David Mellor Cutlery Factory

You would not typically think that a cutlery factory would be that interesting, but this was a nice roadside stop for us to drop into. We just saw the sign on the side of the road as we were driving up to Peveril Castle, so on our way home later, we decided to drop by.

You can read all about David Mellor and see his entire collection of cutlery and knives online. A little pricey for us right now, but a really really nice set. Kinda wish we had registered for a set of fine china and silverwear.. oh wells. The really cool things about David Mellor was that he designed the traffic signals and pedestrian signs and road barriers that are used all around England. Pretty cool!

We came in time to get a tour of the factory, where ALL the David Mellor cutlery is made.. from blanks to finished product. It’s a small operation, but makes really high quality products. From start to finish, a piece of cutlery can take around 12 hours to make.. that’s just one piece! No wonder this stuff is expensive..

Wednesday Wishlist – New Specs

When I was a kid, I always wanted to wear glasses. Yea sure, at the time they had the stigma of ultimate nerdiness… but it also allowed you to have crazy superhero secret identities. Even to this day, I kinda wish I needed glasses, since they’ve transformed from dorky lame to nerd chic. My high school french teacher (the lady) had these AWE-MAZING blue (or were they red?) acetate eyeglasses.. I LOVED THEM! Unfortunately (or fortunately.. depending on how you look at it..) for me, I have pretty good vision. It’s not perfect 20/20 anymore.. but it’s damn close enough that the eye doctor doesn’t think I need glasses (as of five years ago.. probably time for a check-up). I’m due for a check-up.. maybe I’ll get to sport some new specs after all…

Bonlook – Honeybader – Black

Lookmatic – Maxine – Tortoise

Lookmatic – Tippi – Black Tortoise

Salt – Jane – Black Menagerie Orchid

Salt – Clay – Black Rain

Proof – Loom – Gray

Proof – BOISE – Lacewood

Salt – Bre – Twilight Blue

Wednesday Wish List – A New Watch

I’ve kinda been hinting to Minh that I want a new watch, rather than just replacing the battery in my existing watch  (first world problems). Unfortunately for me, we have no gift-giving celebrations coming up… but one can dream. I’ve restricted myself to “reasonably affordable”, “everyday” watches, and not extravagant/fancy watches that I will never wear.

Swatch – Rose Pearl
YLG121G – $150

Michael Kors – Tortoise Jet Set
MK5038 – $225

Timex – Originals Sport Chronograph – White
T2N868AB – $110

FOSSIL - Archival Mini Stainless Steel Watch – Rose
ES3167 – $145

FOSSIL – Georgia Leather Watch – White and Teal
ES3224 – $115

Wednesday Wish List – Wet-Weather Boots

Palladium Pampa Tactical Boot – brown/olive drab – $110

Palladium Pampa Thermal Boot – British Tan – $180

In preparation of the move to wetter (and colder) climates, I think a nice pair of wet/cold-weather boots are in order. What’s nice about these Palladium boots is that they look pretty cool (and rugged) but aren’t overly puffy (like moon boots or overly slick (like wellies). The Pampa Thermal boots are waterproof through and through, with 3M Thinsulate for warmth and Dri-Lex lining for moisture wicking. The Pampa Tactical boot is not as spectacular for wet/cold-weather, but still looks pretty rugged, with Dri-Lex moisture wicking lining and 2520 denier Ballistic Nylon for high abrasion resistance. Both would be great with a pair of skinny jeans and a chunky sweater (and maybe a cute hat and warm gloves).

Palladium Pampa Thermal Boots – $180 from Palladium, $144 from Zappos.com
Palladium Pampa Tactical Boots – $110 from Palladium and Zappos.com

Potential GIVEAWAY: Happy Haul-idays from Chronicle Books

For me, the holidays are the BEST time of year. These days, the “holiday” season starts earlier and earlier, with Christmas decorations coming up before the pumpkins are ready for the compost. No complaints here.. I love the look, smell, and sound of Christmas. Keeping on with something they started last year, Chronical Books is holding their 2nd Annual Happy Haul-idays Giveaway. This year, in addition to giving away a $500 “haul” of books to one lucky blogger and one lucky commenter on that blog, Chronicle Books is also giving the haul to a charity chosen by the winning blogger. So.. first.. here’s my list…

