SillyLittleLady's Spot on the Web

Bueller? Bueller?

2011-01-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been posting over here, things have shifted in life (as they have a tendency to do) and these days I'm blogging more frequently over on my other blog.

Check it out and find out what I've been up to!

Musical Monday #10

2011-01-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome back for another Musical Monday!

Originally inspired by theurchiness over on Brie by Night, they will be carried on by myself it seems.

This week I'm bringing you We No Speak Americano by Yolanda Be Cool and D Cup

Because its just a fun song :)

What are you listening to?

Too Precious

2011-01-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

Have you seen sleepyking yet? I found them the other day and am completely in love not only with the little creatures themselves but with the photographs!

I think the cute bunting in the backgrounds adds so much character to the photos and brings the plushies to life :)

Coasters

2011-01-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

Who knew coasters could be so pretty?

Etsy generously placed Waterrose in my Suggested Shops and I am so glad they did. I just think the simple, happy little designs on the coasters are a perfect place to put my tea mug in the morning, don't you?

Musical Monday #9

2011-01-03T08:00:00.001-07:00

Welcome back to the 9th Musical Monday and the very first of the New Year! Happy 2011 folks :)

In case you forgot, these are inspired by the Musical Monday posts that were done over at Brie by Night by theurchiness.

This week I'm sharing:

That's The Way We Get By by Spoon

The Holiday Aftermath

2010-12-28T08:00:00.003-07:00

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend filled with family and food and joyous times, I know I did! The aftermath of our Christmas?

All of this:

Is now in our stomachs with a bunch of hearty cookies, tons of feast-y foods, plenty of beverage and a few more candies. We're looking very much like the Claus himself over here.

More roundup to come, promise!

Musical Monday #8

2010-12-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome back for another Musical Monday! These were originally inspired by theurchiness over on Brie by Night :)

This week I am sharing with you a song that my good friend introduced me to a few weeks ago when I was having a hard time. I Was Made For Sunny Days by The Weepies.

What have you been listening to lately?

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a fun day spent with family, seeing my brother and his family (including my little nephew!) followed by visiting the Santa Fe Plaza to see some trains

and share some beers with my Dad at the Marble Brewery Tap Room

and ending with massive amounts of baking resulting in cookies and beer for dinner :)

Not to mention, cookies and tea for breakfast! Thank goodness its only The Holidays once-ish a year, I could develop diabetes overnight at this rate haha.

I hope your Holidays are filled with much joy and love and fun, I'll see you next week!

Chocolate Maven

2010-12-22T08:00:00.001-07:00

I got to spend the day with my momma yesterday :)

We took a girls' day in Santa Fe using the perfectly legitimate excuse of having to get her car serviced. We did some window shopping, plenty of talking and had lunch at one of the best restaurants in town: The Chocolate Maven.

If you are ever in Santa Fe for any reason at all, you really should check this place out. Its part of a standard warehouse looking building, a diamond in the rough if you will. We got to sit next to the big window that lets you look in on the baking part of the kitchen :D

The food is phenomenal (we got veggie quesadillas - they were the special for the day) and picked up some cookies before we left.

Let me tell you guys, the desserts at this restaurant are To. Die. For. They are so delicious, my favorites are the Lemon Picadilly Snaps. They melt in my mouth! I'm sure they'd melt in other people's mouths too, but I don't want to share to find out. They're all mine.

I hope your holidays are going well!

Hot Chocolate

2010-12-21T08:00:00.001-07:00

I love warm beverages, tea, coffee concoctions, and hot chocolate. As the weather gets cold and the skies cloud up, the warmth and comfort of a good hot cocoa can't be beat.

Here's how I make mine:

Gather your mug(s)

Put 1 - 2 table spoons of cocoa powder in each

Put 2 - 3 tablespoons of sugar in each

Add other spices as desired (I add cinnamon and chili powder)

Heat up just a bit of water, only about 1/4 cup per mug and add to the dry mixture, stir into oblivion

Fill mug with milk to the brim

Microwave for 2 minutes and 30 seconds

Gather friends

Enjoy :)

How do you make your hot chocolates?

Musical Monday #7

2010-12-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome back for another Musical Monday! I may have skipped a week or two...but the semester is over and I can get back to life! In case you missed it, these are originally inspired by theurchiness over on Brie By Night :)

Today's song is Bruises by Chairlift

What have you been listening to lately?

Just Walkin' Along, Mindin' My Own Business

2010-12-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

and WHAM!

This seemingly innocent, protective little buckle on my trunk in my living (that acts as a coffee table) isn't what it seems.

Really its an evil, knee-demolisher who jumps out of nowhere and takes chunks of unsuspecting victim's legs.

Be aware, readers, you may have one of these terrorists in your neighborhood. We should start one of those neighborhood-watch-group-things...

Finally Listed! and a walk down by the river

2010-12-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

The scarf that I mentioned back here is finally up in my Etsy shop! It took me longer than anticipated, but its there now and available to be drooled over ;)

In other news, I took a walk the other day with a friend down by the river (there is some water in New Mexico, but not too much, so "river" is loosely defined, some months its there, others its just a giant mud pit).

Here are some of the views from that trip.

And looky what we found! A catfish skeleton! No idea how it got where it was...but its been there a while.

Have you gone on any adventures recently?

Lately

2010-12-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

Lately, I haven't been blogging so much. And for that I apologize.

Lately, the winter season and all of those things that come with it have been more evident.

Lately, I have been made into an Aunt at the birth of my first nephew, who is 3 weeks old today.

Lately, I have been putting myself, my life and my new home back together because some things have changed (I had full intentions of telling you what, but clearly I'm still not ready to talk about it, my fingers won't type the words).

What have you been up to lately?

Coming Soon

2010-12-02T09:16:00.001-07:00

I knit a very similar scarf recently and couldn't bring myself to part with it, and I knew that since I loved it so much, perhaps my wonderful customers would love it too so I made another!

Isn't it perfect? The colors go perfectly together, and the yarns are all so soft!

I used a few different fibers, wools, merinos, *cashmeres*, all very soft, all very luxurious and all very warm.

