BIG MOVE
Hello Kitty & Cupcakes!
It’s January 12 and today I turned the whoppin big 2-6. It’s the first time I’ve been back in Michigan for my bday in seven years.
Spent the day antique shopping with my mom in downtown Grand Rapids… ate a yummy salad for dinner…made a bday wish while wearing a Hello Kitty party hat…ate cupcakes & watched the Bucket List… Fab Day! Oh, and got 4 gb of RAM. Yay!! Thanks Ma & Pa!
It’s my last week in Michigan and have oh so many projects….like making my mom’s Christmas present (oops). I’ve been up to lots of exciting stuff and will be revealing soon, so vague. haha.
Next stop on my adventures: Cincinnati, Ohio for a week or two. NOVA friends, I will be headin your way at the end of the month. Don’t fret.
I’m on a limited/no spending budget right now, but I scrounged up some change for some new dress patterns from Coat of Many Colors Vintage. There were a couple vintage cameras I REALLY wanted, but had to say no. It was sad. The store was recommended to me from a college friend and I finally got to check it out. Rad shop… reasonable prices and good selection.
Okay, enough procrastination for one night…. back to work.
Love [the older and wiser],
Jamison Lee
treasures in toledo
Today my mom and I had to bring my sis down to Toledo, Ohio. After driving 3 hours I wanted to find at least one thrift store. The gps took us to a salvation army rehabilitation center, not a family store. :( BUT across the street there was a thrift store…having a 50% off sale! Yay!
We were def downtown and my mom was a little scared, but she braved the area for me. haha. I found lots of goodies I’ll share later…craft supplies, a dress, blazer, luggage, jewelry, etc. i guess this is proof that some good things do come out of Ohio… who knew. haha. The only bummer is I forgot one of the luggage pieces there. Oh well.
The best part… it was free. Well, kinda. I returned a Christmas present and came out the same price! $20.28. Love when that happens.
vintage suitcases
roadtrip+work
That’s a Wrap [2009 Recap]
[JANUARY]
i turned 25!!! i have to say i was DREADING this birthday (even though roxy threw me a fiesta)!! BUT this has turned out to be one of the best years ever and NOT AT ALL what I expected!! the LORD has been more than faithful and his blessings on my life are overwhelming!
Eye of the Beholder [New Zealand Vintage]
A few weeks ago I had the privileged and blessing of going to New Zealand before returning to the States. Visiting New Zealand was a dream come true and I can’t even describe how beautiful it was!!! I finally had some time to look through the pics and I will be sharing my adventure soon, but until then…here are some of the items found at an Antique Shop/Art Studio. It really was the most RANDOM place! I honestly wonder if it really exists or if I was hallucinating or if God placed it there for me to experience. haha, no seriously. :)
I had been driving for a few hours and while passing through a small town on my way to Milford Sound, I saw the large “antique” sign and immediately turned around. I walked in to find this little old farmhouse covered in cobwebs and vintage goodness. I was there for at least 15-20 minutes and no one ever came. I tried to discretely capture some of my favorite items and feared a little old lady would appear right behind me. There were a couple items I was interested in, but had no way of even purchasing, let alone inquiring on the price. Oh well, it was a memory I don’t want to forget! Enjoy!
Have a fabulous Sunday!!
christmas skirt
I look forward to the holidays to be with family and participate in all our traditions… Christmas Eve appetizers, sibling gift exchange, new Christmas pajamas, etc. Female domination still wins with the girl-guy ratio now being 6:3 and with that we can still enforce the Christmas day dress code. It’s great and oh so fun…We all bring our own style to the table. Last year’s theme was “Christmas Plaid” and this year was “flannel.”
I had a (men’s) flannel shirt I had to buy in New Zealand to keep warm and wanted to alter it. I ended up making a funky little skirt and flower for my hair. It was a fun project.
Merry Christmas!!
