The LBeau Room Blog | Laura Beauchamp

right now

2012-01-19T10:38:00.000-06:00

I am loving this camera cake.

& photography.

...but mostly just the cake.

put a stop to sopa & pipa

2012-01-18T11:30:00.002-06:00

While this video puts a humurous spin on the subject, the SOPA & PIPA bills are a very serious matter. Learn about why SOPA is dangerous because, after all, you should understand exactly what it is before you decide to protest. Then go ahead & join the strike.

it's official

2012-01-10T20:04:00.002-06:00

The LBeau Room is on facebook.

resolutions

2012-01-09T17:30:00.051-06:00

Well, we're just over a week into this new year & I've been contemplating resolutions. I've always had a sneaking suspicion that I don't like them. Not just new year's resolutions but goal setting in general. It's feels like a lot of time spent worrying about what I should be doing instead of just doing it. Don't get me wrong, I think having dreams & ambitions is important. Knowing how to achieve those things is important, too. Mostly, though, goals become obstacles for me. Even a list of goals that I'm excited about quickly becomes a list of things I will put off until there's nothing else left in the world for me to do. & let's be honest, there is never an end to the number of ways I can find to procrastinate.

But how does she ever get anything done, you might wonder. Well, I do make lots of lists. Lists of things to do, not lists of goals. Mostly lists of small things, things I like to do, things I know I will get done. Like, mail this post card, go to the grocery store, make some delicious smoothies. Because crossing things off is so much fun. & so beneficial! The more often I cross things off, the more motivated I am to keep going. If I were to make a list of resolutions for the whole year, it may be March before I've crossed off even one. That is a miserable thought.

So. This week I will schedule a dentist appointment, paint my nails, & use that coupon for some delicious cupcakes from the Cupcake Emporium. This year? I'll have fun, be happy, & get some stuff done along the way.

Playing around with freebies:
Betty Drawing - Paper Mama
Frame & Scroll - IROCKSOWHAT
Pencil Brush - Vin Rowe

my year at a glance

2011-12-29T17:30:00.022-06:00

2011 was a wonderful & challenging & whirlwind kind of year. All in all, it's been incredible... but it has kept me from being a consistent presence here on the blog. I am determined to make a mighty come-back but in order to do that, I'll need to get you up to speed.

Here are the highlights.

January
I left my beloved home state to plant some new roots in Iowa. I knew only a few people in the area & had no job lined up so it was one of the rasher (& scarier) decisions I've ever made but, time & again, it's proven to be the right move. Bonus: I was almost immediately offered a short-term internship at Camp Fire USA while I looked for a full-time job elsewhere. Double Bonus: I was able to stay at camp until I found a place to live.

February
I really started to get acquanited with the Des Moines area & all it has to offer. Unexpectedly saw one of my favorite paintings at the Des Moines Art Center. Had an adorable Valentine's day (tulips & carmels, somebody knows this girl all too well). Helped celebrate Will's 28th birthday with delicious sushi. Saw Kelsey be amazing in James & the Giant Peach. Really got lost in my pinterest addiction. & applied for lots of jobs (most of which sounded too good to be true).

March
Enjoyed my first Pecha Kucha Night at the Des Moines Social Club where Will gave a presentation about life as a Camp Director. Got paid to roller skate & dress ridiculously during Spring Break Camp. Adopted Lio. After one rather anxious month, I got an interview for a kick-ass job at Iowa State University.

April
Built adult-sized forts in Will's living room. Fell prey to Words with Friends. Became friends with Leslie Hall on facebook. Was hired as the Event Coordinator at the Iowa State University Book Store.

May
Started my fancy new big girl job. Was reminded that I had a silly part in a Camp Ondessonk commercial (yes, I'm the mustache girl).

June
June was a complete blur. Orientation consumed my life. I spent many, many hours teaching families how to reserve text books. & I sorely missed Ondessonk.

July
My mom & little sister came to Iowa for mini camp at Camp Hantesa. Went to the Stanhope Watermelon Day where they serve free all you can eat watermelon. Worked College Spirit Day at RAGBRAI.

