We have roses.

OK, not that Rose but I couldn't resist. The death of Bea Arthur this past weekend has put me in a full on Golden Girls frenzy. Lets face it - the folks in St. Olaf would think this is hysterical.

Back to the topic on hand - roses. When we bought our home in November 2007 we decided we would use Spring / Summer 2008 to see what came out of the ground for flowers and plants by the previous owners. Lots came up! We have peonies, daylillies, lilly of the valley, daffodils, rose of sharon and roses. All of these things are pretty self sufficient - except the roses.

In the spring I noticed a little white rose near our back rock wall. I think they are tea roses. Only one bloomed. I was excited to see that we had roses but was not so excited to realize only one had bloomed. Blerg.

Can anyone recommend books or websites to learn more about roses? I will take a picture of what we have once it blooms but for right now I am stumped!

MaxxSilly Loves: Punky Style

Have we mentioned that we love clothes? Love clothes in the sense that the husband only gets to hang 2 shirts in the closet because we need space for all of our stuff.

We came across Amy's blog PunkyStyle when we read about her winning the Best Blog for 2009 in our local newspaper. Amy has an amazing sense of style and is truly original. We love original here at MaxxSilly. We also love people that have a surreal passion for dance fights, which Amy does!

Not only does she love and appreciate vintage and thrift items but she is responsible for organizing local clothing swaps for the past few years! Folks bring their unwanted items and Amy and her gang organize everything. At a certain time you get to go through and take what you want. No money. No selling your soul, which let's face it some have done for fashion. Just take what you want and need. Whatever is left goes to charity.

She sells some of her vintage finds in her Etsy shop and is working on a mobile vintage store that she plans to set up in an old trailer. Keep up the good work Amy! We'll be keeping an eye out for you..and for dance fights!

Image courtesy of PunkyStyle

Zombie Giveaway! Seriously.

Still here. Took a couple of days to do some garden chores, hit some yard sales, get a sunburn and take down a tree. No seriously. I pulled down a tree.

This is the 102nd post on MaxxSilly. Can you believe it? Yeah - me either. So, how do we celebrate 102 posts? If I understand blogging tradition correctly you celebrate with a giveaway. OK - that is not true but we're going to do it anyway.

Quirk books has kindly provided us with a copy of our current favorite read Pride & Prejudice & Zombies to give to you our faithful readers. Cool right? We think so.

Hmmm what should we have you comment on? English literature? Zombie ethics? No. Those are all too easy. We're going to go the Barbara Walters route on this one - If you could be any tree, what kind of tree would you be and why? Leave your answer in this post by Friday, May 1 at midnight (EST). We'll hit up the old random number generator and pick a winner.

You can do this. It's easy. Easier than pulling down a tree.

Images courtesy of Quirk Books

Upcycle: Place Mat to Purse

The folks over at Fave Crafts invited me to submit a project that is inexpensive and easy to do for Mother's Day. Since I am trying to keep on using what I have on hand (reducing waste) I converted a cute place mat into a cuter clutch! You can see the instructions and full post here.

Upcycle: Sheets to Pajama Pants

I hit one of my favorite thrift stores on my lunch hour today and found 2 of these very cool vintage bed sheets. Since it is "green" week and they are green they are post worthy. Kidding. I am actually thinking of making them into a nice pair of lounge / pajama pants.

There is a pattern in Amy Butler's In Stitches book that I have been wanting to try. Since there are 2 sheets if I mess one up I won't feel as guilty. Plus it's a great way to "upcycle" and use things in a new way.

BTW - did I mention the sheets were $1 a piece. Thrift score!

Image courtesy of Amy Butler's In Stitches

(Bird) House for Rent

Duplex bird house before renovation

The real estate market is tough. As you know, we here at MaxxSilly like to help out anyway we can. So we did a little crafting to help our winged friends find beautiful, affordable (free) housing.

