tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4945452643765761412012-02-03T15:09:48.186-05:00“My fault, my failure, is not in the passions I have, but in my lack of control of them.” - Jack KerouacCydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.comBlogger671100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-80067834379599627852011-01-27T10:43:00.004-05:002011-01-27T10:51:10.219-05:00

Not that my one reader doesn't already know what I've been up to, but anyway... ;)Friends and family have, patiently, kept mostly quiet until we were ready to make it 'Facebook Official', as DH's teenage cousin would say. We're having a baby! We should have a new addition by early April.I feel pretty good. I had some weird food aversions early on... I immediately had no interest in coffee or beer

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-8858777423538032662010-11-16T14:17:00.002-05:002010-11-16T14:21:28.701-05:00

Some trees in my neighborhood are really letting loose and, for the past two days, the leaves are falling like giant orange/yellow snowflakes! No photos, sorry, although I did pick up a couple of pretty leaves on my lunch time walk with the bad dogs. I haven't decided what to do with them yet, but I laid them out on the top of the washing machine to keep the dogs from eating them.I also picked up

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-35761610246650765482010-11-10T14:24:00.006-05:002010-11-10T14:30:47.357-05:00

Just a short message before we return you to our regularly scheduled... lack of posting. Ha, like anyone noticed.My brother's good friends have set up a blog where they are selling handmade goodies to help raise the money to pay for their darling pup's knee surgery. I hate to think of animals needing surgeries like this because you know they hurt and can't tell you and don't really understand why

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-78549855903554364712010-07-07T21:28:00.000-04:002010-07-08T08:49:17.061-04:00

While blog browsing, I found something that... well it kinda makes me sad. Strawberry Shortcake has had a makeover for a new generation. It started about a year ago, I must have missed it while I was busy loving the Star Trek reboot.Not only is she now a bright shade of fuchsia, she has long flowing hair and shows off a more trim figure. This new Strawberry is tiny, like some kind of fairy, and

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-82516812423155937802010-07-06T13:18:00.005-04:002010-07-06T13:30:31.448-04:00

It is H.O.T. hot outside!Close to 100 forecast for the next three days. Now that DH started a 60-day contract job (YAY! more on that later) a 20-minute drive from home, I'm back to the old routine of going home to walk the dogs around the 'hood at lunch... no matter what the weather. Because we're tough... which is what I told them when I resolved to walk the third block of the 'loop' of our

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-24578308351158565822010-06-24T08:27:00.000-04:002010-06-24T15:26:29.952-04:00

I have lots to say but little time to share it! I'll think to myself, I really need to put this in blog form and then it doesn't happen. (grins sheepishly) If anyone wants to know how to make sweet tea or jalapeno poppers or how not to trim a tree, I have photos and posts in my head!DH and I have started a website business. The website has been around for a while as a Bulletin Board owned by a

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-80585452618201294242010-04-30T10:49:00.005-04:002010-04-30T11:20:49.327-04:00

I apologize for not providing photos, but gratuitous food pics are rude if you aren't close enough to stop by for a slice.My boss brought in a cheesecake from a deli near his house, run by a Russian fellow who ran a deli in NY for many years.DH took me to Clyde Cooper's Barbecue for lunch. I had the chopped bbq plate with steamed cabbage and potato salad. The potatoes were good, but I was there

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-49862535410006274122010-04-29T09:51:00.001-04:002010-04-29T09:58:57.861-04:00

Today is my birthday. I don't say so to get well wishes, although if you think happy thoughts for me, I appreciate it!I'm not usually reflective and I don't fret over getting older... but the past year has been one of the hardest but also one of the most rewarding. I'm also fighting a cold or something, so have had a killer sinus headache for a couple of days now.I could mention all the exams I

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-84206269683191242632010-04-16T09:13:00.006-04:002010-04-16T13:46:30.411-04:00

Pens & Needles is my etsy shop. It was originally my brother's idea, oh, two years ago. He draws and paints and I knit, crochet, sew and make some jewelry.Just a shout out for Mor Aframian and ReDress Raleigh :) I've donated several Pens & Needles knit and crochet items to the MorLove and Redress Raleigh booth at the Green Bazaar on the Bicentennial Plaza from 11am to 5pm this Saturday, April 17

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-49263598952915795752010-04-14T08:58:00.006-04:002010-04-14T09:23:09.051-04:00

