Handmaker of Things

My So Called Life: Chicago in December

From reading my posts it seems like I pretty much split my time between Kansas City and Chicago, which I guess is partially true.  I don't travel all that much, but when I do Chi-town seems like the perfect destination since it's got some of my favorite people living there.  We got into all kinds of shinanigans including shopping at Top Shop, and bumping into a super cute and super pregnant Beyonce (no joke she brushed against us), having the most delicious waffles EVER, cocktails with the best view of the city, a silly photo shoot, and of course some crafting.  

 

The selection of shoes at Top Shop is cray-cray. I could hardly decide which pair to try first.

Michigan Avenue looked so lovely with all the lights on the trees.

Breakfast at "Waffles" with this lovely lady.

Dark chocolate waffle with orange zest. Totally craving them now.

Took a pic of this cute W sign. Might be a fun DIY project to try out.

The view from the top of the Hancock Tower where we had cocktails.

We definitely had a silly photo shoot in the lobby. Love the lady below, miss her every day!

 

Made this yarn and ornament wreath as a thank you to my hosts.

Thanks so much for sharing my Chicago adventure.  Now to plan my next trip...

xo ~ Em

My So Called Life: Horses in Black and White

When I was a kid I absolutely loved horses, what little girl didn't though?  Near my parents house there was a farm, and we used to stop by and feed and pet the horses.  There was a white one, a black one, and a little brown baby colt with a white spot on it's forehead.  Now the colts all grown up, but we still like to stop by and feed them an apple or two every now and then.

xo ~ Em 

My So Called Life: Chicago in August

For our anniversary every year Matt and I take a trip to Chicago.  This year was no different, and of course we had a fabulous time.  It was our first experience using public transit, and I felt like a big girl riding the train, and taking the bus.  Thanks to my brother in law Zach for showing us the ropes!

One of the other highlights of the trip for me was visiting Fleur in Logan Square.  I've become floral friends with owner Kelly, and although she wasn't there when we stopped by, it was definitely worth the trip across town.  I bought some Saipua soap and dreamed of the day when I too could own an adorable retail shop like hers.  

We also made the obligatory trip to Water Tower Place for a little shopping.  I was most interested in the new Lego store with it's display of the Chicago skyline.  Say what!

Visited Navy Pier for the first time early in the morning before the shops even opened.  Walked all the way to the end and back (much further than I had imagined).

Our last stop was a stay with our besties Claudia and James.  We went out to a bar where no one could've been over 23.  Super awkward, but we didn't let it spoil our good time.  We ended the night at The Weiner's Circle, a drunken Chicago tradition as I understand it.  I ate way to many cheese fries, but it was totally worth it!

Thanks for sharing my Chicago adventure!

xo ~ Em

Ollie's Pretty Fancy

This is Ollie...

He's pretty fancy, just check out his bow tie.  He likes to pose for the camera.  Say cheese...

He's got a permanent grin becuas of his little under bite.

Okay he's over it.  Yawn.

xo, emmy-ray

3 years and counting...

Today is Matt and I's 3rd wedding anniversary.  That's right, 3 years married, 11 years together.  I was looking back through pictures to use for this post and it's crazy to see how much time that really is, and how we've literally grown up together.  I'm so happy to be married to such a generous, intelligent, and amazing husband, and I can't wait to celebrate with a special dinner out tonight.  Happy Anniversary Matt!

Matt and I in 2000 the year we first met.  We look like little kids in this picture!

On the beach in Seaside, Florida, probably about 2005.

At Party Arty, January 2011.

My So Called Life: 4th of July

This past weekend was absolutely glorious.  With no weddings, and no social plans, Matt and I took the entire 4 days to ourselves to relax and enjoy each others company.  It might sound boring, but I think that it's always worth it to take a break every once in awhile and recharge, especially since I have 4 weddings coming up in the next two weeks!  Don't get me wrong I love what I do, and I love being busy, but everyone needs to rest once in awhile right?

For 4th of July we spent the day at Matt's parents house, and then headed out to my cousins for the annual BBQ.  We ate lots of good food, and enjoyed fireworks on the golf course to end the night.  It was a pretty perfect way to end the weekend.

Matt and Ollie, looking festive.

Flynn was all tuckered out from playing with all the other pups.

Matt and his mom putting the finishing touches on lunch.

We had a photo shoot with my cousins dogs and my two little sisters.  Needless to say things got a little silly (Tara's telling Guiness a secret?)

Me with my mom and my sisters.  Matt took about 30 pictures in the span of 2 minutes.

Hope everyone had a fabulous holiday weekend.  What did you do to celebrate?

love, emmy-ray

 

Red or Black?

By now my black hair has faded to a dark brown, and I've got some crazy roots growing.  In other words I need to get my hair colored again, and I've been missing my red hair lately.  Especially when I look at these pictures of Jane from Sea of Shoes.  Of course I look nothing like her (she's so crazy adorable) but I think red hair is unique and striking...

 

So what do you guys think, red or black?

I'd love to hear your opinions!

love, emmy-ray

The Money Pit: In the Garden (Summer 2011)

So I always complain to my husband about people who don't update their blogs, saying things like "why even have a blog", and "how hard is it to just update once a week?".  However low and behold, look who I've turned into, the once a month poster.  My apologies friends.  The good news, it's all due to being incredibly busy with tons of projects, and it's just plain silly not share them here, right?

I'll ease into things with some shots from around the house and in the garden that I took last week.  I really, really love my camera (a Canon Rebel T1i), and often forget how much I like taking pictures just for fun until I get around to snapping some shots.  I'm by no means a photographer, but with the image quality this thing produces it's hard not to "get into it".   

Rose bush in our back yard, and no I didn't alter the colors, they really are just that bright and lovely.

The first zinnia buds of the year.  I grew them from seeds and there's going to be a million of them.  I'll share more pics once they start blooming.

The day lilies are O.O.C. this year, some are almost 5 feet tall.

Matt arriving home from work, and the also gigantic rudbeckia growing next to the garage.

Red asiatic lilies and coneflower buds.

And some gratuitous dog pictures, just because I can't help myself...

Thanks for touring my garden.  What are you growing at your house/apartment this year?

love, emmy-ray

 

My So Called Life: Happy Birthday to Matt!

Happy Birthday today to my lovely husband.

We met 11 years ago, and every day is still an adventure.  The yin to my yang (quite literally), but also my confidant, and best friend.

Also I married a younger man, so he won't be turning 30 this year like I will.  Lucky dog.

He was a born skier.  Here he is in Aspen 1985. 

 Sometime in 2001, during the first year we were dating.

love, emmy-ray

My So Called Life: St. Patrick's Day

My family are avid fans of St.Patrick's day.  Partially because, well, we're Irish, and then also partially because we like any excuse to get together and have fun.  Our festivities included: attending the parade, lunching at Governor Stumpy's a local Irish pub, and then the annual party at my Aunt K.K. and Uncle Dennis' house.  Lots of Guinness, a delicious Reuben, and tons of pictures.  Here's a few of my favorites:

From the Parade:

Tara and Fiona before the parade started.  Love her little tiny hat.

My lovely mom and sister.

 

Lunch at Governor Stumpy's

Party at Aunt and Uncle's House

Matt wearing the spiffy bow tie I made for him.  He's such a good husband.

 

Me and my dear cousin Angela.  I miss hanging with her.  

My mom and Matt toasting.  It was pretty hilarious apparently.

Aunt Kathleen and her pup Harry.  He was pretty camera shy, so this is the only clear snap I got of him.  Such a cutie.

Hope you all had a wonderful St. Patty's day!

love, emmy-ray