I spotted these unfinished birdhouses at AC Moore for $6. Not bad, especially since I had a 50% off coupon! We have been working on our yard - spicing it up with feeders and general cleaning, so a bird house seemed like a good idea.

Painted birdhouse with a prospective renter.
We waved the first and last months rent as well as security deposit.

I painted ours with acrylic paints and then sprayed them with a clear gloss sealer. I am hoping that will work. I am not so worried about the paint as I am about the wood wearing away and the birds falling through. It's not like they can fly...oh wait....

If you have coupons (which you can print online) you can do this craft for less than $7. It's a great activity for kids because they can be super creative and paint the house all kinds of crazy colors.

Anyway this is a fun way to pretty up your yard and attract birds. Birds eat bugs and most bugs are yucky. Although they are good for the planet. OK fine - it is just a way to pretty up your yard!

Earth Day Crafts

Feeling crafty this Earth Day? Here are some ideas that use things you already have around the house. These crafts will help you reduce your waste and save you money!

Recycled Scraps Necklace at Designing Moms

T Shirt Headband at Craft Stylish

Elephant Feet from Martha

Snack Wrapper Bracelet from Family Fun

Reusing Sewing Patterns from Crafting Green World

Altoid Tin Candle from Design Sponge

Pom Pom Grocery Bag Gift Topper from Creature Comforts

Image courtesy of Designing Moms

Earth Day 2009

Ahhhh - fresh air. Don't you love it? I do. I love my planet. Sure, I have not visited other planets but if I lived somewhere else the commute to work would be killer and forget about seeing the family on holidays.

Here are some of the things we do at our house to keep at peace with Mother Nature:


Recycle - newspapers, cans, boxes, etc. If it can be recycled we throw it in the bin. Our town supplies a recycling bin and picks up every 2 weeks. We do not have to separate and the recycling bin is actually larger than the trash bin - which is awesome.


Compost - This is a new one for us. We just found out that our town sells compost bins. When we bought our home we found that the previous owner just dumped all the lawn clippings and fallen leaves in a big pile in the back of the yard. It has decomposed and makes amazing soil for our plants. if you live in the area and want some let me know - seriously - it is like a mountain! Plus, those of you with children know that food is wasted when they go through this fun picky phase. I hate wasting food so we decided to start a compost bin. We can use food scraps and coffee grinds along with lots of other stuff for some even better soil.

Plant Stuff- We lost lots of trees in this winters ice storm. We have been working on taking down the dead ones and replacing them with shrubs and bushes. We also want to add some to our property. Not just for the planet but also so our neighbors will stop looking in our yard.

Limit plastic - We have been phasing out plastic in our home. Water bottles are a waste and for soda we stick with cans since they can be recycled (plus 5 cents if we bring them to the market - add that up with the beer cans and yahoo!!!) . It also takes a lot of energy to make those plastic bottles. I love the people at Poland Spring but I love my planet more.

BYOB - Bring Your Own Bags - This has become a new habit of mine. The plastic bags had begun taking over our house with all the grocery shopping we do. I invested in some totes and all is well. Bonus: My supermarket gives back 3 cents for everyone of my own bags I bring. Even if they don't fill it with stuff! At Trader Joe's you get entry into a raffle if you bring your own bags and each week they give away a $25 Gift Card. Totally worth walking back to the car when you forget to bring them in - which I often do.

What do you do to be "Green"

This is why...

This is why saving the planet is important to me. I recycle, compost, reduce, reuse, protect and preserve all for this little girl. My daughter. This picture was taken last year on Earth Day. Her shirt says it all. I never used to be into the whole "green" thing. Then I had a child and realized she deserves a beautiful healthy planet. We all do.

Tomorrow is Earth Day and this week's posts will have to do with being green while you craft, shop and live.

MaxxSilly Loves: Twig & Thistle

Pretty. That is how I would describe Kathleen's blog Twig & Thistle. Pretty, pretty, pretty.

We here at MaxxSilly like pretty things! Sure we're sarcastic and open beer bottles with our teeth but in the end it is all about the pretty details and the things that make us smile.

Kathleen is a graphic designer living in Seattle and she created Twig & Thistle to share her love of crafts, sewing, and design. Her tag line says it best: A collection of daily inspiration for home and life. Even her tag line is pretty!

She is generous too - that to us is a pretty quality! Her recommended tools of the trade is a must have for beginning crafters! She has a great shop where you can purchase all types of invitations and, well, you know...pretty things!

Image courtesy of Twig & Thistle

Want it: Gnome Table

Is it just me or is this the coolest table you have ever seen? I am in love.

Happy Weekend

Weekend! Weekend! Weekend! I have to work on Saturday. Blerg.

Well, here in Massachusetts we have a holiday on Monday - so ha! More time for me to look at this book: Zakka Sewing. I just got it from the library. I really want to make the squirrel tea cozy that is on the cover. My teapot would look so much cuter if it had a wool squirrel over it. You know yours would too!

I love this apron - maybe I will give that a try too.

Hopefully I can get started on my new sewing desk this weekend! I picked it up for $10 at the local thrift store a few weeks ago. It is already sanded down and needs to be primed and painted. Fingers crossed I get to it this weekend. The quicker it gets done the quicker I can start some sewing!

Have a great weekend everybody!

Images courtesy of Melanie Falick Books

Charley Harper

We just got this out of the library. My daughter is loving the animals I am loving the beautiful drawings!

The artist, Charley Harper, was based in Cincinnati and called his style "minimal realism". His subjects was nature; birds, deer, bugs and fish. Charley did a series of posters for the National Park Service that illustrated different areas and wildlife around the country.

Charley experienced a rise in popularity in 2007 when the Cincinnati Art Museum held a retrospective of his work. Fashion and Interior Designer Todd Oldham also put together a book called Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life.

For more information on Charley Harper you can visit here.

Images courtesy of the Estate of Charley Harper

Super Easy Monogrammed Pillow

I made this super easy monogrammed pillow (SEMP) to add a little something to our bedroom. It was not only easy but inexpensive.

The pillow cover came from the local Dollar Tree - I went white so I could move the pillow from room to room. It started on the couch and has made it to every room in the house courtesy of a 20 month old. I have to say it did not really work in the kitchen. Any way - back to the SEMP. All you need is a pillow cover and some iron-on paper.

On your computer use MS Word or whatever you use and set it to the size of the paper - usually 8.5 x 11. Type what you want - I went with our last name initial but you could write: "This is where the magic happens" or "Don't drool on me!" Experiment with fonts and colors. Be sure to use the right iron-on paper for your fabric.

Now you print it, iron it, stuff it and lay your pretty little head on it.

Sweet Dreams....

Words to live by

A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.

-Jackie Robinson

MaxxSilly Loves: Creature Comforts

She had me at her tag line: Design for all creatures great & small. Creature Comforts is the creation of Ez. I know this because all of her post are signed with a sincere XOX Ez. I really am a genius! Her site is filled with the most beautiful photography and write ups on design, crafts and fashion. I particularly love her photos entitled "Inspiration Daily" where she features up and coming photographers and artist.

My favorite part of the site are the tutorials and freebies that she offers. Need candy wrappers for an upcoming shower? Done. Some quick printable stationary? Done. The card and address labels she provides are the labels on my jars of baking supplies. Print them on some sticker paper and you are good to go. She is generous to share her beautiful designs - making the world a prettier place in the process.

Photo courtesy of Creature Comforts

What the font?

Helvetica. You know what it is. You see it everyday. It is on your computer, a stop sign and at the Gap. It is the world's most popular font.

According to this website, it is the number one font of all time! Yes - people rank fonts. Exciting stuff! Just Creative Design post the complete list in English - just in case your German is a little rusty like mine. My favorites Garamond and Bodoni came in a respectable second and fourth. Another favorite - Sylfaen - did not even make the list. Blerg.

I will just say it now. I really don't like Helvetica. When I see it is like I should be taking an eye test - a what is the lowest line you can read kind of thing.

It was developed in 1957 by Max Miedingerin Switzerland. It's original name was Die Neue Haas Grotesk, they changed it to be more marketable, it seems to have worked. In 2007 Helvetica celebrated it's 50th anniversary with a movie and a museum exhibit at MOMA.

Photo courtesy of Helveticafilm.com

Mmmmm cake....

Happy day after Easter! I for one am hungover from too many mini Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Jelly Beans. Man those kill you if you take them in too quick!

This is the bunny cake I made for Easter. It was a last minute decision, which is why I am showing it to you after the holiday. Trust me - it no longer looks like this! It was really easy to make. Two 8" round cake pans, some cake mix, frosting, jelly beans, licorice and sprinkle - mmmm bunny goodness. It was fun to make - I like baking cause you can be a little more creative.

I love Ace of Cakes on the Food Network - those folks are super creative. Check out the website for Charm City Cakes - the "Not-So-Traditional" section has some really cool stuff!

Weekend Reading

Well I am all set for reading materials for the weekend. Picked up the new Country Living the other day. It's the"Big Bargain Issue" - looks to be a good one. I finally tracked down a copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies! I was a little embarrassed to find out it was kept in the "teen" section at Barnes and Noble. Oh well. I just started it and I find it easier to read than the actual Pride and Prejudice...is that scary?


Next week we will have another MaxxSilly Loves feature, talk Charley Harper and maybe head into the garden!

Whatever you celebrate this weekend I hope you have a great one!

D'oh! The Simpsons Get Stamped!

Okily-Dokily! The Simpson's have their own stamp coming out! In honor of the shows 20th anniversary the USPS is releasing a set of first-class (just like Homer) mail 44 cent stamps. The stamps will be released May 7.

The USPS gets about 50,000 suggestions a year on who, what or when to feature on a stamp. they narrow that down to twenty. The Simpson's is the first show to be featured on a stamp while still in production.

I have not been this excited about the Post Office since they appeared on Project Runway!

Images courtesy of USPS

Beautiful Bedding

Now I am a big believer in that if you get into a well made bed that looks good with sheets that feel amazing, you will sleep better. My mother has preached this since I was a wee one. When I visit the folks their bed looks crisp and welcoming but not stuffy - you know you still want to jump on it. Truth be told, mom once told me that she sometimes irons her pillowcases because it makes the bed look nicer. I started doing this as well when I began collecting vintage pillowcases a few years ago. It really does make a difference.

These are images from Rubie Green a new line of eco-friendly bedding and fabric by designer Michelle Adams. Michelle used to work at Domino magazine (still weeping) so we already know she has good taste. After working on Domino's "green" issue, she realized no one was making environmentally friendly 100% organic cotton textiles in hip yet classic patterns. Rubie Green was born. Michelle uses modern prints that work well together to create a fun and vibrant place to lay your head all while keeping it green.

Mom would approve.

Images courtesy of Rubie Green.
Taken by Patrick Cline - www.brand-arts.com

To dye for

Easter is only a few days away! My daughter is too young to enjoy the whole egg dying tradition, but I remember doing it as a child. Actually to this day when I smell vinegar I think of Easter eggs. The cheesy little wire holder that came with the kit so the egg did not have to be touched. Hoping the color came out just right. Good times.

Easter egg decorating is a lot fancier than it used to be. Now folks use glitter, paper and ribbon to decorate their eggs. My favorite new trick is using old silk ties and scarves to dye or transfer a pattern to the egg. Our Best Bites has a great tutorial on the "tie dyeing" process This is also a great way to recycle old ties and scarves you may have lying around. It is also inexpensive since supplies can be from the local thrift store. Save money, be green and get pretty eggs! Happy Dyeing....