Moselle Clothing
While “down under” I had the privilege of working with Moselle Clothing. My new friends and Moselle founders, Dan & Catrina, have partnered with Destiny Rescue and they will be launching their first fair trade line in 2010 in Australia. Destiny Rescue provides a safe home, love, counseling and educations to girls and young women rescued from sex trafficking. One of the Destiny Rescue centers is a sewing facility where the girls have been taught the skills for a future…they actually sewed the promo tees shown.
Above is the mock-up of the men’s tee I designed. Dan wanted to show the growth/new life from poverty. I sketched the shacks/huts to transitions into the roots of the trees from the logo below (designed by Des Rountree).
They decided to print the design on both the men’s and woman’s tees. It was a fun project to be involved in! I will be sure to post more Moselle updates!
Hunting Ridge Retreat…Home Away From Home
I pulled up to the house and it was just so beautiful. The sun had set behind the little chapel, leaving a pinkish glow in the air. I am staying with my brother and sister-in-law and they live and work on a sick property out in Virginia country side. It is complete with a chapel and cabins.
Shell is quite the hostess. She was baking tonight (some yummy chocolate peanut butter cookies for my bro) while I was sewing. She’s just too cute and spoils me rotten. Awe, I love ya girl!
spinach and artichoke goodness
Today has flown by, mainly because I slept most of it. I am recovering from once living 15 hours ahead of eastern standard time (aka jet lag), not to mention this blasted ear infection. Well, my hosts Josh and Michelle (bro & sis-in-law) have graciously taken me in and treat me like royalty. They went for a walk and I wiped together a little snack for the three of us. It was perfect for this chilly winter day.
I present to you (one of my favs), Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip!
It’s a super easy recipe, all you need is the following ingredients:
1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup Mayonnaise
1 package Knorr® Vegetable recipe mix
1 can (8 oz.) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
[PREPARATION]
Preheat oven to 350°.
In medium bowl, combine all ingredients except 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
Spoon into 2-quart casserole…
Then top with remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. A little extra cheese never hurt anyone, I am always generous.
Bake 35 minutes or until heated through.
Serve with toasted french baguette rounds, sliced garlic bread, corn or tortilla chips or vegetable dippers. I opted for sea salt pita chips.
Soooo yummy!!
busy bee
Good Afternoon! Like the peacock ring?!? I found it in a little shop in New Zealand for $3! I was so stoked.
I’m takin a little break from unpacking (it’s almost as bad as packing)… I’m staying with my bro and sis-in-law out in the beautiful countryside of Virginia. I have no cell phone reception, but that’s okay. I can practice my stick-shift driving on Josh’s trooper (I learned in New Zealand-kinda). I also have the worst ear infection… you know when something bad bc it has it’s own pulse! This morning we poured oregano extract (my mother’s cure for everything) and hydrogen peroxide (webMD’s recommendation) in it. That and the 3 ibuprofen seemed to help, but the meds are fading.
I have lots to do before this weekend, but today I am going to snuggle up and drink some Lady Grey tea while make christmas cards and finish going through my pics from New Zealand… and Byron Bay [Britt, I didn't forget! :)].
Okay then… productivity here I come, jet lag stay away-pretty please!
christmas time
I cannot believe it’s actually Christmas!!! I missed “fall” this year, so I’m jumping right into winter from the 90+ heat of Australia’s Sunshine Coast. It didn’t quite seem like the holidays when you’re in shorts and a tank top, but now…. I am sitting in LAX and they have the aircon CRANKED up, so yep… I feel the chill in the air.
I am almost through my 7 hour layover and came across some pics from last year! I loved decorating, but this year I am technically homeless. haha. Good thing I have family and friends to take me in.
It’s good to be back in the good ol’ US of A. I had some warm soup and an Eggnog latte. It was mmm-mmmm good!
Entertainment Center
I am not a nick-nack girl, but I found a fun vintage reindeer clock to add a lil’ something-something. Fresh greenery is my fav… It reminds me of my house growing up.
Repurposing Old Books
I made several strands of snowflakes and with the left over pages, I shredded and fill mason jars and vases.
Vintage Fabric Ornaments
Jess and I tagged teamed making ornaments out of an vintage floral print sheet I found in a give away pile on the side of the road. I stuffed the hearts with pillow filling and Jess picked out the “perfect” vintage button to match.
