deirdre friebely

Quick and Easy Groceries

Staying with my mom gave me the idea to post my shopping list. Sounds weird and random I know. She was very reluctant to try it, but actually told me last week it was growing on her...so I thought maybe I would share it with everyone. As I have mentioned in the past, I really dislike shopping, and grocery shopping is no exception.

So I developed this system, not that I take credit for the idea, I just designed my own shopping "chart." It is a great way to spend less at the store, waste less at home, go to the store less frequently, and not have to rack your brains at dinnertime. (Don't I just sounds like the little house wife!) It's pretty self explanatory...you write down your dinner plans for the week, then go through each one and jot down the ingredients. I put breakfast items etc, at the top.

It works great. At the end of the week you have saved hours and cash. Love it. Hopefully it prints nicely! My printer isn't working at the moment so I couldn't test it....

A Change of Scenery

Obviously I am a blogging delinquent. Well, I can't dwell on that...I do the best I can. I have been painting up a storm since I left our little house in Florida. Temporarily. There certainly has been a lot going on...much too much to mention in one post...which is good...now I will have plenty to keep me writing!
I love the contrast of these two photos. The one is looking out over the St. John's River down the street from our house. I took it the night before I left Florida...and what a night! It was the perfect temperature and Henry and I soaked up the beautiful sunset before we left for chilly New Jersey. The second is...you guessed it...New Jersey. The remnants of winter. It is beautiful here now. The leaves are just popping out and there is a photo everywhere you look. It is a nice break being out of the city and spending time with family. So, at the moment I am just enjoying spring and preparing for the next event put on by Jen at Earth Angels. (See details left) Must get back to painting...more to come.

Tag...Your IT!

Today I was "tagged" to list 5 things that nobody knows about me. Now that have I figured out what tagging actually is in the world of blogging...I think it will be a very fun game! Ok...so that makes me think of a couple of things...

1. A good game of tag is always fun, but I hate to be chased. It makes me absolutely loose it...I turn into a howling whacko...and if running up stairs is involved...call 911. That being said, I think it would be really cool if more people played tag on a daily basis. Can you imagine driving by a park and seeing a bunch of adults playing tag? That would be sweet.

2. I love to build things. I am much more likely to go to a lumber yard and buy a bunch of wood, than I am to go shopping for clothes. Department stores are my own private hell. If my husband didn't buy me clothes I would be in sad shape.

3. I don't have my own cell phone. They drive me crazy on so many levels!!!!!

4. I absolutely love to get rid of stuff. I grew up as a pack rat...I saved everything, but luckily I have realized—over time—the beauty and serenity of letting things go. That isn't to say I have mastered the art, but I truely believe that a clutter-free home leads to a clutter-free mind.

5. I love to eat. Everything. Ice cream is my absolute favorite, and good chocolate of course. But I can't keep it in the house, or I will buzz right through it in a couple of hours...so I opt for savory, healthy food. Luckily I really enjoy working out as well! Ok...well, I guess that is it...off to eat dinner...

Cutie

This is Henry. He is 3 months old and came to live with us on February 13th. We adopted him from the Humane Society, and he is the sweetest little guy. He is very excited because on Wednesday he starts school. He is going to be at the head of his class, because he already knows how to sit, stay and lay down!

In Progress

I've been sitting in my studio...sketching and waiting to feel inspired, and sketching some more. It finally hit me and look at this stack of canvases I have prepped! I've got strings of elephants going on vacation...mama bunnies telling their babies bedtime stories...birds throwing parties...friends sharing milk and cookies...and more!

Back to Work

I am SO excited that my mom is back in her studio again! After moving, it was hard for her to find time to paint...but she is back at her table, painting away. I will be updating her website soon, dianacard.com, and will make an announcement when it is finished. There will be new, origingal paintings, prints and a special "barn sale" section. Hooray! If you would like to be informed when the new site is up, go to dianacard.com and send an email to be included in the update. In the meantime, here is a tiny preview...

"Winter" | 5 x 7 in...what we've got.

"Spring" | 5 x 7 in...what's around the corner!

Be Mine

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

A pin I purchased at heART of Winter made by Leslie McCabe...and a present from my Valentine...

Art on a String

Check out this great collection of old buckles. Some are bakelite, most are Abalone. My mom and I decided to put down our ice cream momentarily and make them into little frames for tiny paintings. I used a Dremel to grind and sand out the centers and drill holes and TA DA...now I can wear my paintings as necklaces! I am planning on constructing about 15 more...so keep your eyes peeled if you are interested in one...

Goofing off

Here's a sanpshot from my mom's kitchen window. Turkeys...doing their turkey thing...whatever that is.

Hooray Art!

Well, I am back from the show...it was wonderful! I was so happy to meet EVERYONE! It was a great weekend...with lots of stunning creations and a fantastic collection of artists. Jen puts on a great party! I didn't snap any photos...but check on the Earth Angels blog (link to the left) for a peak at all the action!