Giddy-up

*Image via Suzee Que

Jeans were on the top of my list for my Halloween costume. Cowgirls wear jeans right? I need to find myself some glittery fringe or something fantastic. Otherwise I'm in danger of showing up as myself, in a cowboy hat, for Halloween. Then, I would be no better than a glorified dog handler. Lame. I'm heading to the Goodwill to see what they have in stock.

Cute?

*Image via Martha Stewart

Dressing up pets: cute or creepy? We bought a "hat" for the cat that was supposed to make her look like an elephant. She hated it to the point where I almost pee'd my pants from laughter. I think that it would suffice to say that dressing up cats falls into the cruel (but amusing) category. I think that dogs might take more kindly to playing dress up. I'm making a costume for Odin, I'll be sure to get pictures. Hopefully it lasts longer than 5 minutes.

Plates

*Image by rcbodden

Now I have an official Texas-mobile. Actually, the news is better than that. My car just has new license plates but we've upgraded Trevor from no car to a sporty vamped up Volvo. (When he found out his new car had any ties to teen vampire love he almost reconsidered). It has been a busy week, exciting. I do love carpooling with the husband but cannot complain that I get more sleep in the mornings.

Sleep

*Image by louhamilton23

I know it's only Tuesday but I'm dragging this week. My brain is on autopilot. Tomorrow I'll post exciting news, today I'm playing catch-up.

Married

*Image by me

Sedona is truly picturesque. I enjoyed spending time gaping at the red rocks and of course, doing my duty as a groom's woman. I can get on board with being an attendant for the groom because all you have to do is look good, show up, and make sure everyone has fun. It's quite luxurious (unless of course you're like me and have to sit on your hands...). The party was great and made even better by the company I got to keep. Mary and Colleen make fantastic dates. I wish I had some more time to stay and explore the area. Looks like I'll have to return.

Sedona

*Image by ga clicker

I'm in Sedona, AZ this weekend and couldn't be happier. What is better than standing up for a friend's wedding and getting to hang out with a bunch of people you like to top it off? Pat & Liz are going to have a great weekend and I'm glad to be a part of it.

Recess

*Image via isolano

I'm not at school today but I guess claiming that it's recess is a stretch. I have to be at a training today. I wish the consolation prize meant that I got to sleep in a bit, not even that applies. Being the main driver in a one car family means I rise early to shuttle Trevor to work. It will be even earlier on Friday when I'm at the airport before 6 o'clock in the morning so he can get to work on time. Too bad my flight is at 8:30. I'll just use today as recess from my students. Working only 3 days isn't too bad after all.

Tea

*Image by OctopusHat

My perfect Wednesday would be: a walk down the block with Odin, Some tea with Aaron and Johnny, soup at Hopvine with Trevor, swimming with Josh and Laura, and a good book before bed.

Motto

*Image by Mike Monterio via Linda & Harriet

Last week was a rough one in our house. I saw this while browsing through the internet and found it eerily familiar and applicable. Texas and new jobs are taking their toll on good moods and good days. We're still adjusting to life in a new place with new responsibilities, but we're going to make it. I won't go down without a fight. Trevor smiled when I showed him this. I'm doing my best to be a supportive partner.

Card

*Images via Linda & Harriett

Linda & Harriett are giving away a card today. The give-away is to honor the memory of a mother who brightened people's days. The idea is to send the card to someone else, just because. I sent them my information and have a few recipients in mind. I'm keeping it a secret because I have a feeling they read my blog. I want the card to be a pleasant surprise in the mail. Head on over to the Linda & Harriet blog and send an e-mail for your own card.

Swap

*Image by Sycamore Street Press

I just signed up for a calendar swap I read about on Design Crush. I think it is a great idea. I've been shopping around for a 2010 calendar and am excited that now I get to chose a gift for someone else. I've read about swaps, but have never participated in one before. I think that blogging about this will be fun, especially because it ends with me getting a package in the mail. (Oh, I do love mail.) Plus, as my friends and family know, I love giving gifts and sending mail myself so it is a double win for me. More incentive to investigate stationary and paper shops in my new town.

Lunch

*Image from Swiss Miss via A Cup of Jo

I use glass containers to pack my lunch to school daily. I can see how sending a lunch to school for a kid might make glass a challenge. Back in Seattle one of my roommates came home with tattered paper bags containing her lunch left-overs daily. I bought some fiesta cloth and some colored vinyl and crafted a washable, re-usable lunch bag. These bags would be a great addition. I wonder if I can find them in town or if I'd have to order them online? Luckily, I have in-laws in Portland who would surely send a care package.

Ink

*Image via J.Crew

Here is one reason I should not complain about my summery fall weather. I can still wear summery dresses and sandals. My friends and family are bundling up and here I am longing after tank dresses. I can get used to this October. I won't be sad if I wear sandals all winter. The ink dots are a nice visual and the dress has pockets, always a bonus in my book. What I should really do is find a fabric store in town and put myself to work. I bet if I took a class I could meet some new friends and feel crafty at the same time.

