Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Organized Chaos

Have you ever shopped in Charming Charlie?
For those of you who have no clue what CC is, it's literally crack for accessory lovers like me. From necklaces to belts, shoes to rings they've got it all. Colors are divided by sections and for many people looking for a specific piece to match their outfit this setup is perfect. But for creative people like me this type of store can be quite overwhelming. The first time I stepped into CC, I literally walked right out. I didn't even buy anything - I was on color overload.

Why am I bringing up my favorite accessories secret store now? Well that same feeling I felt back then is the same one I've been feeling recently.

Most of you know that last October, my family and I were thrown a curve ball when our house sprung a leak, and the entire place was gutted. This episode has now been dubbed the Great House Debacle. We've been living in a rental property and it's finally time to rebuild. The choices are immense and the budget is so tiny. I don't even want to tell you what happened the first time I walked into the tile store.

Although this whole process should be fun for me, I am finding it extremely challenging. Organization and working within a budget..... well those things are not really my strong suit. And don't get me started on measurements - I never understood that math.

I think that the hardest part for me are all the choices! I feel like I have hundreds of people yelling at me all day long, but it's just my mind trying to file away all my ideas. When I am actively engaged in a creative process, I get super hyper focused that all I do is sleep, eat, and think about the design or layout of a project. Right now, my whole house needs to be redone and I am slowly starting to freak out.

Thank goodness I have Sara Schmutter -
She has become my partner in "grime."
(If you saw my house you'd get the joke)
Not only did she design the most creative kitchen and bathroom spaces for me, but she has been there every step of the way shopping with me for tiles, hanging out at Ikea and Lowes, and she even carries around with her a tape measure to handle all those nasty measurements.

I can't wait to start sharing with you all before and after pictures. Finding good deals and rebuilding on a budget is the key to my successful home remodel.

If you are looking to remodel your home and would like to get in contact with Sara. Please message me at shabbey2@gmail.com I would be more then happy to pass along her info.


Till Next Time!

Abbey

Monday, May 13, 2013

Shavuos Edible Crafts

I'm not really a baker, so when I do make edible crafts it's super easy and simple. Here are two really great Shavuos edible craft recipes.


#1 - Torah Knishes! 



#2 - Torah Pie! 
Just use a torah cookie cutter, apple pie filling, and pie crust dough!
#3 - Winkie Torahs!
Although we give these out to our friends in shul on Simchat Torah, we still make a bunch of these delicious sweets on Shavuot too!!

ENJOY MAKING THESE SWEET TREATS THIS HOLIDAY :)
-Abbey