Plans v. Life or (Rain Delay)

It's Monday again. And although I had a ton of plans for today, most of which had to be performed outside, it's raining. So everything I was going to talk to you about is being put on hold until about Wednesday, or until this rain stops.

This weekend Chuck power washed the deck. This means I can now start adding some details to the decor. I'm making a hand painted outdoor rug (the rain is making this impossible.) I will be posting the entire process and all the materials so you can make one too. I'm also spray painting some metal folding chairs that have been sitting outside for who knows how long and will eventually get a couple cushions for them. Again, pics and stuff later this week. 

Since life happened, and my plans were ruined, I'm leaving you a tutorial featured on You Are My Fave. I love this and it's a little something you can include with your Mother's Day cards. Wind-up paper butterflies!

youaremyfave.com

Chair Revival Project: Part 1 Or (Awesome Bones, Dude.)

In my last post I talked about watching the grass NOT grow. Well, that was 2 days ago. Since then, it grew!  It's still too small to really see unless I get down on the ground like I did to take this picture, but it's on its way! I'm probably going to have to reseed though, since it's kind of patchy. But so far, so good. 

Sometime last year, I picked this chair out of the garbage behind my old apartment. This picture really does it no justice, but it's huge..really deep and awesome. It has the perfect "bones" for a flower bed/ moss sculpture thingy. I'm going to be making a moss slurry to "paint" on it to encourage growth as well as get some other shade lover...maybe some sweet potato vine? We'll see..but I'm considering painting it a bright hue so it peeks out from under the moss. 

 A couple nights ago, Chuck happened to be walking down the street at the right time. As I'm sure you've noticed, our back "fence" is basically just lattice and a makeshift gate. The little dog likes to get out so it's a necessity. Luckily, this guy down the street was disassembling his existing fence and Chuck carried this home along with more than enough chain link fabric and the top bar. All we have to do now is get some posts and tension bars and we're all set. We'll also be extending it a bit, which means more space for planting stuff.

I'll post pictures of the whole mossy chair process along with my formula for the moss paint when I do it. And later this week I'll update you on my brick upcycle.

What do you think about the chair? Have you done something like this and have any tips? Let me know in the comment section!

Happy Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day...and according to The Today Show, we now have "Earth Week." Since I've been getting my garden ready and buying and planting flowers and plants the past 2 weeks or so, I've come to a stand-still with my progress. I'm basically watching grass grow right now. Literally. Or more literally, watching it not grow. It's only been a week since I actually planted the grass, but I have no patience. 

I'm also watching my veggies not grow. I understand it's still early in the season, but like I said, no patience. I like instant gratification. And of course, I know I could buy my veggies already started, but even instant gratification isn't as gratifying as growing from seeds. 

So in the meantime, Chuck and I are trying to figure out some plans for all those bricks we dug up as well as the deck. This is a rental so we don't want to invest a lot or put anything permanent so it's presenting a bit of a challenge. However, I am going to be painting a "rug" on the deck...the only thing I need to nail down is the shape, colors, pattern, etc...pretty much all the details, but I'm definitely doing it. If any of you have done this, let me know if you have any words of wisdom. 

That's it for now, but this week I'm going to talk about vertical gardens, climbing plants and maybe an upcycle project or two. 

What are you doing to get your garden ready?

Sneak Peek

As promised, here's a sneak peek of some of the items we'll be selling at the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market on May 26th at Trenton Social. 

Cacti-saurus

upcycled light bulb curiosities

wood and chains lapel/ pocket square pin

without divulging too much, neon leopard print.


There's going to be tons more stuff brought to you by the team at Mossy Couture, so make sure you swing by our table!

Spring Cleaning

I'm back from my blogger break. It's been gorgeous in NJ the past week, so I've been prepping for the upcoming Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market as well as starting seeds and doing yard work.

Yesterday Chuck and I prepped the ground out back and laid down some grass seed. Apparently, the people that lived here before didn't really know what they were doing and there were bricks, slate, and paving stones all over the yard just under the surface. My arms are killing me today, btw. I feel like I have Popeye forearms. 

who buried all these bricks?

will have a border and creeping thyme between the stones

So we have a huge pile of bricks now, even after setting a little walkway to the back gate, that I'm not really sure what to do with just yet. But, we still have a long way to go. The grass seed is going to be a challenge though with 3 dogs...even if it is that special doggie-proof formula. I'm probably going to look into some ground covering. I'll be posting pictures as things start to take root, but here's a "before" picture; curious pit bull included. 

