My Eight-Year-Old Self Thanks Me

These Harajuku Lovers jellies have heels! My eight-year-old self is thanking me and squealing about the house. When they arrived, I was so smitten that I wore them with my pajamas. Maybe I shouldn't have admitted that, you won't judge me. Right? Ok thanks. If you want your inner child to thank you score these at Modcloth, Endless, or DSW. Some of the reviews say they run small and you should order up a size but that wasn't the case for me. Here's the run down on their shipping:

Modcloth has flat rate shipping.
Endless has free shipping on "new" items & free 2 day shipping on other items.
DSW uses FedEx Standard as the cheapest choice but it gets to your neck of the woods then gets passed on to USPS. In my experience this costs too much for how long it takes to arrive.

Shop, squeal, & strut!

Date Night + Etsy Meet Up

This was at the Etsy Austin Craft Riot at Starving Art Studios. There was one of a guy noshing on a crunchy taco too but I didn't get a good shot. Yum!


There are always fun passers by when you're in Austin.


I love screeenprinting and this time was no exception. The folks at Wonder Craft had their Airstream set up for us to craft & admire. Owning a sweet Airstream is at the top of my list. We would love to travel about and share our adventures. I'll have to share my "Airstream Dream" jar and such someday. Remind me lest I forget!


Torchy's is one of our favorite date night stops.

Frilly Frock: My Style

Dress:Thrifted/Leather belt:Thrifted/Boots:Gift about 10 years ago/MK Watch:Gift/Furbaby: Dilla was the runt of the batch & I pursuaded my cousin to give her to me. Loved her ever since!

I'm not sure I'll ever be able to make an outfit post that compares to some of my favorite bloggers. Elsie of Red Velvet- I'm talking to you.

I believe in bowties

There is a sweet little giveaway over at Ashley's blog. Scoot on over there an check it out. You won't be sorry. I mean it. She's cute like these bowties, really. Ok, ok I'll leave you with this pic of the cutsie bowtie. I totally feel like I need one of the bowties offered, especially this one!




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Red, White, & Blue - Invite us to your BBQ

Summer is already here and while I am not happy about the familiar 100+ degree weather, I am happy to be in summer mode. I want to be invited to BBQs and share smores & secrets. While perusing one of my favorite blogs, I spotted the perfect decorations for your BBQ, once you invite me ofcourse.


C'mon, I'll even help you out by finding you a free invitation!


Naturally, I will wear a frilly frock to match the decor. Mod Cloth always comes through for me. This beauty should be on my door step in a matter of days.


Still not convinced? Check out this cute party for inspiration. I really love how Ashley made the chairs so colorful. This table set up could almost be an Alice in Wonderland tea party. I can just see myself trapsing across it all Hatter style. I won't do it at your party though.



xo

It's the time of the season for craf-ting

I know I know, I am already married so I don't need this book. I got it anyhow. It has been quite useful already. First, it led me to take my first Paper Source class. Then I was hurled into craft mode for the summer. This is when I actually have time for all of the things that I want to create.

These photos are a bit grainy because I used my cell in an effort to actually blog in a timely manner. The tissue flowers project was so easy to follow. The blue ones really perk up a kitchen table in a snap!

This poorly shot photo shows the little paper goods I created in my Paper Source class last weekend. I hope your summer guides you into loads of craftventures!
xo

A lot has changed...

I had to step away from blogging to make a career change, get married, and find time for all the sweet people in my life. I am hoping I can find a balance that provides proper attention to my many avenues.

Shotgun Party at Renegade Craft Fair

Oh drats! For some reason Blogger won't let me embed my youtube video. So here's the link. I didn't do the best job & the sound is a bit on the "off" side. Perhaps it's interwebs Karma getting me for ignoring my blog & blog surfing.

The Renegade Craft Fair in Austin was amazing! I knew there would be lots of fantastic vendors there but I wasn't expecting to find a new favorite band. Take a listen to Jenny Parrot's sweet voice, Katy Rose's fiddling, & Andrew's upright bass skills!

