an affinity for anatomy

I have an affinity for anatomy. It probably started in high school when I took a first responder/EMT course and had to learn the 16 part answer to the question, "Follow the path of a red blood cell......" Then there were the hours I spent in my human gross anatomy lab, dissecting and identifying all the components of the brachial plexus before racing home to wash off all the formaldehyde stank. I feel it noteworthy to inform you that I just spelled formaldehyde correctly on my very first attempt. Because I'm cool like that.

Anyhoo. This morning I turned over my parental duties to our new Wii (because it is Christmas break) and lost myself in the abyss of a handmade marketplace. My birthday is coming up, you know.

Among many other delicious treats, I uncovered this.

(you'll have to go look at it cuz I apparently need to reformat my whole blog to get the picture to show up for you.)

And now that I've discovered these

I have Steve's blessing to begin beautifying our boring and barren walls. I can hardly garner my giddiness as I tell you, We now have an entire wall designated for fun photos of family and friends! And wouldn't this print be perfectly positioned among the pictures of people we love?

There has to be a p-word to use in place of love! Help me!

I have to ask...... there are many we hold near and dear to our hearts. Friends and family who are far away....... would they love this print as much as I do, affinity for anatomy aside? Would they be happy to hang a heartfelt reminder that though far away, they are in our hearts?

because I can't help myself

Smitten

I just discovered "The Sing-Off."

Wow.

My new fave.

And judge Ben Folds is dreamy.

Just sayin.

Happy Haul-idays from Chronicle Books!

It's prolly no secret that I love pretty things. Especially pretty papery things like books and postcards and stationary and posters.......And honest and truly, I LOVE Chronicle Books! I first ordered some beautiful vintage soap label postcards to frame and hang in my bathroom several years ago. Then I realized they carried Cath Kidston. (The love affair is official.) And then I ordered more postcards for framing..... this time botanical prints for my summertime mantel. (You guys, postcards are such an affordable way to decorate!) I lurve them! Anyway, I've ordered several times from Chronicle Books and have only ever been thrilled with their products. Really, they carry INCREDIBLY CUTE stuff!

AND NOW.......They are having a $500 giveaway! I am just giddy with excitement over my small chance of winning, so here I am, listing the $500 worth of books pretty things that I would love to win and telling you all about the contest. Just leave a comment on this post for your chance to win the very same beautiful items WHEN I am drawn the lucky winner! (the power of positive thinking can't hurt, right?) Last day to participate is December 10th!

Happy Haul-idays to us!

julie's Wishlist

Wishlist items:

Remove Product(s) Price Comments Around the World with Mouk Birds $16.95 Cath Kidston Cupcake Liners $9.95 Cath Kidston Labels & Stickers $10.95 Cath Kidston Masking Tape: Red Stars $8.95 Cath Kidston Masking Tape: Yellow Stars $8.95 Decorate $35.00 French General Mini Journal Set $14.95 French General: Handmade Soirées $29.95 French General: Home Sewn $24.95 French General: Party Paperie $14.95 French General: Treasured Notions $24.95 Hammerpress Correspondence Cards $13.95 Happy Animal Time $9.95 Home Sweet Home Decorative Prints $24.95 Just Between Us $15.95 Little Book of Letterpress $24.95 Lotta Jansdotter's Handmade Living $29.95 Paper + Craft $19.95 Paper Blossoms $35.00 Paper Patisserie Box of Labels $15.95 Pictorial Webster's $35.00 Silhouette Art $18.95 Sublime Stitching $19.95 This Is for You $16.95 Total: $499.94 I wonder if they are going to pick a winner closest to the $500 mark, cuz I'm only six cents off! Good Luck!