Ups and Downs

The Fail:  

I scurry over to the salon during the munchkins' nap time to get a quick pedicure on Sunday.

(Note:  Even when pursuing a frugal mindset, in a climate where one wears flip-flops 10 months out of the year at least, it is imperative, I believe, to budget in a pedicure once or twice a month.  FYI.)

So anyway, I get there, and I'm feeling pretty groovy because I've remembered to bring some crochet to work on and was making great gains in it and completely falling into a wonderful and productive comfortable pampered zone.  I picked out a beautiful, bright, ever-so-slightly bluish green color for my oh-so cute toes, which my awesome pedicurist applies expertly.

Feeling like a normal, put together, lady-like human being.

Then she goes to put on my shoes.

Sigh.  Normal, put together, lady-like human being feeling gone.

Friends, I'm wearing two non-matching flip-flops to the salon, and I'm once again in frazzled-mom zone.

Oh, well.  At least my toes look snappy.

The Score:

These came in the mail last week.  

Ever since I was a little girl with an Australian pen pal, I've had a thing for getting mail/packages from other countries.  So cool!  Am I the only one?

So I was pretty psyched when these arrived from Ukraine.  I mean, I have to even study the packaging for a bit before I can even open it.  Maybe I should get out more.  But I love these earrings from Lepun and the sweet wrapping they came in.  I've been wearing them for the past three days, and I think they look neat with my pixie hairdo.

Anything interesting happen to you over the weekend?

Etsy Love

I need a doorstop.  And I can't just get any old doorstop.  I need an awesome doorstop.  I love when I feel I have to buy some piece of clothing or a household item, because then I have the freedom to choose something unique, even if it's something seemingly inconsequential.

This item, however, is crucial.  I have a bathroom door off balance.  If that doorknob nails me in the arm again while I'm helping a toddler wash her hands, I'm going to have a psychotic break.  So you can see the how urgent this particular purchase is, can't you?  Of course you can.

So of course I went to Etsy, because, as I've mentioned before, I have a problem.  An Etsy addiction problem.  They say admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery, but unfortunately, this is as far as I'm willing to go on this road to recovery.

I love seeing what people make, and I like to support them when I can.

So here is my new doorstop:

I'm so excited.  I wanted to take a picture of it after it came, but I'm in a hurry to share my new nautical coolness with you.  I ordered this from Next Door to Heaven.  They make rustic and homey things from burlap, which I can't wait to get in the mail.  

I love getting things in the mail.

Ordering this got me in a nautical frame of mind.  So I started looking for other things seaworthy.

This bracelet is so simple and whimsical from GreenDuckWeed.  I imagine wearing it out and about on Saturdays.  My kids would love to see this in my jewelry drawer, which they love to investigate from time to time.

I love the freshness of blue and white alone.  This would look amazing with Lily's untamed curls.  I'm going to have to make something similar for her soon, but I'm not sure it would look as adorable as this one from Chocolatine.

Can anyone else smell the saltwater?  Concertina Press.

Lepun is one of my favorite shops.  Her stuff is so sweet and fun.  I have my eye on some red and white stud earrings from here.  

I've moved a lot.  But there's a reason I always end up in a coastal state.  Give me a quiet beach on an overcast day, and I'm in paradise.

Sweet Addiction

Rose along with Etsy.com has inspired me.

My name is MP, and I'm an Etsy-browse-a-holic.

Oh, brother.  I've got the crafting bug.  It is both wonderful and terrible.  Wonderful for joie de vivre.  Terrible (possibly) for the pocketbook.

I will try to be reasonable.

I will try to be practical.

I will look at the supplies I already have, and I will try not to get sucked into the usual crafter's dilemma of...

Oops.  Too late.

Now, I have ideas.  And every time I investigate that idea, it leads to another idea.  I have idea overload, which of course will lead to project overload and a plethora of half-finished projects.  But I am resolved to be organized and not begin another project before the one before is complete.  I will pace myself.  Unfortunately, at the moment, all my spare seconds are being swallowed up by browsing an endless supply of supplies and inspiration on Etsy.

No need to feed or bathe the kids.  Mama needs to find the best price on 325 yards of tulle.

The house is burning down?  Hold on.  I'm trying to locate the perfect quilt pattern.  I'll meet you on the lawn in a few. 


Can you blame me?  Endless possibility...

So I'll probably need some of these.

I don't know what I'll do with this yet, but I know I'll think of something.

This is absolutely crucial.

And this needs to get here yesterday.

That's the tip of the iceberg...

A beautiful, delightful, homemade iceberg.

Fortunately, Rose's birthday is coming.  Such a beautiful and nearly unselfish excuse to make things!  Then my mom's, and then...  well, everybody.  

Whether you like it or not.

You're welcome.

I must be feeling a bit of a nesting vibe, because I also feel the need to cook and bake.  But that subject, and all the wonderful, delicious calories therein, are for another post.

Stuff and Nonsense

I am not an especially sunny person.

At least I don't think so.  I would actually describe myself is unequivocally moody.  I tend to react dramatically to whatever influences are happening inside and outside my being, and therefore, I have great bouts of melancholy as well as cheeriness. So some days I am in the mood to really get on here and talk about darker and sadder things.

And sometimes when I get my political ire up, I want to blog about political things or human rights things (which I happen to really feel passionate about... so I still might).

However...

I have made the final decision that as non-intellectual and un-deep (like my new word?) as it may be, Mama Poobah is going to be a lighter place.  A place to blog about things I love and happier things.

And the occasional human rights issue.

Which I also love.

On that note (the things I love note, not the human rights note)... if you are ever shopping for me, please feel free to drop by Etsy.

Really.  Go ahead right now and pick something out.  Actually, pick out two -- one for you and one for me.  Mine can be the cheaper one; I don't mind.

This store is my virtual home away from home. It's so crafty, beautiful, and eclectic.  And kitschy if that's what you like.

Ooh, here's something.  Irish-y scarf.  Because I'm, like, 1/27th Irish (give or take 1/27th).

And this is cool.  I like bees.  And they would feel at home in my downtown apartment.  Okay.  I won't get this, but it's awesome anyway.

Wow.

Pretty.

 Okay.  So practically speaking, I would never actually get one of my girls a tutu unless I could suddenly afford ballet, but seriously... how cute is this...

 

Okay.  I'm done.

For now.

Plus you get to send stuff to people and impress them with where it's coming from.  I sent my sister-in-law this gorgeous scarf handmade in Turkey.  I'm pretty sure it was more fun for me to send than it was for her to receive it.  Though I've gotten something awesome from places like Boise as well.

Anyway, that's my pitch for today.

Etsy, feel free to credit my account.

I wish.