New Addition

The first Saturday of October is one of my favorite days of the year.  It rivals dress like a cow day at Chickfila and Frappe-hour at Starbies in the summer.  It is the one day a year where I go to sleep on Friday and overnight all the magical little elves come and set up their very special craft shops.  The morning holds a fantastic site as over 300 white tent vendors have made their homes for the next 8 hours in the park across from my apartment.

It is crafting in all it's glory.  I spend hours walking up and down rows of hot glue and serger goodness.  I am dazzled by faux fall foliage and Christmas adornments.  I am in love with 90% of everything I see.  I take notes thinking, surely I could replicate something like that. . .but I never can.  So I just buy it.  And revel in my crafty purchases.

This year I fell in love with a little stuffed pig.  Made from old wool sweaters by the cutest braces wearing 13 year old, it sat perched in a little wheelbarrow waiting for a home.  I loved that pig the moment I laid eyes on it's snout.  I spent many of my precious craft fair minutes holding the pig, talking about the pig, embracing the pig, pacing around the pig.  But a stuffed animal?  Why was this pig so alluring?!

Well, let me just show you. . .

There was no resisting.  The 13 year old crafter looked me in the eyes knowing my love for the pig was separated by the price tag and said, "would you like me to sell it to you for less?"  

Yes.

And so the pig came home with me.

And for the baby, my pig will be.

To be continued. . .

Nursing Your Sweet Tooth

(suchprettythings.typepad.com)

I'm not eating refined sugar right now.  I'm taking a little break from it.  But I don't count the mini twix and snickers I had for lunch. . .they were so tiny!  Or the chocolate diary protein shake I had for my after work snack-it's organic (never mind the first ingredient is cane sugar).

Sugar is so pervasive.  It's difficult to avoid and it's highly addictive (not to mention pretty-have you seen what people are doing with cupcakes these days?!)  This little infographic quantifies our little bittersweet living situation I like to call "living in Candy Land."

And after reading this. . .bring on the bacon.


Created by: www.OnlineNursingPrograms.com

Friday Snapshot: Pure Instinct

Last Thursday I woke up with an email from my dad and two pictures:


" One of our cats - Diddy - gets up on my desk every morning and sweeps off all of the paperwork with her tail.  Here she is in action this morning. "

I love this picture.  I also love that my dad seems tolerant to the daily paper pushing havoc caused by a kitty tail.  Must be years of child rearing  that makes him so patient with a cat.


Maybe one day I'll get a kitty.

 But maybe kids first.

Holla-shak Now. (The Name Game)

Some of you may know this, but my husband is a man passionate about good design.  One of our first conversations was about typography and why the world would be a better place if papyrus accidentally fell into a blender.

I remember craning my neck to watch him in the backseat explain how art is wrapped up in the stroke of a single letter and then began talking about kerning; at that point I thought we changed the subject to Winter Olympic sports.  

The facts point to fate.

Home-made name generator.

Andy + Mac + art + stories + God - papyrus = Graphic Design Bizz!

We've running a small creative operation for the past three years, but have remained nameless, and afraid to venture into the business world.

Well hold the horses, and fire up the oven. . .it's time to make some design pies up in this house.

The creative process of naming our business has been foul.  Lots of "no ways" and "seriously?" and "that's seems boring" and "why do you want to use the word sparkle so much?"  (I think you can assume that Andy was not the sparkle advocate.)

We finally decided to commit.  

But I can't tell you yet. . .because we haven't registered the name with the state AND and I know you'll go buy the website URL and make us pay you millions for it-I know you and your get rich quick schemes.

Here are some floppers (feel free to purchase the URL for the following. . .riches not guaranteed):

Hlushak Creative (and how many of you can close your eyes and spell our name. . .correctly.)

The Lu-Shack Creative (but we didn't want people to think we had "poopy" design.)

Grizzly Collective (not a huge market for grizzly collectors)

The Gospel Collective (Andy said, "this is a joke, please don't write it down")

Campfire (John) Denver

Holla-Shak Creative (how come every time I say this name my London London, wait a second.)

Halla-lu Shak Creative (the holier version)

Campfire Coffee ("It's a good story" -Andy referring to the time he tried to make cowboy coffee  on a backpacking trip out of a used sock and tin can. . .success anticipated but not achieved)

Savvy Venture (can't wait to have a spot of tea with you while we take a walk about)

Andy changing the world through one font at a time.

We are totally stoked to reveal the name. . .in fact, you may even want to check back as soon as three years from now.  Joke.  That's when we'll have a logo.

I know that the name might fall flat in a sea of people who don't like sparkles or really really liked the name Savvy Venture.  But Andy are just all around excited to be on a pioneering adventure of creativity, story sharing, fonts, and great design.

