05/10/2012 by Laura

Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop!: Shoes

It’s time again for Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop! I had a chuckle when I saw this month’s prompt; I talk a lot about my clothes, but I don’t think I’ve ever talked about my shoes. I haven’t been too strict about how many I have. As a minimalist, I thought I was going to have to out myself as having “too many” shoes.

But I was surprised to see that I have seven pairs of shoes. And I’ve been strategic about what I own and why.

I used to a big shopper (I still struggle with this!). Anyway, I used to buy shoes all the time. They were cheap! And cute!

About a year ago, when I first became interested in minimalism, I started thinking about what kind of shoes I wanted to own. I wanted good quality shoes that would last a long time, that would be comfortable, and that would be cute as heck. I decided to only buy one pair of shoes per season. Instead of buying 3 -4 pairs of $15 shoes, I could buy one pair of $60 shoes that would be higher quality and last longer.

I have been doing that ever since, and I love my shoes now. I have been done a great job of buying good quality, classic (yet fun!) shoes that I enjoy wearing. Plus since they are quality shoes, I have been able to take them to the cobbler to get them repaired when they need it. They are lasting a long time. I am getting my money’s worth out of these guys!

I have owned those polka dot galoshes forever. They are so cute! I bought those nude shoes in the middle for Spring 2011. The pink butterfly wedges were for Summer 2011. For the fall, I bought those brown boots on the right. They were pretty pricey, but I wear them ALL. THE. TIME. My cost per wear has got to be pennies by now. The red heels (second from the right) were for Winter 2011/2012. I did buy two pairs of shoes for this spring – the brown pair of booties (second from the left) and the black pair with bows. But again, they are classic shoes that I wear all the time. I love them all!

Most of these shoes are Clarks or Naturalizer brand, so they are über comfortable. Excluding the galoshes, they are all heels, but they are only 1″ – 2″. They are comfortable, and I can wear them all day at work or dance in them all night long. Trust me – I’ve done it!

I am planning on buying one more pair of shoes for this summer. They will be a cute pair of bright colored flats – maybe pink or green. I’m taking my time to shop around, but I will be sure to share them on here when I find the perfect pair.

Whew! There – I have out’d my shoe collection. What do you think? Do you have a favorite pair of shoes that you can wear all the time?

12/08/2011 by Laura

Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop: Holiday Decor

Whew! I am excited to begin blogging again, so I thought, what the heck? Might as well post about my holiday decor. Thanks Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop! for keeping me motivated!

Two things I want to point out. First, the evergreen garland is actually from our wedding. I love to get them out every year. It’s a wonderful reminder. Plus (bonus!) they are go with the season, so I can keep them out into January and February without feeling too lazy.

Second, we got glass doors for the fireplace! When we lost power, we were having lots of fires to keep us warm, and the soot and ash made a big mess. Our neighbors were actually getting rid of these, and we snatched them up. It was almost a perfect fit, and I love the way it makes our fireplace look. Plus we get all the heat and beauty of a wood fire with less of the smoke and soot. Win-win-win!

Have you guys started (or finished) decorating for the holidays yet? I would love to hear how you celebrate!

10/27/2011 by Laura

Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop!: Favorite Recipe

If there was ever a time for warming up the house with the oven, it’s right now. In a fit of frugality, The Man is trying to avoid turning on the heat until November 1. It’s starting to get chilly!

When I saw this week’s Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop! prompt Favorite Recipe, I figured I would be baking something, if only to warm up the house for a little while.

As it turns out, I had a friend who needed a little cheering up, so I baked that person’s favorite cookie: Snickerdoodles.

And they turned out really well, if I do say so myself!

Snickerdoodles

Ingredients:

2 3/4 c flour

2 tsp Cream of Tartar

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 sticks of butter, room temperature

1 2/3 c sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

Sugar and cinnamon for rolling

Directions:

1. Whisk together the flour, Cream of Tartar, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla; beat until mixed.

3. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until it forms a ball.

4. Using a 1/2 TBSP measuring spoon, roll the batter into balls. Roll the balls in the sugar/cinnamon mixture.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 -12 minutes.

Easy peasy! This recipe made a lot of cookies, so I’m going to be bringing the extras to work. My co-workers will be happy with me today!

What is your favorite cookie? Maybe I will bake if for you if you need a pick me up.

09/15/2011 by Laura

Gussy Sews Inpiration Workshop!: My favorite shop

Time again for Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop!. I wanted to throw you a curve ball this week and NOT talk about my yarn shop.

Instead, I’m going to show you someplace where I knit. (You didn’t see that coming, did you?)

That place is my favorite coffee shop JoJo’s. It’s close to where I work. When I need to take a nice relaxing lunch break, this is where you will find me.

I liked it originally because it’s a great coffee shop. They have every tea imaginable; I tried Bubble Tea there on Tuesday. I can never decide amongst the ham, brie and Bosc pear, grilled veggie panini, or egg and cheese English muffin. The interior is relaxing and inspiring.

Now that I have frequented this coffee shop for years, I have some great memories of that place too. Fun breakfasts with friends after working out. Meeting people for lunch. Talking to other knitters.

This is one of my favorite places in the whole world.

What about you? Where do you go to relax? Or get a great sandwich? Please share!

Welcome, to all the Gussy Sews folks. And the rest of you. Happy Thursday!

08/11/2011 by Laura

Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop!: Gardening

When I saw this week’s topic for the Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop!, I was excited. I love gardens. I am not a particularly good gardener (yet), but I enjoy a beautiful garden as much as anyone.

Initially, I intended to take pictures of our CSA farm for this post, but I wasn’t able to get there before I needed to post this.

Instead, here are pictures from the area near my job where at knit at lunchtime: