Thursday Text: The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

For October, our book club is reading mysteries.  I listened to Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None as an audiobook from the library, and I got this book on my Kindle.  The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (Illustrated by Sidney Paget) is a collection of short stories written as Dr. Watson conveying his experiences with Holmes.  It's a fun introduction to Sherlock Holmes.

Bathroom Shade

Here's another peek at our bathroom.  I found some great fabric at JoAnn's to make a semi-Roman shade.  It's not the most professional, but it is functional, and I love the fabric.

Shelf Paper

Our house has about 10 different kinds of shelf paper - all from the '60s (and possibly '70s).  It's terrible.  I looked all over for some cute new shelf paper and finally found some at TJ Maxx.  This design is by Laura Ashley.  Our bathrooms have nice big linen closets.  This shelf looks so much better now - don't you think?  (Top=before/bottom=after.)

Pressed-Leaf Butterflies

The leaves are changing quickly around our house.  I can't believe that it's October already!  Check out this fun fall leaf craft from Martha.

Friday Featured Art: Hagia Sophia Mosaic

I've been thinking again about our trip to Istanbul over spring break.  The Hagia Sophia Museum (Ayasofya) is one of the most incredible places I've ever seen.  I loved the beautiful mosaics, like this one of Mary, Jesus, and John the Baptist.  (I took this picture.)  If you go to the Hagia Sophia web site, there is a beautiful aerial view of the museum.  The yellowish roof peeking through the trees on the left just might be our hotel - we were that close.

Black Pepper Bergamot

I had a coupon and got this lovely fall candle free from Bath and Body Works the other day.  Black Pepper Bergamot is a nice masculine scent that's not too overwhelming.

Wild Squatters

I just saw the cutest story in National Geographic about wild animals living in abandoned cottages in Finland.  "Once Upon a Home" features incredible photography, like this picture of a Finnish squirrel with pointy ears.

Friday Featured Art: Arise and Shine Forth

Sorry this is late - Thursday and Friday were crazy around here.  This is a lovely poster by Steve Nethercott with the 2012 mutual theme.  The YW stake leaders had it at our training last week, and I really liked it.

Harley-Davidson Museum

We visited the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee last week, and it was awesome.  They even let you design your own motorcycle.  Here's mine:

Utah Print

I found the perfect frame for my Utah print from Dutch Door Press.  My sister and I both had the idea of making Utah-themed bathrooms, and I'm liking how mine is turning out.  This photo makes the frame look a little darker than it really is.  (I got it for $5 at TJ Maxx, and the mat was $2 at Hobby Lobby.)