Image courtesy of The Little Red Hen

Mommy, where do tulips come from?

Can you imagine waking up and your backyard looks like this? So beautiful.

This is what it looks like the northern Netherlands during the middle of tulip season. More than 3 billion are grown each year with the majority being sent overseas.

If you can't get to the Netherlands to see this you can head to Woodburn, Oregon and visit the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. Their annual tulip festival is celebrated from March 25 - April 26 and you can see over 40 acres of tulips. You can also purchase bulbs and other plants. The most popular weekend to visit is this coming weekend, Easter. They have an egg hunt and lots of festivities for families.

Your other option is to come to my house and see the six I planted in October. They are coming up and I could not be prouder.

MaxxSilly Loves: This Young House

I stumbled upon This Young House completely by accident. Almost two hours later I am in love with this site! Sherry and John purchased their Richmond, Virgina (it's for lovers you know) home in 2006. Their site is a guide to how they revamped this 53 year old house into a modern treasure. They focus on green living also - which I am trying to do - role models are good things!

They can teach you how to repaint your cabinets, create a compost bin and dye your wedding dress all in an afternoon. Like you have anything better to do? Seriously? They also take readers questions on design dilemmas - always a plus. Be sure to check out their super cute backyard wedding pics and how to guides.

Photo courtesy of This Young House

Want it: Blankets

So the weather is getting warmer and here I am looking at blankets.

The latest issue of Cookie magazine arrived last week and I am lusting over theses black and white check blankets featured in this story. They look simple yet chic and I would love one for my bed come the fall. Anyone seen these around?

Apartment Therapy just showed these new quilts from Pottery Barn. I love the "Single Girl Quilt" by Denyse Schmidt. They are made exclusively for Pottery Barn and a full/queen size retails for $349. A little steep for my taste, but it is beautiful.

Photo courtesy of Cookie Magazine & Pottery Barn

La la la - it's the weekend!

This weekend is going to be all about the yard! Lots of planting, weeding and cleaning up to do for the nice weather I see in our future. OK - I'm not psychic or psycho for that matter but I like to think positive about the weather and that it might persuade the fronts and currents to work in my favor. I love that my tulips and daylillies are coming up and the crocuses on the front are open. Spring! Spring! Spring!

I am hoping to do some sewing this weekend. I'm thinking of this shoe bag project for some organizing. Lillyana has lots of little toys and I think it might be a good place to store them. There are lots of vintage sheets I have been waiting to use so this might be the project for it! I will let you know how it goes!

Have a great weekend!

Photo courtesy of Betz White

MaxxSilly Loves: Little Birdie Secrets

I came across the site Little Birdie Secrets a few months ago. Instant love!

The blog is a the brainchild of three friends from the Pacific Northwest who enjoy all kinds of crafts; sewing, papercrafting, home decor, cooking and lots more. They also have an Etsy shop where they sell some of their homemade items. I also just a recipe for a delicious Chocoholic Cake and Pie-in-a-jar.YUM! I love a site that I can go to to learn lots of different things at once: I would like to know how to make a quilt out of old jeans and bake Amish Friendship Bread - done and done!

Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Crafts

It's arrived! It's arrived! I got a call from the library on Tuesday that my Martha Stewart Crafts book I had reserved was in. It is scary how happy this made me.

Before I looked at the book I thought it would be great to try and complete every craft Martha includes. I thought it would make for good blogging and then Martha would catch on and invite me on the show and say "I'm retiring - take over." Then I looked through the book and my dreams of world dominance via crafts was crushed. Probably not going to happen - marbleizing paper would not go over well in my house - but it is certainly a good thing to know. Ha, ha - "Good Thing" - I did not even do that on purpose.

I have done a quick look through the book but now need to figure out what I want to take on as projects. Hmmmmm...

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart