Kitty Genius

Peeking In

Today our internet is being turned off. Really, that will just mean more of an excuse to take breaks to go to the coffee shop and use theirs.

I just crossed a bunch of things off the do to list:

• finish setting up new bank accounts
• have Isadora's microchip updated
• call the electric company
• have our cable box picked up
• go to the doctor
• swing by the dentist
• lots of laundry
• research Portland stuff
• go out with a family friend
• write a few vendors with our new address.
• TONS of excitement.

But last week I found a bike!! I'm waiting for it to come in at the bike shop up the street, otherwise I'll just buy it in Portland.

YAY for a bike I like!!

Some Stuff

Clearing out old sketchbooks and found this. It seemed apropos.

Aaaahh… I apologize for the lack of exciting posts. No surprise here that we've been packing, working, and spending time with friends and family for the last time (well, not the last time ever, but you know).

A sort of tragic/hilarious thing is that I've called around for quotes to paint our new apartment WHITE. I've always wanted a nice, bright white space. Long story short, I thought our new apartment was purple (purple like a grape) but it turns out it is purple in addition to brown, aqua, and taupe. And it's all glossy. Sigh. I knew we were moving in with the colors from the last tenant but I didn't know if I would be up for sanding, priming, and painting an apartment immediately after a cross-country move. So, I called for quotes which were a great deal higher than what I can afford right now and the very nice painter who went to look at it basically refused the job but offered me emotional support for when I undertake it. Oh… this is going to be interesting.

With all that said, if anyone knows a cheap painter…

Back to packing and staying caffeinated. I hope everyone has a great weekend!!!

Packing the Valuables

Last night into the wee hours of the morning I went bubble wrap crazy. Was I packing my crystal vase? No, I don't have a crystal vase. I do have my collectibles, though. I have gotten rid of so many that I want to make sure the ones I do take make the journey. I'm talking to you, funny thrift store trees and eBay vintage pink plastic gazelle.

Also, after purging tons of furniture I was went thrifting with my sister this past weekend. The intention was just to peruse and hang out, but this table was there constructed so nicely, and yet lightweight and with interesting details to boot. You know how this story ends.

I like the current color but am thinking of painting it a chartreuse or something similar to that IKEA piece I love. It has good storage so I feel a little more justified. I don't think Drew is buying it, though. :)

Am I excited for IKEA and all the other cool stores? YES. But St. Louis thrift stores… how I will miss thee.

The Winners!!!

Thank you so much for the overwhelming response!! Some of you later commenters may have noticed I bumped up the giveaway from three prints to five. I love all the IKEA advice and opinions and am tickled that so many of you wanted a print! Now down to business…

The winners (your e-mails have already been sent) are: Meg, Jenni, Lexi, MJ, and Steph!!

How did I randomly select the winners? By using Random.org. Who knew?

Now I have to share with you this adorableness:

Eli James

One of my best friends, Jenny, and her husband James welcomed little Eli on April 7. Congratulations, guys!!

Colorful IKEA Dreams and Print Giveaway

I totally want this.

So, now that we're moving to a city with an IKEA I feel as though I can actually browse the web site! Although I have to say it still totally overwhelms me (as does the store). We have a few IKEA pieces, including our coffee table and the wonderful Ribba frames, that have been great. But I know other pieces don't handle wear and tear so well.

I know the much-beloved Expedit, but if anyone has any workspace, storage, living — anything really — suggestions from IKEA that have held up well or are pretty I am wide open to them. :)

I also love this (I wanted to buy it last time we were in Chicago) and this!

**PRINT GIVEAWAY**

Because you guys are so fantastic and I seem to need your advice a lot, I wanted to offer something to you as well. I will be giving away THREE FIVE prints! Simply leave a comment (it certainly doesn't have to be about IKEA).

The cutoff to leave a comment will be 11:59 pm CST on Saturday, April 12.

Then I will draw numbers and contact the five commenters and ask them what print they would like from my shop! The only restriction is that the print cannot be a limited edition, or above $20.

You guys are the best!!

Unembellishment

I love when I see all the crafty folks out there beautifying their clothes, home accessories, and lives with that extra little something. I certainly do it too. But at the opposite end of the spectrum is what I find myself doing more frequently: Unembellishing.

My oh-so-comfortable shoes BEFORE:

My oh-so-comfortable shoes AFTER:

I just wasn't feeling the metallic strip and gold label on the toe.

My handy little friend, the seam ripper, has gotten me through many projects. I also strongly recommend butter knives for rhinestones on butt pockets or other places. I've said this one a million times but: use Dylon dye, and of course good old scissors.

I frequently find myself saying at stores, "I would want this except for this ugly [fill in the blank]," and you know, if the price or fit is right, I'm coming home and unembellishing.

Happy Tuesday!!

P.S. Thanks for the bedroom set love! If it ends up for any reason coming to Portland I know who to call. :)

I Don't Have a Monkey on My Back but...

What's that Isadora's perched on? Oh, you know, just me trying to get some work done. I thought it was funny and cute when she started this, but now I think I have helped create a shoulder monster.

In other news, the move is getting real. Like really really real. We've starting selling and giving away furniture, books, clothes, STUFF. And thank you so much for all the support and encouragement! It seems like most everyone loves living in or visiting Portland. It's giving me the extra confidence boost I need to take the plunge : )

Now I need to play a little work catch-up (I'm like a broken record). But I have found myself stopping in the middle of a sentence or thought to say or think, "Oh, SHIT!" as I realize something that needed getting done has not gotten so. My brain just feels a bit melty right now : ) And I am not a fan of that feeling.

UPDATE: Local folks (in the St. Louis area) this is for you! If you are interested in our furniture shoot me an email. Please title the subject "furniture". We are looking to get rid of it quickly to those who can pick it up. Here is a sample of what we have for sale.

My well loved and favorite blue couch $40.00

Bedroom set (so lovely, sigh) $295.00

We also have tables, shelves, a bedside table and my favorite cabinet.

We're Moving and HELLO April

"The Couple" can be found in the shop!

This month's charity is Alley Cat Allies.

In more personal news, there is a whirlwind of change going on here. We're moving to Portland, OR!!!

It is 99.9999999% official. I'm not saying 100% until I am physically there. But we have an apartment, a Penske truck, and the desire. What more do you need?

It all happened a lot quicker than we planned or thought but I am thrilled (and having anxiety dreams about tornados and social studies tests). So it must be real!

For those of you familiar with Portland, we will be close in the SE on Belmont.

I know another lady seeking Portland advice and I am more than welcoming it too!

We should be there by May first!! Eeeppp!!!

Let the chaos commence.