sharynevanow

why?

It's been a scrapbooking weekend, as I'm furiously trying to get caught up before my bridal shower in two weeks.  I'd love to bring along my up-to-date book to show my friends and family.  Which of course got me thinking about "why?"  Why do I scrapbook?  Why do I find it meaningful, important, and super fun?

Found this post on Jessica Sprague's website that I love, love, love... especially a quote she shared from Anais Nin:  We write to taste life twice. Once in the moment and once in retrospection.  I think that's a big part of why I scrapbook, to relive the moments big and small. 

Above all else, it is about leaving a mark that I existed. I was there. I was hungry. I was defeated. I was happy. I was sad. I was in love. I was afraid. I was hopeful. I had an idea and I had a good purpose and that's why I made works of art."
- Felix Gonzalez-Torres

inspiration

   

I so so so want to go to this craft fair next month in Chicago.  I find the whole revitalized craft movement so interesting and inspiring.  Makes me want to do repurposing projects and pick up other hobbies like crocheting.  If only I could find the time! 

But for now the big question is whether or not to go to the Renegade Craft Fair.  It's the same weekend as my bridal shower... too much? or totally worth packing my weekend? 

etsy

 

No idea where it came from, but I have a new obsession for all things bird and owl related. Etsy is one of my favorite places to browse around for inspiration and incredible handmade crafts and art. It didn't take me long to find lots of super cute items to fall in love with on Etsy.

Clockwise from top left: sterling bird ring by FigsAndGinger, give a hoot snow owl earrings by AuntieDis, owl necklace by pufflana, and glass owl earrings by sweetberrybird. 

green living

We've been staying in a cabin at Idle Hour Resort on Pike Lake since Saturday and I've been loving how this experience reminds me about nature and the beauty of Wisconsin. I'll post some of my favorite photos soon.

The latest copy of Body + Soul has also been leaving me very inspired. This is the second time I've picked up this magazine and I'm hooked. Love the ideas on green and whole body living - I have always felt strongly about organic foods and recycling, but want to know more and take more conscious action. I am planning to spend some time learning more about organic foods and products, clean energy, carbon offsetting, etc.

In a somewhat odd twist, the resort has wi-fi access, so I've been sneaking online here and there... and have been finding lots of good things. In no particular order, things I must check out or try:
goodreads
Flight of the Conchords on HBO
ReadyMade magazine
adorn magazine
cupcakes a la Shimelle and in ice cream cones
Ayurveda (and ojas)
painting the living room with eco-friendly paints
bluelines
this amazing mexican party menu
using wallpaper

And last, but not least, Steve and I went to the antiques shop in Minocqua and I fell in love with the most beautiful milk white glass design by Westmoreland. I purchased a bowl and a platter... my start to a collection. I definitely want to learn more so I can be an educated collector: glass encyclopedia, Westmoreland Glass Club, and Westmoreland Gallery.

today i'm loving

sara bareilles' new album "little voice"

It came out on Tuesday and is so beautiful and emotional. Some of the songs are soft and heart-breaking, others are fun and powerful. So much feeling in one album. I'm especially loving "between the lines," "city," and "gravity."

here in these deep city lights
girl could get lost tonight
i’m finding every reason to be gone
nothing here to hold on to
could I hold you?

color in a picture...

is like enthusiasm in life.  ~Vincent Van Gogh

We had a fabulous weekend get-away in Madison for my 26th birthday. It's always a good time to explore an unfamiliar city and we now have a special place in our hearts for Madison. 

We left for Madison late Friday night so that we could be there bright and early for breakfast - so glad we did that. We had the most delicious brunch at a little place called Marigold.  The lemon buttermilk pancakes were amazing and Steve's tea came in the cutest teapot.

After breakfast we went to the farmers' market that surrounds the Capitol building. Great to see so many people carrying baskets full of locally-grown produce and flowers... and all the farmers who are committed to sustainable, pesticide-free and organic farming. Of course, my favorite stands were the ones where farmers were selling cheese :)

We spent the rest of the day doing lots more exploring downtown... we drank fresh lemonade and hung out on Monona Terrace, we had lunch at a Nepalese restaurant and shopped on State Street (loved this store), and we ate ice cream cones on the union terrace at UW-Madison.

And because Steve understands how much I truly love scrapbooking, he took me shopping to the Scrapbook Superstore and Archiver's after we were done dowtown. Few things beat visiting a scrapbook store for the first time and getting check out all the different products!

To finish our day, we had dinner at Delmonico's. Loved the steak... and really really loved the asparagus. My wine was fantastic - Folie a Deux Cabernet Sauvignon. Must remember to buy a bottle for home :)

Whew! We were tired - but in a good way - by the end of the day. Here are some of my favorite shots from the weekend...

birthday girl

 
26! A milestone birthday for me because on June 29th I officially became the age I'll be when Steve and I get married.  Birthdays make me feel especially grateful and this one was no different...A nacho bar for lunch at work, a fabulous dinner at Asiana of sushi and hibachi with great friends, and martinis on the rooftop patio at Hotel Metro. Seriously, how fun is that?! 

And it just got better from there!  Steve surprised me with a trip to Madison, so I have lots of fun photos to post next...

beginnings

It's been a while now that I've felt the need for a place to gather my thoughts, inspirations, and photos. So many things going on in my life right now... things I want to record, remember, and share.

Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake. ~ Marie Beyon Ray

Can't wait to get started!