Date Night: All Austin All Handmade

Friday night is date night around here. We always try to plan something just for us to enjoy. Sweet D asked me to pick a place to eat. I was having trouble because I'm not a big fan of eating out. Don't get me wrong I don't mind leaving the cooking and dish washing to someone else but it's just not the same as hanging at home. My troubles were over when I saw that the Beauty Bar was hosting the All Austin All Handmade Bash. I quickly decided that I wanted to attend. Downtown + date night = Vivo's. Vivo's has the best atmosphere and puffy tacos in town! Roses, art work and great food are a winning combo. After we consumed our yummy dinner we headed to the Bash. We were the first ones there! If you know me, you know I'm usually on time or fashionably late. Boy was I glad that I was on Sweet D's schedule. According to him if you're on time you're late :) They gave out some splendid pink shopping totes with little goodies and coupons in them. The best part: the $2 entry went to the Austin Dog Rescue. Huzzah!


Once we were in, we went straight for some Sweet Leaf Tea and to checkout the Sublime Stitching table. I love the Black Apple set. Then onto the Blue Note Bakery. She had he most amazing mini, made from scratch S'mores! That's right folks. She made the grahams, chocolate ganache and marshmallows. Oh and the strawberry cake with lemon buttercream frosting in the middle was heavenly! We moved on to NadaMoo! non dairy ice cream. It's made with coconut milk. I can taste it but it sure makes for some great chocolate ice cream. We checked out Anne Marie Beard's handbags. I gave one "the touch", which often leads to someone else buying it the second I put it down. We moved inside to have our photo taken and peruse the Wonder Craft section. It was too crowded so I made a mental note of the t-shirt crafts and got an express mani. Bright blue nails here I come. Trying not to smudge my nails we went to the bar and used our drink tickets to have a Yellow Rose. Orange liqueur and Treaty Oak Rum with soda and lemon. Not what I expected but nice. I would have been much happier if the ticket got me a tall boy Lone Star instead! We rounded off the night with a session in the old school photo booth. My BFF and I used to use these at the mall :) Me and Sweet D hammed it up and walked out to head home. I was raining and that made me happy. I rather like a good stroll in the rain. We made it to the car and realized we got to park for free because we arrived earlier than the parking attendant. Another perk to Sweet D's schedule.

On our way home I asked Sweet D to dig in the swag bag and he pulled out the Anne Marie bag that I touched! Seriously!?! He's so sweet I could get a cavity! That's a phrase I've heard his sister use and it seemed fitting here. I don't know what I did to deserve it but I sure do feel special. Thanks hun, it happened again. Long live date night! xo

It Happened Again

That's what we (Sweet D & me) say when we realize that we've fallen for each other all over again. It can happen many times in one day. This time it's because he sent me a tiny letter from the World's Smallest Postal Service. Do you remember me wanting one? I gave a very subtle hint. I don't know what made him decide to send me this surprise but I sure do like it! I have a tiny metal mailbox that I found while thrifting at Campus Collectibles in Louisiana with Mamacita. BTW,It was an awesome trip. Moving on. I would frequently stroll by the tiny mailbox in the kitchen and shake it and ask if I had any mail. One day, Sweet D informed me that I had a surprise some where in the kitchen. I'll leave out the part where I pouted about not wanting to search. My eyes darted around the room and then I realized what it was! There in the tiny mailbox was my tiny love letter from my big gorilla, Sweet D. I won't let on all the details so as to prevent you from wanting to strangle me or puke. I will however leave you with this tid bit. "Super Novas are as fireworks compared to the illumination and ecstasy of holding you close..."


xo

Pour Some Sugar On Me

The title is a nod to Def Leppard's song but this post is about body sugar. So if that sort of thing makes you squimish please stop reading now.

My good pal Kristin and her Mom (many thanks ladies) opened my eyes to the beauty treatments of Cleopatra's Secret, "The Ultimate in Removing Unwanted Body Hair." It's been a few years since my first appointment but having tried waxing, I was an instant fan. Body sugar is totally different and much more gentle.

Please keep in mind that not all Body Sugaring spas are equal. Once when we couldn't get an appointment with our beloved Ati Shafik at Cleopatra's we tried an Austin location. BIG MISTAKE. Unlike Ati's 100% natural sugar, this was tinted light green, didn't get warmed up and was reused with hair in it (mine). Enough said. I couldn't even finish the appointment due to the cold, sap-like pull of this sugar.



Cleopatra's is the best! Ati Shafik is a master of her trade. If I'm not mistaken, she has been practicing hair removal in the States since 1981! She moves swiftly, makes you laugh and does a swell job. If you can't make it to see Ati you can order her products on her website.


There really isn't a proper substitute for Ati's services but during these tough times I've found other means to keep smooth. I decided to try a a new product, Parissa. You can buy this sugar at Whole Food's or Target. This stuff is pretty amazing. It works and it's natural. Two things I really like! I enlisted Sweet D's help and after a session with him and Parissa my pocket book isn't suffering.

Now with all that said, I love going to Ati's Day Spa. If I could, I would go as often as I desired. I usually laugh it up on my mini roadtrip with Kristin while being dubbed the best co-pilot...EVER. Then I enjoy a long day of shopping with Kristin and her Mom. That just can't be replaced even in these times! xo

When Shamu Attacks

Mamacita invited me and Sweet D to SeaWorld. We could not resist the good and company free invite (thanks MOM)! I totally love seeing the marvelous animals and thinking about how smart they must be. Part of me feels awful for them too. They are cooped up and made to perform. Hey wait, that sounds like many human jobs. Let's not forget about the other part of me that wishes the animals could break free and cause mayhem on the SeaWorld streets. My imagination is kicking into overdrive now. I'll spare you the details. Here's a few pics taken with my dated cell.





And here we have my Shamu cup topper about to display what happens when Shamu's attack! It reminds me of the cups seen in the Kerplunk episode of Pushing Daisies at the Aquacade!

Free Movies = Fun

A while back I entered for a free screening of Lovely By Surprise from Venus Magazine. I soon got a confirmation email stating that me and a guest were granted the free screening. Sweet D and I decided a free movie was worth getting out of the house on a weeknight. We arrived at Dobe Theater where the movie teller wasn't sure what we were talking about but let us in anyhow. As we walked into the small theater for our showing we realized that no one else was there. We ended up having the entire theater to our selves! The movie was certainly quirky and funny but it was strange and sad too. "Melish" makes us laugh. Rent the DVD, it'll probably make you laugh as well.



I have a slight girl, celeb crush on Zooey Deschanel. If you want to get me her CD, feel free :) So I was cruising about the internets looking for movies that I could ogle her in when I found a free screening of 500 Days of Summer. Of course I signed me and Sweet D up for this one too. This time Barton Creek was our destination. We wanted to arrive a bit early so we could ensure our entry. We were early but not early enough to feel safe. The line was already snaking around the theater. I asked Sweet D to hold down the fort while I ran to get some pizza snacklins and some lotion from The Body Shop. I was determined to get in, so I thought positive even when he called to say it wasn't looking good. I popped back over he was in the last bunch to be admitted. We barely made it in! Talk about extremes...at Dobe we were the first and only viewers & at Barton we were the last of many. The movie was well worth it (thanks Sweet D). I love the wardrobe and the feel of the movie. I'm a happy ending kinda gal so it didn't end just how I wanted but it ended well just the same. So cute. xo

Hometown Inspiration

I'm really loving Austin's own Kat Edmonson's mellow music this week. If you haven't heard her soothing sounds, please grab a glass of wine and pop in her new albulm, "Take to the Sky" I dig her cover of The Cure's "Just Like Heaven" and this sweet video shot in Austin. Let it inspire you to be the change you wish to see!