For much of last year I was signed up at the Wardrobe Refashion blog, to "abstain from the purchase of 'new' manufactured items of clothing... to refashion, renovate, recycle pre-loved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium."That part was pretty easy, there hasn't been a lot of money to spend anyway! The second part of the pledge was to share photos and descriptions of

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-83525072510765675612010-03-17T09:25:00.002-04:002010-03-17T09:28:06.586-04:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!To interrupt for just a second, I wanted to share that this Sunday, March 21, my baby brother is participating for a second year in the St. Baldrick's Foundation fundraiser for kids with cancer. From the St. Baldrick's website: Volunteers shave their heads in solidarity with kids fighting cancer and family & friends give generously - worldwide. The St. Baldrick's

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-4464760460019568262010-03-12T12:26:00.001-05:002010-03-12T12:29:26.328-05:00

because I love these rainy spring days that don't really require a jacket or an umbrella... after all, I won't melt.from etsy

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-43154299711441375382010-03-12T10:06:00.002-05:002010-03-12T10:09:57.073-05:00

and I can always use more of those...Have an awesome day and a great weekend!

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-9976936379079586032010-02-17T10:32:00.006-05:002010-02-17T16:08:23.356-05:00

Last Monday, I flew out to southern California where DH (who'd been in Oregon with some friends the previous week) was picking me up for a week in the desert. Our week in Johnson Valley was pretty incredible. The clear desert nights were really beautiful and the ‘camp,’ known as Hammertown, was huge. Basically, a city sprang up from out of nowhere for the week of events!One of our friends (the OR

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-40306833790311427842010-01-29T10:27:00.003-05:002010-01-29T13:21:07.010-05:00

I love making scarves, hats and things to give as gifts, but nothing beats Amigurumi in terms of being SO much fun and super rewarding... they're so darn cute! Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures.*I made a little piggie for our goddaughter, Sammie, for Christmas this year. Last year I made her a little yellow duck, so the

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-27139458109584452502010-01-20T10:22:00.006-05:002010-01-20T12:35:09.031-05:00

Yesterday, I mean. To make up for it, I'll share my favorite comfort food recipe!The recent and extended cold streak we had here in Raleigh was a perfect excuse to make a batch of Potato Soup. More accurately, this is the (in?)famous "Gutter Runner's Potato Soup" of Pirate4x4.com fame. You can google it, if you like. I modify the recipe, although only slightly, because the original calls for

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-34529106673399602282010-01-19T16:02:00.009-05:002010-01-19T16:48:38.463-05:00

A recent post by Dana at Mamalogues has been on my mind... and I'm using her example of the Trebuchet to get something off my chest, so to speak.This week marks one year since DH was laid off and, despite several extensions, the end of his unemployment benefits looms in our minds. As far as we can figure, anyway, we need to make it work strictly on my salary... and for a while.These frustrations

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-82030355427473204042010-01-18T16:45:00.008-05:002010-01-18T16:54:11.349-05:00

My firm participated in the local CANstruction competition this past Saturday. There are only four of us and the rules allow for a team of five, so with some shift help from Allison's hubby, DH (he brought us lunch) and brother K, we spent about eight hours building Wall-E for the "cartoon heroes" theme. The local newspaper, the News & Observer, has a few photos up from the build day, including

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-18212549129284743302010-01-15T10:44:00.011-05:002010-01-15T11:53:11.626-05:00

Inspired by Pinewood Castle's January Daybook post, this is my Friday morning...Outside My Window: The parking lot at work, the guys across the street washing cars. Forecast today is a high of 60!I am hearing: Typing and clicking... and Chatham County Line's "Route 23"I am wearing: Friday uniform - dark jeans, Clarks (similar to these), camisole and long-sleeve t-shirt.I am Thankful For: Being

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-6967866959445601042010-01-03T10:00:00.003-05:002010-01-04T16:50:26.132-05:00

About a year ago I wrote down some goals for the year. Unforeseen events kept me from completing several, at least not 100%, but I learned a most-valuable lesson, there. Planning ahead is good, but rolling with the punches and focusing on TODAY is also good. In keeping with the lesson I learned, not to mention the fact that several of last year's goals are not yet complete, I'm not going to

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-62536991933770400612009-12-23T10:42:00.003-05:002009-12-23T10:58:20.607-05:00

Unless you don't celebrate it... in that case, have a great week and weekend and stay away from the crazy last-minute shoppers! Since I do celebrate it, I say it with the best of intentions to readers, visitors, strangers, family, friends and the nations of the world.DH, the pups and I are heading out, this afternoon, to spend the holiday and weekend with my in-laws. Although I'll have internet

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-71227990619499905642009-12-17T13:12:00.003-05:002009-12-17T13:24:02.209-05:00

The cat is finally out of the bag... my good friend, Allison, has officially* announced her pregnancy. Since we work together and spend almost as much time together as we each do with our husbands, respectively, I figured it out a little early. I kept it a complete secret for her until she told a few key peeps, in person, and now it is common knowledge. We took an exploratory trip to our

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-58333610404122546872009-12-09T09:59:00.007-05:002009-12-14T16:55:47.635-05:00

I saw this holiday survey over on Lullabye Fashion and thought it would be fun to do, myself.Favorite Holiday Cookie: sugar cookies, just a dusting of sugar does it for meFavorite Winter Meal: Potato Soup (I'll share the recipe soon) Favorite Winter Breakfast: a southern classic, biscuits and gravy!Favorite Seasonal Hot Beverage: spicy hot cocoa with marshmallowsFavorite Seasonal Winter Fruit:

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-62687903765234988202009-11-28T18:02:00.006-05:002009-11-30T14:52:51.688-05:00

DH spent the week hunting with his dad and grandpa, but I stayed home and spent Thanksgiving at my parents' with my brothers, grandmother and my cousin (who I'm proud to say is a US Marine and very happy to say just returned from Afghanistan). I'm thankful for them all! The boys didn't get too rowdy, although the mischievous look would indicate otherwise. (Yep, Dad is shortest and baby bro is

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-10284244143236503692009-11-09T11:17:00.001-05:002009-11-09T11:17:00.577-05:00

dazeychic

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-3331397802696403082009-11-04T09:30:00.003-05:002009-11-05T08:57:00.594-05:00

I pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 months. I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle pre-loved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovated, recycled, crafted or created item of

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-44059667009655417352009-11-02T16:14:00.005-05:002009-12-04T10:56:29.700-05:00

We met and became friends in Architecture school at Virginia Tech* in the fall of 1997. I think everyone else in our group of friends figured out, long before either of us, that we felt anything other than friendship for each other. There was a party, the night after Halloween, and one of our friends suggested we get in touch with the other about going... it seemed everyone else had parents in

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-88723638894112416272009-10-14T09:31:00.004-04:002009-10-14T09:52:17.691-04:00

My mom's birthday was this past Sunday, but my brother had promised our dad that he'd make a cake for the tailgate on Saturday for the NCSU v. Duke game. He works in the wild and crazy restaurant business and ended up with an extra shift, so called me after I left work on Friday to see if I could help. I wasn't going to the game, but happily agreed to come up with something. After the success

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-23922353057385614182009-10-05T09:31:00.005-04:002009-10-05T09:50:50.094-04:00

My good friend, Brettany, has inspired me to be more adventurous in baking... so I've been searching and trying more scratch recipes. I don't have anything against mixes, but it is interesting to see how slight variations in ingredients or amounts can really change the final product.A while back I found and tried the Supernatural Brownies recipe and, although I liked them, DH deemed them too

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-28068192743309881632009-09-30T13:40:00.003-04:002009-09-30T13:44:39.940-04:00

Go see for yourself!I wrote a quick post about it for RSF, but I'm so impressed and excited by The Uniform Project that I had to share it here, too.

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-52478221449363971872009-09-19T09:40:00.005-04:002009-09-24T09:28:52.738-04:00

I found out Thursday morning that a good friend, Brettany, and her husband have decided to move back to their hometown, where they'll be closer to family and the cost of living is less. We're sad to see them go, but completely understand that "you gotta do what you gotta do." When our group of friends found out that not only are they moving, but moving next weekend, we threw together an

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-1536859871688484422009-09-15T14:26:00.014-04:002009-09-15T15:36:36.939-04:00

I think it happens a lot and my last couple of weeks have been no different. We get busy, pulled in different directions. We get lost in our own thoughts. I know I sometimes forget to stop and rest. I'm a worrier and although I know things are beyond my control, I need reminding. I forget to acknowledge how fortunate, blessed, we are.A friend linked to a Time magazine article about someone

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-37887205251959165132009-09-09T07:20:00.009-04:002009-09-11T11:17:36.631-04:00

... I ever found in the whole of today!I stopped into my favorite consignment shop, Revolver, the other week without my wallet. This isn't a bad thing, really, because it gives me a chance to spend time considering things and really choose something I will love. I found a very cute pair of Kate Spade espadrille wedge sandals (they ARE orange!) but, alas, I am not a 7 1/2.There were a couple

