{seriously?!?}

So, today I'm on my way home from work and there is a bus full of elementary school kids next to me. As I'm sitting in my car waiting for the light to turn green, I start to feel like someone is watching me, and I look over at the bus to see a little girl staring at me. Trying to be polite, I give her a little smile and she gives me a crusty. Nice- good to know her mom taught her manners- or maybe she was just ignoring strangers as kids are taught to do these days. Anyway, I can't help but glace back since I can still feel her stare burning a hole through my skull. The girl looked about 8 or 9 years old...maybe 10, and was wearing a tank top, but the kind that has a t-back (like a little wife-beater type). Then I noticed something that shocked me. Under her black tank you could clearly see her pink bra straps. This little girl had no breasts at all, and even if she was sporting a training bra, what mother in her right mind lets her daughter walk around with a pink bra showing!?! She then proceeded to flip open her cell phone and text. Oh, and did I mention, she had drawn the letters "SEXY" on her knuckles to look like a tattoo? Classy young one. Classy.

All I could think was, "What the crap is wrong with kids these days?!" I didn't even have a cell phone till I was 21!!! And even then, I only got one because the guy I was interested in had one and I was embarrassed for him to call my house phone. Lame reason, I know. When I was 10, I was strutting around with a side ponytail, stirrup leggings, and an over sized tee shirt that I gathered on the side to look cool. Heck, I wasn't even allowed to shave my legs or wear makeup till I was about 13! Seriously, what is the deal these days with people dressing their kids like they're prosti-tots!? I mean, you don't have to be a prude or make your kids dress dorky, but you can look modest and classy by dressing them their age! I know people who are letting their little girls go tanning, get their hair colored, and wear mascara at age 8! All I can say is GIVE ME A BREAK! Let your kids be kids! Adult life is a big responsibility and hard, so why are people allowing their kids to grow up so fast?!

I'm stepping off my soapbox, but I want to know your thoughts? Is it okay to let 10 year olds have cell phones? What about colored bras? Makeup? Sexy clothes? Where do you draw the line?

{p.s.}

I fell in love with this little robot this weekend! WALL-E

{redneck rodeo}

Hey ya'll! Tonight, Andrew and I had the pleasure of attending one of Utah's finest summer time events- a Redneck Rodeo (a.k.a Demolition Derby). Andrew's friend Alex told him about it earlier this week, and we couldn't pass up the chance! Now, if you've never been to a redneck rodeo, you're missing out. The minute you drive into the gravel parking lot and park next to a massive SUV with a 12" lift and see a pregnant woman getting out, balancing a beer in one hand and a barefoot, half naked baby in the other, you know you're in for a treat! Yee-haw!

Here's a little taste of the action!

I loved the bright spray paint on this car!

Loud + Fast = indestructible and vicious!

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? That's right! They painted their car to look like a Sponge Bob! This car won the "prettiest car", however they did terrible when it came time to bust up the other cars! One hit and they were out!

The hubs and me!

Nice hit! Car #23 was a Derby favorite!

{my li'l kewpie doll}

Remember my post about things that reminded me of my Great Grandma Nanny? Well, I've been thinking about her a lot lately. Andrew and I are still unpacking a few things, and I recently unpacked the box of fragile items. The first thing I pulled out of the box was my little ceramic kewpie doll (pronounced q-pee). I don't remember how old I was when Nanny gave it to me, but I thought the doll was lovely. Nanny told me that when she was a little girl, her father traveled a lot, and after one of his long trips, he brought her back this Kewpie as a gift. He made sure to get the little doll with a suitcase and umbrella since he traveled so much. I was thrilled that Nanny would give her to me. Growing up, Kewpie was always proudly displayed on my hutch. When I would dust, I would take great care holding her, as I gently wiped the dust off her little suitcase and blue wings. About 10 years ago the Antique Road Show came to Salt Lake. My parents were big fans of the show and had some antiques of their own that they wanted appraised, so the day of the show, we made the trek downtown and stood in line all day with other people who were as anxious as we were to find out how much our treasures were worth! When we finally made it into the huge convention center, I proudly held my wonderful, little Kewpie doll out for the antique appraiser to look at. The entire day, I had daydreamed about what would happen. "My, my! You've got quite the treasure here young lady!" I imagined they'd say. Then they would get me ready to be on TV and tell me in front of the camera, that my Kewpie was worth millions. I held my breath waiting to hear what she would say about my antique, but my dreams were quickly shattered, and I was left disappointed. The woman barely looked at it. She told me it was a replica, probably from China, and said it was worth about $20. Super. We all left pretty disappointed we didn't get on TV and that none of our treasures were worth tons of money, but I still knew my Kewpie was special. She was still priceless to me. Over the years I have tried to find another like her in antique stores, but with no luck....until today.