And I started my vegetables this morning. What I have so far: tomatoes, red bell pepper, and cucumber, plus cilantro, basil, oregano, and chives. I'm still going to get some dill for pickles and yummy tzatsiki too. I'm also going to try onions for the first time. I picked up some sets on my last trip to Home Depot. 

Oh! I almost forgot! We started a compost too! There were already some piles of decaying stuff so we kind of just consolidated it and as I was finding worms, added some of those too. Nothing fancy like some of the things I see on Pinterest, but it'll do. 

So there it is. I'll post a couple more pics this week once the stone path settles a bit more and the grass begins to sprout. but here's some more before shots...and a dog. 

free fire pit from our awesome neighbor. 

grass seed

The yard has doubled in size now. 

Are you doing any yard work yet? Growing your own food or flowers? Do you have any idea what I should do with all those bricks? How about that back gate? Let me know! 

flea market fashionista

flea market fashionista by leah-mathews featuring a merino wool shirt

TGIF: NYC

Happy Friday Readers!! Finally the weather is getting to the point where you can leave your jacket at home, and when I think where I'd like to be this time of year, New York City is the first place that comes to mind. I went to school at New York University and walking the city streets, eating at some of the greatest deli's and restaurants, or shopping were some of my favorite things to do after class or even in between them. If you're planning a trip to The Big Apple, even if it's just for a day, not only should the above be on the to-do list, a Broadway Show should be at the top of it. I believe everyone should see at least one Broadway show in their lifetime; I promise you, you won't be disappointed.

I found this really awesome website, that not only lists great things to do in New Jersey, it also includes NYC.  ::Click Here:: to find tickets to some of the greatest Broadway Shows playing, which include:

Wicked- the untold musical story of 'Wizard of OZ'
Jersey Boys- story of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons. Won the 2006 Tony Award for best musical.
Cinderella- one of the most beloved fairytale of all time
Annie- a new-age spin of a 35 year-old classic
Breakfast at Tiffany's- the revived 80's movie
Motown the Musical- showcases the life of Berry Gordy and his journey from feather-weight boxer to heavy-weight music mogul
Rock of Ages- tribute to 1980's rock n' roll legends
Chicago- a night of murder, greed, corruption, violence, adultery, and everything in between
The Lion King- amazing Broadway rendition of the famous Disney classic
Newsies the Musical- meet Jack Kelly and his ragged band of teenage 'newsies' who dream of a better life outside the streets of NYC.
...and many more...

If you are trying to find the perfect restaurant for your time in the city, you must check out this website, it has something for every budget and every occasion.

Before I leave you to enjoy your weekend, if you are a movie junkie The Garden State Film Festival is this weekend in Asbury Park. Thursday 4/4/2012- Sunday 4/7/2013 10am-10pm. This festival is a weekend filled with current independent films from around the world and includes an open talent casting, professional panel discussion, parties and more. For tickets for the weekend, cocktail party, or first screening visit www.gsff.org

Happy Weekend!!

Have you ever been or are planning to go to a Broadway Show? Have you seen any of the shows listed above? What are some of your favorite places to go in NYC? We love to hear your thoughts, leave us a comment in the section below!!

Inspiration: Beachy Nuptials

I know I'm a little behind on this...like 3 years. But I've been watching Lost the past couple days. I just finished season 2 last night. I watched the first 2 seasons in a matter of about 3 days and I'm sucked in. Luckily, it's inspired me to create an island/ beach themed wedding board for you guys.

When I think of a beach wedding, I think creamy pastels, hints of gold and ivory, and bare feet. I'm going to be honest here and tell you that I've never really been a beach person. I hate the sand and the seas of people in barely there garments that you find on the Jersey Shore. Oh and there's also the "Jersey Shore" demographic that, since Snooki and The Situation graced us with their presence, has only increased exponentially. However, beach weddings will always be a major attraction in NJ, so much so that there are full magazines dedicated to the subject.

So here it is. What my beach wedding would look like if I ever got over my aversion to sand in every crevice.

Beachy Nuptials by leah-mathews featuring long homecoming dresses

Photo Roundup: Kitschy Wedding

I like pretty things. But I really really like ugly things that are gathered with pretty things... and thus kitsch is born. The definition of kitsch is something of tawdry design, appearance, or content created to appeal to popular or undiscriminating taste. So I've gathered some of my favorite images of kitschy and quirky weddings for your peepers. 

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