What's not to love? This scarf will be in my shop just as soon as I get model shots with it, which will hopefully happen today...so keep your eyes peeled!

**And to the individual who left a comment on my Happy Thanksgiving post asking about the Mohawk Beanie I made last year, if you could email me, that'd be great! :D **

WoodlandBelle

2010-11-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

I just came across the shop WoodlandBelle and am completely smitten! I love all of her woodland themed accessories, especially the twig hairpins:

I might actually do something with my hair if I had those to put in it :)

Her succulent accessories are super cute also, you can carry your little plants with you! And they'd be easier to take care of too hehe. And this little butterfly necklace was in my Favorites FOREVER, its so cute and perfect:

What's your favorite?

Musical Monday #6

2010-11-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Its another Musical Monday! Inspired by theurchiness over on Brie by Night :)

This week I'm sharing with you Eric Hutchinson singing Rock & Roll.

What have you been listening to this week?

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

2010-11-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

I know I'm just one of a multitude of bloggers wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving here in the United States, but that doesn't mean that it's any less meaningful :)

I spent all of yesterday afternoon making pumpkin pies from scratch using the same recipe I used last year which you can find here.

I made three standard sized pies (only one homemade crust though, two of them were store bought) and a whole bunch of bite-sized pies, aren't they cute?

Tomorrow, I get to meet my brand new nephew! And spend all kinds of time with my family eating loads and loads of food and watching Miracle on 34th St.

What are your plans for the weekend? Fun, friends and relaxing I hope?

A Place To Get Beauty

2010-11-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Where would you expect to find some beauty? Perhaps a shop called beautyspot? That's where I found these super cute necklaces:

They're perfect, no?

I can't even pick a favorite! They're all awesome :)

She also sells rings, earrings, broaches and more, so check her out (and I'm not affiliated in any way, I just want to share her wonderful creations).

Musical Monday #5

2010-11-22T08:00:00.001-07:00

Another Musical Monday inspired by theurchiness over on her blog :)

This week I'm sharing with you a song by a band that I am currently in love with and can't stop listening to: Young the Giant. I saw this band in concert at Sunshine Theater in Albuquerque and now that their CD is out, I've had it on repeat for weeks!

What are you listening to right now?

I'm an Aunt!

2010-11-18T23:36:00.000-07:00

My older brother became a father on Tuesday evening and you know what that means?

I'm an Aunt!

And you know what that means?

I'm going to be sharing all kinds of baby boy goodies for you :) Starting with this bodysuit by neenacreates:

How cute is that? Simple but sweet, cute and it gets the point across, what's not to love?

Musical Monday #4

2010-11-15T08:00:00.002-07:00

Thanks to theurchiness, I've come to thoroughly enjoy doing these Musical Monday posts :)

This week, I'm sharing a song by a band that I went and saw in concert last Tuesday at the Launchpad in Albuquerque, Margot & the Nuclear So and So's!

The concert was so much fun, I only got a few measly phone photos, but trust me, it was sweet. Small venue, dedicated fans, we got to stand right up against the stage, get some tshirts and autographs, I can't wait till they come back!

Treasure New Mexico

2010-11-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

I was just informed that the very talented inspiredbyelizabeth has included my long-eared beanie with pompoms in her treasury promoting New Mexican artists!

Check out some of the amazing things being created in the Land of Enchantment :)

Colors and Textures of Fall

2010-11-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

I had an ice cream picnic and photo session with a friend last week as part of my resolution to take more pictures. Here are some of my favorites of the day:

I love the colors and textures that come with Fall, its so interesting to watch things change.

What's your favorite part of fall?

Musical Monday #3

2010-11-08T08:00:00.001-07:00

Another Musical Monday! Initially inspired by theurchiness over on Brie by Night :)

This week I'm sharing Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root. This song always makes me happy, it reminds me of flipping pancakes and 70s dishware, wouldn't that make you happy too?

What's been playing in your ear this week?

An Eerie Dream

2010-11-05T10:15:00.000-06:00

I recently happened upon SwanBones, have you seen them?

I love the pretty, eerie, dreamy quality of her work.

And isn't the name, SwanBones, just perfect for the shop?

Changes

2010-11-02T21:25:00.000-06:00

Another season of changes. The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling, I recently moved into a new apartment with a new roommate, got a new job (in addition to rather than instead of).

Change can cause a lot of stress, but it can also be a great way to keep things fresh. Right now, these changes are not the latter. I'm going to try to change that, ironic no?

In order to make these stressful changes into refreshing changes I will:

unpack at least 1 hour everyday - I can't function properly in a disorganized environment
have more tea - the warmth will help me brave the cold weather and get off my butt and into gear
take more pictures - I do love my camera, Mr. Cliq (pronounced "click"), but we haven't been going on regular dates lately and I know I feel better when we date
knit more - this is the biggest thing, I haven't been knitting near as much as I should be, it really does help keep me sane and I need my sanity to deal with the additional job, classwork and life changes
eat healthier - we all know that stress causes us to crave junk food right? no? just me then? ok, personal goal
blog more - because I like it, and I should do things I like

What changes are happening in your life right now?

Oh, and all of these leaves were found on the same tree! So many stages of coloring :)

Musical Monday #2

2010-11-01T11:02:00.000-06:00

Another Musical Monday, inspired by the Musical Monday posts of theurchiness over on Brie by Night!

This week's song is:

Bring Me Down by Lenka :)

Lenka is phenomenal and super cute, she even did a post for Etsy's Storque!

Stars

2010-10-29T09:35:00.000-06:00

Heather, of dylandogleash, contacted me the other day to let me know that she has very graciously put my Star Baby/Toddler Hat in her treasury.

Isn't it gorgeous?

Laser Cut Necklaces and Accessories

2010-10-27T09:23:00.000-06:00

I came across this super cute shop early this morning while I was having my wake-up tea (Early Grey with a hint of honey this morning - I switch is up on occasion ;) ) and I knew I had to share it with you all!

VectorCloud is based in New York and produces some of the cutest wood laser-cut designs that I've seen!

