Category: Random

To-Do List (with deadline!)

Inspired by Jessica at Little House, Big Heart (among others), I have been inspired to actually keep track of my to-do list before my parents come in December. December 9th, to be exact. This means unlike some of my blog friends who are doing the Thanksgiving Scramble, I have more time! Which is nice considering I just put this list together…

I’m so excited for my mom and dad to visit, even if they’ll only be here for a couple of days!

  • Put up the Christmas tree (did it this weekend!)
  • Do “something else” with the fireplace (paint or replace items inside)
  • Purchase a rug pad for diamond jute rug in living room
  • Purchase a rug pad for zebra rug in guest room
  • Clean off the guest bed so it’s sleep-able
  • Generally make guest room ready for guests
  • Do a little more festive Christmas decorating
  • Decide yes or no on outdoor Christmas lights (we have no outdoor plug so improvisation will be necessary)
  • Get a shower curtain (right now we just have a liner)
  • Curtain clips for the dining room (so the curtains won’t look so much like high-waters)
  • Hang higher curtain rod in guest room
  • Do a little kitchen re-organizing
  • Buy groceries (so they don’t starve while they’re here! Our fridge is usually a big cold empty box…)
  • Liven up the white wasteland that is the hallway
  • Hang pictures in guest room and master bedroom
  • Frost window on kitchen door and in bathroom (I want to try this)
  • Paint front-door dresser and move cold-weather accessories into its drawers

Okay, the list is somewhat long. Luckily some of these are just “Buy _____” which is about the easiest thing to do ever… spend money :P The rug pads are a much-procrastinated necessity, though because our little dog is in the business of running around and making the rugs all bunched up and crooked. An unforseen downside to the diamond jute rug from World Market is that its linear design makes it painfully obvious when it’s out of whack. Hopefully a plush, thick rubber rug pad will make my woes go away.

Got any big plans to take care of so your company will be thoroughly impressed?

31 Bits

Have you heard of 31 Bits jewelry? Ever since hearing about it from my friend Sarah, I have been crazy about it. Basically anything that empowers women to rise above their situation and fairly earn their living is great in my book. Its why I was so excited to do an internship in Microfinance during college, why I support Heifer and Not For Sale, and now I’m proud to say that I stand behind 31 bits!

Last Saturday I offered to help Sarah host an event at our friend Traci’s print shop. I was psyched about it even before I’d seen one of these necklaces or held one in my hands. They are so great! Yes, they are made from scraps of paper, but to me they look different from all recycled paper art I’ve seen. Not kitchy or recycled-looking, just simple and beautiful! Oh, did I mention Sarah is a professional photographer? She took her own promo shots for a postcard we passed out around town. I’m obsessed with them. Just as good (if not better?? i’m biased…) than the stuff on the 31 Bits site.

2 above photos (c) Beautiful Isolations / Sarah Reeves

We were lucky to have a beautiful location in a public place. In addition to people we’d invited, we had a few walk in off the street! They say that in a week a woman can produce between 5 and 15 items, depending on complexity. Well, it’s safe to say our sales on that day supported many weeks’ wages!

Here’s our set-up. I can’t wait to see Sarah’s pics from the day! We also had refreshments (hot drinks and cookies) and a photobooth–we’ll be sending the pictures to the women who make the jewelry as an additional human connection. Have you ever seen the people who make the items you buy? We can all agree it’s a rare connection.

Did you know it’s easy to host your own house party?

Christmas House Party from 31 Bits on Vimeo.

Weather

Today is cold. My car was covered in ice and my hands are all crackly. Winter has arrived, I think.

Tuesday was lovely, though.