That was a fun night! She brought over coke and marshmallow (like on Elf). haha. Can’t wait for more crafting with her… now it will be wedding decor! She’s tying the know in March!!
Happy Tuesday!!!
love. love. eye candy.
i came across this photo shoot yesterday and loved it. just wanted to share.
thank you, thank you very much…
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays for many reasons… quality time with the family, stuffing, pumpkin pie, fall weather, cider and Lions football. Okay if I am honest, I usually take a nap during the game… the turkey always gets to me.
Well this year I was a world away from family and cool weather, but I it was still a great day (even if we celebrated on a Saturday afternoon). I have soooo much to be thankful for!!
I can’t believe my time in Aussie land is coming to an end, but what a blessing to travel overseas and serve the Lord. Most def not a experience and season in my life that will soon be forgotten! I’m excited for the (unknown) future and being able to apply the lessons I have learned. I am going to miss my dear friends. So many amazing people from all over, life long friends for sure.
Seeing God’s (sunny) creation has blown my mind. The sky is my favorite!! I don’t know if I was too busy back home to look up or what, but man… clouds are SICK! It’s kinda cool the physical action of looking heavenward. It truly makes me 1) stand in awe, 2) smile and 3) sometimes giggle. haha. seriously.
Here’s a couple pics from my Aussie Thanksgiving. I made Sweet Potatoes Casserole…. using 4 kilos of potatoes. It’s almost a sin calling it a “casserole” with all the sugar and butter used, but it sure is yummy. :)
“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”
Philippians 4:4
Eumundi Markets
Miss Brittany is back from India! Hip-Hip-Hooray! This Saturday we went with the DTS students to the Eumundi Markets. We spent the morning looking at beautiful handmade goods, tasting yummy food samples, drinking fresh ginger beer and sweating like no other.
We parked in front of my dream house… it was an old chapel that was renovated into a home. It was beautiful!! The owner was telling me how the couple’s bed is on the alter. Cool huh?!? They were having a yard sale! I got a vintage apron.
This weekend I was reading and wanted to share Lamentations 3:22-26. How great is the Lord’s love for us? He truly is ALL we need.
I have soooo many emails to catch up on. Friends & Family: I am still alive, just REALLY behind in the correspondence. Love you all!
xoxo
Jamison
cute couple
Last Friday I took some pics of Ashley and Jeremy. It was a riot because they are soooo stinkin cute and funny. Yay for new friends and living vicariously through their wedding planning! haha!! Every time I talk to Ash she has a new (and uber cute) idea. I love it!!
she’s going to [POP-OUT]
This was a fun little project. Catrina is having a baby in less than 2 weeks! She’s such a cute pregnant lady, but oh so ready for this little gal or guy to come. This is def one thing I CANNOT relate to. haha.
Anyway, the invites were designed based on the baby’s room. The gender is unknown, so Catrina went with a seashell fabric (very fitting for a Sunny Coast babe) with lots of yellows, teals and blues. She has sewn everything from the mobile to the bedding and we were able to sneak a “shell” from the mobile to get the color swatches.
I took the photo of Cat and imported it into Illustrator, did a live trace, recolored it and waalaa…
To make the pop-up I printed the front and back side-by-side and after scoring the fold & cutting the bleed, I used an exacto knife to go around her belly. I then glued the two pages together.
In case you didn’t know, you’re a “mum” here in Australia… not a “mom.”
I love how it turned out and hope you do too. :)
Sweet Dreams… well for me. I am 15 hours ahead of all you EST peeps.
ashlee + jeremy
Last week my friend and crafternoon bud, Ashlee got engaged!!! Jeremy, her now fiance, surprised her by flying over to Australia and proposing!! It’s soooo exciting and they are pretty much the cutest couple ever. They are having their engagement party next week and I made the invites (they are postcards).
The colors are “so Ashlee” if that is possible. It was fun putting them together. I was able to do some hand-drawn elements & typeface. I have no tablet or scanner here, so I would take a pic with my camera of my doodles, upload and tweak through illustrator.
