The Goat

Monday, December 05, 2011

POTD - Parlor Chandelier

The Elizabeth Swain Memorial United Methodist Church in San Marco, FL was one of the stops for the Holiday Open House the other night. It's a rather small church but one of the most unusual things about it is that just off the sanctuary is a parlor. I'd never heard of a parlor in a church before now. I didn't get any information on the chandeliers in the parlor, but there were two of them and they were beautiful. They each contained 24 lights and I can't even begin to count how many crystals. I thought it was such a lovely space with the crystal chandeliers and the blue-gray walls.

Enjoy!
Kristin

Sunday, December 04, 2011

Holiday Home Tour

On Saturday evening a few friends and I went on a Holiday Home Tour of 5 homes in the San Marco area of Jacksonville, FL. The very first house that we went to I asked about being able to take photos in the home and I was told no way. None of the houses allowed it.

So below you will see the unlawful photos that I took - most of them with my cell phone! I figure the outside photos were allowed, so only the interior photos were illegally gotten.

Please don't tell on me. :o)

This was such a great idea and made quite a statement in the kitchen.

It was a beautiful sunset.

This was such a great idea with the wreaths hanging from old windows. I have some old windows in my garage - I may actually do this.

This was the house number to one of the featured homes. It belongs to the ivy covered wall a few photos below.

I thought this was a really cute way to use a white Christmas tree. The three buttons on the snowman are black Christmas ornaments.

This house had wall to wall pine flooring and the entire place had the smell of pine. It was pretty cool. This is the stairway all decked out.

I would love to have this be the entry to my house! Oh I loved it.

The last place we visited was the church. This photo is really grainy but it was such a neat sight with the moon and the stained glass and the clouds.

Thank you for joining me on a mini tour of homes - If I was allowed to photograph inside the houses this post would have had a few hundred photos! The homes were just gorgeous.

For more Sundays in my City, go ahead and visit Unknown Mami. Lots of folks link up each week and it's a great time!

Have a great week,
Kristin

Saturday, December 03, 2011

POTD - Candy Canes

I have a craft project that I'm going to do this week that involves some candy canes. I hated to just keep them in the box, so I took them all out and started putting them in some jelly jars that I have in my glass bin. I hauled them all over the kitchen taking their picture, but the one I like best is the one where I put them in an old fruit crate with just a sliver of light coming through.

Enjoy!
Kristin

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Friday Fragments

It's Friday Fragments Day!!

It's Friday Fragments Day!

It's Friday Fragments Day!

It's Friday Fragments Day!

It's Friday Fragments Day!

Welcome to Friday Fragments! This is the place where we're able to put little snippets of fun or interesting things together without having to stretch that idea into an entire blog post.

Mrs. 4444 is our lovely host and I am so grateful for her continued hosting of this fun carnival. For more Friday Fragments finds, please head on over to Half-Past Kissin' Time. Thanks!

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Today's Fragments are all things that I either read or posted on Facebook this week.
Mostly humor :)
Enjoy!

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My Friend: I've been reading a great book and got to the last few pages. Now I can't find the book nor do I know the title. Sure wish I knew how it ended :(

The very first comment she received said: He woke up and Suzanne Pleshette was beside him.

If you don't know what this is about, highlight the black line below.

In the Newhart Show, which ran from 1982 - 1990, this was the surprise ending.

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My Friend: I was trying to have a nice relaxing lunch break in the parking lot up the street from work, all of a sudden train cars are sliding at me and I'm running away screaming like sissy. (She further explained) I was standing right next to the tracks, it WAS like something out of a movie! I had just rang my husband on the phone and when he answered the cars started derailing so all he heard was me screaming, "OHMYGOD! OHMYGOD!"

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Lansing, MI got about 7-10" of snow yesterday morning so there were a lot of snow related posts, but this one got me laughing.

My Friend: ...so apparently amidst my morning drama of waking up late, getting the car stuck and shoveling myself out, I didn't notice that a tree fell on the jeep!

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This list of Adult Truths can be enlarged - just click! I thought a lot of them were quite funny and true! It has been shared over 30,000 times on Facebook, so I wouldn't be surprised if you had seen it already. I still had to share!

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My Friend: When you mistakenly put all your eggs in one basket, is it ok to throw that basket at something really hard when things don't work out?

I said: You might want to take one of the eggs out and put it on the counter before you smash the rest. It's good to have a nest egg.

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Help Portrait information on Photojojo

On December 10th, you can take part in Help Portrait by giving a portrait to someone in need!

With the forthcoming Christmas tree installations and mall traffic, give a portrait to restore dignity, bring smiles and even remind people, many of whom have forgotten, how beautiful they are.

I haven't been able to participate last year or this one, but I have a friend in Lansing, MI who is involved and she loved being a part of it. Donations are accepted, of course! They are also in need of picture frames to put the photos into after being printed. Check to see if you have a Help Portrait group in your area by following this link - Groups

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Mason Jar Pour Spout

I thought this was such a cool idea! It's just perfect for some bulk items that are easily stored in jars.

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If you only gave yourself credit, for all the things you do that you do not give yourself credit for, you'd be astonished to learn how much you really do accomplish in a single day. Every single day.

That's okay though, because I'm still "counting" all of it.

The Universe (From TUT's Notes from the Universe)

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Last week I blogged about all of the really cool gift guides that I had discovered.
If you missed it, here is the link. Gift Guides They really are worth looking at if you've got a few minutes. The online catalogs are quite nice and easy to read.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Kristin

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

November 2011 links

Here are all of the November 2011 blog posts on The Goat.
(I do this for my organization more than anything else)

POTD - Drive-In Menus

The day was done and I had just a few hours until the stroke of midnight. I had to get my shot in for the day. Nothing had caught my attention until I saw this row of outdoor menus at a Sonic restaurant. I've actually never eaten at a Sonic, but I have always liked the nostalgia of having curb side service. Since there were just so many competing colors I found the black and white version to be my favorite.

Enjoy!

Kristin

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Corkboard transformation

This cork board was not working for me. I had everything off of it before I thought about blogging about it - so there is no before shot, but just imagine stuff tacked up. I had pared down the quantity of stuff months ago, but I still never looked at it.

If I wanted this board to work for me, I needed to enjoy looking at it. I decided that all I really needed to do was to change the color of the background and I had an easy idea.

So I cut off a bunch of small strips of blue painters tape and lined them up along the side of the board.

And I started taping up pages from an old book. Don't worry, the book wasn't valuable as reading material.

Here is the whole board covered in pages.

The top row I taped the side that was covered up and then placed a map pin at the top of the page.

Then I placed a few items back on the board. It's my Vision Board, so I need to actually put the things I want to focus on in my life, up on the board - but since I wanted to take a picture of the board with stuff on it, I just added a few things. The Hello Kitty coloring book pages and the sticker envelope are from my nieces :)

I really need a storage solution for those plastic leis. I've used them several times at our monthly potluck, so I'm not throwing them away. Maybe just a clear box with a lid? That might be the easiest. Any suggestions?

I like this board so much better now. I might put a ribbon around the edges, but I really like the simplicity of the background. It's not dark, it has texture but it's not distracting. I now notice the board when I walk in that room, as opposed to never seeing it before. I think a vision board needs to be seen in order for it to do its magic.

Do you have a space that has been needing a change? A one dollar book from a thrift store may completely change the way you feel about your space. It sure did mine!

Have a great day!
Kristin

POTD - Rick Rack

I keep seeing blog posts and photos about easy ways to corral ribbon by wrapping them around a clothes pin. I thought it was a cute idea, but I didn't get it. I didn't get it until I received this clothes pin with rick rack wrapped around it. It was just so sweet looking, not to mention I loved the green color. It's fabulous! I immediately unwrapped the rick rack and that's when I got it! The clothes pin jaws hold the end in place and winding up the ribbon or what ever you have, is so easy, no tangles and the other end can also be secured in the jaws. Simple and brilliant! It also made for a fun little photo shoot.

Enjoy!
Kristin

Monday, November 28, 2011

POTD - Three Elevens

My friend, Diane, gave me this box the other day. Since I was unable to have my 11-11-11 party due to my illness, she decided to still give it to me in its "made for the day" box. Inside was a fabulous flamingo ornament. It made me laugh - I love it. When I was contemplating tossing the box, I realized that if I turn it on an angle it would read 11 - 11 - 11. I brought out the jelly beans that I had used the week before and ended up with a fun shot with my favorite date.