August
Moved into my own apartment after crashing with Will for 7 months. Worked nearly every day at our booth at the Iowa State Fair & ate too many delicious fried things. Took a little weekend road trip to Minneapolis & stopped at the Surf Ballroom (home of Buddy Holly's last show) on the way. Went to IKEA & the Mall of America for the first time.

September
Had a crazy overnight drive to Southern Illinois so we could spend Labor Day at Ondessonk. Spent a lot of time planning & working at our merchandise trailer at the ISU home football games. Adopted Baxter. Started skating with the Des Moines Derby Dames. Had a wonderful 25th birthday.

October
Skated in my very first bout as Dinah Soars. Made some sweet, sweet caramel apples. Conquered a corn maze with two of my best friends.

November
Skated in my 2nd bout with D3's Crash Test Dolls & we won the after party. Went to visit Will's gorgeous home camp, Camp Miniwanca in Michigan...where he propoesd! (more on that in another post) Festivities & merriment ensued. My younger brother came home from Afghanistan! I moved out of my apartment after only 4 months & back to camp with Will. Baxter really enjoys living with two people. November was a great month.

December
Finally got to cash in on my birthday present & went to see Wicked with Will. Brought St. Nick's Day to Iowa. Set a date. Played Giant Jenga. Had a really fantastic first Christmas in Iowa.

Is it true that each year is shorter than the last? I think it must be because I really can't believe I've lived in Iowa for nearly a year. Let's hope 2012 is as full of beautiful memories as my first 12 months in Iowa.

christmas in iowa

2011-12-27T16:18:00.008-06:00

I'm slowly coming down off my holiday high.
Thank you to everyone who made my first Christmas in Iowa so wonderful. I'm starting to worry I've been spoiled. Next year will have to be truly magical to top this Christmas!

photo overlay by puglypixel

a necessary reminder

2011-12-13T10:19:00.001-06:00

PS anyone know the original source on this?

life with baxter

2011-10-01T21:18:00.004-05:00

what starts out as a moment of lovable mischief...

inevitably turns into a butt in the face moment.

road trip!

2011-08-26T12:00:00.001-05:00

Print by Lisa Barbero

We're taking a hard earned mini vacation to the Twin Cities this weekend & I couldn't be more excited! I've never been to Minnesota so I'd love suggestions for must-eat, must-see places.

Current Must List:
See King Tut at the Minnesota Science Museum
Visit the Como Park Zoo
Play in the LEGO store at Mall of America
Use Groupons for Joe's Garage & 50th Street Cafe
Hit up IKEA to start furnishing my new apartment

Maybes (if we have time):
Play SCVNGR at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Check out the Mill City Museum
Find an awesome Disc Golf Course
Lounge around in the hotel? Boy, does that sound nice!

What are your plans for the weekend?

aces wild

2011-08-16T19:55:00.007-05:00

Ok folks, I'm going to ask you all to be the amazing friends I know you are & help me win a walk-on spot on my favorite show! AMC is hosting a Mad Men Casting Call contest for a walk-on role & I'm itching to win! I've submitted the photo above & have all my fingers & toes crossed that I just may rally enough votes to win.

You can vote once a day until the 25th. You will have to make an account with AMC but it's super quick & easy. Thanks in advance for being such a darling!

As you can see, I had quite a lot of fun with my mini photo shoot!

pinterest is the new google

2011-07-27T17:06:00.002-05:00

Ok, it's time I admit it. I have a problem.
I am addicted to Pinterest.

I find myself turning to it for everything.
I need some good ideas for storage in a small apartment...Pinterest.
I'd love to find a new caramel dessert recipe...Pinterest.
I need some inspiration for my next tattoo...Pinterest.

See what I mean?
Not to mention, it's pretty!

So maybe it's a problem, maybe it's not...
but I don't plan on stopping any time soon.

sparks are flyin!

2011-07-05T08:45:00.006-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Independence Day weekend.

Mine was filled with good food, good people, & good music.