Like I said, after I pulled her out of the box and displayed her once again on my side table, my curiosity about her arose. Was she a replica? If she was, why did she have all the markings on the bottom of the little suitcase she carries? I decided I needed to do my own research. After many google searches, I came up empty handed. I kept searching "kewpie with suitcase" and "ceramic kewpie with umbrella and suitcase". I finally searched "traveling kewpie" and found what I was searching for! This is what the website had to say about her:

Darling 3 1/2" all bisque action Kewpie "Traveler" dating from the early 1900's. This Kewpie has painted features with side glance eyes, watermelon smile and pink rosy cheeks. The Kewpie is hold a black umbrella with brown handle and the other hand he's hold a large brown traveling case. Fully marked with black "C" and incised O'Neill and 4916 on the bottom of the case. Also has a number incised on one foot looks like "93". Overall condition is excellent I find no damage or repairs. Kewpie's forehead does have a little group of tiny black specks in the bisque and a couple of areas where the paint was dripped by the artist....one on the foot and a little bit on one wing. These flaws were caused in the manufacturing since these were mass produced, these flaws are commonly found.

This is the doll that was on the website I found.

I was thrilled! My Kewpie matched this description to a T ! Everything lined up- the height, the hand painted features, and what sold me was the black "C", incised O'Neill, and the 4916 that was on the bottom of the case. This site was asking $325, but I don't plan on selling her- ever! I always knew she wasn't a replica, and now my thoughts are confirmed! Thank you Nanny, for giving me such a treasure! She's still priceless to me!

My little Kewpie Doll

{diana + holga}

I'd like one of these for my birthday!

Isn't she pretty? And look at the fun pictures she takes too!

This is her friend Holga. Not as attractive, however I hear she produces a prettier picture.

I'd be happy with either one!

{if I were to do it again...}

I'd decorate a lovely garden with these......and I'd use this as my inspiration!I love, love, love Snippet & Ink!

{my business}

I wanted the title of this post to be this: "up in my biznass?!" but then I thought if someone googled "boyfriend be up in my biznass and I gotta get him out", I thought it might be awkward for both of us if they stumbled upon my site. So, I went with more of a conservative approach. Look, someone's gotta keep it real!

*ahem* Anyway, I love these business cards!I stumbled upon them at Country Living Magazine. Oh, and there's a funny story to go along with that too. See, when we moved, I forgot to change my subscription to Cottage Living magazine. A few days ago Andrew got an email from them saying that the subscription was on hold because the new tenants sent all our mail back. Well, I got online to change the address and accidentally went to Country Living instead of Cottage Living (confusing I know!). When the change address thing didn't work online, I emailed them politely asking to change my address and included my account number. A few days later they emailed me back asking for my prior address, which I gave them and then I got another email asking for all this info that I already gave them. I was a little frustrated, so I decided to just call the customer service hot line. This is what went down...

Customer Service Girl: *all chipper and happy sounding* Hello! This is Ashley, how may I help you?
Me: Hi! *chipper and happy sounding too* I need to change my address and I'm having a little bit of trouble doing it online.
CSG: Okay sure, I can help! What is your last name and zip?
Me: Give her my last name and zip.
CSG: Okay....*typing*.....hmmmm....yeah, I'm not finding you.
Me: *a little frustrated* Well, I've been getting the magazine, so I should be in there. They sent me an email telling me it was on hold or something and to change my address. I have my account number.
CSG: Okay what is your account number? *typing account number* Yeah...I'm not pulling anything up. (she sounds annoyed at this point as if I'm trying to con her into giving me a free magazine subscription).
Me: *very frustrated* Look, how can you not have my info? I've been receiving the magazine! It says right here on this email from Cottage Living that I nee......
CSG: *cutting me off* Ma'am, this is COUNTRY Living Magazine.
Me: ....*long pause*....oh.... I see. Well, that makes a lot of sense then. *nervous laugh* Gee, sorry about that! Ha-ha....Uh...I guess now you have a funny story to tell your coworkers, eh?
CSG: *in a flat voice* Can I help you with anything else?
Me: Umm, nope, but I do think your magazine is great too! Uh, bye...sorry...

I then called Cottage Living and easily changed my address.

{Look honey! I have a mustache!}

This video is hilarious, but hits home on so many levels!

So, here's a question for you. Do you have a mustache and if so, do you bleach, wax, or use one of those melting creams to get rid of unwanted hair? Or are you one of the lucky ones who has very fine, light hair above your upper lip so you don't have to worry about it? I for one, am a fan of the wax. Particularly, Mico Tweeze -works wonders for us dark haired ladies!

{oooh, mama like!}

image found at decor8

How funky is this wing back!?! Many of you have asked me about upholstery since I've taken a few classes. I found this website that more or less explains how to go at it! However, if you're not feeling quite that ambitious, I'd be happy to give you a fantastic deal on upholstering! Just email me a picture of your chair and I'll quote you a cost!

{estate sale find}

"I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it! I'm about to loose control and I think I like it!"

Okay, so some of you might not get so excited about a find like this, but I can't help it! Remember when I mentioned the estate sale find on Saturday? Well, here it is! After much rummaging around, I finally found this old medicine cabinet! Aren't the colors fantastic? Since I'm pretty sure the paint isn't lead free, I'm going to repaint it. Except I'm keeping this color scheme! I can't wait to show you all the finished product! Stay tuned! I have a pretty swell idea up my sleeve!

{hello fashionista!}

I've been watching a lot of "What Not to Wear" lately, in an attempt to give a little "umph" to my wardrobe. I've learned a lot, but there are still a few items in my closet that I'm sure Stacy and Clint would definitely throw out! (oh, the shame!)

So in my search to become more of a fashionista, I stumbled upon this little beauty....Great styles and free shipping! What more could a girl ask for?! Here is what InStyle had to say about it: This Maryland shop carries fresh and modern labels like Milly, Rock & Republic and Shoshanna. Check out shopemilygrace.com and use promo code INSTYLE08 from from June 20th to July 31st to receive 25% off your purchases.

Cute clothes and a sale? How can you resist?

{lovely weekend}

Here's a little glimpse of my weekend....

Farmers Market (one of my favorite artisans)

Since I was downtown, I drove past my old apartment. 2 years ago this week, I decided to move out by myself into this tiny studio apartment. Little did I know how much my life would change in 2 years! Ah...Hip & Humble! If you haven't been, you must go!

On Friday, Andrew and I stopped by the South Jordan carnival. The next afternoon they had a vintage car show that we couldn't miss! I love these old cars! I can't help but think about the person who owned it first, and where they traveled in it. We talked to an old guy who told us all about his car and the fun dates he went on in it. It was sure interesting! I can't wait to restore an old truck (like the one below) someday!

{lovely saturday}

Things I learned this morning:

~ When you go to the farmers market, go early! 9:00 is the busiest time- I'm pretty sure everyone in Salt Lake was there when I was.

~ Solo shopping is nice now and then, however next time I think I'll bring a friend. Who else am I going to give the "OMG, did you just see that!?" look to when I see an old lady without a bra on, bend over to pet a dog that wasn't hers as her nipple popped out of her tank top that was clearly from the junior section of K-Mart. *shudder*

~ Volkers bread is by far, the yummiest bread in the world. Try the Asiago Basil, you'll fall in love too.

~ Indulging yourself with yummy food, good drinks, and lovely things now and then is good for the soul.

~ If the boutique you visit offers free gift wrapping, get it! Even if it isn't for anyone but yourself!

~ If you see an estate sale, stop and look! You never know what treasures you'll find!

***the day is not over! pictures & updates to come soon!***

{my first crush}

i love this

{this one's for Nanny}

I just read my friend Bridgette's blog and saw that she is looking for an embroidery pattern with cute, dancing, fruit and veggies on them. As soon as I read it, I began my search! I love helping people find things they're looking for, but I also wanted to find the pattern because they remind me so much of my Great-Grandma Nanny. She lived in California, and had the funkiest, old kitchen that was full of neat things to look at (at least to a little girl they were)! I especially remember the dish towels she had that with embroidered veggies, dancing on them. I found these at Pattern Bee. Oh, how the sight of these bring back memories of walking across the lawn of my Grandma's house to Grandma Nanny's house for mickey mouse shaped pancakes in the morning.

{craft area}

I'm itchin' to get my craft/art area put

together in our new place!

Here are a few pics from Pottery Barn that have inspired me!

{well it's about time!}

We FINALLY got our internet hooked up!