Don't we all just need a little more Peace and Love?

I like that you can customize this one, changing out the picture everyday or week to suit your mood.

Which one is your favorite?

Musical Monday

2010-10-25T12:32:00.000-06:00

I saw theurchiness posted a Musical Monday post on her blog, Brie by Night and I really like the idea. Music is a massive part of my days and I'd love to share what I'm listening to with you guys :)

Right now, I'm loving upbeat, lively songs like Animal by Neon Trees, but I'm sure you all know that song so I'll share Kandi by One Eskim0 today.

What's been playing in your ears lately?

Paper Goods

2010-10-20T11:13:00.000-06:00

I recently stumbled upon the fantastic little shop of redstarINK, have you heard of it? Its full of simple and bold paper goods, yes, simple. and. bold. You can be both, and this shop does it wonderfully. Check out some of my faves:

The Brainstorm Notebook is perfect! You can write down all of your ideas as they flow and then whenever you need a jolt of inspiration, just look back through for some forgotten ideas :)

I'm also a big BIG fan of lists, I'll most assuredly forget all kinds of important things if I don't write them down as soon possible, and I really do love crossing them off when I finish a task, it helps me to know that I'm making progress.

As a student, day planners definitely help me get through all of my classes and work schedules, redstarINK has us covered with these academic year planners :)

Apology

2010-10-19T14:49:00.001-06:00

I want to apologize to all of my wonderful followers for being MIA for a long while now. Things in my personal life have gotten a bit hectic and I've been in a sort of slump lately, but I promise to come back to the blogging world and share my Etsy loves and life adventures with you all soon! Maybe this afternoon, maybe tomorrow, either way, I *will* be back, blogging, right here in this space :)

In the mean time, say hello to my little brown caterpillar friend, we met a few weeks ago and by now I hope he has become a beautiful bird-sized butterfly (bird-sized because he's so freaking huge!)

Flashback Friday - You Are What You Eat

2010-10-08T09:05:00.000-06:00

I haven't done a Flashback Friday post in.....ages. And I feel bad about it. So I'm picking it up again today and let's hope that I don't fall back off the bandwagon! Don't know what Flashback Friday is? Check out Chrstipher and Tia's blog to find out and participate :)

A little over three years ago, I went to the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens. They were gorgeous, flowers and greenery everywhere, a little train set up, a small petting zoo. All very cool. I especially like the interactive area:

Yes, standing in a massive carrot counts as being interactive, you get to stand. in. the. carrot. Being *in* the carrot is good enough to be interactive. You see that bag? All covered in buttons? that was my favorite bag evar. Evar. Just the other day I decided that I don't need it anymore (its far too small these days) and I took off all of the buttons and put it in a giveaway bag. I'm hoping that whoever decides it needs to be their bag puts their own flare on it as well :)

Peace Tree of Life

2010-10-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

I love the Peace Tree of Life Tshirts by WrenWillow.

Its subtle but impacting. Her vintage soft tees are hand dyed and screen printed with environmentally friendly dyes. She has tons of other cute designs in her shop too!

Coming to the Shop

2010-10-04T09:12:00.000-06:00

I've got some new items coming to the shop this week!

Today, this deep sapphire lacy slouch will be added:

It's made out of a washable wool blend and is so soft and light without jeopardizing your warmth and comfort :) And, as always, I can make this slouch out of any color you'd like, just send me a convo!

Later this week I'll be adding this super scrumptious scarf to the mix:

Merino, wool, and *cashmere* make up the fibers in this luxurious, long, skinny scarf. Long enough to wrapped around you neck over and over with just the right amount of lengthy fringe at the end, what's not to love?

Just Mindin' My Own Business

2010-10-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

So I woke up this morning, went about my routine, just minding my own business when WHAM!

It hit me.

Its October.

Let me repeat that: It. Is. October.

Do you know what that means?

That means pretty leaves, like these from last year.

That means pumpkin pie, like the one I made from scratch last Thanksgiving.

That means -interjection: I have some of the rudest neighbors on the planet-

Back on track: October means I have to finish the ever-growing Max Suit!

Finally Introducing The Pagosa Mitts!

2010-09-30T08:00:00.002-06:00

The hat pattern came out ages ago, and now the matching mitts are here too!

customizable length, one size fits most :D

I love this set, each piece is so versatile but they also go well together.

The subtle spiral, the simple shape

Not to mention the yarn used! The lovely LylianMae spun up some gorgeous gorgeous yarn specifically for this project and she'll have kits available for purchase that will include one or both patterns and the required amounts of yarn, how cool is that? She is definitely one of the nicest ladies to work with and I sincerely appreciate all of her help!

the accompanying hat

Interested in making your own Pagosa Set? You can purchase patterns for the hat and mitts separately on Etsy or on Ravelry or you can purchase them as a set for discounted price :)

Dot

2010-09-29T08:00:00.002-06:00

I want you all to meet my latest love, Dot.

Don't you just love her? The music is fantastic, the colors, the dream-like quality of it all just makes me happy and calm :)

Undercurrents

2010-09-27T08:00:00.001-06:00

I would like to give a Thanks and a shoutout to gonerustic for including me in this gorgeous treasury!

"When things are felt more than seen"

Changing Seaons

2010-09-24T12:33:00.000-06:00

Fall is coming and that means I'm gonna need*

A new jacket.

Spring Vine Hoodie by annajoyce

A new mug.

Yellow Mug by karengoldberg1

A new sweater.

Vintage Space Dye Sweater from viralthreads

Or two.

Vintage Autumn Stripes Poncho Sweater from kellyshoestrings

All the things that will keep me cozy this winter :)

*need is very loosely defined in this context

Studs

2010-09-23T08:00:00.000-06:00

I have a few piercings in my ears (8 to be exact) and I wear earrings all the time but would you believe I don't actually own any studs? Really really. I was wanting to wear some the other day, but not having any provides a problem for that. So what did I do? Went searching on Etsy, naturally.

