never fear...we did not partake of any of these fried "delights" at the fair. we did, however, partake in the margaritas.
I tend to expect a lot from my weekends...It's not necessarily a rational expectation, but after a week filled with work and school and extra-curricular commitments, I want my weekends to be a sort of magical panacea -- one part total relaxation, one part über productivity, one part inspiration-inducing activities. It's pretty much an unattainable formula I realize, but nonetheless, I'm still mildly disappointed when I get to Sunday evening and realize I haven't really accomplished even one of those lofty goals.
I had extra high-hopes for the "unplugged" weekend...and don't get me wrong, in some ways it was (really) good -- we ate our body weight in taffy and corny dogs and ice cream at the fair, we had a lovely, mellow backyard dinner with Christine and Steven and their girlies, we made (lots) of necklaces (which we shall be selling soon, as there are just too many to wear on our own...stay tuned), we puttered and drank coffee out on the back porch on Sunday morning wrapped in sweaters(!). But somehow I think the raised expectations created a sort of pressure (not unlike, say...New Year's Eve) that also made for some decidedly testy moments -- some grumpy, irritable, bickery moments. (I hope you guys are cool with all this unfiltered honesty of late??)
So I'm welcoming Monday with this idea... "Sometimes a weekend is just a weekend..." Nothing hugely revolutionary has to happen, and you may not end it particularly equipped for the coming week. But it is what it is. A couple of days to re-group... And if you're lucky, eat a a corny dog (or two...or three).
some fun at Christine and Steven's house...
21 comments:
Ahh! Your life is so pretty:) Looks like a wonderful weekend. I always relish those unplugged moments.
I love the unfiltered honesty of late. And I totally feel you on the weekend expectations issue. I'm always testy and grumpy on sundays, which really is my one day off, and I just never quite know how to make it Perfect, which is what I think it always should be. And just like you said, it has to be really relaxing and laid back, but also extremely productive. Seriously, how could we possibly live up to all that? I've never made the comparison before, but I think you're exactly right in that it feels like new year's eve. Every week. Ugh. Exhausting. So I think I'll join you in trying to take some of that pressure off. Sounds like such a relief. Although, I have to say, I have no idea how you resisted fried cookie dough. What is that, a texas thing? crazy!
http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/
waiting. waiting so patiently for those necklaces to be sold....
Those necklaces are going to sell like hotcakes!
Do you watch Modern Family? There's a great episode in season 2 called 'Unplugged.' You should watch!! xo
such great pictures this week! i saw the necklaces over on pinterest and am SO excited you are going to be selling them.....FINALLY! Can't wait!
Thank you! I am so glad it is not just me that has all kinds on unrealistic expectations of my weekend. I find myself getting to Sunday evening and wondering why the weekend wasn't like the one I had in my mind. You're right though, it is definitely worth remembering that sometimes it is ok for a weekend to be just a weekend.x
I, too, am loving all the unfiltered honesty lately! After reading so many blogs where people only paint reality as rainbows and unicorns it's refreshing to read such honesty. I also struggle with weekends and the idea of perfection. I'm continually trying the balance between being productive, doing the fun things, and doing nothing. I'm working really hard to scheudle (because, yes, I'm a planner with lists and I can't stop!) weekends with a little of each and TRY to remember to leave room for some unexpected bits of happy.
I like the honesty. Obviously we all read lifestyle blogs because they are both inspirational (and aspirational), but I think the doses of honesty help readers remember that no one is perfect! I personally can identify with high expectations and the ill effects of having them. It's nice to know I'm not the only one!
just lovely. please please put my name on one of those black / gold numbers in the bottom set? oh my word I want. cc
joslyn, i was wondering if you could tell me what polymer clay you use? i am wanting to make beads with my 5yo and am concerned about Phthalates in the clay. i am having trouble sourcing information. thak you xxx
Inspiring as always :)
Hi Leah
Great question...we were a little concerned about the Phthalates too, so my hubby did some research.
We read the study from Duke University and decided the risks were manageable. Here’s what we do:
• Use Sculpey brand clay, as it contains about 1/5 the amount of phthalates compared to other common brands.
• Have the kids keep their hands away from their mouths until they are done and washed.
• Soap won’t remove the phthalates, so we have them wash with soap (to get the greasiness off) and then have them rub their hands vigorously with 70% rubbing alcohol (alcohol is very effective at taking it off of skin completely) followed by another water rinse.
• Unless the clay is baked to the point of burning, the study said only tiny amounts are released as vapor. We just take a reasonable precaution here. When we bake the clay, we have them stay out of the kitchen, we turn on the exhaust vent and open the back door (which is in the kitchen). We also set the timer and make sure we don’t bake any longer than the instructions specify.
In the end, we didn’t feel the risks couldn’t be mitigated. We’re keeping an eye out for alternatives. Hopefully, something comes down the pike soon... all that said, we've only been using the clay a couple of times a month and from what we've read, this is a major issue for folks that work with clay on a daily basis.
Hope that helps!
xo
joslyn
I love the unfiltered honesty as well. I truly think this is the direction that blogs need to be headed in, or they will by a dying form. I think most of us have had enough of the overly aspirational "my life is beautiful" blogs.
Can't wait for those necklaces to be sold!
Hi Joslyn,
I'm looking hard for a cream-ish lamp to warm up my living room. Any idea where those 2 beauties at Christine and Steven's house were purchased? Thanks!
Katy
a smidge mundane, but can you lend some insight on the table cloth fabric? it is delightful.
katy -- the cream lamps are actually in my dining room ;-) I got them at Arteriors Too on Lover's Lane in Dallas!
Avondaleests -- not mundane at all! The tablecloth fabric at Christine's is a piece of vintage fabric that she found.
First of all... I must tell you - I cannot seem to stop looking at that top image. So gorgeous. In fact, I think that's a "pinner."
I'm reading through a multitude of yours (and other's) posts at the time (since I just got back from Hawaii) and I want to say thank you for the unfiltered honesty. We've (I) had some grumpy/bickery moments myself and it's refreshing to hear that 1) I'm not alone, but more importantly 2) the positive message that you share along with... the learning :).
Thank you, Joslyn!
Sorry to litter up your comment section - sad Arteriors doesn't have an online shop, but I know that is what makes local places so cool - if you're local, anyway :) Seattle must have some comparable shop. Think I'm just created a little quest for myself.
Post a Comment