& as if that wasn't enough to make a girl happy,
the lovely gals of a new family blog, LePetiteStyle,
featured my Sparkler Love print on the 4th.
Thanks so much, ladies!

PS with July 4th always comes more sparkler fun...check the shop soon for some fun new prints!

happy birthday, jason!

2011-06-21T00:00:00.004-05:00

It's been quite a while since I've done a birthday post but I can't think of a more deserving person so here goes...

Jason works for WSIE Radio & you can hear his show on Wednesday nights, 6-8 central time. It's jazzy & awesome.
Aside from being a local radio celeb, Jason also makes video bed time stories. They are fantastic! Check them out on his youtube channel.

Below is my personal fave, The Unicorn Song
...mostly because I've adored this song all my life.

Happy Birthday, Jason! Hope it's fantastic like you.

who doesn't love unicorns?

2011-06-10T09:48:00.004-05:00

A couple days ago I found my pencil set from a drawing class I took in college. I hadn't even realized how much I missed sketching...this is the result of that little moment of nostalgia.
I apologize for the terrible cell-phone-quality image.

stripe mania

2011-06-10T09:07:00.006-05:00

Play along! Thanks for the game, Holly!

for viewers like you

2011-05-05T17:02:00.004-05:00

Have you played around with the different dynamic views yet?

I still prefer viewing blogs in whatever format the authors intended...but knowing these options are out there is kind of nice.

I must admit, I really enjoy scrolling through my archive while in flipcard. All those photos are just so pretty! ...but mosaic & snapshot are pretty ok, too.

the daily nail

2011-04-14T16:20:00.004-05:00

I will forever & always be a Beatles girl.
They've been my favorite band for as long as I can remember.
When my friends were going crazy for
Justin Timberlake & Kelly Clarkson & Eminem,
I was caught up on Revolver.

So of course I love these amazing nails by The Daily Nail.
I only wish I had a lifestyle that would support such intricacy.
These days my nails are usually stained with tie-dye.

my to-do list

2011-03-28T14:26:00.004-05:00

-get more fuji instax film since 9 out of 10 photos of my last pack were ruined.
-with said film, take a rad photo like this one of bikes at golden gardens by shawn mcclung.
-get tickets to the derby dames' next bout since the one on saturday was sold out.

dreams of derby

2011-03-25T09:51:00.006-05:00

These days I've been missing derby like crazy so I nearly jumped out of my chair when I saw this laptop decal on pinterest. Unfortunately, my laptop already has a decal...but that's not stopping me from slapping it somewhere else hilarious. Maybe my fridge?

& since we're talking about derby, I am beyond excited to check out the Des Moines Derby Dames at their bout tomorrow night! Possible new team for me? I'll keep my fingers crossed.

In the meantime Ii'll just keep thinking about the incredible day last week when I got paid to go roller skating with adorable children.

decal from beepart!

a tiny house project

2011-03-09T16:02:00.005-06:00

i know tiny houses raved around the blogs some time ago...but now i've had the privilege to see one first-hand!

some dear friends of mine, evan & gabby, from camp ondessonk have built their very own tiny house & it is absolutely gorgeous. you can even follow the entire process on their blog!

treasures

2011-03-09T11:45:00.000-06:00

my prints have been featured in a handful of etsy treasuries lately & i am beyond flattered. thanks for all the love!

please give these lovely treasuries a glance:
lightness
polaroid dreams
sunshine & darkness
love...
in love...
there's a bug on you

PS happy valentine's day

2011-02-14T13:03:00.003-06:00

spread some love.

unbelievable...

2011-02-14T10:41:00.006-06:00

a little over a week ago, this blog turned 3!

i can't believe i missed it. oh wait...
yes, i can. i've been a terribly irregular blogger lately.

now, i know i've said this before
(so many times even i'm getting sick of seeing it)
but i'm really planning on getting back into the swing of blogging.
if all goes well, things should be settling down around here soon
& i'll be back on my little blogging feet.
besides, if the third time is a charm maybe the third year is, too.
or is that just wishful thinking?

just for fun-
things that are better in threes:

stooges
blind mice
sanderson sisters
kisses

things that are not better in threes:

flat tires
socks

what are some of your favorite threes?

love prints

2011-02-07T10:30:00.003-06:00

order any of my love prints
by midnight tomorrow, tuesday the 8th,
& have them in time for valentine's day!

laura tumbles

2011-02-05T21:59:00.004-06:00

& why i want a boston terrier.

via monitorpop

& since we're talking cameras...

