Monday, June 14, 2010

Her Face, I forgot about Her face! So Frickin' Excited!

Last week my favorite Chagrin-ian, Abby Hudson came to visit. Typically I would have taken her to all the places that I thought were uniquely Cincinnati, and places I loved to go, but some how we ended up at a bunch of places that I have never been. Imagine that. Someone from out of town showing me the BEST things about my stomping grounds! First stop, The Root Beer Stand, Open since 1957 (approx.) who knew? Awesome Root Beer Floats right before dinner? Yes please!
Later that day Abby and I were on our way to Downtown Loveland, the closest area that could rival her Stars Hallow-esque town back home. But we made a detour when we saw the signs for the Loveland Castle. I might have been there once when I was young, and I just laugh when I see the signs for the infamous "Chateau la Roche" (aka Rock Castle). But, its actually pretty frickin' sweet, and I have now decided that I have to live in a castle just like that, my lover (yes, I believe its a "lover," not husband, when you live in a castle) will just have to deal.
Another thing I never knew, Hobby Lobby is a unique to Cincinnati, or at least they don't make them in Cleveland. Abby about flipped when she found out about this über craft warehouse! We spent about an hour and half among the stickers, fabrics, and decorations (Rodeo Themed Room in Chicago, Check!). This sort of set the mood for the rest of the visit, which turned out to be full of projects, heavy on the splatter paint.

So I discovered two new cites in Cincinnati while Abby was here, Mariemont and Madeira. Mariemont looks like Germany, no matter what anyone else says and Madeira is cute and kitschy. First we went to see the movie Babies, and I know this is hard to believe but I wanted one so frickin' bad afterwards! Below is the mischievous Mongolian child that I am planning on stealing, shh! After that, Jackie took us to the Dilly Deli, which was a precious as its name. Above the Dilly Deli is the Sweeterie, which was the cutest little cupcake shop I have ever seen. Abby got a cupcake that looked like a flower with a malted milk ball and mine tasted like Coffee and had a chocolate covered bean. Afterwards, it was raining but suddenly as we came upon the little town of Madeira t let up so we took that as a sign that we HAD to get out and explore. Good thing we did! Not only was there a little book shop, bead store and a paint your own pottery place called Mad Potters, there was also a Toy Store (where I have to admit we spent alot of our time).

Needless to say, our adventures rightly earned the title BEST DAY EVER!


Jackie painted the wolf-pack family crest on our kitchen table, Abby and I were great cheerleaders for her artisticness =)
Despite the odd stares we received from passing cars, splatter paining in my front yard proved to be extremely rewarding. Does mine look a little unique? Well that is probably due to the fact that the neighbors dog ran through it, mid splatter. You know what, I call that character.
Since we decided that the theme of our life was now going to be as chaotic as splatter paint, we finished the table with splattering the legs with black paint, I don't know if our bodies or the table got messier.
After the painting, still clad in the messy clothes and painted legs, Abby tasted her first bit of Skyline Heaven. Back in Chicago, Jackie and I had fed others the dip as a bit of foreplay, but nothing compares to that honest to goodness first bit of noodly, soupy chili topped with mile high cheese. Now doesn't that face just look like someone who is about to REALLY enjoy themselves?

Sadly after Skyline, it was time to part ways, but we already have ideas in the works for the next BEST TRIP EVER!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Glitter is the Herpes of Craft Supplies!

I have taken a lover. His name is Micheal. Just Kidding, but my relationship with a certain craft store of the same name is getting pretty serious, even Perez has covered it. Definitely not hatin' on Loveland (last week's town of the week, Woot Woot!) but I have needed something to fill my not so busy and slightly boring schedule and have taken up the renowed art of crafting. 

My first inspiration came from Abby and Jackie's suitemate Lucy. Since now the Bachelorette is back on, I was reminded of her joyous appearances during the Jack Pavelka era. And also, this means her craft time. I found the other day a hat box much like the one that she decorated and put my own mod-podging skills to use. Just like in the 8th grade, with OC sleepover nights. This time it was a little classier, black and white with both Barbra and Katharine for goodness' sake! (Streisand and Hepburn for those of you who aren't Sarah Akers) Since then I have filled it with the preliminary makings of a craft corner. Stickers, Glitter and of course my 120 pack.

 

The next project also has colors in common with a zebra, but on a much larger scale. Jackie and I embarked on a remodel of an old table to be fit for 17 Cherry Tree Lane next year. Although it is still in the process of being decorated, progress is B-E-A-utiful! Jackie is planning on using her creative wiles to add flowers and swirls and all sorts of gorgeous things to the top!  (Pictures to come when it is finished =) you just wait)

Another secret project includes gifts for my little baby graduates... but that is all I will say about that...

P.S. Crafting has taken up a good share of my time, but another new favorite thing is accompanying my friend Jacqueline "Champion" Dulude while she is training for the Chicago Marathon. So far, so good. But, she has yet to see how hardcore of a trainer I am. She thinks I am joking about pelting her with dixie cups to prepare for those crazed sideline volunteers. This could get interesting.

P.S.S. Joe wanted to share an ice cream fact with the world. Ice cream is meant to be enjoyed with a metal spoon, so no longer will I settle for those knock off plastic ones the Whipty-Do! has been offering. I believe I deserve the REAL DEAL. And Nicole Weinrich gave me the little factoid that back in the day, Nestle wanted to mass produce ice cream cones so they hired food science majors from Ohio State. Their result? The Drumstick. The Secret? Delicious chocolate coating INSIDE the cone. Oh Hey Ohio, way to go.