Christmas. The Tree.

This weekend we finally got our Christmas Tree. Every year, a group of us goes out to a beautiful ranch outside of Telluride to cut down our own trees. It is a very classic western type of thing: sleigh rides, cowboys, hot coco warming over a fire, and Santa - of course.

A couple of photos of our tree this year...

Since Ben (my roommate) was out of town last year for this event, he got to pick out and chop down the tree by himself.

Then this happened.

All was saved though. The biggest (and possibly my most favorite) tree in the condo to date.

Merry Christmas!

Monday, Monday...

Ok. Sorry. I guess my last post may have been a little darker than intended. Yes, it was a super crappy week - but, life moves on and things are good. I promise. Sorry to vent and make anyone worry.

The weekend ended on a high note though. Here is a peek...

9 days. Yep, our ski resort opens in 9 days. I still am not quite sure where summer went. Heck, I am not sure where fall went even. What a blur. Saturday morning I went to our local ski swap more to chat with friends than to actually shop. It was fun.

This was a low point of the weekend. MCB dropped his phone on the kitchen floor. He has insurance, he ordered a new one. But even replacement phones are expensive. He was upset - rightly so. Sad.

My new favorite dinner. MCB is really stepping up his game. Elk bolognese with mascarpone cheese. nomZ as we say around here. Delish.

And this was Sunday night. A friend brought over a Grolla. Never heard of it? Me neither. Apparently this is a popular thing when you are on a hut trip in Italy. I know, so random. Mike (the friend) is a guide. He picked one of these grolla things up on a recent trek. It is made of wood. You fill it with grappa and coffee, you light it on fire, it has four spouts. You cover the spouts and drink. It was weird. And certainly not something I expected to do while watching football. I liked it though. You learn something new everyday. I will hopefully be sharing the grolla again soon.

How was your weekend?

A peek in to my week

Crafting for Bree's wedding is in full swing at my house.  

Full reports and photos on the other side.  

 I spend all my time here. 

 I will be happy when I do not have to see this fabric again.

 Shoe clips for the bridesmaids.  

Beer coozies.  Mmmmm

I...I...Ikea...

This evening MCB and I are off to IKEA. It will be a whirlwind shopping trip. A seven hour drive up to Denver tonight after work, shopping tomorrow morning, and then a seven hour drive back to Telluride tomorrow evening. I am exhausted already. It needs to get done though - as the big purchase will be flooring which needs to get installed Sunday.

So, I wanted to give a little sneak peak of a couple of items that will be purchased tomorrow. This is only a small sampling of what MCB is buying. Space saving items are a must as the shed is a mere 491 sq. ft.

We have been up late night every night after work painting away. The disgusting red walls are [finally] gone and it is slowly starting to come together. I promise some before and after photos once things are in a little better shape at the shed. It is going to be amazing though - can't wait to share.

In the meantime - here are some items that will be coming back with us from IKEA tomorrow.

This little locker will make a great TV stand.

I love this lamp. Hotness.

The bedroom is the tiniest bedroom I think I have ever seen in my life. It will hold a bed. Period. So, this little headboard number will at least give MCB some "nightstand-like" shelves. I can't wait to see it installed.

I saw this bed in a NYT article and thought it was genius. MCB's new bedroom is too small to pull drawers or anything like that from the sides. So, this is the best way to store stuff. I cannot wait to see this thing in action. Such a smart idea IKEA.


And this. This will go up in the kitchen. Mostly it will be down I suspect. But, the great part is that when it is down, it creates a little shelf. I think this is where keys and such will tossed.

Hmm - interesting that everything I am posting is white. Weird. I swear there will be color.
You will just have to wait and see.

Friday Faves

Hi all. Another week has wizzed past. Where is summer going? I feel as though I have barely had time to enjoy any of it. Hope everyone is having a lovely summer and have some fun this weekend!

I remain infatuated by table skirts.

So pretty in pink.

These geode earrings rock.

Seriously. Check out this kitchen. Perfection.

A bike seat on a wall? Love.

Yep. I dig it.

Thinking someone around here might deserve this. Possible weekend project for me - yay.

Flower Power

I have said it before and I will say it again - nature is amazing. I mean, just look at this color palate. Seriously. While on a hike this weekend MCB & I ran into this wonderful plant/flower. I have no idea what it is, but it is like 2 feet tall with all of these amazing flowers all up and down. I had to stop, despite a pending downpour, to marvel at the colors - blues, creams, greens. This image cannot possibly do it justice.
Anyway, I know, random thought for the day but mother nature has one heck of an eye for colors.

It's Friday, Friday...

So, I know I said I haven't been inspired by much out in blogland lately. Well, maybe that was a bit harsh. Cause obviously, I have found some things here that I am digging. So get ready for some fun, fun, fun (I know, lame Rebecca Black reference) for your eyes.

Happy Friday!

Loving this antique brass roundup. Warm. Inviting. Classic.


I could eat here.


Everything about this kitchen is dreamy. Love Love Love.


Maps + Flowers? Sold.


This wants to be in my belly.


I know. Weird. I like it.


The pink walls might be a bit much for me, but everything else - awesome.


And quite possibly my most favorite thing as seen on the interwebs this week.
LOVE.

Right now...

I wish I could be here.

Happy Friday.

[MCB photo credit. Image from a camping trip we took to Moab, UT in April 2011]

I hope so...

I do. I hope it is ok - ok that I haven't been posting a lot lately. It is not that I don't think about posting, it is just that I have been feeling under the weather and overwhelmed [with work]. So, hopefully this weekend will be full of lots of relaxation and regrouping. I won't be gone long, promise, just for maybe another day or so. Sorry for the lack of posts and hope it is ok that I have been gone.

[from: Secret Holiday]

I've Decided...

I should make one of these. Rope, a small piece of wood and a drill for the holes? Something I might be able to manage? Home Depot here I come (only because our local hardware store doesn't carry these items). I will let you know how it goes and/or if it looks ridiculous. I only need one shelf though - for holding spices, oils, and such. Fingers crossed it will be easy and super cool looking.

[via: Seesaw Designs]

This weekend....

...is going to be a busy and hot one (95 degrees!!).  First up - Chess Fest at Hotel Congress.  Some Crafternoon folks will be helping at the kids craft table.  

Check out the beautiful poster by Dennis. 

Love the Through the Looking Glass theme  

(ps. Cathy do you see the Lion & Unicorn?)

 Next up - a wedding of friends on Saturday at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa. 

It will be a lovely celebration of a couple that has been together for ~20 years!  Wow.

I embroidered this as part of their wedding gift.   

Finally, on Sunday I am super excited that we will be having Crafternoon at the C.O. Brown House which has been the home for Crafted for the past few months in Tucson.  We will be crafting at their lovely courtyard - and best part- we can BYOB.  Cooler is ready to go. 

 

 Happy April Friends!

This weekend....

...I have a goal to actually try and use all the crazy kitchen tools. 

This weekend - I WILL...

make bread  (a yummy sugar free bread with banana and whole wheat)

make juice (carrot ginger!  grapefruit!) 

 make pasta (maybe even ravioli...)

Currently Loving...

Are you ready? It is almost the weekend! TGIF. In celebration of a week well done, a few of my favorites from the blogs this week. Have the bestest weekend everyone.


And it goes on and on. Open Shelving. I just can't get enough.
[via: It's Mary Ruffle]


My motto for 2011.
[via: Abbey Goes Design Scouting]


Loving this so very much. An Awesome Book of Thanks


Ready for spring already. I want to look this fabulous...minus the socks.
[from: J.Crew]


Future crafting project.
[via: Simple Lovely]


Loving a spotted sofa.
[via: I Suwannee]


I should probably own this. High fives people.
[from: EmersonMade]


This bathroom is boomsticks.
[from: Lonny Magazine]


This speaks to me. It just does.
[via: It's Mary Ruffle]