emergency

It seems like in the last year or so I've had a feeling to get my family prepared for emergencies. (see?)
We have been advised by the church for years to be prepared with 72 hour kits, food storage, etc. for any natural disasters (or man made, for that matter). I read a friends blog tonight (see post below) and it got my heart pumping and my brain racing and I got that urging again, to really get prepared.
So I printed out a bunch of information from this site on 72 hour kits (mine are almost done) a Family Emergency Plan, and an Emergency Binder. I am going to spend the next couple of weeks getting as much as I can together and organized.
I think it would be the absolute worst thing on earth if we were to have a disaster/epidemic happen, and to see my family suffer because we weren't prepared. The very thought makes me sick.

Here are some useful websites:
Food Storage Made Easy (my favorite)
Test your readiness IQ (my score was pathetic)
Pandemic Preparedness Planning
Food Storage

Please family and friends, get yourselves prepared!

"Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we can care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.

"We encourage members world-wide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.

"We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve."

-The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

I am so grateful we have a living prophet who gives us such amazing counsel. I don't know what I'd do without the gospel in my life. It gives me peace that I know I would not have without it.

Fever

I feel so silly posting this. But the last singing post was good for me because I'm trying to stop being so dang bashful about singing. A couple people also encouraged me to do more, so here is one of my favorite songs, "Fever". Needs improvements, but it was fun!
(in order to post audio on blogspot, I have to make a video, so you can go ahead and stare at the hotness that is Tom while you listen:)

this guy gives me feva!

important to read

I suggest everyone read this. This is scary, but if we are prepared, we'll be fine. (Thanks Sarah)

Vintage Modern

My friend Paris posted about this interior design website called Sproost. You can take a test that defines what your style is, and mine was right on! I have a deep passion for going to thrift stores, yard sales, etc. and finding treasures. About 95% of our apartment is made up of things I've found at these kinds of places. We even have furniture that people just left by the dump that I stole and gave makeovers to. I love anything with a history!

Vintage Modern

Flea Market, anyone? You know you are drawn to modern furniture and interiors, and yet you don't like a space that feels cold and sterile. And who could blame you? That's why Vintage Modern is so appealing to you. Though the backdrop of the room, the walls and windows, are many times white or monochromatic, the furniture and accessories have the color, shape and texture to bring the warmth into the space.

The great thing about Vintage Modern is ease of mixing different styles in the one space. You can have a new modular sofa mixed with a great pair of chairs that your grandmother purchased in the late 1950's. The new and old work appear as though they were destined for each other. Even if you don't have time for swap meets and garage sales, so many of the mid-century pieces were so great that they have been remade and mimicked year after year.

vintage treasures

Thanks to my local Savers, my paints now have a new home. I love it! I've been needing a desk for quite some time (years, people) and I found this jewel for only $30. I would love to get some hardware for it at Anthro or something. Thanks for the desk, Tom!



Tt
I also found these vintage Disney books for $1.50 a piece! My family had some of these when I was little, and I loved looking through them. Still do! When I laid my eyes on these, I gasped out loud and I think the guy next to me thought I was crazy.



The illustrations are* GORGEOUS*

we finally put our disney poster up from our trip in 2007. Tom and I have a tradition of buying a piece of art from our trips to disney every time we go. We have five so far. I will post a pic of those later!

a new business venture

I have a lovely idea. Its for a new business, and I can't wait to start. Stay tuned!

whatcha want?

I would love everyone's opinion on what they think my blog should focus on, what YOU want to see more of and think I could shut up about :) So feel free to comment, and don't worry about hurting my feelings. The truth shall set you free!

Giveaway winner

And the winner of this months giveaway is Erin Beebe. Congratulations!
{email me and we can discuss what you would like for your illustration}

Stay tuned for next months giveaway! Thanks everyone for participating and for your nice comments!

beautiful easter message

Family tree

I love the idea of family trees, but I can never find one that I'd want to hang on my wall.
(except the one painted on the wall in Sirius Black's house in "Harry Potter and Order of the Phoenix". Remember how cool that was?) until now:

from Sarah Jane Studios
She has several different colors available here

I have extended the giveaway deadline until Monday morning, so spread the word!

In other news: I had my first mammogram today. Since my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 37 (and beat it seven {right mom?} times since then), they recommend you start getting mammograms 15 years earlier then your relative. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Uncomfortable, but not painful. I think that is largely due to the fact that I don't really have much to squish down, thanks to genes and post-baby floppiness. Everything turned out normal. I also had the BRCA gene test done, and I have no genetic mutation, which was a huge relief, but my risk is still higher than normal since breast cancer runs in my family. I still have to be extra careful. SO, ladies, do your self-exams religiously and take care of yourselves!

Earth to blogging buddies!

Where in the heck is everyone? HELLO? Is anyone there?

Sock Monkey!

My dear sister made me a sock monkey a few years back for my birthday, because I had mentioned I'd always wanted one. Mae loves Gilbert (my monkey) but I don't want her playing with him because...well, I want to keep him around for a long time. So I asked Aubrey to make one for Mae, and I about DIED when I saw him! He is so darling! His name is Prince, and Mae loves him.



feeding Prince monkey treats

shelbi and dee

Conference and a monster

I love conference. I always leave with a renewed desire to do better and make my life more meaningful. Whilst listening to our beloved leaders, Tom asked me to tickle his back, and in doing this, I realized that three of his moles looked like DJ's face from "Monster House", so out came my drawing pen.

April Giveaway!

I put off doing a giveaway for awhile since I had some portraits to finish. They are just about done. Sometimes I get a piece of art done quickly, and other times I take forever because I just can't seem to get it exactly how I want it.
Since these portraits will be hanging on my friends wall, and they are of her lovely family, I wanted to capture them perfectly. So, about 50 tries later, I think I finally got them looking how I want. Horray!

So here it goes:

the goods
-1 print from my shop OR a custom illustration/drawing
-Aubrey has graciously agreed to contribute one of her lovely book thongs! I LOVE mine.

{it's a whale!}

the rules
-post a comment with on fun fact about yourself. I love learning things about people.
-the more people you recruit to comment on this post, the more chances you have of winning. Just have them put your name in their comment. One vote for you, one for them!

+Winner will be announced April 10th!+