What WOOD you create?

This month, Steff had Mike choose the word for our creative inspiration. As soon as I heard it was 'WOOD', I remembered an awesome project I saw on Pinterest for centerpieces that would work for around my apartment this winter.

First I ran to Hobby Lobby and picked up a few things: two tall glass votives (varying heights), deco-page, and scrap booking paper with wood texture. Originally, I wanted to find vellum paper with wood patterns, but the glue ended up creating just the barrier I needed to withstand the heat from the tea light candles.

Next, I wrapped the paper around the vases to ensure I had the right height and made the cuts. I left a little space at the top so the edge wouldn't look so hardened and unnatural. Then, I applied a thick coat of deco-page directly on the vases. And wrapped the papers around them smoothly.

One thing I ran into was that despite how hard I tried to keep the application smooth, ripples formed because of the water in the glue. At first this was frustrating, but then I started to look at the result and it made the pieces look much more natural.

Waiting 20 minutes in between layers of glue, I completed three more coats on my votives and below is the final product. I really love how they turned out and the light glowing through is beautiful! These will make great additions to my end table in January and the birch design matches the painting above my couch. Happy holidays!!!

November means being STUFFED to the gills!

Carly chose our creative project word for this month, with a very appropriate 'STUFFED'. I immediately knew what I wanted to work on - my ring bearer pillows!!! I went to the fabric store with Tori, picked out the materials that would work with our wedding, and headed straight to the sewing machine.

First, I sized up my pillows. I unintentionally made Tyler's slightly smaller than Matthew's pillow - but it works because of their age difference. Next, I made my cuts and flipped the fabric so the outsides faced flush to one another. Next, I centered my ribbon so that I could sew them in the seam. I sewed around all four sides, leaving a space for the "stuffing".

Next, I filled the pillows with the stuffing I bought at the fabric store. It takes a bit long than you would think, because you have to stuff small amounts at a time and fluff as you go to ensure that your filling is distributed evenly.

 Finally, I hand sewed the open ends with ivory thread and sewed the vintage buttons in the middle. The button was the most difficult, as I needed to ensure that it was pulled tightly through the ribbon and lined up appropriately. I'd say overall the project went really well, and the boys will look dashing going the aisle on our big day!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

It's Sunday evening, and I'm winding down after a long holiday weekend. It was wonderful getting to visit with family and enjoy the time off. Originally, Tom and I were going to get our engagement pictures this weekend, but baby Callie came down with a fever. We are both looking forward to next weekend when Jon, Tracy, and the kiddos come in town. Hopefully we'll have better weather on Saturday. By moving our pictures to next weekend, we both got the chance to enjoy some much needed rest.

As we race into another holiday, I've already swept through stores gathering gifts for friends and family. While wrapping gifts Friday afternoon, I stopped and thought about how quickly this year has gone by and how many wonderful changes have come into my life. A midst the bustling that comes with every December, I realized that this year I need to slow down and soak up the holiday. Too many years have passed where I feel I've missed a chance to reflect on all of life's blessings as I jump from place to place. This year I'm going to make an effort to spend some time to myself, to be at peace.

Next year will bring many exciting blessings, but tonight I am truly blessed as well, while I snuggle up to my dog on the couch.

October Creative Project: SQUASH

I chose the word "SQUASH" for our creative projects group this month, and decided that I would try and cook something new. Tom told me that he loves spaghetti squash, so I found a recipe and applied it to the simple spaghetti and meatballs concept. While the squash looks like spaghetti, it has the texture of coleslaw. Pretty delicious if you dress it up with some delicious mixins'.

First you cut the spaghetti squash in half - it's a lot harder than a pumpkin. I suggest cutting part of the way and then it will snap in half (thank you Tom for your strength).

Remove the seeds and the pulp in the middle of the squash. Next, place on a cookie sheet and roast for 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove and let cool for a few minutes.

With a fork, dig directly into the flesh of the squash and pull outward. I picked a medium sized squash and it yielded a full 10" pan of squash.  Finally, cook on medium for 10 minutes and add a tablespoon of butter and EVOO, along with pepper, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

Paired with my famous meatball recipe - you're in for a great meal!!! Delicious (and pretty nutritious). Alright, Car Car - what's the word for November?

October is..... Wedding Month

During October, Tom and I went to two weddings in Cincinnati. It was great to relive old college times with our buddies and get ideas on things we wanted to do at ours!