She was at Waterloo last night. Don't be too upset if you couldn't make it, like me. She will be at Vino Vino July 28th. xo

Lite Brite Flower Pot

Do you remember playing with Lite Brites as a kid? I don't think Lite Brites are being used much anymore but there are probably lots of the pegs floating around out there (calling my name). I've noticed that the toys and treasures of my childhood keep bringing me back to my crafty side. My Mom actually turned me on to the idea of making a lamp shade of sorts with Lite Brite pegs. She even provided me with the supplies! She handed over a plastic flower pot, pegs, and drill bits. I then asked my Dad for an old drill for my crafting and mangling purposes. I enlisted the help of Sweet D and his sister L to drill the holes in the flower pot. I refurbished a battery operated, goodwill bound lamp. Once we were all done we placed the pegs and admired our work. This was a simple project yet I am so proud! I love taking something old or discarded and making it into something new. It makes me feel so good, like I've really accomplished something.



Tada! Send those Lite Brite pegs my way; I've got more ideas brewing! xo

Please note: the battery operated lamp is not shown because I needed something a bit brighter for the photo.

I'm Back

I didn't really leave; I've just been busy and not blogging. My crafts and little family jaunts have kept me on the move. I'm hoping to have a date with my sewing machine a little more often. Once a week would be nice. I mean well; I have an idea journal, an inspiration notebook and supplies floating about the house. I suppose I'll get down to it. Here's a video about sewing machines. It uses one of my favorite words. Can you guess what it is?





xo

A Place For Everything And Everything In It's Place

I finally have an office/craft room! My lovely pal V dedicated a Saturday to helping me purge, sort, and organize. Our day started with brunch and mimosas. Between the drinks and the company of another pal M, I didn't think the room would ever get the attention it deserved. Before pictures were supposed to be taken to share the trecherous journey with blogland but I forgot once I got on the job. We took a trip to Ikea for the green boxes, magazine holders, and lovely black & white shelf. The rest of the goods you see here were already included in my mess. While V and I were tackling the mess my sweet D was putting the shelf together. V even helped me put all of my vinyls in bins so I can quickly find the one I'm after.


After numerous bags were stuffed to send to the Salvation Army, recycling, and garbage we saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain...er I mean the cords under my desk. I swear some of those don't go to anything!


We rewarded ourselves with cold beer and pats on the back. Me and sweet D have spent time in the craft room almost everyday since completion. xoxo

Mailbox O' Love

My sweet friend V knows just how much I love mail. I especially love getting mail from her! This time she totally surprised me with two hand embroidered dish towels. Those little birds in purple and red make me grin each time I look at them. I was so giddy when I ripped open the envelope that I failed to notice the bite mark on the monster grow capsule package. My man squeeze (as I like to call him) pointed it out and we giggled with delight. Does V know us or what? Some of the grow capsules are missing because we simply could not wait for pics to be taken. I immediately opened the cupcake-themed chapsticks and smelled each one. My first loves of the pack were lemon, red velvet, and strawberry! Thanks for the mailbox o' love! xo

Treats In The Mail Pt. 1

I've recently started to do a mail swap with Mary Kelly of Lolly-tots. I got my first batch of treats a couple weeks ago but haven't had time to get to my blog. She sent me a box load of goods! There are some red envelopes (I love getting these in the mail), a can of beads that I love to twirl my fingers in, some stickers, felt, a handmade card, fabric, and buttons. My favorite items are the sticker and patch of fabric with her very own designs on them, a pink little nest with polka dot eggs, and the hand carved heart stamps. I can't decide where to put the black patch yet! Oh and if you look close in the pic below you can see where she drew on the box-so cute. Thanks Mary!

For Valentine's Day I Want...

A tiny love letter from the World's Smallest Postal Service! I am a bit obsessed with tiny, cute things. When you think about it we all share this obsession or we should. I've been in love with the WSPS for quite some time but haven't given in to the utterly squeal-worthy service. I even found a tiny mailbox in my hunt for cute mail pieces. My letter-loving heart is hoping for one of these goodies in the mail. xoxo