We hope you'll be excited and maybe even let us design your business card. . .and lets face it, we all need a cool business card.

The expanse is wide, the possibilities endless, but there is nothing new under the sun.

Praise the Lord and here we come!

Happy Earth Day!

What did you do for Earth Day?

(By the way, Earth Day was Sunday.)

Me?  Well, first I cleaned out my starbies travel mug because I knew good ol Starbucks would be giving away free beverages for Earth Day to their earth conscious, container-toting latte drinkers.

Andy and I pulled into the drive-thru and I nearly crawled over him to share my enthusiasm for free earth day drinks to the voice inside the speaker-box.

"Good morning, welcome to Starbucks, what can I get for you today?"

"WE BROUGHT OUR MUGS!"  I yelled, holding out my BPA-laced plastic mug as if the barista was standing outside our car.

"Um, ok, what can I get for you to drink?"

"Free drinks!  For Earth Day!  Happy Earth Day!!"

I feel like streamers should be shooting out of the menu encasement and a parade with elephants should be starting at any moment.

"Sorry, what?"

Uh oh.  Hold the elephants.  I knew something was up when the drive-thru line was only two cars long.

"Um, Earth day?!!  We are being mother-nature conscious citizens of the United States of America and we are here to collect our reward."

"Oh, we're not doing that this year."

Make a deflated balloon sound here.  And that, my friends, was the sound my heart made when I discovered Starbucks kicked me and my travel mug to the paying curb.

Yeah, we still got our drinks.

$4.50 later, we're on our way to church as the chemicals from my plastic mug slowly seep into my tea.

I'm willing to admit I'm not the most environmentally conscientious person on this planet. I would not make the Captain Planet squad.  Although, if I did, I'd be fire. . .no. . .water. . . no. . .heart.  I guess I don't have to make that decision; I missed tryouts in 1990.

The other day I ventured into "Natural Grocers" and did not bring in a reusable shopping bag.  My bad.  As the hungarian lady continued to ring up my lara bars and speak to me about saving gas by only shopping in her store and avoiding all other non-local irresponsible profit driven grocery establishments (maybe a slight embellishment), I realized I was about to have a Portlandia moment.

Luckily my quick thinking husband grabbed a box and packed up my salad dressings and non-homogenized milk (whatever that means).  Good thing watermelons weren't three for one!

All this aside, I am so thankful for God and his creation.  To be all the way out in Aurora last week and see majestic snow covered stately Pikes Peak 95 miles away just steals my breath away momentarily as I consider the grandeur of God.

Maybe I'll start calling it "Grateful Earth Day!" reminding me of the greatness of God, his creativity, and kindness to give us such beauty.

Just another day at the Dentist

"You're not perfect, and neither are your teeth."
-Husband

Ah, the dentist.  It all started a year ago.  Andy visited the dentist and came home with a "C" in dental care:  two cavities.  "Tisk tisk," I said with a prideful beam.  "I can't remember the last time I had a cavity.  Maybe you should brush more," I proclaimed as I pushed my pointer finger into his chest.

After Andy's dentist visit I thought maybe I should get a cleaning.  After all there were deals to be found on Groupon, so as soon as one popped up, I clicked, "Buy," and was off to get a makeover for my teeth.

I don't mind the dentist.  I don't have irrational fears about the little poker stabbing me, or that the dentist will hit on me (though it's been known to happen. . .ok only once, and my few dentist dates actually led to Andy and I dating.  When Andy heard there was competition, it was time to step it up. Give it up for dental hygiene!)

The summer Andy and I met. . .and then eventually starting dating.

I actually associate the dentist with Sonic the Hedgehog (not first dates), as that was the only video game exposure I had as a child inside the office of my pediatric dentist.  So as I get my teeth clean I often hear the sound of a blue spiky creature collecting gold rings.  Bling Bling Bling.

Fate came a knockin' that spring afternoon a year ago.  I was lowered back in the plush plastic chair and obediently opened and swished and spit.  Then the beloved x-rays came back.  I was about to get my dental report card.  I must say, I've been known to have all A's.  But it had been three years.  Do teeth get rusty?

Ain't no party like a tooth-decay party.
Yeah, I drew this on paint.
Yeah, paint still exists.

Mine must have been because the dentist kept spitting out numbers and abbreviations.  Surfaces were being penetrated by plaque monsters and decay was having a party with my molars.  The damage?  Six.  Six cavities.  If Andy got a "C" with two, then I was looking at failure for sure.

The true humility came when I left the office.  I had to report back to the homestead.  Sheepishly I recounted the toothy event and pulled out the folded piece of paper outlining the cost of the treatment.  Thankfully I'm married to a gracious, easy going man.  I'm sure he wanted to laugh and poke me in the chest with the words, "Looks like someone should brush their teeth more."  But there was just sympathy for the upcoming dental adventure.

It's been a slow process.  Two filled.  One crown.  I mean, do you really want to know all this?

I'm feeling especially transparent because I'm typing this as I wait in the dental office.  I was here for more fillings, but, of course, there was an issue with insurance.  So my consolation prize while I wait for the insurance piece to figure itself out is a cleaning.  Yaay.

I'm thankful I have teeth.  I just got to figure out how to shield them from the terrors of this world.  Maybe I should wear my plastic retainer more.

Too many Easter macaroons.

At least I got a goodie bag.

Happy Flossing.

(alana cavanaugh)

Happy FIRST Anniversary!

Andy and I turned ONE yesterday as a married couple.  Presh.

That means today I want to dazzle you with wedding delights.  Please join me in taking a brief trip down memory lane and reminisce with me as I recap Andy and I's most special day.  It will only take you five minutes. . plus twelve if you watch the amazing awesome video, but whose counting?  It's not like you're at work, right?

The first question people asked Andy and I when they found out we were celebrating our one year anniversary was, "Are you going to eat the top of your wedding cake?"

The short answer?  "No."

The long answer?  "Well, you see, we technically did not have a "wedding cake," we had cupcakes, although we did have a mini little cake we sliced and fed each other (right before I hurled-now that's a funny story).  I did save the cake. . .in our FRIDGE.  It's been marinating in all the transient food smells for 360 days.  If I could sink a tooth into the petrified pastry I would, but it's rock solid."

It's just as romantic one year later.

Thankfully Cake Crumbs bakery promised us a first anniversary cake for giving them the pleasure of feeding our 200 guests lots of sugar.  I highly encourage anyone in the Park Hill area of Denver, or anyone in Colorado for that matter, to swing on by Cake Crumbs.  You will not be disappointed by their delicious fanfare of treats.  They also supply the drivers and the goods for the Cupcake Truck mobilizing thousands of cute calories daily in Denver.

Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.  Drooling yet?!

The second question no one asked us, but really should have was, "I loved your wedding slideshow!  Where can I watch it again?!"

GREAT question!  My dear friend and owner/Chief of Staff of Stellar Propeller Studio put together my favorite video of all times.  I seriously watch this video anywhere from 5-10 times a month (sometimes in one sitting).  I love the music, I love the pictures, I love the proposal at the end.  If you are getting married, or if you are even having a get together at your house, I highly suggest putting together a slide-show.  I'm not saying this will win over any friends, but it will certainly make you smile.

And even though no one requested, I'm sure you are all interested by now. . .here is Andy and I's wedding slide show we treated everyone to right before the processional.  Yeah, that meant no one could escape to the bathroom to avoid the baby pictures.  hahahaha.

Thank you Allison, for making us a video that will forever fill my heart with joy.

And how could you not click on a video when chunky fourth grade Lauren is on a telephone with records tacked to the background wall?!


A Tale of 2 Hearts from allison daniell on Vimeo.

And not that any of you are looking for wedding advice, but I have some. . .

1.  Register for a kitchen-aid mixer. . .yeah, the one every bride registers for.  Even if you don't bake or cook much, it's probably because you don't own this mixer.  Seriously.  If you are already married, have a baby and put this kitchen aid mixer on your registry.  Baby will like the mixer too.

2.  Consider going to some place special before the wedding to get some photos taken of you and your honey.  Andy and I spent an extra three hours out and about with our photographer making memories and looking so nice on our favorite day.  Also, contact Stellar Propeller Studio for all your photography needs.

3.  Right after the ceremony take 30 minutes to be with your best buds and your new spouse-we went straight up to the balcony and passed around water, beer, and coke as Andy and I signed our marriage license.  Favorite memory.

4.  Make up your own dance and then make everyone dance along at the reception. . .what other time do you have a fully captive audience?

It's better than the cupid shuffle?

5.  Pray with your spouse every day. . .Andy and I pray before we go to bed. . .well, sometimes our prayers turn into our dreams.  One time I was praying and then started talking about a helicopter.  Hmm.

"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.  For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."       1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thank you for taking this little trip with me.  And thank you to all my friends and family that made 367 days ago so very special.

Marriage has truly been a gift of peeling back the layers of who I am and allowing Andy to know the mysteries of my soul.  Not all of those layers being peeled back and peered into are enjoyable, but I do know it's making me more like Jesus. . .slowly but surely.

Happy Anniversary, Andy!

Bad Things I do to my Hair

Welcome to a new series entitled, "Bad Things I do to my Hair," where I will show you the not to's when it comes to hair styling.  I'm not afraid to tell you (or show you) these horrific stylistic flaws that take place at least once a week, because I want to warn you not to make the same hair boo-boos.  Actually, I don't think anyone would make these kind of hair mistakes, but when I saw my hair last night, I had to share my good idea gone terribly wrong.

Bad Things I do to My Hair:  My version of Do-Rags

My version of Do-Rags is cut a bunch of fabric strips (rags) and roll them up in my hair (do).  My inspiration comes from a co-worker of mine who told me she rolls her hair up in a sock at night to make her hair wavy.  Interesting, but with shorter hair the sock method is impossible.  So I thought, how about a bunch of little socks, but since I don't own a baby, I don't own any little socks.  So strips of fabric it is!  Huzzah!

Here's a step by step guide to get you a do-rags do:
1.  Cut 1 inch strips of fabric (I used gray colored fabric, your color choice may or may not have an impact on your results).
2.  Take chunks of damp hair and twirl them around a fabric strip until it starts to coil on it's own.
3.  Once coiled near the top of your head, tie ends into a knot.
4.  Wait until hair dries.
5.  Avoid husband or any kind of person to maintain a healthy, positive emotional balance (I came and sat by my husband on the couch with my do-rags and he said, "Oh my gosh, what is in your hair?")
6.  Go to bathroom, lock door, and remove rags.
7.  Results may vary.

Snow Day (New Belgium Style)

I'm sure no matter where you are in the good ol US of A you've heard of the massive snow dump in the Rockies.  If you're in Colorado, you're so over all the pictures people are posting of snow, their dogs in snow, their lawn chairs in snow, bushes with snow, etc.  If you're part of my Florida posse, you're probably  thinking, "Who cares, I get to go to the beach today."  Yeah, well, to all of you, I give you MORE SNOW.  But I am including an educational video sure to impress friends from coast to coast (that includes you Denver people).

Oh, wait, this just in from my creative tech department (husband), I have TWO educational videos to show you!

Grab some popcorn and your tea that's been steeping on the counter for 30 minutes (whoops, that would me mine) and enjoy these meteorology wonders.


Snow Day (New Belgium Style) from Lauren Hlushak on Vimeo.


Weather Report from Lauren Hlushak on Vimeo.

Until next time, stay warm out there!

NPR meets Little Drummer Boy

Yes.  Yes I listen to NPR.  And yes, there is a large picture of a man's face in the video below.  I'll explain.  Today was "Science Friday" on NPR and I usually change the station as soon as I hear the word "proton," but for some reason (perhaps a Christmas miracle?) I tuned in to hear a young man in Canada share with the NPR listeners of America his faith in Jesus.

Meet Sean Quigley.  A little drummer boy.  He plays for His King.

It was refreshing to hear such enthusiasm for Jesus among all the festive songs about Rudolph and his companions Santa, his mistress, and frost bitten men.

I love the lyrics, (sing it with me now)

 "Little baby, (Pa rum pum pum pum)

I am a poor boy too.

I have no gift to bring,

That's fit to give the King."

It reminds me that we are all poor in spirit, but that the Kingdom of Heaven awaits us (Matthew 5:3).  I also see the grace and mercy of God that we can come before him and worship him.  And he is delighted.

"For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory."  Psalm 149:4

Enjoy this little ditty and may you be inspired to worship Jesus today.

Officially a Coloradan

Andy is from Pennsylvania.  I am from Florida (Go Noles).  We are Colorado transplants.  We may never be natives, but on Wednesday I think we officially crossed over, submersing ourselves completely into the Colorado culture.

How'd we accomplish such a feat?  Ski Passes?  Nope.  Bears carved into tree trunks for our living room holding welcome signs?  Nope.  Chacos?  That's for beginners.  Micro Brews?  Whatever.  Winter puffy vests?  Um, do you even know me?

We adopted the most iconic Colorado thing you can image.  It is the poster child for this state; The Subaru-That's Australian for "Rocky Mountains."

That's right.  Some how we slipped in and you may be able to catch a glimpse of Hlushak throughout the myriad of subarus during your daily commute.

Don't worry.  I couldn't leave my Florida roots completely. . .it's garnet and gold :)

This car came a just the right time.  Andy's Accord was suffering from a terrible disease called transmission failure and we were in need of something soon.  This girl was waiting for us just a mile away from our homestead and we were blessed with the full value for our trade in even with tranny problems.  God is so kind and we are blessed.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever! Ephesians 3:20-21