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-20589315857515829742009-09-04T18:06:00.002-04:002009-09-24T09:29:08.289-04:00

This green shirt has been one of my favorites for a good 8 or 10 years. The color suits me pretty well and I liked the snaps instead of buttons. A critical look at my wardrobe made me realize that, although the weight of the fabric was light and draped okay, it was rather boxy and not so flattering.The first thing I did to update it was to rip out the stitches holding on the collar piece and

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-37707308293590337192009-09-02T14:10:00.005-04:002009-09-24T09:29:20.561-04:00

I have been a huge fan of Wardrobe Refashion ever since I found the site at the beginning of this year. There is so much inspiration for a fledgling sewer such as myself! I love to find ways to recycle much-loved items and make my clothes more expressive of my personal style.I joined for four months at the beginning of May and posted the pledge here, but lost the posting email to the spam

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-59745609867213442452009-08-25T10:55:00.003-04:002009-08-25T11:02:21.857-04:00

A shallow victory, indeed, since I had no competition, but I "won" the giveaway over at Allison's blog.

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-75657892051360717722009-08-25T10:49:00.005-04:002009-10-05T10:00:10.126-04:00

I've started seeing ripening figs on my neighbor's tree and picked some at my friend's house on Sunday. I had a few for breakfast (warm with honey and toast!) yesterday and just finished snacking on a couple more. There is also a persimmon around the corner that just started dropping fruits. I've been on the lookout for those, but my boy dog found the first one this morning on our walk. I try

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-88367113602940305192009-08-19T16:11:00.002-04:002009-08-19T16:14:11.468-04:00

Allison has another great giveaway posted on her blog from the etsy shop. The typewriter resides at one of our favorite vintage furniture/clothing stores, Father & Son on Hargett Street in downtown Raleigh. Go post a comment for a chance to win this lovely art photo print!

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-9138816556964879562009-08-13T15:43:00.003-04:002009-08-13T15:48:05.876-04:00

So I made an entire pot of coffee this morning and then the boss called in sick. He's the only other one who drinks it. I made a whole 12 cups, because it is rainy, and I've inadvertently consumed most of it, by myself...and a Coke...and some chocolate I found in the cabinet.

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-54232959531954392432009-08-11T11:47:00.003-04:002009-08-11T14:48:42.316-04:00

My great aunt Frances passed away on Saturday. She was 95, if my math is correct. My grandmother's oldest sister, she was also a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was a wonderful, sweet, caring, devout woman. Aunt Frances loved everybody. Whether it was cousins telling silly stories or the little ones running around, you could always hear Aunt Frances

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-1409563572181334982009-08-03T09:07:00.002-04:002009-08-03T09:09:55.372-04:00

I feel pretty good about the first month over at Raleigh Street Fashion. Some people on the street, some on the move, and some related local events... I like the direction and I've gotten some great feedback already! We started August with the first local designer profile, for Koa Designs, so please go check it out!.

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-78794431927489989442009-07-23T09:33:00.005-04:002009-08-03T09:10:14.759-04:00

Please check out Craft Hope, founded by a mother of two in Austin, Texas. The goal of the projects is to share handmade crafts with those less fortunate. The completion date for Project 3 is fast approaching (July 25), but take a look at the stories for Projects 1 and 2.I feel refreshed, in some small way, for remembering there are always ways to make a difference. This is not a new idea, of

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-24123168562363442522009-07-18T14:09:00.007-04:002009-08-11T14:48:55.042-04:00

DH, Brother K, Little Cheese (DH's kid bro), the doggies and I all went down to the Cape Lookout National Seashore for a couple of days of relative peace and quiet.For anyone unfamiliar, the Outer Banks of North Carolina consists of a string of (mostly) uninhabited barrier islands which separate the Sounds (brackish water) from the Atlantic Ocean. There's a rich history of America's first

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-90884647764359982412009-07-17T00:09:00.003-04:002009-08-19T16:10:55.537-04:00

My good friend has posted a give-away on her blog for one of her lovely rings for sale in our etsy shop. Stop by and post a comment for a chance to choose your favorite!

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-14976152626400116902009-07-08T14:12:00.003-04:002009-07-11T08:16:27.782-04:00

This cute little demitasse cup I found at Goodwill. Proving that bigger isn't always better (and it coordinates with my fave mug!)...

