apparently, i've had quite a lot to say.

exactly five years ago today, i embarked on this whole blogging journey with an incredibly awkward post that included a photo that jared took of me next the world's largest twine ball near his hometown. i say this every year when i mark this occasion, but when i hit publish that very first time, sitting on the couch in our old apartment, i had no idea where this whole blogging journey would lead. the people i would meet, the friends i would make, the things i would learn, and all the inspiration i would find. i can honestly say that in some small way (or maybe even a big way) starting this blog has truly changed the direction of my life. it has given me new opportunities and ideas and shown me what is possible.

in past years, i've offered a giveaway to celebrate this little anniversary, but seeing as i'm still working on my package to last year's winner (sorry shari!) i think this year will just be marked with a very, very sincere thank you. thank you, truly, for reading and sticking with me. for all your comments of encouragement. you have no idea what it means to me.

xoxo

happy birthday to the ol' blog

last week marked the fourth birthday of this little blog! i know, it's just crazy talk.  i'm pretty sure i write this every year (and i'm actually pretty sure that i write that every year), but i can still remember sitting on the couch in our old apartment starting up this blog thing and having absolutely no idea of the journey it would lead me on.  most importantly, having absolutely no idea of all of the lovely people it would lead me to.  {that would be all of you}.  

it has changed my life, literally

and to thank you, well one of you, for being such an amazing piece of this journey, i'm doing my annual blog birthday giveaway!  i don't yet know what i'll be giving away, but it will be good.  (and i promise to try to mail it sooner than i did last year, sorry claire!).

as you may have noticed, things have been a bit quiet here lately.  largely because life, work mostly, has been so draining lately, but also because i'm in a period of just not knowing exactly what to share here.  so, if you would, leave a comment before next monday (3/7) telling me what you like best about this blog and what you'd like to see more of in the future.  this is not just me fishing for compliments, i really want to hear what you like reading/seeing here.  is it the recipes, the craftyness, the photos, the ramblings?  why do you take a few precious moments from your day to come here and look around? i'd like to know.  i'll pick a random winner on monday.

thank you for being here. again. 

notes for friday

Hey everyone!
Just a couple of notes for this fine Friday...


::You might have noticed a few small changes around here.  I've been tweaking the layout a little bit here and there, just time for a change, you know?  The biggest addition is a few extra pages!  I've added a recipe index where you can find all the recipes I've ever posted on this blog!  This is something I've wanted to do for a long time and am really psyched about it!  It also made me realize how super duper heavy on the desserts and baked goods I am here, oops!  

I also added an about page.  I wasn't really sure what to write about myself there and thought of doing some FAQs, because I've clearly gotten a bunch of questions over the past four years, but honestly I can't remember them.  So if there's anything you ever wanted to ask me, go right ahead now and maybe I'll add to that page!

Oh yeah, and check out the new set of currently inspiring links (under "right here: right now" over there on the right).  I've finally updated it!

::Jared and I (and Freddie!) are getting ready to leave for a big road trip in a little over a week.  We'll be driving to upstate New York for a friend's wedding, via Canada!  And we'll be camping along the way. I'm so excited, we haven't taken a road trip since we moved here from California (you can read about that trip in my guest post on Abby's blog).  We started making a list of things to bring and that got me to thinking...any suggestions on good road food?  We'll have our usual trail mix, sesame sticks, rice cakes topped with PB, chocolate chips, and raisins, but I figured you all would have some suggestions too!  (Note: they need to be vegan of course).  

I'm also on the lookout for good books on tape for the road- suggestions are welcome.


Thanks friends!

For a New Little One (and the giveaway winner!)

Wow! How did it get to be March already?  And how has it been an entire week since I last posted?  Who knows, but I feel like time is seriously flying by these days.  Although I'm excited for Spring to come, I'm actually feeling like I'm not ready to let go of Winter.  I want more snow! More cold!  I know, I must be crazy.  But really, I'm feeling a little sad about the passing of Winter this year.  Though, of course, who am I kidding?  We could still have another snowstorm in April, this is Minnesota afterall.

Maybe one of the reasons I've been enjoying Winter so much this year is that I've been really getting my craft on, especially handwork as I mentioned a few weeks ago.  This project was one that I knit up in just under a month as a welcoming present for Jared's newest nephew, Elijah.  Back in the late summer when his brother and sister-in-law first told us they were expecting, I knew I wanted to make a blanket for this newest little one in their family.  And then, of course, I promptly forgot about that project for, oh about five months.  By the time I remembered this, I realized that I needed something pretty straightforward, but also not boring.  

I chose the Baby Blocks pattern, which was just a simple basketweave pattern, with a really nice mini-basketweave border.  That border might be my favorite part!  There was something so satisfying about getting this done so quickly, and now I'm itching to knit another blanket.  Maybe a throw for the living room?  I know that will take a little longer than a baby blanket, but it seems like a good project to have waiting in the wings...  

Pattern: Baby Blocks Blanket by Debbie Macomber
Yarn: Berroco Vintage in Wasabi
Needles: Size 7
Modifications: I made it an exact square, instead of crib size.

{on Ravelry here} 

================================================
And don't think I forgot about my little giveaway!  First of all, thank you all SO MUCH for leaving such sweet comments last week.  I know I say it all the time, but it is really really true- you ladies all mean so much to me.  It was great to get messages from so many old friends, and a few new folks too!  Keep commenting, I love knowing you're reading!

So, without further ado, the winner is....Claire!  I'd say email me your address, but you know I've got it already.  Claire and I stumbled upon each other a couple of years ago, and have enjoyed sending each other little gifts ever since, so it'll be no problem coming up with a special giveaway something for you! 

Thanks again to all of you for all your support. xoxo

three!

  

Today, this here blog is three years old.  I seriously can't believe that I've been in this space for so long.  I think I write this every year, but really, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started this thing.  I barely knew what a blog was.  I had no idea that there was such a strong crafty-blog community. I certainly had no idea what amazing friends I would make because of this space.  Or that my interest in photography would be sparked and take me in a whole new direction.  


I know it might sound silly, but I really think that my life is better because of this space and what it's brought me (um, that would be you all!).  I remember three years ago, sitting on our old dingy couch in the living room in our old apartment.  I was trying to promote my etsy shop (shop...what shop? oh right) and I sort of spontaneously decided I should have a blog.  I really didn't even know what that entailed and I did absolutely no research before just signing up.  Later, I was talking to my mom and I said, "so, yeah, I started a blog?".  I said this last year too, but I really love the fact that I began writing here so soon after moving to Minneapolis because it really gives me such a wonderful way to look back on my time here so far.  Like a scrapbook, but better.

So, in honor of this little anniversary, I'm going to do a little giveaway.  I haven't done one in a while, and frankly, I have no idea what I'll be giving away, so you'll just have to trust me that it's going to be good.  Leave a comment here the end of the weekend, and tell something little (or big!) that's making you happy these days.  And if you want to tell me your favorite thing about this blog, you can feel free to do that too.  I know why I hang on to this space, but it's always nice to hear why you all do too.  I'll pick a lucky winner on Monday!


But seriously, thank you all for being here, for reading my words and supporting my projects and commenting.  If it weren't for you, well, who knows where I'd be.
xo
J

two years, and a pile of fabric for you!

Hello friends! Yesterday was this here blog's second birthday! I just mentioned this to Jared as we were making dinner and he said "really? it's been that long?" I feel the same way. There are so many reasons why I'm thankful for this blog, most of which I've stated before...the opportunity to write, share my crafts (and random thoughts!), how it's reignited my love for photography, everything that I've learned, all the friends I've made, and the constant support and encouragement I get from all of you. I so appreciate that you all take some time out of your own lives to come visit me here.

So, in celebration of this little milestone, I'm offering a little giveaway! I've gone through my fabric stash and culled out five awesome collections of fabric. Each pile is a mixture of vintage/thrifted fabrics and new fabrics. There are small scraps and multiple yard pieces alike. I'm going to give one of them away here, and list the other four for sale over at the shop. Amazingly, even pulling out this much fabric hasn't seemed to make a dent in my stash!

Just leave a comment here by Friday at 5:00pm (Central Time) and I'll announce the winner then. In your comment, let me know which pile you'd like and something that keeps you coming back to this blog. I'm always curious as to what people like about this space (is it the photos? the crafts? the recipes? the ramblings?), that I'd love to hear that from you all.

xo

uno

I've been thinking about this post ever since I realized that my one year blog birthday was coming up today. There's so many things I feel like I could say about blogging and this whole blogging/flickring community. I could talk about how lovely it's been to have a space to write more and take better photos. (I actually cringe a little when I look back at those first few posts, it definitely took me a little while to find my "voice"). Or I could talk about what a wonderful feeling it is to put my creative side out there into this wide wide world and get back the most lovely comments and feedback from "strangers" (even though I don't really consider you guys strangers at all). Or even how, when I first started this whole thing one year ago, I barely knew what a blog was, had no idea that this huge (and I mean huge) crafty blogging community even existed, and it was honestly an attempt to market my little "business" and try to promote myself more. But how, over the course of these past twelve months, this space has come to mean so so much more than that-to the point, actually, where I feel like I hardly ever talk about selling crafts here. I have come to love checking in on all of my favorite blogs (a list that keeps on growing), have "met" some incredible people that I've connected with through this community, and how each time I get that little email telling me that someone has left me a comment, a smile creeps across my face.

I'm doing my best to not get too sappy here. But truly, you all make my day everytime. And I've been thinking about what the best way would be to thank all of you for coming to visit me here and supporting me in all my endeavors. In the kitchen, with my sewing machine, in the garden, or just my random thoughts and ramblings. If I could, honestly, I would send each and every one of you a care package. I'd send you something sewn especially for you, some baked goods, a nice letter, and some other fun and crafty goodies.

But alas, that is not really possible. So instead, I will just send such a package to three of you (I'm trying to be realistic). Leave me a comment here, anytime between now and next Wednesday, and I'll randomly choose three lucky readers. I can't say exactly what it is you'll be receiving, but I promise it'll be good. A nice smattering of what you normally find here. For now though, one thing I can share with all of you is my tried and true chocolate chip cookie recipe. Even if I can't send you all cookies, at least you can make some yourself (does that sound mean? Really, it's meant to be nice). This recipe is adapted from the recipe on the bag of tollhouse chocolate chips, which my mom always said was the best.

So, have a lovely weekend my friends. The forecast here is for 40 degrees and I'm hoping for a nice long walk, maybe even a bike ride, some sewing, some reading, and oh yeah, a waffle party with some friends tomorrow morning. I'll be back next week with some anti-February funkiness and the final push into March!

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup non dairy margarine
1 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tbl ground flax mixed with 6 tbl water
2.5 cups flour (1/2 white and 1/2 whole wheat)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1-1.5 cups chocolate chips (I use semi-sweet)
.5-1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 375. Cream margarine and sugar in a large bowl. Beat in vanilla and flax/water mixture. Add in flours, baking soda, and cinnamon. Mix well. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (if desired). Bake for 8-10 minutes on a greased/silpat lined baking sheet.

and the winner is...

Yay! Felicia is the creator of some incredible stuffed creatures (be sure to check them out here) and has a wonderful blog that makes me want to give Georgia a second chance after my one miserable night there in an airport motel back in college. She is one of my longest-standing readers, too. Congrats! Thanks to all of you for commenting on my 100th blog post, and such sweet comments, too! It's so great to know that there are such wonderful people out there who care about what I'm writing here. Thank You.

Felicia, please send me your address (I'm sure I have it somewhere...) so I can mail you off one of my zippy pouches. For those of you who were not the winners, if you email me your addresses I will send you a special surprise gift. (email address in the sidebar).

Thanks again to all of you. When I started this blog, it was with the intention to promote my crafts, but it has truly become so much more than that, all because of the awesome people out there who take the time to stop by here. And please continue to leave a comment every once in a while, it's great to hear from you all!

I'll be back tomorrow with some more crafty action. And I'm still working on updating the shop with all my new holiday stuff, so keep checking in over there as well!

100!

So I didn't make it yesterday for "the exciting 100th blog post" but here it is today. I won't get all mushy about this or anything, but (like I've said recently) I had no idea what I was getting myself into back in February when I began this whole blog adventure. I don't think I had ever even read a blog more than a couple times, and I certainly had no clue as to how many amazing crafty (and otherwise) blogs there are out there. I continue to be so so inspired by this everyday. Both by the blogs out there that I read (and I'm still discovering new one every single day) and just by the potential for anyone out in the world who has something to say or show off to create their own space to do just that.

So, in honor of this monumental occasion (well, I think it is anyways), I will be giving away one of these newly completed zippy pouches to one of my lucky readers. I got this statcounter a few months ago that tracks who is visiting the blog (actually, I have to say that it's kind of creepy the level of detailed info they give, but I try to ignore that). I was pretty much just curious to see if anyone aside from my mom and a handful of regular commenters were actually reading this thing. I was shocked to discover the number of lurkers out there! And from all over the world (literally-there's a map). I know that I too lurk on many a blog, but it so nice for me to know that you all are out there, and I decided that I needed to do something to get you out of the shadows. So what else would do the trick but a good giveaway?

Just leave me a comment before Monday and then I'll draw a random winner and announce it on Monday. (I haven't decided which one will be given away yet, so if you want you can feel free to let me know your favorite in case you win).

Thank you all for your presence here, whether I know you're out there or not, you make it all worth it. Really.

New Look

If you're reading this (unless you're on google reader or bloglines)- you've noticed a bit of a new look around here. It's been about six months since I started this little blog, and I decided it was ready for some change.

I finally conquered my fear of photoshop (sort of) and put together this banner (with a photo of- what else? a zucchini!). I will be changing the photo up there seasonally, or just whenever I feel like it, just to keep you on your toes. {Next up- a new banner for the etsy shop} I've also added a couple of additional features on the sidebar here. The first is the "what's on my nightstand" section. Here I will have a list of books that I'm reading (or that are just looking pretty on the nightstand waiting to be read). Unfortunately blogger doesn't have that cool feature that typepad has where I can have a picture of the book's cover- but I do have a link to a lovely independent bookstore where you can check these books out.

I've also added (way at the bottom of the sidebar) a little viewcounter. This is purely for myself, because I sometimes begin to think that it's only my mom out there reading (hi mom!). But alas, you lurkers-you've been discovered! I know you're out there (thanks for reading!).

I'm also working on figuring out if there's a way to add a list of recipes that I've posted, but I'm still not sure how to do this. I've seen a couple of typepad people with this, but never on blogger (hmmm-darn me for not doing my blog research before I jumped into this)- any suggestions from out there??

So there it is, a few little upgrades here and there. And they'll keep on coming. This whole thing is, in itself, a work in progress. So thanks for reading- because without you well, what's the point?

{ps: sorry for the photo-less post. more tomorrow!}