fire pit.

Beer tastes different in the fall and summer. Does that sound odd? That beer can resonate differently depending on season? Right now I look forward to pumpkin beers, which I inevitably dislike, but continue to look forward to year after year. I'm also looking forward to the Chimay that Mister and I will be enjoying now that the holidays have arrived. I thought I was going to be writing about the splendors of Fall, but it turned into a tribute to Beer. I can live with that.

Firkin, Libertyville, IL

We'll be traveling for Thanksgiving this year and I'm really looking foward to the trip down south. The fall colors will be a bit later than ours and I'm hoping to get some great shots. This will be my first big holiday with my new camera since the 4th of July.

Speaking of photos... I thought I'd upload a few from some recent events for some of my special readers. Thanks guys!

Warhol Pete

Kids + Dogs

Evan + Poojan

Emily + the Hula Hoop

Pianta Pieces

Halloween is in 2 days. I bought a sad little supply of candy this year. I think I need a pumpkin. Maybe tomorrow I'll pick a couple up and Mister can carve his yearly masterpiece. g'nite. xoxo- jenni