2011-02-05T21:38:00.003-06:00

how adorable is that stamp?!

wide load

2011-02-05T21:27:00.004-06:00

so i already have a fuji instax mini.
& it's great. i love it.
but this camera,
oh, this camera...
is what my dreams are made of.

is it christmas yet?

via photojojo

my kind of valentine's jewelry

2011-02-04T12:57:00.004-06:00

a necklace i would love to wear close to my heart.

from crave jewelry design.

update: also listed, a stegosaurus & t-rex.

how's a girl to choose?!

via rare bird finds

the ampersand

2011-02-01T13:55:00.003-06:00

is clearly the most important part of a pb&j.

speaking of geeky foods...

2011-01-31T11:08:00.004-06:00

these mitosis inspired donuts are brilliant.
& it's entirely possible that i'm starving.

& please check out the rest of kevin van aeslt's killer work.

via kyla roma

pantone yummies

2011-01-31T10:56:00.003-06:00

alright, so the cookies are adorable &, frankly, look delicious...
but how about that tin?! i'm dieing to get my hands on one.
...or four. we'll go with four.

thanks for being awesome, kim.

via poppytalk

just poppin in to say hello

2011-01-09T15:17:00.003-06:00

if only i had taught gus how to wave.

a little bit of this & a little bit of that

2011-01-07T09:59:00.005-06:00

here is a little taste of what i've
been working on for the past few months.
camp ondessonk's 2010 yearbook has finally hit the mailboxes.

now that it's finished i may actually have
enough time to blog on a regular basis.
fingers crossed. i've missed you all!

PS happy 2011!

just around the corner

2010-12-06T23:44:00.003-06:00

i have two white elephant gift exchanges to attend this year.
& desperately need help with some ideas!

the best white elephant i've ever received is a bowling pin signed "merry christmas - the dude lebowski" (obviously not real but wonderful nonetheless)...
my favorite that i've given was a small but killer gumball machine.

what are your favorites?

i want

2010-11-17T21:07:00.005-06:00

since the day in 4th grade when mrs. harcourt taught us
the difference between "to need" & "to want"
i've harbored guilt for ever having wants.

but sometimes, it's ok to want.

photo via cornflower blue studio

dixon's girl

2010-11-12T23:12:00.010-06:00

meet dessa (of doomtree).

i was absolutely obsessed with her song (especially the video) dixon's girl awhile back but somehow lost track & never posted about her here. (thanks for reminding me jason)

this girl is incredible. one of the few rappers i've ever really gotten into. probably because she takes
"influence from Leo Tolstoy more than Jay-Z."
there is nothing more poetic than dessa's lyrics.
"but 'member when we didn't have a dime to stop on?"
i sure do. all too well.

PS thanks a trillion to patsy for sharing his intense love of dessa.

update! dessa is on twitter... @dessadarling

man, oh man

2010-10-18T20:22:00.003-05:00

this diy project from paper n stitch is so far up my alley,
i'm glad i didn't accidentally hit it with my car.

thanks for the tip, erin!

8 months ago...

2010-10-18T19:44:00.005-05:00

i mentioned opening an etsy shop. i believe, "soon but not yet," were my exact words. well that "soon" has finally come & gone. i added a few listings yesterday & hope to add more over the next few days.

i won't lie, i've been fairly nervous about doing this for some time now. but! in less than 24 hours, the photo seen above was added to this lovely "burst" treasury. seems as though someone, somewhere likes what i've got to offer.

PS if you place an order before this week's end, just add "GRAND" in the notes to seller for an extra goodie. : )

i'd like to intorduce gus

2010-10-12T16:32:00.003-05:00

my newest furry friend.

guster, 5th times a charm

2010-10-10T23:05:00.007-05:00

since the first time i saw guster
(in 2004 at the fox with ben folds & rufus wainwright),

i have been dieing to see them perform jesus on the radio live.