I do miss my printing options back home (shout out to my reliable, go-to printer, Will). My options are Office Works or Office Works… on semigloss or gloss cardstock. Boo. I’m not a gloss girl except for business/promo materials.
In taking these pic I was attacked, bombarded and eaten alive by a swarm of mosquitoes. Is it possible to get 20+ bites in less than five minute?!? Yes, yes it is. I am living proof. haha. Oh, the thing I endure for the sake of blogging.
the beauty of creation
Sunday night around 11 pm I was walking home from “77″ (the YWAM house with internet) and was completely taken back by the sky!!! It was sick!! Don’t you just love when God reveals Himself in creation?!?! It is in those moments I am completely in awe. How can you not look up and believe there is a God (and a uber creative one at that).
I walked around (wishing I had a tripod) takin some pics. I was quite the creeper… resting my camera on random cars, street signs and fences. There are very few street lights, so the sky is so vivid (is that possible)… great view of the stars. I have never seen the moon so brights and the clouds so clearly at night though. It was truly AMAZING!!
miss usa
So like every October 31, I wear a random Halloween costume. I don’t think I have ever planned out a “great costume.” It is usually like 6 pm on Halloween and I am like, “oh snap, i need a costume.” This year I was Miss America. haha. I managed to throw it together in 30 minutes and successfully make a tinfoil crown. What can i say…I just love any excuse to dress up.
Anyone else dress up? Let’s hear it!
thursday goodness
G’Day!
As always, this week is flying by… though it has been a good one.
Monday: I bit it hard on my bike. I was trying to pass a pedestrian and hit the curb and went sliding. Don’t worry, I was wearing a helmet, but the bruised are large and I am still swollen and sore. Note to self: “Get a bell.” No, that’s what the guy told me, “You really should get a bell for that thing.” Yeah, thanks bud. Duly noted.
On a positive note, I got a bunch of clothes and this vintage floral print tablecloth from garbage pickin. It was a community-cleaning day, so everyone had stuff on the side of the road. People found all kinds of goodies… tvs, furniture, surfboards, etc! Almost like heaven, almost.
The tablecloth is my new bedspread. It’s perfect!
Tuesday: I was caught in the rain on my bike. Fortunately I was able to escape to the Plaza to wait out the rain- enjoying coffee and a scone (of course) and my journal. Oh, and sad new- I no longer have any white clothes. I did laundry and a headband bled. I now have a light pink Phil Wickham & AVA tee. Crap.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of my journal (not the top secret one). I have multiple journals. Oh, and yes, I am the world’s worst speller… just had to preface. haha
BREAKING NEWS… I played Settlers and loved it (well, I did win the first game)! I am known to be anti-board games, but I think the tides are changing. haha. My fam is obsessed and always plays without me, but I just may join in this Christmas. I will bring the oar and Sage have the sheep ready.
Wednesday: I am currently listening to the “Label Sampler Album” by Hardly Art & Acoustic EP by Kate Walsh I got from Amazon…for FREE! I am ‘em . Go get them- now! If you don’t already, follow “Amazon MP3” on Twitter because they often have free music. Score.
I went for a walk to Salvos (thrift store) to get some old books for cards/stationary and found some goodies.
So far in the Picture Dictionary, “underwear” is my favorite! I think it’s interesting that the little boy has more of a figure than the girl. She’s frumpy and he’s in high-cut undies. haha.
Oh, and they had a peacock! Yay!
My second grade teacher, Mrs. Jackson, introduced me to Tomie dePaola. He has always been one of my favorite children’s authors. I mean, who doesn’t love the tales of Strega Nona?!? Anyone know what I am talking about????
Anyway, his illustrations are sick and easy to identify. I found this treasure, The Wind and The Sun for 50 cents. It’s a cute story. Made my day! Check it out.
Today is the long grocery-shopping day… we buy for lunch, dinner and 4 houses). Here we come Woolies! Tonight I am helping Callie cook a dinner for her small group. Should be yummy!
Later Gator!
xoxo
Jamison Sue
