a Bobby's Burger Break

It's been a pretty hard past few weeks. In a perfect world we'd be trimming the tree and hanging garlands and lights. But instead we are on the phone with contractors that never call back, Insurance guys, Home Depot, etc... The house is reeealy cold due to no insulation underneath...the flood crept up under the house and pulled it all down...and due to all the gross water that soaked everything it's pretty stinky. With all of this going on we really were in need of a little break and some fun so Aaron and I went out with my little brother Walt & his girl Val this weekend. It's one of our fave places and we haven't been there is so so long. Bobby's Burger Palace. Bobby being Bobby Flay. 

 I just love how not formal it is there. At Bobby's you order at the counter when you walk in...they hand you your soda cups and a little number plaque. Then you pick a seat and they bring your burgers out to you. The menu is so simple. Just a handful of burgers, a couple kinds of fries, onion rings, and milk shakes. Bobby Flay's favorite food is the hamburger...so they're all his own very personal creations. When ever we go out to eat I'm always last to order. I have trouble with decisions. At Bobby's I falter between the Crunch Burger and the Bobby Blue. But I ended up going with my go-to : the crunch burger, which is topped with double cheese and potato chips.

BBP serves up some pretty outrageous milkshakes which Aaron can never pass up. As much of a foodie as I am I just can't get myself to do it. I think I'd need to be rolled out the door. Not to say I don't steal a few sips! Super rich and thick... Aar got vanilla bean. And for those who like to really party they serve up spiked milkshakes as well! yowza!

 I love love french fries, but if onion rings are an option...and big crazy amazing ones at that...well then sign me up! These things are just insane! Just one is as big as a burger!

We joked that this would be crazy blurry. Walt took the pic, and we have flash backs to a past visit with the entire family where my Dad took the pic and we are all just blurred faces.

Walt & Val. I love these guys. Best little brother ever!

And here is the very start to a huge nightmare...ha! This is the kitchen floor... right below what was once our "coffee station". All of it will be coming up, including the subfloor. Repairs straight through to under the house where we will be doing some intense cleaning, stabilizing and, insulating. What holiday FUN! ;)

But as I said before...we got off easy. So many people lost absolutely everything. I hope to be able to justly chronicle the repairs here on the blog. And we'll definitely make sure that this won't just be about repairing...but Improving! 

Thanks so much again for reading! xo, Jenny

Friday Favorites

Hello Hello!! Oh my gosh, to say that I am happy to be back with Friday Favorites is an understatement! It has been far too long.  

Well we had some absolutley crazy warm weather...not a fan... so strange and not festive, and I feel like everyone comes down with a cold in the days after an unseasonable warm front.  But it is back to cold now...very cold. There are Christmas lights all over town...the town tree is hung with ornaments made by school children. I definitely feel more Christmas spirit in the air. People try to do what ever they can to forget all the mess and get back to normal.

The above coat is just so darling isn't it? I'm a sucker for black and cream. The big cartoon like buttons are a total plus. And that collar...it's right out of one of our paintings and totally an extension of my decor! 

I love this fringed ornament garland tutorial . I'm so down with the mixing a vintagey distressed look with dazzling metallics for the holidays. 

I've been a big big fan of Wood & Wool for some time. I first fell in love with their stools, and soon after came their trees. This one is so simple yet so charming!

This quirky and crafty wrapping from Anthropologie. Me and Aaron have done wrapping like this in the past using paint and glue over craft paper. And speaking of...if you'd like to create your own...see below!

Check out this cute and fun crochet polka dot wrapping tutorial from One Sheepish Girl.

Isn't this just so sweet & fun?  This tutorial from Katie's Pencil Box uses song lyrics to set a festive mood. We once painted a piece of furniture for someone and she wanted a snippet of the lyrics from the song "Whip It" by Devo! The lyrics were: "Get Straight, Go forward, Move ahead". Which are fitting lyrics for anytime. The possibilities are endless. This is so much fun.

I LOVE the simplicity and impact of this gold thumbtack wreath! It is just so fabulous! Everyday objects like thumbtacks getting the royal glitzy treatment.

A table runner made up of a collection of vintage doilies. To me it looks like like snowflakes falling! What a dreamy holiday centerpiece!

Ok, Thanks so so much for joining me for Friday Favorites! See you soon!

xo, Jenny

little rays of sunshine

Lately life has been a bit heavy. Ok, more than a bit heavy. But at least there's no mystery as to why what should be a simple day-in-the-life seems more like an arduous journey. All we have to do is look around our neighborhood and town to see that everyone who was within Hurricane Sandy's reach is experiencing some heavy times right now. A lot of it is mental. From the initial storm, to the dark cold days after, right on through to now with all the cleaning up and organizing and starting over...you just feel as if you haven't stopped to take a breath yet. But we're remaining positive, keeping busy, and moving forward despite the incompleteness of everything and lack of concrete details about the near future. What will insurance cover?...and when?...and how? And how unhealthy or dangerous is the mold that's all around?

One great thing that we just couldn't be more thankful for is all the work. Our customers came out in droves and supported our small business, and we're working round the clock to get orders out, but with a few logistical obstacles. We're currently working over at Aaron's parents house while our home studio is being repaired. There's a whole lotta looking around for things that aren't in their proper place. Our saw got wet and we didn't know it until we tried to get going on some orders for die cuts. It's been a roller coaster of emotions for us...and me especially. I'm taking lots of deep breaths now and fighting off the bouts of panic. I get these strange surges of fear that creep in. But I know I'm not alone in feeling this way. And in general...because of some great friends...I know I'm not alone, period.

Amid all of this stormy chaos little rays of sunshine peek through. Care packages from friends...online buddies, blog readers, facebook friends. Sent to us...just because. And they couldn't be more appreciated. All I can do is cry when friends do things like this...tears of joy of course.

The candy colored coffee tin you see above is just one of a bunch of amazing gifts from our sweet friend Kelsea. It was actually included in a surprise Birthday box. 

There were so many amazing things in the box. This tin was filled with tiny treasures, art, washi tape, a candle, tiny antique frozen Charlotte dolls...gosh just so much! I love everything!!

And this adooorable little fella arrived out of the blue the other day all the way from Omaha.  He's a gift from our friend Jessi! A vintage baby planter in the form of an ice cream truck! How cute is this little thing? I actually saw this same little fella on ebay a few years ago and had it on my watch list. So it was such an amazingly fitting surprise. We will display it in our studio once things are back to normal here. Maybe fill him up with pens and markers or washi tape. I LOVE it so much! Huge smiles!

In yesterday's post I introduced you to my sweet & talented friend Jenny Elkins . I mentioned the thoughtful care package she sent our way right after the storm. Well, these darling "Little Baker" cards by Artist Mab Graves were included in that box. Could you die?! I've been a fan of Mab for a while but hadn't owned anything till now. I love love love these cards...and look at that pin and business card! :) 

Another box of donations arrived at our door the other day from Michelle of The Blackberry Briar . It was filled to the brim with all the essentials that are in such demand right now in the weeks after the storm. Cleaning supplies, toiletries, shampoo, baby powder, you name it! Also in the box were these room sprays that Michelle creates and sells. Aaron and I tested out the one named "Pucker Up" which is a lemon vanilla type scent. Just two pumps of it in the morning and 6 hrs later the room still smelled amazing as we arrived home from Aaron's parents...which is pretty amazing since our home has been moldy. Once our home is a home again I'll certainly be purchasing some of these...in the sweet bakery type scents. 

These heartfelt gifts worked like magic on me. They are such great medicine in these unsure times. Despite the craziness, I have to admit that I do feel even more connected to my friends and loved ones than I ever have. 

Meet Artist Jenny Elkins

I am just so so happy to be able to finally share one of my favorite gals with everyone! You may have seen Jenny's name or button on my side bar over the past few months. She has been a repeat sponsor of Everyday is a Holiday and I'm thrilled to have her. I am just so happy to be linked to this super talented gal who also happens to have a heart of gold. I first fell in love with Jenny's folk art a few years ago...gosh, I think it may have been through ebay! I loved her use of antique photos in her art. And what really grabbed me was the great sense of humor in everything she does.  As I've come to find over the years, our world is not nearly as big as it once seemed. Especially in the art community. After first connecting through artwork alone Jenny and me crossed paths again via etsy, and then on facebook. 

I now count Jenny as a dear friend.  She sent me and Aaron the sweetest care package ever right after the Hurricane. Each item in the box was straight from the heart. She even sent three apples! Which made me cry! I cried when I saw those apples...3 of them! One for me, Aaron and my lil brother Walt.  Jenny is a really good apple herself! And I think you should know her! 

Here's a little Q & A...

What is your name and where are you from? Age range... ?

Name: Jenny Elkins   Business name:  Jenny Elkins Studio  From:  Irvington, Indiana  Age:  48

What do you do? When did you start?

I am a picker and an artist.  I have been making art and craft as long as I can remember.  I made little doll houses out of shoe boxes with my Grandmother when I was a child.  My Mom and Dad were both creative and it felt natural to make things.  I have gone through many changes creatively over the years.  For about 10 yeras I made little white paper mache cats that I sold all over the couhtry to gift shops and catalogs.  During that time I went to art school and focused on printmaking, furniture and book binding.  I opened a retail shop, sold wholesale, did art fairs and then once the shop closed I was clued into Teesha Moores work that led me into mixed media collage work.  Lately, I have found I enjoy making dolls and sewing more than collage.  I just love the process of working with my hands.  October 1st I opened another etsy shop so far I have listed some of the leftovers from the show I have annually in my backyard, A Fair in September.  I have so much to list I can't keep up with it all.  I hope to make some new items once I get my studio together.   Im also very fond of all things vintage. I love the thrill of the hunt!!!!  Old objects and art go together beautifully.  I maintain a antique space south of Indy in Edinburgh, Indiana at Exit 76 Antique Mall and I sell vintage on my etsy shop 

 

What/Who are you inspired by?

There have been so many inspirations through the years.  In art shcool I LOVED Jim Dine's work.  I enjoy many artists work that are working today and am inspired by the their work ethic and drive.  My real inspiration for colors and trends use to come from all the magazines I have loved through the years that have gone away with the recession such as Country Home and Home Companion I still flip through those mags today.  Love little Antique shops, stores and now Pinterest.    

Where do you create? home studio? kitchen table? sofa?

Since my early 30's I have maintained an art studio outside of my house with the exception of 3 years ago....my husband and I moved to Irvington, Indiana a quaint historic neighborhood just outside of downtown Indianapolis.  I was trying to cut costs and worked out of my house until....I realized I was working out of the front porch, entry way,kitchen, dining room and an upstaris bedroom.  So, I went on a search for something close to home, affordable and big enough that it wouldn't feel like I was working in a storage unit.  I got a great deal on a little property close to home and I am currently fixing it up so I can work there.  Follow me on my blog to see what I have done so far. 

 Favorite art supplies?

Do you collect anything?

When I was 18 (30 years ago) I bought my first white vase.  Now, I have a rule if I can't fit it in the china cabinet that is an old family piece then I have to get rid of a piece I don't love as much.  Since I re-sell vintage I can collect everything and I don't have to find a place in my house for it.  I love little busts, old needlepoint pictures, dolls, old signs, painted chipped furniture and little bassett hound figurines. 

What are some of your fave movies/shows/bands/music?

I love chick flicks!  You know girl meets boy.  I love a lot of music esp if there is an accordian playing.  We have some local groups here in Indianapolis that my husband and enjoy Reverend Peyton and the Big Damn Band, Born Again Floosies, The Polka Boys, Lesiure Kings and of course my nephews band, Circle City Deacons. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This is one career that you can change and grow and never ever retire from.

Three favorite websites/blogs/shops...etc?

I have a big list of blogs I follow on the side of my blog.  Mostly women and all who I feel some sort of connection too.  Some I have been friends with for years and some I have never met but, would love to.  

Anything you'd like to add?

Being an artist is a great lifestyle.  I appreciate it more and more everyday.  The people I have met through shows, through my store, through the internet all because we are artists and love art, craft, vintage.  It has given me the flexibility I need to be the wife, the daughter, the aunt, and the doggie mama I need to be.  

a beautiful day on the NJ Shore

I had no idea that life could get so topsy turvy and that all these days could just melt together like this. I never thought I'd go from blogging regularly to almost not at all. Let me first promise that things will be getting back to normal very soon. Our house is in total chaos since the storm and soon the major work will begin and it'll get worse before it gets better...but at least I can chronicle the projects here. 

Being that home is such a wreck me and Aaron have been doing a lot of our work over at Aar's parent's house. The change of scenery has been helpful and today the change in weather was heaven sent. Aaron's dad took the opportunity to get started on decorating their house for Christmas. Yes, it was t shirt weather here in Jersey! A great break for everyone who is trying to get their lives back to normal.

And speaking of...our friends from all across the country are still showering us here in Jersey with love and necessities. 

This morning we took a big carload of cleaning supplies, food, snacks, personal hygiene products, socks, etc...to a bigger distribution center in the next town over. When we asked what stuff is really needed now we were told that needs are shifting from recovery to rebuilding. Trucks are showing up with donations of plywood, sheetrock, tools, nails, etc...

We were told that things like mini blinds, curtains, drywall nails, rugs, bath mats, small home accessories...all the little things that are needed to make a house into a home...that's the stuff that is needed most right now. So I put the word out to a bunch of amazing friends who have been asking me what they could do to help out New Jerseyans at this stage of the game. What me and Aar what to do is keep the momentum going. It's really common for the charitable works to stop once the headlines have died down. But people are so very far from back to normal. 

We are just so humbled and warmed by the selfless giving from our friends. Boxes are showing up daily...gestures big and small...whatever the case may be...we are floored by the generosity.

Ok, I really just needed to stop in and give you guys a well deserved update. Me and Aar are so so hard at work getting orders out and once we get caught up we promise to get back to some major creativity and you guys are all invited! Thanks so much again for all the love and for checking in again!

xoxo, Jenny 

In the bedroom, and in the news...

Our Thanksgiving was really really nice. We made the long trek across town (5 whole minutes!) to spend the day at Aaron's parents house. Aar's mom Barb makes a great spread. This was the first year without Mom Mom, Aaron's grandmother. Sad to think about...but Aaron's dad Skip kept things happy and light by carrying a framed photo of Mom Mom and the grandkids room to room with us. She got the spot at the end of the table, watched some football with us...it was a great dinner and felt really good to just sit back for a while with family. 

Back home in our new bedroom. Nothing is hung up yet. But I love seeing little bits gathered. Some ideas for color and mood. I'm going with simple and spare. But right now we've got far too much on our plates to worry about decorating the bedroom. I know it will happen soon enough. At this point I'm just so happy to be up there. The new cozy nest is such great medicine right now. So comfortable and calm. 

It really is incredible to see what a little paint, some new curtains, a candle, and carpet can do. I'm so thankful for the little things.

It was so great to see this article in the newspaper on Thanksgiving morning... in New Jersey's Star Ledger. The article is also online. It's a story about me and Aaron and this little blog and the awareness raised about those suffering in the aftermath of hurricane Sandy. It's just such a great tribute to the amazing generous kind people who have sent support and continue to send support. We will continue to do our part and spread the love that comes our way. 

It's so weird to take pictures of yourself. I never ever do. This is me...awkward, weird me. I see these and I ask myself: do I really look like that? I don't remember making those strange faces? 

I promise I wasn't about to cry here although it may look like it...ha! Those eyes...they look worried or concerned. But how about my hair bow?! Isn't it lovely? It's by Sunshine & Carousels. I adore evvverything Erin makes! 

Ok, that's all for now! I hope you had a lovely holiday and have a fantastic weekend.
xo, Jenny

Thankful

I've always loved the phrase "Stop and smell the roses"... and try my best to live by it in my day to day life. And that's what I love about Thanksgiving. It's a day that is dedicated to the stop and smell the roses sentiment. All of these wonderful people who we are surrounded by in our lives...all of the magical moments we share...the art we get to admire or get to make with our own hands...the laughs we share...the work that we do...and I mean the work that satisfies us...and the gifts we give each other...the selfless acts of charity that I've seen in the past few weeks alone are enough to last me a lifetime...our families and friends...our adorable pups...the kindness of strangers.

Today is the day to reflect on all of that. And this year I think I've got more goodness to reflect on than any other year of my life leading up to this. In the wake of a disastrous event I got to bear witness to something that I actually knew all along. And that is the fact that I've got some of the most amazing friends a girl could dream of. And let me amend that statement...because I know that Aaron feels exactly the same as I do. WE, me & Aaron, have got the most amazing friends...and we always knew this. What I mean to say is that you guys didn't surprise us...we always thought the world of you...we always knew the depth of your love and friendship. But still, you sure did WOW us. You impressed the heck out of us and made us feel like a million bucks. We felt cared for...needed, wanted, loved. And we really cannot thank you enough for that. It just might be the greatest gift that one can receive. 

So, Thank You. From the bottom of our hearts. This day is dedicated to all of you.

Happy Thanksgiving

xoxo, Jenny... & Aaron