& it was totally worth the wait.
what an incredible way to close a show.

"if god had intended us to walk...

2010-10-06T19:44:00.009-05:00

he wouldn't have invented roller skates."

thank you roald dahl, willy wonka, & gene wilder
for those incredible words of wisdom.
& my darling friend, kelsey, for sharing them with me.

as of last night, i am currently one of the newest members of
the southern illinois roller girls!

i am so, so excited to be part of such a great cause
(lots of volunteerism & fund-raising for other not-for-profits)
& thrilled at the opportunity to be part of something,
i'll say it...so bad ass.

check out their facebook & twitter!

PS i'm still reeling. i can hardly believe i actually made the cut.
someone pinch me?

in the new

2010-09-19T21:28:00.006-05:00

new home, new roommate, new job.
the temptation to skip playing catch-up &
go on to the new/now is strong.

but there has been so much greatness
that i'd hate to leave out entirely...
so if you'd like to come along for the ride,
i'll be posting random tid-bits from the past year or so
while (hopefully) keeping up to date with the now.

photo taken in my current (again) city of carbondale, il

dino crayons

2010-09-18T21:21:00.003-05:00

i adore dinos ...& crayons.
what a perfect combination.

does anyone remember the unicrayon?
maybe i should start a collection.
these would be a must.

by lil doodlers

laura tumbles

2010-09-16T23:34:00.005-05:00

after a 12 hour work day (with only a 30 minute lunch),
this is how i feel.
i have so much inspiration floating about around me
but am completely unable to muster up any energy.
stay tuned for some mad updating come the week's end.

photo on my tumblr via darling days from the flickr of colin hill

wifi in the sky over salt lake city. WOOT!

2010-08-17T10:43:00.004-05:00

ok, let me clarify.
on august 17th, i flew from st. louis to portland, oregon & was completely baffled by the fact that i could connect to wireless internet at 30,000 feet.
i was so excited that i updated each & every account i own...including this blog.
so to make a little more sense out of an odd blog post, wifi in the sky was just the beginning of an incredible trip that i will be sharing with you soon. sorry for the lack of posts but thanks for your patience!

idle hands

2010-08-06T01:24:00.002-05:00

result in doodled legs.

finally!

2010-08-01T14:15:00.003-05:00

it's been two years since i posted about a mug that looks like a lens...now i know where i can actually get one. thanks, diana!

it's official

2010-07-28T00:33:00.002-05:00

i said it & now i'm doing it.

that rarely happens with me.
more to come on this topic. : )

image via society 6

speaking of weddings

2010-07-27T23:57:00.002-05:00

Max & Margaux Stop Motion from Shark Pig on Vimeo.

i'm sure you've all seen the gorgeous photos floating around the web...but have you seen this beautiful stop motion video? or the breathtaking ceremony?

via our labor of love

pete & kaylen

2010-07-23T23:45:00.010-05:00

these two photos were completely unplanned! not a bit staged.

two of my most favorite people in the world
got married & it was simply magical.
so how could i resist sharing a few of their photos?
as you can see, pete & kaylen had a
beautiful st. louis wedding, full of happiness & hilarity.

i haven't been happier for a couple since my uncle got married when i was five years old. congrats, you two. you're wonderful.

photos by ryan gladstone

things that have got me smilin'

2010-07-21T15:25:00.007-05:00

-skating tonight with friends from ondessonk

-working on the next bout poster for the so ill roller girls
-my new business cards
-postcards from friends
-a beautiful rain storm

what has you smiling?

photo credits unknown

oh, how i want to visit

2010-07-20T16:59:00.002-05:00

by rachel caldwell

via neon polish

live in st. louis...

