artscrap

A Second Car Fight

Biceps and I are realizing quickly that not touring means being at home. Duh. What we are also realizing is that when he needs to go somewhere for work-I can’t always go with him. They sort of frown upon firefighters bringing their wives along-I don’t know why.

That leads me to this point: we think we need a second car. I know-it’s decadent, provocative and immensely American of us. But, this frugal household might just spring for “Four more wheels! Four more wheels! Four more wheels!”.

 

This is what Biceps wants-not because it’s necessarily cool, but very practical:


B-O-R-I-N-G.

A Prius. I think Rory Gilmore drove a Prius. I think that kid sitting across from me at the coffee shop that smells like Patchouli drives a Prius with his soul patch riding shotgun next to his caramel-no whip-soy latte.

Practical?-Yes. Good gas mileage?-Yes. Boring?-Yes.

 


This is what I want-a 1964 1/2 Mustang.

I don’t care if it’s candy apple red, avocado green or midnight blue-as long as it’s original. With white Pony Leather interior, 289 D-Code 4v Engine, Automatic Transmission, and factory air-what more could a girl want?

(I hear you in the background saying, “Electric windows/locks, seat heaters, a faab, airbags, murmur, murmur”. Don’t think I don’t.)

 


When I was 14, I saved up and bought this car-a 1966 Ford Mustang. It was a complete lemon-everything fell apart on it-the transmission, the horn, the brakes. But it was mine, and I loved it.

 


I would even give up the Mustang to drive a more practical vehicle like this-a 1963 Wagoneer. This gets about 9 mpg’s, so we wouldn’t really drive it-just look at it.

 


Or this-a 1978 Mercedes wagon. It gets better gas mileage (19 mpg) and it’s still pretty cute.

 


But really, what we need as a family is something classic, something practical and very affordable. With its 19 mpg’s on the highway-it’s downright economical. And let’s not forget that I’m recycling an old car instead of demanding a new one. And, I’m keeping local small businesses open with my never-ending need for repair parts.

 


This is just downright embarrassing-with its automatic locks, airbags, great gas mileage and resale value-only a goofball would buy this. Seriously, what am I going to do with Biceps?

NEW-”Linky Followers”-Google is going Buh-Bye!

Hellow Google Friends-I don’t want to loose you.

As you’ve probably heard, the popular Google Friend Connect (“GFC”) is going away March 1st for non-Google blog platforms like WordPress, and it will be eventually phased out completely to be replaced by Google+. Google is phasing the “Friends” out and is not providing a service to move followers over.

Bloggers know a good “follower” tool is really needed. Those of us who use Linky Tools and know the owner/creator (Brent Riggs), realized he would be perfect for developing some kind of really easy to use “follower” system.

Introducing LINKY FOLLOWERS (www.linkyfollowers.com)

Brent has created a FREE service and he launched it on 2/4/12. You’re the first to be invited to try it out.

Keep in mind this is a new service–there will no doubt be some bugs that the test group didn’t catch. Just contact Brent (brent@brentriggs.com). He is great about fixing things fast. Don’t let a bug or an “oops” hurt your first impression. You’re being invited to be some of the first users of this great new tool, and your feedback will help him iron out any problems very quickly.

I am asking you to please click the “Linky Follow Tool“. It’s easy, quick and did I mention, free? You’ll love the tool. It’s a cool way to organize and follow the blogs you love. As soon as you have an account, please then “Follow Me”.

Please sign up to be a linky follower and then “Follow Me”! This is found on the right side bar of each of my pages right below Google Friend Connect.

Please, please, I don’t want to loose you as a follower. I need you in my life. Love-Rebekah

Springy, Silk Scarf Shirt

I like to create many of the items I wear-this not only helps pinch pennies but prevents the awkward ‘you’re wearing the same thing I’m wearing’ at a party. This scarf shirt is inexpensive and very simple to make.
Not only will it flatter any body type as it tapers in at the smallest point of the waist, but it will also keep you cool throughout a hot summer.
Skill Level: If I can do it, you can do it. (A.K.A. Easy.)

I posted this awhile ago, but my site crashed taking this post along with it. I didn’t realize this fact-I thought I had everything reposted. But, I’ve received several emails and a few dead-end hits looking for this tutorial. I hope you don’t mind that I’m reposting this. Maybe you didn’t see it the first go around, anyways.

 


What you’ll need:
2 Scarves (approx. 2’ x 2’)
Sewing Machine
Thread & Bobbin to Match
Hem Tape/Binding Tape
Scissors
(2) 1’ Foot sections of Ribbon
Snaps (like on a onesy)

 

 


Determine which scarf will be your ‘front’ and which will be the ‘back’ of your shirt.
Lay your scarves end to end and measure the center. Pin two pieces of 1” hem tape, 6 inches on either side of center. The area in the middle will be your neck opening.
And if you have a really big head or constantly sport a big hairdo, then widen the opening for heaven’s sake.

 


On what will be the sides of your scarf, measure 14 1/2” down. This measurement should be just above your belly button.
This will enhance the tiny part of your waist and make you look va-va-voom.
Wrap your 2” ribbon in hem tape. Pin both sections of ribbon on the side of your ‘front scarf’ at the 14 1/2” mark.

 


Follow the same instructions for your snaps, pinning them onto the ‘back scarf.’

 


Sew everything you have pinned on with a straight stitch, making a box with the thread around the hem tape.
This ‘box’ protects the delicate nature of silk from tearing. And when you’ve eaten too much, you’ll be thankful for it.

 


Sew up the ends of the ribbon to prevent them from fraying–unless you like that worn look.

 


After slipping your shirt over your head, fasten the snaps in the front front, and tie it closed with the ribbon in the back.

 

It looks great paired with skinny jeans, a flowy skirt or shorts. I tend to wear bold, chunky jewelry with my scarf shirt, but I give you permission to accessorize at will.

Happy Sewing!