Saturday, December 17, 2011

Our Christmas Tree

Since we are living in South Korea we are not able to have a real Christmas tree this year. There are fake trees available but we didn't want to pay for one that we won't be using next year. At first, I was pretty bummed but then I decided to just make my own!


I used an old cardboard box that the previous teachers left in our apartment. It was for a keyboard stand so it was long and thin. First, I drew the basic cone shape on it (so I wouldn't make one side too fat) and then just started cutting out triangles to get the points. Once I had one tree cut out, I traced it on the other piece of cardboard and cut that out, too. It took a long time and I had to take breaks because the scissors were hurting my hand.

Then I cut a line down the center of one of then and slid it down on the other one. It wasn't really staying together that well because it was so long and flimsy at the top. The top pieces kept drooping off to the sides. If I was back home, I would have used a glue gun and just glued it together, but I don't have a glue gun here. I improvised and used a needle and thread that we found in a little sewing kit in one of the junk drawers. I used the green thread and sewed the very top first and then again about half way down. It wasn't the best solution but it was the best I could do with what I had at the time. Plus, you can't even tell I sewed it after it was painted.


Spencer brought home some green paint on his way home from work but it was reallly dark, like almost black-dark. The color was lost in translation to him, as sometimes happens when you don't speak Korean in Korea.  I still painted the whole thing but after it dried, it was way too dark. The next day, I bought some lighter paint and mixed them to get the colors I wanted.

I painted three sides dark green and one side (the front) a lighter green to get a shadow effect. I'm happy with the outcome and I think it looks really great with the paper chain and little star. It's amazing how much happier I am now that we have a tree. Before, it didn't even feel like Christmas and now I feel like Buddy the elf I'm so excited!   



Saturday, November 26, 2011

A Poem


I thought of this very short poem while singing in the shower. I didn't know the lyrics to the song I was singing so I made this up to sing to the tune. I quite like it so I thought I would share it with you.

What do you think? Do you like it, too?

Friday, November 25, 2011

House Plants

I've been really inspired to buy more house plants by Justina's new tumblr, Welcome to the Jungalow. The jungle vibes are pulsing through me and I'm looking to add a little jungalow into our Korean apartment!

I think the easiest way to get my jungalow on, would be to add some more house plants to the mix. We do have one teeny one, but I think we need some more. I don't think you can never have enough plants in a junglalow!

These are all easy to care for house plants that will add a bit of jungle to any space.


1. Croton - I love the bright multicolor leaves.
2. Boston Fern - adds great texture
3. Madagascar Palm - cheeky and fun
4. Grape Ivy - heaping and beautiful, it really has oomph!
5. Aloe - tried and true and good for you
6. Peperomia - pretty textured leaves

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Two Broke Girls and Dutch Doors


I love the new show, 2 Broke Girls. It's a hilarious account of two girls living in Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn and working at a diner. One was always poor growing up and the other was grossly rich before her father got in trouble scamming people and she lost all her money.

They manage to steal back a few of the rich girl's things including a horse, named Chestnut, which lives in their backyard. Chestnut likes to stick his head through the windows or the back door. Every time I see him standing in the door way I think, "They should get a Dutch door!" I know this is a ridiculous thought, but I think it - every. time!

Dutch doors are so charming! I love them.  

Seoul: A Crafter's Paradise




Seoul, South Korea is a crafter's paradise. You might not have known this before, but I can assure you, it's true. You can find everything to make anything in Seoul. I saw endless amounts of beads, elastics, thread, fabrics, fur, zippers, cords, feathers, rhinestones, string, yarn, and so much more! You name it; they have it. I was so overwhelmed I could hardly buy anything but I did manage to buy some embroidery floss and a few needles. :)

Sunday, October 9, 2011

A Trip to a Bamboo Forest






I love the Fall. After the agony of sweltering, humid days and typhoons, I am so happy the cool weather and sunshine is here. It's glorious! And I know it's not going to stick around for very long so I am set on enjoying every moment of it.

TO celebrate the cooler weather, Spencer and I took a day trip to Damyang to see a bamboo forest. It was a beautiful Fall day (have I mentioned I love Fall?!) and many people were out enjoying the forest with us. September in South Korea is prime hiking time so everyone and their mother was out enjoying the cool air and sunshine.


Friday, October 7, 2011

Friday Flower: Tiny Orange Morning Glory


This is, with out a doubt, the smallest morning glory in the land. I love the bright orange color and the fact that this adorable little life form was growing on quite possibly the ugliest man made fence on the planet. It caught my eye as we were walking to the bamboo forest in Damyang.


Get excited, folks! I've decided to add a little something extra to the Friday Flower posts--fun links! I've seen other bloggers do it and, well frankly, I'm jumping on that bandwagon. I think it's a fun way to showcase other blogs and cool things I find while browsing internet.

I hope you enjoy them and have a fabulous weekend!

A woven picture through time

Joanna's beautifully planned guide to New York City

Welcome to the Jungalow, a new Tumblr by Justina from Compai

I didn't know you had a dog!

I'm in love with this powder room



Friday Flower: This series is meant to insert as much beauty and joy as possible into my life and the lives of my readers. It's a small reminder to stop and smell the roses and to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. I hope you enjoy the beauty!