Rustica by Frank Camorra and Richard Cornish
Ruhlman’s Twenty by Michael Ruhlman
Poulet by Cree LeFavour
Big Vegan by Robin Asbell
Fed Up With Lunch by Sarah Wu
A Shade of Red by Alyson Fox
Miette by Meg Ray with Leslie Jonath
Milk & Cookies by Tina Casaceli
Flour by Joanne Chang with Christie Matheson
Chicken & Egg by Janice Cole
The Liberty Book of Home Sewing
Let’s Bring Back by Lesley M. M. Blume
Dead Inside: Do Not Enter
Paper + Craft by Minhee and Truman Cho With Randi Brookman Harris
This is NPR
Farm Together Now by Amy Franceschini,and Daniel Tucker
Famous Frocks by Sara Alm and Hannah McDevitt
Tartine by Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson

Secondly, and probably most importantly, if I win, I would like this haul of books to go to Thomas House Temporary Shelter for Homeless Families. I used to go to the Thomas House with my church to help wrap gifts, serve food, and sing carols during the holiday season. It’s very sad to know that so many families (especially these days) are homeless and hungry, but it’s also a huge joy to see the smiles on their faces when they get a warm meal and a good time singing Christmas carols and playing games.

If you’re interested in trying your luck at winning your own “haul” of goodies from Chronicle Books, here’s what you need to do:

1. Write a blog post with up to $500 worth of Chronicle Books publications that you would like to haul in. Please also include your charity of choice in your post.
2. Remind your readers that if you win, you get to choose one lucky commenter on your entry post to win the same haul of books. (Consider yourself reminded.)
3. Fill out the entry form HERE.
4. Increase your chances by tweeting the giveaway with hashtag #happyhaulidays. Each day is another entry.

GOOD LUCK to all.. but I really hope I win this year!

It’s about TIME!

… for a few things. First.. it’s about time I put a post up on my blog. I know it’s been a while. A lot has been going on, which means there’s a lot to blog about, but also not a lot of time to do it. I’m hoping to get more time after I get back from Lake Tahoe/Yosemite to post some race reports and other news.

Second.. it’s about time someone popped a certain question! That’s right! Minh FINALLY proposed.. and I said YES.. of course! Here’s a little video I made about how it all went down..

Background: We just got the keys to his house on Monday (June 13). We stopped by the house in the evening to check out the condition and take some measurements.

I realize that that was a totally cheesy video.. but the awkwardness is actually pretty close to what actually happened (except with more laughing and movement and hugging and props like the tape measure, the plaque, and the ring). Here’s what the plaque said:

Home of Minh V Nguyen and Namtran C Nguyen

Located at 1XXX0 — Circle in Fountain Valley, California
this 1,770 sq ft home was constructed in 1964.
Renovations began in June of 2011 when the
newly engaged couple made it their home.

Coordinates: xx N, XX W

Isn’t this exciting?!?!?! I’m ENGAGED!! I’m getting married!! We haven’t set a date yet or talked about many details.. we’ve been so busy just trying to move Minh’s stuff into his house and get things put away. It’s still a mess and we have TONS of work to do, but I know that the rest of this year and the rest of our lives will be amazing… because we’ll be spending it TOGETHER!

Paris: A Giveaway

Ever want to go to Paris? I know I have!

Check out this AWE-MAZING giveaway from Oh Happy Day:

GOOD LUCK! or should I say.. BONNE CHANCE!

HEARTS! and other girly things for V-day

Oh.. I can be SOOOO girly sometimes. This is one of those posts.. With Valentine’s Day coming up, and my gift to myself on it’s way, I just had to share these super cute hearts and gift ideas… (click on the picture to find out more about the product/craft/gift/etc…)

mini ban.do heart - $10

Love by Bike Card - $10

Crocheted Heart Garland by This Mama Makes Stuff - homemade

Valentine's Day Fruit Stickers by Twig & Thistle - free download

14 Days of Valentine's by Wants and Wishes - homemade crafts

Gold Engraved Wood 'Me & You' Pencils by Knot & Bow - $12

Spooning Poster by Pete K Design - $29

I never got into Valentine’s Day when I was younger, and I’m still not a big celebrator, but it’s still fun to see all the cutesy things out there for this “totally missed the original point” holidays.

How do you say “MXYPLYZYK”?

???

Say it with me… “mix-ee-pliz-ik“.. and I cannot believe I am only now finding out about this place. Here’s just a handful (ok.. two handfuls) of “too cute” findings from this online store..

The Greens (MY FAVORITE!)

Totem Cups

Nesting BowlsBalloona Stool

George Nelson Sunburst Clock

Glass Water Bottles

Zzzoolights - giraffe and hedgehog (not shown) are the best

Leather Piggy Bank

Happy Shopping!

I Heart Tri

I love this Tri Heart Design by WHOOHA Gear:

Perfect for Valentine’s Day!

(via 623 Tries)