2010-07-17T10:41:00.003-05:00

it's lady gaga!

no matter your feelings on her (or her music) you've got to admit,
the show is going to be incredible. a true spectacle.

now the only question is...should i dress the part?

adorable

2010-07-16T13:28:00.003-05:00

such a cute & kitschy little ukulele.
from celentano woodworks.

via rare bird finds

roller update

2010-07-16T12:22:00.001-05:00

some of you may remember a post back in april
about my latest & greatest desire...

well, i've been skating on a weekly basis
& i am oh, so ready to get the gear & get started!

this helmet is a beauty & definitely on my list.
now, if only i could find a spare $50.

check out nutcase helmets if you have a need.

laura tumbles

2010-07-09T11:52:00.003-05:00

by allan peters
on my tumblr!

PS he does roller derby stuff, too!

via grain edit

new favorite artist?

2010-07-05T15:51:00.004-05:00

quite possibly.
check out these killer dinos by morgan o'brien.

happy 4th!

2010-07-04T11:06:00.003-05:00

& happy 6th birthday to my hilarious sister! Love you, Emma!

PS don't you just love playing with sparklers?

laura tumbles

2010-07-02T10:00:00.002-05:00

by sebastiaan bremer
on my tumblr!

via grain edit

next tattoo?

2010-06-22T17:51:00.002-05:00

this guy's tattoo is gorgeous, too.

via sang noir

go, go power rangers!

2010-06-22T10:55:00.003-05:00

i am dieing for a pair of these.
too bad they're just a concept...
from because im jay.

really...

2010-06-22T10:43:00.003-05:00

i'm just not sure how i feel about this cake topper...

but i'm leaning towards awesome.

find others like it at melabo.

via dognbird

why i love my job...part 3

2010-06-18T17:33:00.003-05:00

campfires & campfire songs...
have owned a special place in my heart since the 6th grade.

robot unicorn attack

2010-06-16T12:57:00.010-05:00

please take a few moments to play this incredible game.
you won't regret it. & remember...
press "z" to chase your dreams.

PS my current high score is 52346...what's yours?

oh, how i love them

2010-06-13T16:53:00.007-05:00

ampersands have a special place in my heart...
& now on my wrist.

PS my tumblr post has over 1000 notes!
thanks for liking my tattoo, people. : )

PPS props to this guy for making me that
awesome spoon ring oh so many years ago.

laura tumbles

2010-06-10T12:08:00.003-05:00

a collection of my favorite images.

ampersand via the wheatfield

it's the middle of week 1...

2010-06-08T10:18:00.001-05:00

& life is beautiful.

best job ever?

2010-06-02T12:18:00.002-05:00

from now until the middle of august, i will be spending my days roaming the forest with a nikon in my hand. for the sixth summer in a row i am working at camp ondessonk, a summer youth camp in southern illinois. as the "design specialist" i will be taking lots of photos & designing our yearbook. & i can ride this incredible 100 foot water slide whenever i want. i'm fairly certain i have the best job in the world.

disclaimer...that's not me in the video.

pacman forever

2010-05-25T11:19:00.003-05:00

i'm sure you're all aware by now of google's brilliant pacman stunt.
buuut did you know there is now a permanent pacman url?! (thanks bauldoff)

& thanks to my friend andrew, i now know that if you click the 'insert coin' button a second time, ms. pacman will appear & you can play two player! incredible.

mythfits!

2010-05-25T10:29:00.012-05:00

my current favorite comic.
how, how, hooow have i not posted this?

i seriously thought i already had. so sure, in fact,
that i just spent 10 minutes scouring any
& all possible places i could have posted it. sigh.

regardless,
if you have not read mythfits...do it now!
justin winslow is in the running for coolest guy ever.