Outfit

Blue & Plumb by Vilija featuring Old Navy

Some more fall dress inspiration. I don't know how I'm thinking fall, maybe it's because I have to put on the layers in order to sit through my trainings this week. It's mid-October and today it was in the mid-90s. I have no idea what alternate universe I live in now, but I find it ironic that it is beautiful outside and I have to dress to be in cold air conditioned buildings. A scarf, therefore is the perfect accessory. Warm & fashionable inside, easy to cast aside outside.

Map

*Image by Belathee via Design*Sponge

Two pieces of furniture I would acquire without a second thought are a library card catalog and a map chest. I would love to have something so lovely and crafty in my home. I know that someday it will happen and I'll be super giddy. I can imagine it now. Until then, I'll just have to jealously browse the internet and dream.

Work

Red Dress Outfit by Vilija featuring Camper shoes

My unofficial job is that of a personal shopper. Luckily for everyone I shop for I think I do a pretty good job. Here is an outfit I put together inspired by fall, museums, crushes, and best friends. It doesn't hurt that I'm hooked into the internet. (Or that the outfit includes shoes that I have been salivating over for a few years.) I hope the inspiration hits home and that I get pictures of the final product.

Fall

*Image by Demoiselle Libellue via sfgirlbybay

Yesterday about 20 minutes after I finished my run the overcast skies let loose and poured rain over the rest of the race participants. I had planned to go back to the course and cheer my friend Laura through the finish line, but the rain stopped me. (Oh come on, I was fresh out of the shower and warm again myself!) It has finally started to feel like fall here, even despite the fact that it was just 90 degrees last week. Despite the fact that I was sick I made a pretty good time and am glad I finished running.

Run Around

*Image by Chris

Today I'm going to try to Run Austin Run. Somewhere this week I picked up a bug and my throat feels phlegmy and fuzzy. Hopefully I can hack it (pun intended). I'm not expecting to be anywhere near fantastic, but would like to finish wanting to continue running. I'm going to take it easy. I'll let you know if I can walk on Monday.

Original

*Image of Magnum P.I.

Yesterday night the mustache party and it sounded like fun. It was hard having the birthday boy on speaker phone, not being able to be at the party. He did send me a lovely photo of himself sporting a debonair mustache with a nice curl to it. I hope you had a great birthday Johnny, I miss you.

Fundraising

*Image via The Stranger by 826 Seattle

If I could grow a mustache I probably would, especially if it were for a good cause. Last year I saw a posting that a local not-for-profit group 826 Seattle was hosting a Mustache-A-Thon to raise money to help tutor kids and encourage creative writing. Like I said, if I could have participated I eagerly would have. Mustaches raised thousands of dollars for kids. Way to go.

Wintery

*Image via Jack Spade

This is a fun mustache accessory for winter - and it comes with variety. Silly and fun, imagine throwing snowballs in these babies. I thought I posted something for Wednesday but I guess I got so caught up in the fact that my brother is in town that I missed it! I hope that these gloves made your day as much as having my little brother in town made mine. Happy Thursday!

Stick

*Image & crafts by Lisa Welge

Lisa crafted a bunch of mustache-on-a-stick props/toys/favors for guests at her wedding. Props always make a picture more fun. This would be an easy gift, fancy like an opera glass. Not to mention that you could make them using bamboo skewers, felt and glue. I'm on a roll.

Dedication

*Image by Peter Ibruegger via Apartment Therapy

I think that the birthday party theme has gotten the best of me. I love theme parties and Johnny's idea is pretty unique. In college I had some friends in a band that threw a fundraiser they called the 'Stasche Bash. Unshaven band members and bedecked friends and fans had a great time. Wearing a fake mustache isn't always comfortable, hence the fun mug. If I drank coffee, my students would probably love the idea of a mustache mug.

Mustache

*Image & felt mustache by bornlippy

This Friday my dear friend Giovanni is celebrating his birthday with a mustache party. What a great idea. I would love to prance around town sporting a fancy colored mustache or maybe something more reminiscent of the Purple Pieman. I can't wait to send him a nice care package in the mail.

House

*Image by E M Photography

Today my husband brought up the subject of buying a house, nothing too new. We've been talking about buying a house after we get to know the city better and learn about neighborhoods. Today he mentioned buying a house next month. I think we're going to start looking after some investigation into our current lease. I wouldn't mind a tax credit or refund provided by the government. I didn't think that I would contemplate being a home owner so soon.

Monthly

*Calendar by Linda & Harriet via Oh So Beautiful Paper

Genius! This calendar doubles as 12 postcards. This idea is fantastic and I wonder why I haven't seen it sooner. I could be part of the postard-a-month club. I know that all of my pen pals would appreciate it. (Especially because I finally stocked up with stamps). I've been really bad at writing letters and actually sending them lately. This could be another great venture. I do love paper. This could be a great New Year's resolution (not that I'm planning ahead).

Drool

* Image by Kate Headley via Brooklyn Bride

The fabric detail on this dress is impressive, intricate and drool-worthy. When Trevor confessed to staple-hemming his pants I knew it was time to crank out the good old sewing machine. This is when I need my creative half. Together we make some impressive things happen. In a few weeks we'll join forces in Arizona. There will actually be three of us, not quite Powerpuff Girls, but contenders nonetheless. Watch out.