Happy Halloween

When my kids were little we never really did the sew up an amazing costume (um...could be because I don't sew) or go over the top Halloweening. The kids went to a Christian school and to be honest you always felt like you were doing something "forbidden" if you mentioned Halloween or "trick or treating" to other parents or teachers.
There were always "alternative" parties--the "hallelujah" party or "harvest" gathering - but as a parent, you like to see your kids do the same things you used to do when you were growing up. So, they would end up knocking on doors and beg for candy from strangers in the neighborhood just like our generation and the one before (sounds sort of silly, doesn't it?!)
However you may celebrate this Halloween, hope you get more treats than tricks this weekend!

The fourth grade girls at the elementary school where I am employed must have been the inspiration for this movie.
There are two groups of girls that are either best friends or mortal enemies at any said day of the week, lunch hour, or recess .
Is Cameron talking with Eden today?
Are Autumn and Whitney best friends now or was that last week?
Their friendship and quarreling during the week could create a season of drama for a preadolescent reality show with enough whining, fighting, and rejection of others to make the strongest adult weak in the knees.
Was I like this at that age? If only I could remember so I could contact everyone I ever knew in Mrs. Musso's class and apologize for my bad behavior.
I'm hoping these girls will "grow out of it" rather than "grow into it" and if you happen to be the mother of one of these girls...good luck.

tranquility tub

This is my master bath and although you can't see it...just to the left is the most prized possession a girl needs as the weather turns colder...a beautiful, over sized, lay back and relax bathtub. sigh.

listen up

Time For Miracles

Adam Lambert MySpace Video
Just heard American Idol's Adam Lambert newly released "Time for Miracles" from the movie, 2012- it's good and bravo to him! He's been in the musical theater business forever and now he's finally an "overnight success".
ps. did you know that he's a natural redhead?!

cozy weekend

Hope your weekend is comfy and cozy.

*via French Cloud

perfect

f the photographer has his/her hands wrapped around a steaming mug of hot coffee ...we'll color this picture "perfect".

Don't Slip

ion is a great park to go to if you want to hike. If you like to hike uphill...even better. This picture was taken from Hidden Canyon trail...look closely and you can see the road...and you've only just begun.
Hidden Canyon trail winds around a small side-valley and traverses a steep cliff face. For the last few hundred yards the path is cut into the side of the cliff and has a sheer drop of several hundred feet at one side. Chains are provided in places to help the unsure.

This ain't no Cirque du Soleil...there are no nets to catch you if you take a misstep.

This is husband STRONGLY suggesting that we go back...as in; "my fear of heights is now in panic mode and I cannot go any further without feeling I will fall off the cliff" suggestion.

My back is to the cliff. On my right is husband and on my left is the cliff that we would need to keep attacking to complete the hike. Needless to say we turned around and made it back safely.

A great hike and one that you should wear a good pair of shoes...keep the stilettos at home.

Shop At Home

When you're searching for a new, fresh look...sometimes all you have to do is shop around your own home. I was craving something lighter and more modern for my living room. I decided to lose the Karastan rug (thanks Ebay--sold it to someone in Canada who could REALLY use a cozy, wool carpet) and throw on some of the slipcovers I've had tucked away. The room went from this: to this after changing to a casual jute rug and adding some pops of white.

My Shabby Chic slipcovers are back in use along with a sheepskin thrown on the leather sofa and some white textured pillow covers. Loving the look with the rug (from West Elm).

I "anthropologized" a simple lampshade from Target with some vintage millinery flowers to add some texture.

Welcome to Zion

When you first drive into Zion National Park you're in awe at how HUGE all the mountains of red are...and you've only just begun. To get into the "main part" of the park you have to drive toward this-- which leads to a tunnel that had to be dug out of this rock. It's completely dark inside except for--

a few of these natural "windows" which they created out of the stone which gives you an amazing view and taste of what you're going to be seeing.

Of course pictures don't do this landscape justice--but see more by clicking on these pics. Next up is our hike at great heights...crazy.

Bryce Canyon Pics

We just got back home and thought I'd share some more pics of the first part of our journey- Bryce Canyon in Southern Utah. An amazing hike and feast for the eyes--you hike down first and then make your way up at the end of your journey. We were there for a few hours and enjoyed a 3 mile hike--and still lots more trails to be traveled on another trip.
Tomorrow I'll post about Zion National Park--crazy big mountains and lots of hikes- the park is SO organized with shuttle buses, great trails, and a cute town that snuggles up next to it (Springdale, Utah)-another "must see" on your Utah list.

Bryce Canyon

If you ever have the opportunity to check out Utah's National Parks--go for it! We've seen AMAZING sights and have enjoyed the hikes, sunshine, and exploring. Hope you get to enjoy a few days off for Fall!

road trip

Fall break! It's a bonus when you work for the local school district and get to enjoy *vacations* and breaks with the kids! We're off to Utah- Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon- and who knows- we just might pick up an extra wife or two (Utah=Big Love)

Dressing On The Side

Just when you thought Dressing On the Side t-shirts couldn't get any cuter with Diary of a Rockstar couple wearing "In Search of The Perfect Burger" tees...
my son Tyler snapped a few photos of his adorable girlfriend, Megan, in the "Cupcakes Are Cool" tee.

Check out the etsy store for more styles and pics.