PS notice the pink unimingo!

it's about robot & unicorn love
(& everything in between).
they meet. they love. they looove.

crayola creations

2010-05-22T22:58:00.002-05:00

it seems i can't get enough crayon art these days.
i'm in love with these carved crayons by diem chau.

via neon polish

yummm

2010-05-22T02:15:00.003-05:00

anyone know who's behind these?
the post doesn't seem to have a source.
from turkish designer, OyeeDESIGN
thanks, tiger!

via the gloss

startling discoveries

2010-05-20T15:22:00.008-05:00

betty as a youngster

startling discovery number one...
a tumor nearly the size of a ping pong ball sprang up over-night on my beloved rat, betty. yikes.
thankfully, she had surgery yesterday to have it removed & is doing remarkably well. she very much hates it when i try to give her medicine but otherwise she's mostly back to normal (other than the huge bald spot on her tummy & the two long, stitched-up incisions, that is). i don't want to post photos here because they're a little graphic but if you're interested you can see some here.

discovery two...
despite my attempt to get back on my blogger's feet, it's been a looong time since my last post & as a result the lbeau room has dropped to 20-some-odd followers on google reader. i feel i have some pretty valid reasons for that though, so i hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me & maybe help wrangle a few follwers. i'm back now for sure. promise. : )

mail order pals

2010-04-12T15:51:00.005-05:00

"committing creative acts of correspondence."
i've been meaning to post about this shop for some time now...
because it's brilliant & simple & i love it.

the shop description reads:
"if you buy someone profiled in the shop, that person will send YOU something made, found or otherwise created"

i am lucky enough to be the proud owner of that beautiful rainbow unicrayon you see above. (really, it's quite handsome)

the unicrayon (my new favorite word) came from kathleenalice & just a few minutes ago i ordered my next little piece of mystery mail for $3.65. i can hardly wait to see what turns up in my box.

a pixelated take-over

2010-04-12T13:38:00.003-05:00

PIXELS by PATRICK JEAN. Uploaded by onemoreprod.

this will make you smile. i'll give you my lunch money if it doesn't.

via zoomdoggle

my latest dream

2010-04-08T22:08:00.005-05:00

i just discovered that southern illinois has roller derby!

whaaaat?!

i'm for sure getting skates.

& at the very least, becoming an avid fan of the so ill roller girls.

big bad 500

2010-04-08T11:56:00.004-05:00

yesterday i spent far longer than i'd like to admit sitting in a mcdonald's (the only place i could find with wifi in the small town of pinckneyville, il). oddly enough, it was rather pleasant. i sat through our first big storm & tornado warning of the year while catching up with my google reader...& it was lovely. i've always had a fascination with storms, especially when the end in such beautiful rainbows.

at some point i came across a blogger who was celebrating her 1,000th post...which of course led me to wonder how many posts i'd made. so i checked & i kid you not, i was at post 499. bizarre.

i started thinking about how much i loved blogging at the very beginning, how many friends i've made, all of the wonderful things i've learned...how i used to have a goal to post at least once a day & to hopefully become an inspiration for someone.

well, post 500...thanks for giving me a good kick in the pants. i'm really hoping to get myself back on my blogging feet & continue doing what i set out to do in the beginning. keep your fingers crossed for me.

2010love

2010-04-07T17:51:00.005-05:00

this is pure typographical genius.
find out more about it here.
& get your own t-shirt here.

update! leslie from 2010love just commented to let me know about a giveaway on operation nice! they're giving away a shirt...check it out. thanks, leslie!

via design mom

headed to the big easy

2010-03-31T11:43:00.003-05:00

i'm leaving tonight with a few other friends
on a road trip to new orleans.

any suggestions for must go places?
we've never been!

i'd love to see these girls in action while we're there.

photo via everybody loves yufan

holey tights

2010-03-31T11:03:00.002-05:00

check out this killer scarf tutorial
from obstinate pursuit.

not that i need one more scarf...

mumford & sons

2010-03-27T23:02:00.004-05:00

i just can't get enough of this.

absolutely stunning.
notice how the lead singer is playing three instruments...
on top of the singing.
also, the banjo player has got some great moves.
listen & love.

fuji vs pola: take two

2010-03-19T18:55:00.004-05:00

so, as promised, here is an update on my feelings for the fuji mini.
yes, the photos are tiny & more rectangular than polas,
but i've come to the conclusion that i love my mini.

i'm able to snap a photo without a feeling of guilt
or dread at the thought of running out of film.
so until i can run to target to pick up a pack of polas...for a dollar a photo or less,
you'll find the fuji instax mini in my hands.