First, we went to my great friends', Tim and Amy, wedding. They got married in Xavier's Bellarmine Chapel and had their reception at King's Island. It was wonderful getting to see them tie the knot, particularly because Tom and I have had the chance to see their relationship grow over the years. We had an awesome time dancing the night away with all of the "Lovelies"

A few weeks later, we were back on the road to see Tom's friend Michelle tie the knot with Mike. We took a road trip with Stephen, Annie, Daues, and Brittany and had some fun adventures exploring all that Covington, KY has to offer. On Friday we went to the Pavilion in Mt. Adams and Saturday we went to Molly Malone's and Cosmos post wedding. It definitely felt like college again with late night sliders and pizza.

While we had a blast at both weddings (and both brides were gorgeous!) we are excited to have a couple weekends to relax back in St. Louis with our families.

September Creative Art Project

Steff and I are doing a creative project each month based on a word that one of us chooses. The word this month is "LEAF". I originally thought I would do something with gold leaf, but instead I expanded on a previous project done with matte puff paint. Instead of painting white on white - which turned out pretty cool, I chose a pop of color in the background and then puff painted on wax paper and peeled them off, placing them around the page. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it, I just wish I had more time to work on this month's project. The word I chose for us next month is "SQUASH". It will be fun to see what we both come up with.

My Life Takes on a Great New Path

Alright alright, I can hear you all saying it - "She said she was going to post something once a week, she's already missed the mark." Well there's a wonderful reason for my recent oversight: Tom and I are engaged. I am so thrilled that we are taking the next step together. With engagement came many visits to family and friends. We've been sharing our story with everyone, so I wanted to share that same story here.

The story:

Our anniversary was on Thursday, and Tom took me out to a little Italian place we've never tried. I think to myself: "Man, I REALLY hope he asks me tonight." The night passes, dinner is fantastic, but no ring.... "Hmm...tomorrow, maybe? Please let it be tomorrow."

Friday, we got up and had a pancake breakfast and a trip to the dog park with Sage. "Just a normal day.... it's definitely not happening... get over it, Sarah." Then Tom suggests we go to the Botanical Gardens. "There's a new art exhibit I think you'd like to see". Long story short, he proposed to me by the lake in the Japanese garden. The day couldn't have been more perfect.

Below are some pictures of our day, as well. My new ring and the proposal spot. Shortly after came frantic searches for the right church and venue, but we're starting to see the light at the end of the stressful tunnel. I'm looking forward to relaxing for a few months after all of this, but one thing is for sure - I couldn't be happier doing all of this with the wonderful man I love by my side. I'm so excited for our future together.

A Visit to the South

This weekend, Tom and I had the chance to hop in the car and visit my sister, Tracy. It was my first chance to meet my new, sweet little niece Callie Grace. I can hardly believe that she's already a month old! On Friday, we arrived around 7 and indulged in some spicy, sweet wings. Saturday, we had some girl time, and then went out to get Tom his first fried catfish. We all agreed it was delicious. Below is a picture Matthew and I worked on together. Meet Diedro Lee, the rainbow fish who now lives on my fridge :)

This morning, we went to Jon and Tracy's new church and grabbed sandwiches from Firehouse Subs before hitting the road to come home. I can't wait to see the pictures taken this morning with Callie and the boys. I am really looking forward to visiting them again soon; what a wonderful weekend.

Matthew

Tyler

Glass Pendent Making Class

Last weekend Carly, Steff (thank you for the pictures, Steff) and I went to The Glass Workbench in downtown St. Charles to take a glass pendant making class. We stacked our favorite combination of colors and they melted the pendants in the kiln. We had such a good time, we'd like to go back. My pendants are on the far right (top and bottom). What a blast!

Getting Started...

I've realized more and more, recently, that I have a hard time keeping up with all the people in my life. The work week flies by, and I find that there is little time to catch up with a meaningful conversation before another week starts. I am so blessed to have four wonderful families, and friends that span the country - so I owe it to you all to keep you as informed and involved as you'd like to me.

I would like to use this space not only to post my thoughts and activities, but also some of my artwork. My goal is to post something at least once a week.

I've named this blog "Living Sagely" because a variation of the definition of sage is: to be deliberate, wise, and sensible. Additionally, my sweet dog Sage brings such unconditional joy to my life.

I hope that this blog can both keep you informed and bring you joy! All my love.