Liquid Paper

tricky treat

Scorpion suckers from the airport gift shop for my nephews. What more could two little boys ask for?

crowding house

I went to the thrift store yesterday and found five great 100% cotton plaid tops for a couple bucks a pop (pics later maybe). Why so many? I did this so that I wouldn't spend the cash it would take to get this shirt -- which I love but just can't justify right now. Plus, if I'd gotten that shirt, I wouldn't have splurged and gotten this amazingly soft scarf from ellybeth's shop green olives design. And oh, did you notice the pine cone? You may recognize it because it's from Stephanie's Holiday Collection 2009. Of all that she's done, this collection with it's silks and plaids is probably my all-time favorite. And that's saying something. 

i physically cannot ...

... take a photo of the top of my own head. It took me at least a hundred tries to get these shots. This is why no matter how much I'd like to I can't participate in this. I'd also like to give this a go but again physically impossible. Well, okay it isn't necessarily impossible but I'm not good at keeping up with things that require me to remember to do something every week on the same day. I can barely remember to get up in the morning. Don't believe me? Try calling before ten (nine if I'm lucky, eight if it's a leap year) and then you'll see!

 

that girl used to be so creative

What happened to all of my creativity you wonder? Sigh. I am still a creative girl. It's just that for the past six months or so I've been using it in another area. You see, one day last Spring I started doing a little free lance graphic design work that turned into a lot of work and it all somehow turned into a small business. Yikes! During that time I also I built myself a website (laurie-bertrand.com). Please do come say "hi!" 

What next? Well, what I'm hoping for now is another reversal of sorts -- that more creativity in my work will become more in my life again. Who knows? I have been feeling the itch to sew lately. Clothes, I really want to make some clothes. And Christmas gifts too. Now... where did I put that sewing machine?

1960 Raleigh Robin Hood 3-Speed Bicycle

Meet my new bike...

(*Photo by Mark. See his whole flickr set here.)

i was not scared a bit

I found a mouse in our house last night. Specifically, in the big laundry sink in our basement. I have no idea how he got in there but he sure couldn't get out. Mark would want me to tell you that I might have freaked a little at first. Here's what happened: I was loading clothes into the washer and out of the corner of my eye I noticed a small something running around in a circle in the sink. Gulp. I froze --  staring at the sink. You know, I think that the whole fear of mice thing for me is more of a "Why is something moving when I am in a room filled with inanimate objects?" type of thing. I mean seriously people. Nothing should be moving! I ran upstairs and hollered for Mark. After we spent a minute looking for the proper receptacle (turns out a watering pitcher was perfect), he scooped him right up. It also turns out that the proper thing to do once you've caught your first house mouse is to have an impromptu photo shoot starring said mouse. He was so teeny. The photos make him look gray, his fur was almost black on top. And although he was tiny and cute, I really hope he doesn't come back. 

The End

birthday party fashion show

Mark's Birthday Cake

Recip via Smitten Kitchen.

The best part of this cake is that chocolate buttercream. It is worth the time it takes to make the entire cake just to get to the frosting. You can trust me on this because I'm usually someone who scrapes off the icing to get to the cake. Mmm...

Variations on a Theme

 

 

At The Lake