Enjoy!
Kristin

Calendar Swap & Cyber Monday deal

I signed up to be a part of a calendar swap a few weeks ago. In fact, I asked for two swap partners because I didn't think I could possibly only pick one calendar! There are so many fabulous calendars out there - not sure if you have checked them out, but you don't have to go with the traditional calendar these days.

The first calendar that I received was this one from 1 Canoe 2. I actually had this one as a favorite in my Etsy account!

This is a letterpress calendar that fits beautifully into the little tree stump holder.

Whenever I look for a calendar, I always make sure that I really like the October image. October is my birth month, so I should be happy with that page, don't you think? Well, just look at the image on this October page. Those are some crazy looking robots! I love them.

I really like this calendar and even though I favorited it in my Etsy, I'm not sure I would have purchased it. I would have probably gotten the same artist that I get each year. I'm so happy that I joined the swap - I knew I'd get something different and with all of the cool calendars out there, I knew I wouldn't get anything but something that was cool.

I'll be sure and show the second calendar when it arrives and when it does, I'll show off what I sent.

Have a great day!

OH and it's Cyber Monday! That means that a lot of people are going to shop online today and this week. I'm having a Cyber Special for all my readers (and anyone you'd like to pass along the info.)

If you would like to order anything from my Etsy shop - Photos on the Run, put THANKYOU into the coupon code area and receive free domestic shipping on all items through Sunday December 4th. I have so many items in stock that I can usually send out your order the next day. Happy Shopping!

Thanks so much!

Kristin

Sunday, November 27, 2011

POTD - Sunrise

I have made an effort to go to the beach several times this month to get sunrise shots. The colors of the sunrise (and sunset) seem difficult for me to photograph. They tend to get all washed out and the beautiful golden color that I see with my eyes rarely comes through with my camera. Yesterday morning I was there at the beach well before sunrise and stayed for about 30 minutes after and took a few hundred shots. I successfully captured what I saw with my eyes. It made for a very happy morning!

Enjoy!
Kristin

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

What the left hand does

One of the many things I have learned over the years is that once a body part has been hurt, you discover how much you use it!

My left elbow has been giving me some trouble. I sleep with my left arm under my pillow and I strained it a few months back. It wasn't a big deal, but every so often I could feel a strain. Last week I must have slept in the same position for hours and hours and the elbow joint and muscles finally gave out. The elbow might have been slightly dislocated, but the muscles and tendons were stretched beyond their limits. For the first few days I thought just babying the arm would help, but I finally went to the Chiropractor and he worked on it quite a bit. He said it will take a few weeks to get my range of motion back.

I'm a righty, so I thought it would be no big deal to have a tender left arm. I mean how often do I use my left arm anyway? OH BOY! I use it a lot.

I've discovered that my left arm is the work horse of the two arms. For example, I haul around a bucket, well that's what I call it, to take everything I use or purchase during the day and haul it from my car to my 5th floor condo.

I use the bucket in the grocery store, flea markets, thrift stores, anywhere I go. I've discovered that my right arm has no idea how to pull the bucket. My left arm understands how to steer it in a crowd and basic maneuvering skills, while the right arm is clueless. My left arm closes the car door, takes change and merchandise at a drive thru, is the main arm used in driving. My right hand gathers up items and arranges the items in my left arm. So the left arm ends up holding everything, while the right arm and hand is free to do?? I have no idea! My left hand holds the phone to my left ear, which is the only ear that I can use on the telephone. (I've never understood that, but that's the way it is.) Thankfully my right hand brushes my teeth and feeds me, although flossing my teeth has been nearly impossible this past week.

I'm actually a pretty good sleeper - once I get to sleep I can sleep 8 hours no problem - but I do go to bed quite late. I sleep on my back for most of the night, but in order to get to sleep, I have a specific ritual and that involves my left arm under the pillow and the left side of my head snuggled into the pillow. Getting out of that routine is so hard. I've been pulling another pillow up on my cheek while I'm on my back, just to pretend that I'm sleeping on my side!

I have a new found respect for my left arm and I will not take it for granted anymore. However, it can heal up quickly and I wouldn't mind at all.

I hope everyone in the US has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
Kristin

POTD - Peace, Love and Ice Cream

I was following behind this ice cream truck in a parking lot when I noticed that it was a really nice one. I've seen several ice cream trucks lately that look like they've been put together with sticks and spit! The message on the back of the truck was so true. Who can argue with Peace, Love and Ice Cream?!

Have a great day!
Kristin

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Holiday Gift Guides roundup

It's that time of year when the online gift guides come out en masse. I posted one the other day, (Emily's Holiday Guide) but that one just got me started! I decided to go through my Google Reader, which was well over the 5000 unread posts mark, and discovered all of these buying guides and do-it-yourself projects.

Have a cup of coffee, maybe tea, and kick back and enjoy flipping through these online magazines.

Anthology Gift Guide

OCD Cutting Board

This was just too funny not to pull out and share. haha!

Sweet Paul Magazine

Gifted Magazine

100 Handmade Christmas Ornaments

101 Ultimate DIY gifts

101 Simple handmade gifts

Holiday Gifts from Poppytalk

Additional links...
Handmade gifts Dec 2010 , Handmade gifts II Dec 2010, 50 Homemade gift ideas, Gifts in a Jar

There will be more, lots more, but these are the ones I found the past several days.
Have a fabulous day!
Kristin

POTD - Positively Glowing

Late in the afternoon the sun hits the Muhly Grass at the gates to my condo community and the purpely seed tops just glow. It makes me smile every time I see them. I wish they lasted all year, but then again, they wouldn't be as special if I got to see them each day.

Enjoy!
Kristin

Monday, November 21, 2011

POTD - Coffee Anyone?

I took this photo at a local church when we had an event. Coffee and church seem to go hand in hand but they could have very well been at a breakfast dive as they've seen a lot of use. The neatest part of this photo, to me, is that I can clearly see two handles and only one coffee pot.

Enjoy!
Kristin

Sunday, November 20, 2011

POTD - Jack Sparrow

Poor Jack was marked down from $8 to a measly $1.99. Even locked inside a plastic shell with glitter raining down, he still looked sexy as can be. Some folks are just like that.

Enjoy!
Kristin

Vintage Florida Photos

I just recently discovered the Florida Memory Project website. It's a division of the library and information services and they have managed to collect over 170,000 digital photos. I think I can probably spend a few dozen hours looking through this particular archive. I pulled just a few photos from my search "Jacksonville Beaches" in black and white. I've been home sick for well over a week now, so what's going on in my city is a look back at the way it was.

Rosemary Carpenter, Miss Florida 1948, posing in front of sea-oats - Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Date 1948
Collection Florida Photographic Collection
Image Number C010331

Jacksonville Beach "baby races"

Date 1973
Collection Florida Photographic Collection
Image Number C680688

Two young children fishing at Jacksonville Beach

Date 1981
Collection Florida Photographic Collection
Image Number C800981

Young women posing from behind a beach umbrella

Date 1930
Collection Florida Photographic Collection
Image Number SP01286

Ida May Roth at the beach - Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Date ca 1924
Collection Florida Photographic Collection
Image Number N048043

Tourists walking along the Jacksonville jetties - Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Date 1929
Collection Florida Photographic Collection
Image Number N032606

Group at the beach - Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Date 1923 or 1924
Collection Florida Photographic Collection
Image Number N048045

Family standing next to its car at a Mayport beach

Date 191-
Collection Florida Photographic Collection
Image Number PR06772

Looking down roller coaster at the beach - Jacksonville Beach, Florida

Date Between 1930 and 1949
Collection Florida Photographic Collection
Image Number RC07957

Bird's eye view of Jacksonville Beach

Date 1946
Collection Florida Photographic Collection
Image Number RF00359

People walking near the beach in Jacksonville

Date 1936
Collection Florida Photographic Collection
Image Number SP00001

Young women with man at the beach

Date 1930
Collection Florida Photographic Collection
Image Number SP01284

I hope you enjoyed a look back at what it was like in Jacksonville, FL before the internet :) For more tours of cities near and far, please head on over to Unknown Mami's weekly carnival - Sundays in my City. It's one of my favorite places to be each week.

Have a great day!
Kristin