1) Rojo Button Earrings by babblingbrookes
2) Twisted Circle Earrings by Lana0Crystal
3) Tangerine Turquoise Speckled Stud Earrings by NaturalAmber
4) Yellow Rosebud Earrings by Nomsa
5) Button Earrings by amberike
6) Middle Eastern Muse Earrings by veryvintage
7) Light Blue Mushroom Earrings by Bijunea
8) Ship Wheel Earrings by CsCharms
9) Bullet Earrings by eazymode

Small Traveling

2010-09-22T09:01:00.000-06:00

How cute is this small vintage suitcase?

I mean really? The size, the colors, its perfect for a carry-on with all of your craftsy goodness! Or maybe a mobile crafty clinic!

From Coldfish.

Tartlets

2010-09-20T08:00:00.000-06:00

This past Friday I made some delicious and adorable little tartlets following this recipe. I opted to top them with blueberries, strawberries and blackberries before using a Peach glaze as opposed to the apricot glaze recommended.

Don't you think they came out super cute? The recipe is so easy and quick, especially if you can find pre-made tart shells. Not to mention, it was a big hit with guests!

I really Wish I Knew A Paleontologist

2010-09-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

If only so I could give them this book,

from ModCloth

Miniature Rhino

2010-09-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

So many of you (and me) love tiny things, and if you are one of those people and you haven't seen this shop yet, you will most definitely fall in love! Even the name says "miniature"

I love the Cabinet of Curiosities sets, small bottles filled with even smaller items!

Not to mention the Message in a Bottle Service!

And the custom embroidery :)

MiniatureRhino: a happy, cute little online space.

Weekend Injury

2010-09-13T08:57:00.000-06:00

Wanna see what I did to myself this weekend?

*Warning: Not for the squeamish*

**No, I haven't told my Momma yet, so she'll probably call me as soon as she reads this...three, two, one...**

I was being a wing-woman for my friend, she has a small crush on this guy who happens to have a motorcycle. Friday night I asked if I could take a ride around the parking lot so that she could work up the nerve to also go on a ride with said-cute-guy. As I was getting on, I burned myself on the exhaust pipe.

I know.

Pretty dumb.

I hadn't ridden a motorcycle before! No one told me to watch out for the thousand-degree metal pipe that now has a stripe of my skin across it, I'm sure.

And then, the very next day, my little angle Lisa, scratched it. Scratched. My. Burn. That's what those little chunks are.

Ok, I'll stop grossing you out with all of the details, believe me, there are plenty more. But I'm not quite sure what to do with it, I'm letting it air out when I'm at home, but when I go to class or work I'm wrapping it up to keep germs and stuff away, and to save those classmates who may be have a weak stomach. How do I clean it? I don't want a massive scar on the inside of my right knee for the rest of my life, I have enough scars!

Any advice?

Happy Friday!

2010-09-10T08:09:00.000-06:00

Yay for Fridays! Classes have been so busy this semester, but I'm squeezing in time to update my blog (I don't know if you've noticed ;) ) and today I wanted to direct you to the coolest little DIY kit ever:

DIY GOAT CHEESE! Ok, so only the DIY part was supposed to be in caps, but goat cheese is its own food group as far as I'm concerned and it makes me really excited, so that's my really excited voice.

I want to make my own goat cheese, I think it would be one of the coolest things ever!

"Hey, wanna come over for wine and cheese tonight?"
"Did you know that cheese you're eating was made earlier today? By me?!"

Hehe, that would be so cool.

UrbanCheesecraft has a lot of other DIY kits and cheese paraphernalia, so if goat cheese isn't your thing (I can't imagine why it wouldn't be) you can make some mozzarella or something :)

Two Faced Stranger

2010-09-09T08:08:00.000-06:00

Isn't he cute?

: That's his mean face

I found him while I was walking across campus yesterday and took him to my truck, where my camera was then set him down and took these photos.

: That's his real face underneath

Looking For Some Cute Clothes?

2010-09-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Starr over at A Thought Is The Blossom is headed to NYC Fashion week this weekend and is marking down all of her inventory to help fuel her trip! She is also selling some modern pieces over on her other blog and all I can say is that I wish I fit into these clothes, they are so freaking cute!

Vintage 50's Dress

Anthropologie Wrap Skirt

So head on over to her shop or shop her closet here and pick up some cute little pieces for yourself at a great price :)

Labor Day and Frisbee

2010-09-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hello readers!I want to apologize for taking a little vacation without internet access without warning you all first!

We went up to Durango, CO to participate in the Durango Hat Tournament for Ultimate Frisbee and we really did have a blast :) The tourney was sponsored by Ska Brewing and Zia Taqueria and both provide such delicious products! We were lucky enough to have a sampling of the beer throughout the weekend and Zia fed us on Saturday night. I won't bore you with all of the details, but I want to share some pictures and happening and let you in on what we did

Tea was enjoyed

Frisbees were jumped for

Puppies (or just Lisa, really) were cuddled with

Pretty flowers found

Rivers played in

And check out this huge mushroom we found!

And plenty of fun was had by all :) For my American friends, what did you do for the long weekend? For those elsewhere, did you do anything fun?

After My Morning Shower...

2010-08-31T08:59:00.001-06:00

aftershowershop was suggested to me by Etsy the other day and I am completely smitten! I love all of their cute and airy looks, especially in this summer heat.

Such cute little details and easy-to-wear colors and shapes! The Sweet Thursday Dress is everything I want in a dress.

The Two Tone Part II dress would be a flawless option to throw on before leaving the house for any excuse; grocery shopping? no problem! dinner date? of course! Maybe finish it off with an array of belts to switch up the look.

The long Waterfall dress is perfect. I've been looking for a long dress all summer, to no avail. I only wish I had seen this beautiful outfit earlier!

Back to School - Wrangling Up Your Writing Tools

2010-08-26T15:54:00.000-06:00

Today's finds are based on your writing utensils!

First of all, you need a great pencil. One that writes clearly and doesn't break every time you touch it to paper. I think these from missisaau are so cute and unique, but she has many other varieties if you want to see what other pattern choices you can find.