{cheer up charlie}

So, I need to apologize for being a bit pessimistic in my posts lately. Some of you have commented that I seem a little down and have asked what's up, but I don't feel it's appropriate to blog about. (Translation: Public blog + not knowing who is reading this= I must be careful about what I blog about!) Don't worry, my marriage is fantastic and my family life is just as blissful. Nobody I know is sick, I am not sick, and I don't think anyone has a hit taken out on me (as far as I know...*shifty eyes*...). Use your imagination and I'm sure you'll come up with the reason I am frustrated. I'm a little amused to see what your guesses will be!

But enough about that. I've always been told that I am the only person that can control my emotions. Whenever someones actions would upset me, my mom would always remind me that I was the only person who could control how I reacted, and that is exactly what I am doing now. I choose to be happy and kind. I think Matthew Wilder said it best when he sang, "Ain't nothin' gonna break my stride, nobody's gonna slow me down, oh-no, I got to keep on movin'!"

So with that said, I'd like to share some info that I am really excited about! Every summer the Salt Lake Arts Council hosts weekly concerts called the Twilight Concert Series. They're each Thursday starting July 10 - August 28 @ 7pm at the Gallivan Center downtown. The best part about it is they are FREE! That's right, zero mullah! So check out the link and see who's playing! These two bands are on my must see list:

Josh Ritter July 17

Nada Surf August 7

{do what makes you happy}

Yesterday sucked. I'm so over rude, impatient, lazy, prejudice, and ignorant people. (I could go on, but I'll save my rant for another day). After work I stopped by one of my favorite places in Salt Lake and treated myself to a some eye candy at Ward & Child. It's a beautiful, little garden store in Salt Lake City off of 700 E and about 800 S. The inside is beautifully decorated with lovely lamps, tables, and other interior decor, but the reason I went was to walk through their amazing garden. It's small, but it's peaceful and serene- just what I needed.

I decided that since I my weekends have finally slowed down, I'm going to spend this Saturday exploring my favorite stores and places in Salt Lake. My first stop will be the Farmers Market. Then I plan on shopping at Hip & Humble, Nest, Floribunda, Ward & Child, Artichokes & Co, Abode, Cactus & Tropicals, and any other funky lil' stores I decide to browse! I love spending a laid back day solo shopping, thinking, and unwinding. I might even stop by Nailed and get a pedi!

P.S. My neighbor said he husband could hook up our internet tonight! SWEET!

{reunited and it feels so good}

Again, I need to apologize for the lack of posts. We still don't have our internet hooked up & my brother who knows how to do it is going on vacation for a week, so if you know anyone who is tech savvy, please give me their contact info so I can access the outside world from my house!!! I was also unable to post recently because we spent the weekend with Andrew's family at their HUGE family reunion at the Hidden Springs Ranch in Altamont, Utah (aka the middle of nowhere). I say huge because it was seriously big (not just the cabin)! There were like, 120 people there! Now, that might not seem like a bunch to some of you with big families, but when my side of the family has a reunion, there are about 25-30 people there, so I was a bit overwhelmed to say the least. So now, without further adieu, I give you.....

This was the HUGE cabin that slept all 120 of us! Check out the link above for more pics...

I'm going to be honest here and tell you that I don't remember the name of the guy dressed like an Indian. He was a great uncle...or maybe a cousin...anyway, he and his wife were in charge of the "initiations". Every other year when they have the reunion, they initiate the new wives/husbands & also the new babies. This year they played a "Are you smarter than a tribesman" game and if you got to a certain level you were initiated. The questions were about family history, family secrets, etc. (The parents of the babies play for them). Last year I guess they did a fear factor game and made the newbies eat worms and crickets and such. When I heard they initiate you, I thought I'd have to jump in the pool naked or something....I lucked out I guess! (Notice Andrew in the right hand corner? Your spouses were there to help you if you needed it)

Here I am trying to show Andrew my answer to see if I had it right. (sneaky eh?)

Sad thing though- Andrew didn't know much about his own family history. I was initiated anyway. Phew

This is our initiation prize. The theme was western/indians, which I found a little offensive since I am part Cherokee Indian. (j/k...I wasn't really offended, but I am part Cherokee. For realz...like a 1/16 or something)

The sista's and I enjoyed a clay facial.

The true initiation came when Andrew had to shoot an apple off the top of my head. Here he is aiming. Good thing he has a good shot!

Don't worry, I got him back.

Since I passed all the tests, Teri did a ceremonial dance on the coveted cardboard box.

All in all, it was a nice weekend, and nice to "officially" be in the family!