Etsy Comes Quietly

Is posting etsy finds too 2008? If so, my blog is totally weak. Ain't no denying it.

I'm looking for cheap-but-nice art for the bedroom of our love nest, so I searched for "love letterpress*" on the good 'ole Big E and stumbled upon these pretty poem prints from larkpress.

{Images: Here}

*Are you going to make fun of me for admitting that I etsied** "love letterpress?"
**"Etsied" is the new "googled." I'm calling it.

Happy Halloween!

I hope that everyone's had a happy, safe Hallow's Eve. Ours has been fun and tame. Last night, we went to the annual Halloween Bash at the Double Door, where bands impersonate famous bands. Always good for some laughs and great costume watching.

Our street was flooded yesterday, so I couldn't get the car out to go costume shopping. I ran across the street to the Magic Shop (we live within walking distance to two magic shops -- not kidding) and grabbed one of their last costumes and a "Tall" cape for Andy. I have no idea what we're supposed to be. I think that Andy went as "A Good Sport" for not washing off his mustache. I wish that I would have thought to attach my cross to my outfit to make it look like I was stabbed in the chest.

 

A few weeks ago, Andy and I had our parents over for some football watching and dinner.

We fired up the new Halloween tree:

And we hosted the Maiden Meal on our new dining table -- it was a total steal on Craig's List -- under our new light installed by Andy and my dad back in August.

Bridal Shower Gift

I am attending a bridal shower in honor of Andy's niece next weekend. Her registry was pretty slim pickins, so I picked up these great French Bull containers for her gift from my favorite store in the whole city, Art Effect.

{Images from French Bull}

Aren't I a good aunt? The French Bull line just kills me. It's so bright and girly. I think that this table runner is on my Christmas list.

And maybe a platter too!

{Images from French Bull}

Damn.

Do I wish that I had never seen these.

{Source: etsy seller Raquel Castillo} via A Glimpse of the Girl Next Door

If When I meet my weight-loss goal, I am buying myself one as a reward. They're killin' me.

Card Collages

Etsy seller Kangarola creates card collages from your old greeting cards. What a cute wedding, shower, or Mother's Day gift for your more sentimental pals. It would make charming Christmas art too. 

{Images: Kangarola}

I threw all of our "keep" cards in a Kolo photo box that I'll probably be too lazy to open. How about you?

File Under "Projects That Are Good In Theory"

After lots of hemming and hawing, I went the semi-homemade route for our Moving Announcements. I purchased the Envelopes Moving Announcements from Paper Source.

{Source}

Then, made them my "own" by slicing several of the envelopes on the card and pasting in little notes listing the things that we were most psyched about in our new place: indoor parking, central air, hot water, a guest craft room, an in-unit laundry ROOM, a balcony, and, most importantly, 1,422 square feet! (You know, things that people in the 'burbs take for granted.)

I mounted navy card stock on the back to cover all of my papers. Man, what a TEDIOUS process! On about card 40 of 45, I realized that these could come off as braggy instead of funny. Thankfully, all of the recipients got the joke and we received a ton of compliments. Apparently, the size and condition our previous condo was well-known.

I was over this project at the end, so I just hand addressed the envelopes:

Happy Anniversary to Andy and Me!

This weekend, Andy and I celebrated the one-year anniversary of the day that I collected my winnings in the Dude Lottery.

{Photo by Sarah Alair}

Due to very long lines at the Shedd Aquarium and an incredibly terrible hotel experience*, the weekend didn't go as planned, but it was just wonderful.

We chased the storm clouds over to Michigan...

...and went for a wonderful walk through Grant Park and along the Lakefront.

We ate at the restaurants from the wedding weekend and our honeymoon and at David Burke(!!). Then we came home and watched football and enjoyed a complimentary tier of our wedding cake from our baker, The Sugar Syndicate.

Unfortunately, the Chicago Bears forgot that it was a celebratory weekend. Oh! And we got to open up a few notes from our Guest Book - including one from our DOC, Katie!

*I so want to post my letter of complaint up here to make myself feel better. I wonder if they could come after me though?