In order to keep those pencils in tip top shape, you'll need a portable sharpener. Is there a cooler vintage sharpener out there than this neato Stage Coach one from penorus?

To make sure that those pencils don't disappear to the bottom of your bag and get lost, they'll need a bag to keep them safe and on the top of the pile (or at least easily distinguishable at the bottom). I'm loving this scooter one from jellytoastkids. If it were only a bit more yellow it would look like my scooter, Daisy.

Back to School - Keeping Your Space Tidy

2010-08-25T08:34:00.000-06:00

As I said yesterday, this week will be back-to-school week! I shared some of my favorite carry-to-class items yesterday and today is all about keeping your space at home organized and tidy - keeping it a bit more user-friendly for those long nights of homework and studying.

Everyone *needs* a desk organizer of some sort. If you don't have one, your desk quickly becomes a war zone and you won't want to go anywhere near it and your homework won't be done, or it won't be done to the highest quality. This vintage one from ModishVintage would be perfect, and that color is great! (yellow being my favorite color and all...)

Bulletin or Cork boards are great to have hanging over your desk. Sticky notes lose their 'stick' too quickly and leaving a scrap piece of paper with an important note on it on your desk ensures that it will be lost to the depths underneath all of the other nonsense that takes up your space. I really like this one from boardvinos, and they're from Albuquerque (only a short drive from where I live)!

The cork board above your desk would be pretty much useless without some thumb tacks to secure things with, and these Wizard of Oz inspired ones from cocostitch are perfect!

Another Semester

2010-08-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

Classes start back up today and in honor of that (and because I'm feeling quite un-organized and a bit frazzled being back in our house and having to unpack and make-ready) I'm sharing with you all some of the best back-to-school organizing paraphernalia I found on Etsy. Who else gets excited about tidy work spaces and neatly organized desks?

Every stressed-out, over-scheduled, under-fed, insomniac college students owes his or her academic success to a well-used day planner. I love these from muchadoaboutyou because not only are they colorful and stylish, the hours of each day are printed out so that I can "see" the layout of my day - when I have ~~free~~ homework time, when I have classes, etc. I also love being able to see the month laid out in the same fashion, I can see when long-term projects are due or tests are scheduled.

I don't know about the rest of you, but lists really help me keep control of what needs to be done and by when. Marking something off of the never-ending to-do list is also a relieving little motion, helping me to see that, yes, things do (eventually) come to completion and not everything is as ever-growing as the list from which it is crossed off. This List Taker from grandmaslittlelilly would be perfect to carry around, and those birdies are so cute! I also appreciate that it has pockets for a pen and important scraps of paper.

The size of this bag from GetReadySetGO is perfect, a large main compartment with a pocket and the external zipper pocket for pens is so functional and efficient. The color is lively and the panda really tops off the charm of the vintage messenger. Your bag can really make all of the difference, too small and you lose things, too big and you risk hurting yourself filling it up, but this one is a great size for running to class and making sure you have everything you need.

That's all for today! Tomorrow I'll have more organizers and school supplies :)

Happy Birthday Momma!

2010-08-23T08:15:00.001-06:00

Isn't she gorgeous?

I believe this picture was taken in 1974, so she would've been about 17 or 18 years old. I've only recently come across it (while visiting her brother the week before last) and am completely smitten with its contents, the slight fuzz, the colors, and of course the beautiful subject (isn't her skin just perfect? and her hair? and her face? and and and...I could go on). Looking at some of the pictures of my mom when she was about my age was very cool and we have much the same styles! Hopefully soon I'll get some scanned copies of more of the pictures and I can do a then and now outfit style post, what do you think?

Anyways, Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!

Adventures!

2010-08-18T18:43:00.000-06:00

I know, I've been a bad blogger. Things have been crazy on this end with all of the traveling I've been doing! Next week I'll be back home and things will get back to whatever "normal" might be and I'll be a better blogger, promise. In the mean time, I wanted to share some pictures from the adventures I took while in Asheville!

The first real day we were there, we went to eat at Corner Kitchen (where President Obama ate while he was there) and went window shopping and to Yarn Paradise across the street.

The next day, we went to the Grovepark for lunch (where President Obama stayed) and got to drool over more than one gorgeous art gallery. (this was the view from our table)

The third, and sadly final, day of our trip we went to the Biltmore house which was so beautiful and huge and completely jaw-dropping in so many ways.

The gardens here were ......... well, they make me speechless :)

I tried to keep this post short on the photos because I'm sure you all don't want to see all of the 300 pictures I took over a 3-day span ;)

Blackbird Jewelry

2010-08-16T11:35:00.000-06:00

On our adventures in Asheville, NC last week, we went to go see my Uncle's studio which is part of the Cotton Mills Studios.

This space is shared by a number of artists including painters, potters and fiber artists. Mixed in was a jewelry artist with some very intriguing pieces, Blackbird Jewelry.

I love her Back Beads and the silver earrings and necklaces, don't you?

More adventures were enjoyed and more photos and shops to share!

Travelling Again!

2010-08-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

I will be traveling tomorrow to the East Coast! I'm going with my momma to visit my Uncle and Aunt who live in Asheville, NC. My Uncle (mom's brudda) is an artist who recently got back from a voluntary job in Iraq. He paints mostly narative paintings and has a website where you can see all of his amazing work and a blog (where you can see his latest - a Star Wars Mural!!)

I will try to blog during the week, but if I don't, at least you know why :)

Here are some amazing Etsy Artists who live in the Asheville area:

1) Only One Rule by ragamuffinpress
2) Tree House in the Sky by thelindentree
3) Take A Hike by TheWheatField
4) Noodle stoneware Serving Bowl by OneClayBead
5) Taquito the Cat by ALTdesigns19
6) Baby Sparrow Ring by caitiesellers

A Recent Death

2010-08-05T08:00:00.001-06:00

So, I don't know how many of you heard, either in my Ravelry Group or on Twitter, but I had a recent death in the family.

: Little Wooden Surgeons by littlewoodpeople

My old Dell Inspiron E1505 went in for surgery a few weeks ago to try and help with his narcolepsy but tragically died on the operating table.

The doctors did everything they could to fix him, but it just wasn't meant to be. Since then, I have been hijacking Matt's computer while he's at work but all of my documents, patterns, spreadsheets, and important things are still on the dead computer. Hopefully, we'll be able to conduct a heart-drive transplant soon so that I can retrieve all of those things, and I do have a new computer on order.

: Laptop Charms from nicoledebruin

And yes, this is a double post from my other blog. I thought it would be ok to post it both places because I don't know that anyone actually reads both...except maybe my mom. *Hi Momma!* (Does anyone else read both of them? It would be kinda useful information...)

Miniature Painting Jewelry

2010-08-04T08:00:00.002-06:00

I came across HeatherKent the other day on Twitter when she posted pictures of her new work (proof Twitter does work!). I fell in love immediately and am >this< close to giving into my inner desires.

She does custom pieces, so you can get your very own, personalized piece of wearable artwork!

Which necklace is your favorite? (I'm loving that green tree one, personally :) )

Cupcakes!

2010-08-03T08:00:00.002-06:00

While we were in Leesburg Virginia we were lucky enough to find a little cupcakery called Lola's. Although they only had a few flavors to choose from, they all looked so delicious and decadent! We decided to get this beauty:

How delicious does this look?!

It was so good, Matt and I don't usually like frosting, but the frosting on this cupcake tasted like...cookie dough ice cream. Not the kind with chunks of cookie dough, like, ice cream that tastes like cookie dough. Or maybe a better way to describe it is that the frosting tasted like viscose cookie dough, does that make sense?

Regardless, this cupcake was delicious and I almost wish we had cupcakeries out here...in my house... :)

Back!

2010-08-02T09:49:00.000-06:00

Sorry I was MIA this weekend, I went to a wedding in Virginia and didn't have consistent internet access. I'm back now and will be blogging regularly again :)

Wanna see some of the gorgeous pictures (out of more than 300 taken) from this weekend? I thought so.

The first night we walked around Georgetown and saw the sights.

Of course I brought some knitting with me...

Ate a delicious cupcake (and got crumbs and frosting everywhere, I blame Matt)

Got a chance to wear a beautiful sweater I just finished. Read about it here, Ravelry Deets here.

The Big Moment

We stayed at a beautiful B&B called the Norris House in Leesburg, VA and the wedding was held across the street at the Birkby House. It was a phenomenal weekend but this week is back to my ever-growing to-do list and blogging regularly!

Looky What I Helped Name!

2010-07-27T14:32:00.000-06:00

Some time ago Miss Ellen of EllenKatherine (a fellow Etsy Knitter's Team member) asked for help in naming her new socks I decided to take a look and see what I thought would be a good name for them.

Living in the southwest, I knew that these socks had all of the colors of our nightly sunsets (they are so gorgeous people, you must experience them for yourselves sometime). I suggested the name Native Sunset and found out yesterday that she decided to go with my suggestion!

Cute socks, no? They can be yours, just click here to find out more.

Amber Alexander's Dreamy Animal Paintings

2010-07-26T09:00:00.002-06:00

I came across amberalexander in my Suggested Shops and I am so glad I did! I love the dreamy quality of her work, I love that animals are her subjects and that she uses personification to bring them to life and give them humanistic qualities.

Looking at her shop and examining the paintings and prints really makes me want to bust out some paper and water colors even though I'm not a painter. I'm sure I can find something around the house to paint with...

With Our Powers Combined We Are...!

2010-07-23T08:49:00.000-06:00

Part duck, part beaver, part snake, part alligator, the Platypus is kind of an odd creature. After posting a necklace featuring a platypus the other day, I was curious as to what other kinds of platy-wear I could find. And of course, Etsy did not disappoint:

1) Platypus Flash Drive by hemingwayfun
2) Cute Little Platypus Needle Felted Figure by LittleElfsToyshop
3) Platypus Dictionary Pendant by TripleNerdScore
4) Platypus Stuffed Toy Pattern by FunkyFriendsFactory
5) The Platypus - Nature's Non Sequitur Pin by beanforest
6) ACEO Signed Print - Platypus with Hat by poordogfarm
7) Platypus Print by berkleyillustration

Guest Post!

2010-07-22T09:03:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone, I would like to direct you to ScoutieGirl's Blog today, I have a guest post over there!

Circuit Board Nerd Sign by banished

I talk about the link between creativity and science, trying to show that creativity isn't just a 'right-brained' luxury :)

The Cutest Necklaces I've Ever Seen

2010-07-20T09:00:00.000-06:00

I love animals, I love silver jewelry. marymaryhandmade puts the two together and she does it in such a cute way!

How can you not fall in love with these critters? That baby sloth has been in my favorites for ages!

I love the way she uses simple but colorful backgrounds, it really makes the pieces speak for themselves. Not to mention, she also makes inanimate objects cute and smiley!

Its All Coming Back!

2010-07-19T09:00:00.002-06:00

There will be a MASSIVE shop update through out the day today.

All of my knitted items are coming back to the shop!

All of my hats, my scarves, mitts, bags, and other et ceteras will be added to the shop and finally available for purchase again :)

Who else is excited? (Obviously, I am!)

A Beautiful End To The Day

2010-07-15T10:05:00.000-06:00

Here is our sunset from yesterday, gorgeous no?

I love all of the colors that you can see in the sunsets of the southwest, it kinda makes up for living in a place that looks like a cat box ;)

Lockets

2010-07-14T09:00:00.002-06:00

Lately I've been crushing on all kinds of lockets. I like the fact that a pretty pendant can be more than a pretty pendant, there's something on the inside.

I like the big ones with long chains, the small ones with short chains and everything in between, check out some of my faves from Etsy.

1. Rose Locket with Watch from amazingcollection4u
2. Turkish Treasure from Sparklepeach
3. Honey Bee from Cosmicfirefly
4. Bird, Moon, Swirl from MStevensonDesigns
5. Butterfly Vintage Pocketwatch from trinketsforkeeps

Custarddiary

2010-07-13T09:00:00.002-06:00

This shop has been in my Favorites for a while and for obvious reason!