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-51123382909357869242009-07-06T13:27:00.003-04:002009-07-11T08:28:29.752-04:00

So it needs some work and will take some time to populate it with photos of cool personal fashion & style in Raleigh, but I'm pretty excited about the possibilities!

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-632456335920814142009-06-29T10:45:00.014-04:002009-09-24T09:29:51.956-04:00

I'm. still. studying.I motivate myself to get through this exam, and make the most of it, by browsing Etsy for ideas such as this and this.Please do not think that I ever mean to (ever!) say I can make these types of things better. I just have a lot more time than cash. I also see the making of a thing as almost a hunter-gatherer endeavor... finding great fabric in a bargain bin or bringing a

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-11383781524489521172009-06-23T13:38:00.003-04:002009-06-23T13:40:52.467-04:00

Site Planning exam was this morning at 8 am. Next week (on June 30, the last possible day) is Building Technology at 9 am. That one is at least 5 hours long and the test site is an hour and a half away! I'm making progress and getting closer to reaching so many goals... so can't complain about the crazy schedule. I feel good about this morning, so hopefully my grade/score will reflect that!

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-35307556262305944102009-06-19T14:00:00.005-04:002009-06-22T13:13:07.084-04:00

I happened by a crafty blog that I like and found this most-inspiring photo. Her little craft room is way neater than my space... and even though some of my mess can't be helped (tiny house!), I really love the tea cup pin 'cushion' and the juxtaposition of the white china with the earthenware. Maybe someday I'll have brightly colored spools of thread to keep in a jar, too!

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-2435831881762473712009-06-13T11:47:00.005-04:002009-09-24T09:30:27.941-04:00

I promise to add photos of my projects later tonight, but in the meantime...My secondary goal for taking the Wardrobe Refashion Pledge was really to not spend any money on clothes or fabric for the term of the Pledge. I have a bunch of stuff waiting in the stash, and if I can get it to a more manageable size, that'll be the pay-off... not to mention the 'new' clothes! I spent maybe $15 in May,

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-28726905073282430422009-06-05T10:45:00.002-04:002009-06-05T10:47:48.335-04:00

My cousin and 'best girl' Jen took me out for a girl's night to see The Decemberists at Memorial Auditorium. The show was awesome and the adventure had just begun... we left the building to find a downpour and then to find the entrance to the parking deck LOCKED! We found the other entrance, but not after tramping through the rain for a few blocks. Good times!

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-28052345288569239992009-06-02T11:28:00.001-04:002009-10-05T10:00:47.323-04:00

My baby brother is always inspiring me with his delicious cooking knowledge! He recently graduated from culinary school and works at an awesome restaurant. He's no food snob and enjoys to sit back and let me (or our dad) do the cooking whenever he gets the chance.So, the gnocchi story... so baby bro stopped by a while back and made us all dinner... pan-seared flounder with roasted potatoes and

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-76794197168924807142009-05-27T10:43:00.005-04:002009-06-05T10:50:24.203-04:00

We've been planning, for quite some time, to enclose the laundry room, which means relocating the back door and the machines. We're still working on some details, but we're excited to contain the mess and noise and add some much-needed storage to our tiny home! That's the 'before' on the bottom.

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-91925706318773999582009-05-27T10:38:00.002-04:002009-05-27T10:43:14.638-04:00

I passed the LEED AP exam last Thursday... I'd been completely bogged down with studying the intricacies of the credits, synergies between credits and the process for weeks. The scoring is weighted somehow, with 80 multiple-choice questions and a maximum of 200 possible points. A score of 170 is needed to pass and I got a 181. DH took it a couple of days before and scored a 194, the jerk. So

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-55792292220215160452009-05-13T09:26:00.003-04:002009-05-13T09:29:08.704-04:00

The letter came in the mail Monday. What a relief! Even though I finished the exam with an hour to spare, I was still sweating it a little. Studying for LEED is going well, although I (obviously) didn't take it the original date of May 11. Two weeks, especially with two nights out of town for work, is just not enough to learn all the details. I rescheduled for May 21, but DH couldn't get that

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-33754029091880507432009-05-04T09:36:00.004-04:002009-05-13T09:31:04.378-04:00

So after a fun-filled weekend of birthday celebration and LEED studying, I realized that I have a lot of frustration about my body. Part of it is recovering from some allergy/cold thing that causes sinus headaches and part of it is being tired of sitting and studying. I've just been in a funk about myself. I do what a lot of people do, I resort to eating junk because I'm bored... fat because I

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-4614349564209890612009-05-02T18:23:00.001-04:002009-09-02T20:54:26.228-04:00