PS if you're looking to buy one, check out amazon first.
that's where they seem to be cheapest.

marc johns

2010-03-19T16:51:00.002-05:00

may have just inspired me to wear headbands.

via doubletakes

never too old

2010-03-19T16:44:00.003-05:00

i can just use it without the lid, right?

via swissmiss

muppet madness

2010-03-18T21:43:00.005-05:00

this is sheer fantasticness.
in fact, my march just got a little better.

i only have one question, where's dr. teeth?

fill out your own bracket or just vote for your favorite characters.
either way, hilarious & fun.

via zoomdoggle

mad men on the mind

2010-02-25T13:24:00.003-06:00

i've been thinking about mad men today
& i just wish the next season would start sooner!

but since i'm forced to wait...
i can admire this don-inspired pillow from regan's brain.

also, mad men vs. bewitched...kinda comical.

mungo hoodies

2010-02-24T16:18:00.003-06:00

i need one of these ridiculously
awesome hoodies from mungocrafts.

networked blogs

2010-02-24T10:38:00.003-06:00

does anyone use the networked blogs application on facebook?
i've found a few of you on there, but i'd love to follow more of your blogs so please send me a link if you've got your own page!

i set up a page a while back & sort of forgot about it.
do you think these sort of things are worth having?

Follow this blog

off the cuff!

2010-02-22T19:18:00.003-06:00

ampersand faux cufflinks!

via swissmiss

evolution of the hipster

2010-02-22T09:08:00.006-06:00

i would just rather not say how many hipster trends i
have loved & adored...& possibly followed.
photography by josh meister.

thanks jason!

make your photos pop

2010-02-21T11:27:00.004-06:00

with this clever 3d photoshop tutorial.

before:

after:let me know if you try it. i'd love to see what you come up with!

thanks ben!

totally severe

2010-02-20T15:39:00.004-06:00

check out totally severe for tons of incredible
free backgrounds & wallpapers.

via how about orange

biggie can't you see?

2010-02-18T17:00:00.001-06:00

via darling dexter

please update your links!

2010-02-18T16:18:00.004-06:00

i've noticed that many of you still have quirkology links up.
i would be eternally grateful to you if you changed those to the lbeau room!

thanks so much!

PS you're also more than welcome to follow &/or link to
my tumblr as well.
*grin*

bees are terrific

2010-02-18T16:08:00.003-06:00

my love for honey bees has been steadily growing.
i love drawing them. i love looking at them.
i love eating their honey.

& i love this print from lindsay brackeen.

classy

2010-02-18T13:13:00.001-06:00

i love them.
cheers, amy santoferraro. you're brilliant.

via paper schmaper

the whitening process

2010-02-18T12:40:00.007-06:00

right about this time last year, i became obsessed with white hair.

& i have finally decided to attempt it.

i'll keep this post updated with the process. wish me luck!
saying goodbye to my naturally dark, dark hair!

after dye #1...i'm a strawberry blonde.

update 2-24-10:
i've bleached it more times than i should & it's still not quite there.
one more bleach & a toner...& if it still isn't white,
i'm giving up. sigh.

hearts & heepwahs

2010-02-17T17:46:00.008-06:00

as many of you know, i work for camp ondessonk, a not-for-profit youth camp in the shawnee national forest. best.job.ever.

this valentine's day, i spent the evening playing
awesome & ridiculous games with local kids.

hearts & heepwahs is basically a parent's night out...
(a chance for moms & dads to have some quality alone time)
& it's a blast. as i'm sure you can tell from the photos.

know any kids that would love to spend a week at camp?!
PS there's also a 3 day family camp...you're never too old!

PPS heepwah is a word we use at camp that basically translates
into "all things good" but also doubles as "congratulations!" or "good job!"

one day deal!

2010-02-17T16:16:00.002-06:00

if you're on the market for a light-weight netbook...

you should check out woot!
$240 for the netbook, mouse, headphones, & a 5-port usb hub.
sounds like an awesome deal to me.

punctuation shelf

2010-02-17T14:46:00.003-06:00

this appeals to me in so many ways.

via topical trail mix