The photos are phenomenal, so inviting, so colorful and the detail shots are fantastic. And the clothes are too cute and so very functional.

I can't wait to add one of their dresses to my collection. I would live in sundresses in the summer if I could!

What's your favorite outfit, theme or color for summer?

New Mexico Knitters! (And Wannabe Knitters!)

2010-07-12T07:23:00.001-06:00

I'm teaching classes this Saturday! I will be teaching beginning knitting and continental style knitting :) More details here.

I would love to meet you and you're friends so be sure to sign up today! Sign ups close soon, so don't hesitate.

Just Trying To Help

2010-07-08T09:00:00.000-06:00

I know that I am not alone when I say that the oil spill going on right now in the Gulf literally causes pain in my chest. It is an awful, awful thing; so many animals, ecosystems, and people are being affected by it and I wish that I could help.

White Whale Scrabble Tile Pendant

There are a number of shops on Etsy that are donating part or all of their profits to organizations that are helping get through this disaster, and one shop in particular is completely dedicated to helping clean up the oil spill: HelpTheGulfCoast.

Sensory Perception

I'm sure many of you have heard of this shop before, but for those that haven't, I encourage you to check it out. If you need to find gifts for birthdays, weddings, parties or other events, check this shop first!

Fine Silver Bouquet Pendant

Artists are donating their items to the shop and all of the proceeds go to help Oxfam America and the National Wildlife Federation. So far they have donated thousands of dollars to each!

Tree Hugger Shirt

We can't all go to the coast and help scrub oil off the birds, but we can each donate a few dollars to help in the relief efforts, can't we?

Dolphin and Sea Shells Soaps

A Cute New-to-Me Jewelry Shop

2010-07-07T09:00:00.002-06:00

I stumbled across redchuckstress yesterday while checking out my Twitter (don't follow me yet? you should ;) ).

I not only think the designs are cute, but I also really like the backgrounds! They give the pieces in her shop some personality and make it stand out from other, similar jewelry shops.

The Soda Pop Stop

2010-07-06T08:15:00.000-06:00

After watching the video Cat posted over on her blog about the Soda Pop Stop, we decided we just had to try a few new sodas. Now, normally, Matt and I aren't soda drinkers, neither of us really likes all the carbonation and HFCS companies put in them, but we do like supporting small businesses and trying new things. So when our box arrived the other day we were so excited to try all the new sodas!

We got 8 sodas altogether, 2 rose sodas, 2 cherry, 2 mint julep, a vanilla cream and a cucumber.

First, Matt tried the Cherry.

It was so good, so cherry-y, and very sweet. It had a bit too much carbonation (probably from being jostled around a mail truck for a day or two) and may have exploded a small bit when we opened it. But it was gooood.

I tried the Rose first.

What does a rose soda taste like? I would have to say, like how roses smell. Its hard to put into descriptive words because it really does just taste like rose! I highly recommend it and will definitely be ordering more ;)

Next, we tried the Vanilla Cream.

Matt is a fan of cream sodas, I am not, but this one was good, it kind of tasted like homemade, carbonated, vanilla ice cream.

We tried the Cucumber Soda when we were enjoying our 4th of July fireworks and we both really enjoyed it, we should've ordered two of them instead of just one because we fought over it a little haha. I know cucumber soda probably doesn't sound good, but give it a try and then try and tell me you didn't like it, you won't be able to!

The mint soda we tried yesterday.

I don't really like super minty things (peppermint, spearmint gum, toothpaste, etc) because they make me feel nauseous, but this soda was sweet and just under too-minty status. It tasted like how I believe all mint chocolate chip ice creams should taste (they seem to be turning into mostly vanilla with green coloring - there is no mint flavor!).

So, if you haven't tried the Soda Pop Stop yet, I highly recommend it. And even if you have! Go back and try something new!

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes.

2010-07-05T10:45:00.000-06:00

I know many a female who have more than enough pairs of shoes to supply a small army.

When it comes to finding vintage shoes in various sizes however (especially smaller sizes it seems, imo) the task of finding new footwear can be daunting. I love the james rowland shop for this very reason, it is stocked with only vintage shoes and they are categorized by size!

Not to mention you can find all kind of cute, fashionable and functional styles.

Personally, I am a massive fan of wingtips, and these come in my size! How cute are they?

And ever-fashionable Starr Crowe, over at A Thought Is The Blossom, recently posted that clogs are the pair to have.

Finda a pair in your size! There are tons to choose from :)

Which style is your favorite?

Animal XRays

2010-07-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

I stumbled upon Strawberryluna when this print caught my eye:

Even before realizing that its part of an alphabet series, I loved it. Elephants are my fave and I love the way this is kind of cutesie-morbid.

Check out the rest of the alphabet series, what's your favorite letter?

Produce Stands

2010-06-30T09:00:00.001-06:00

Hey my knitting readers, I've started another blog to host all of my knitting so that my non-knitting readers over here don't get bored with all the yarn talk - check it out!

We stopped at Produce Stand outside of Chama the other day on our way home from Pagosa Springs and were given slices of watermelon. Yellow watermelon. I didn't even know yellow watermelon existed?! Did you?

After we had finished those wedges, we were given some of pink watermelon and both were delicious, flavorful and quickly gone. I normally don't like watermelon because its too watery and doesn't have enough flavor, but these slices were amazing!

These Etsy finds remind me of summer, fresh produce and soaking up the sun :)

1) Picnics! Eco Friendly Blanket from SewnNatural
2) Sunglasses! Vintage Red Sunglasses from EShipShop
3) Sundresses! Vintage Sundress from Homecoming
4) Tomatoes! Mister Tomato from YuliaKazansky
5) Green Leaves! Lush from mistflowerphoto
6) Sunburns (not so "!") Sunburn 1964 from ValerieGalloway

What's your favorite way to spend a summer day?

**And please fill out my little survey :) you can find it in the upper left hand corner, under my banner but above everything else! Thank you so much!