My first 'major' refashion was a fun project, but not exactly a success. I had collected a small pile of things from my closet that weren't quite what I wanted them to be. A quick trip to Good Will during a lunchtime walk yielded a couple of interesting ties and, once I took a good look at everything together, a lavender v-neck top and a purple & green tie were surely meant for each other. I

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-89241391856177376132009-05-01T08:49:00.005-04:002009-05-13T09:30:33.680-04:00

May 1 is a big day for me... I'm taking the Wardrobe Refashion pledge for four months starting today! I explained the whole thing to DH last night, during our break from studying for LEED. He thinks it is pretty cool. My first round of refashions will be from completely my own stuff... clothing that doesn't quite work and some sheets and other scraps as well. I also have a couple of refashion

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-13536620970910217002009-04-30T13:31:00.003-04:002009-04-30T13:46:47.001-04:00

The Pledge I, Cydney, pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 4 months. I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate & recycle pre-loved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned,

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-76757286138532859372009-04-28T15:58:00.003-04:002009-05-13T09:30:16.898-04:00

The letter came in the mail Saturday afternoon. It was not exactly good for my study habits, with the next exam on Monday at 3, but it was a relief. I finished the Pre-Design exam with an hour to spare. Now I'm on to studying for LEED, although my birthday is tomorrow and the week will be full of interruptions and other (more interesting) pursuits.

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-36499045335456385312009-04-25T07:16:00.003-04:002009-04-25T07:23:15.393-04:00

We have a forecast of 90+ for the next couple of days, yesterday was at least 86. The dogs had me up before the alarm this morning and I'm using it to my advantage to get the rest of the veggie seedlings (I picked up last weekend at the Farmer's Market) planted. This photo is from a few weeks ago, so will act as a fairly recent 'before.' The sod is also fairly new and the patio is like our

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-52096826484126444852009-04-23T16:38:00.007-04:002009-04-23T23:36:49.381-04:00

My last item on the 2009 list was to "Make or at least modify my own clothing using my new sewing machine and some creative flair."I've been acquiring 'handy' skills since graduating from architecture school, mostly to fill the time. I'm not sure anyone who didn't go to design school would understand the sudden vacuum that is actual free time. Since graduating and buying our house a year later,

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-21774541213498223512009-04-15T23:05:00.006-04:002009-10-06T14:14:47.986-04:00

Last summer Brother K suggested we start an etsy shop, offering some things from our different creative outlets. We set it up and it... sat... for a while. We finally got a much-needed nudge to list some items when my friend and coworker expressed interest in selling some of her jewelry creations there. I invited her to join us and now we have a lot of interesting stuff for sale.Check it out!

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-19755000982993320502009-04-13T08:57:00.001-04:002009-05-13T09:29:39.117-04:00

Last I posted it was the end of the year, almost Christmas, and I had lots of fun ideas for the new year. I had a big work deadline mid-January and, after that, my plan was to live it up and get stuff done. We are definitely working on some of those items, but I guess you could say we had a monkey wrench thrown into the general works...The day after my work deadline, my darling husband was laid

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-56439290945549474772008-12-10T12:29:00.000-05:002009-01-09T15:55:41.633-05:00

2008 has been pretty good to us... I took a new job that not only treats me better but has allowed us to save and be more 'grown-up' about our finances. We feel *slightly* more secure about the current economic situation, despite the daily uncertainties of the architectural profession and a lot of the work that is tied to the market. We're not truly worried but we're not out of the woods yet,

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-38838740189144503062008-12-08T14:16:00.001-05:002009-04-24T08:27:47.595-04:00

For a minute, or five anyway... Boy Dog was loose. DH and I take turns walking them at lunch and today was my usual day. The leash slipped off my wrist as I was trying to untangle Girl Dog. He realized, or was clued in by my frantic screaming of his name, and took off with the wind in his ears. Not going anywhere... just running for the pure joy of it. I took off running, too, knowing I'd

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-494545264376576141.post-82662541257227460832008-12-04T10:28:00.000-05:002008-12-04T11:43:39.228-05:00

Even before I was born, my dad picked my name. He liked the mystery (androgyny?) of it and then decided to make me unique by spelling it with a 'C' instead of 'Syd' like the city or 'Sid' like the man's name. I still got free copies of Boys' Life as a kid and even had an Italian woman ask me, "Why do Americans give their girl children men's names?"Anyway, a subsequent problem was people seeing

Cydneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09120749044636787633noreply@blogger.com0