The Pagosa Slouch

2010-06-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

Remember that collaboration I told you about? The one that I'm working on with lylianmae? Who spun roving dyed by ArtemisArtemis? Well its almost here! I wanted to give you all a sneak peak at the finished piece ;)

Its being knit up by some test knitters right now and I hope to have the pattern out to you soon, at the latest, the end of next week. What do you think? Are you excited for this hat? I am!

Could You All Do Me A Quick Favor?

2010-06-28T18:10:00.002-06:00

And take my short and sweet survey? It will help me to see what my readers like and don't like :)

Click here to take survey

Some Lessons Can Only Be Learned The Hard Way

2010-06-28T09:00:00.000-06:00

And the fact that puppies and inner tubing down a river is one of those lessons.

It started out a good idea, she likes water, we like tubing, we'll bring her along and she can swim alongside!

But uh....that's not quite the way it turned out, and here are my battle scars to prove it:

(Disclaimer: the following photos show a lot of leg, but nothing that would normally be covered by a bathing suit ;) )

The scratches you can see up by my knee have bruised underneath so now it looks like I got in a fight with a bobcat or something.

We ended up flipping the little raft a few times and the final time it busted, along with my left hand, wrist and heels. My flip flops did not make it to the end ('end' here was improvised, about half way through the original planned trip) with us and I had to get another cheapo pair to finish the trip with (the ones I'm wearing in the above photo).

Our adventure was well worth it although next time we'll leave the pup at home ;)

Flashback Friday - Kitties

2010-06-25T09:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to this week's installment of Flashback Friday! Haven't heard of Flashback Friday? Head on over to ChristopherandTia's blog to see what its all about and how you can participate :D

A few years ago, when I was a wee college Freshman, living in the dorms with my first ever roommate, we saw a sign in the campus post office for free kitties. Now, living in the dorms you aren't allowed to have any kind of pet, not even a fish (which doesn't really make sense, no one is allergic to pet fish...) and of course we didn't agree with this rule and went ahead to just go look at the kitties.

And we came home with two. As a smaller person, I immediately bonded with the runt, a little girl (on the right), and my roommate brought back a rambunctious little boy (the bigger guy on the left). They loved to sleep on our shoulders, laps, stomachs and chests as we ~~procrastinated~~ did homework. We kept them for a few weeks then realized we couldn't afford them and the vet bills, so we gave them to some other students who would take good care of them.

This was not the best idea we ever had, but it also wasn't the worst ;)

Knitting News

2010-06-24T09:00:00.001-06:00

Whats going on on the knitting front over here at SillyLittleLady? Lots 'o' stuff!

I'm finished with the knitting part of the collaboration with lylianmae and am writing up the final draft of the pattern, although I still need a name for it...

I'm trucking away on the Max Suit (click here to see the process), finished one leg, now working on the other, the end is coming closer and closer with every stitch and I can't wait to see what it looks like finished!

I'm also designing and working up another pattern, this time a cute little cardigan but I don't want to give away too many details. Let's just say, it uses these materials ;)

Oh, and of course there is always that secret knitting that I worked on in Paris that I can't tell you about yet, but someday my good readers! Someday!

What a Face to Wake Up To

2010-06-23T09:00:00.000-06:00

Don't you think waking up to this face n the morning would put you in a good mood?

That is, until she terrorizing the house, the other dogs, your shoes, but before all hell breaks loose, she sure is a cute puppy isn't she?

Recipe: Curried Quinoa

2010-06-22T09:00:00.001-06:00

As vegetarians, we have to find protein wherever we can and quinoa (pronouced Keen-Wah) is a great food to find it in. It is (I think) the only complete protein found in nature that isn't an animal, you don't have to mix it with other foods to get all of the necessary proteins for your diet like you do with, say, black beans and whole wheat tortillas.

One of our favorite ways to cook up this delicious food is to put it in curry. We made this recipe the other night and I thought maybe ya'll would like to make it for yourselves :) You can use whatever vegetables please you, like most of my recipes, this one is very easily customizable.

Ingredients:
1/3 cup dry quinoa
2 tbs olive oil (olive oil because I've heard that vegetable oil causes cellulite, does anyone know if this is true?)
1 chopped onion
2 chopped bell peppers (we used green and red)
1 cup chopped carrots
1 stalk chopped broccoli
2 gloves diced garlic
1 cube of Curry
curry powder to taste
just a smidge of ground ginger

Rinse the quinoa in cold water and save any grains from going down the drain with a fine mesh or coffee filter. The quinoa must be rinsed because it is naturally covered with a substance called saponin that will repel birds and insects. Rinsing this substance off (and soaking for twelve hours (this isn't necessary, but it does help)) allows for the quinoa to be digested more easily. Do you see the sudsy-lookin' stuff on the top of the water? That's how you know that you've rinsed off the saponin.

Moving on, when you are ready to cook, after the quinoa has been soaked or rinsed, saute the onion, bell pepper, carrots and other veggies in the oil until they are soft

At the same time, cook the quinoa, removing any sudsy saponin (we do this by simply spooning it out as it boils)

As the veggies are softening, add a bit of curry powder and ground ginger to them to let it seep in.

To make the sauce, we break off one of these curry cubes, mix it with some water, salt and flour to thicken it up. Feel free to make your own version of the curry sauce, when we don't have these blocks, we mix curry powder, a bit of milk, egg yolks, salt, sage and ginger together.

After the sauce is prepared, add it to the veggies and let them simmer for 5 or 10 minutes.

Serve the quinoa as a bed for the veggies and sauce and enjoy your nutritious, protein-filled meal!

Quinoa is a great rice substitute, it will mix in with stir fries, soups and salads as well as make a delicious dish by itself, if you haven't tried it, I encourage you to!

New Camera :)

2010-06-21T09:00:00.004-06:00

My old (not really old, only a few months old) bit the dust and it would cost more to fix it than I paid for it and so I took this as a great excuse to buy a new camera! Unable to afford a DSLR (which I really *really* wanted) I opted to get the most advanced digital that I could find, just a step down from the DSLRs. I decided to get myself a Nikon CoolPix L110, and let me tell you, I love it!

Wanna see the first few pictures I took with it (of course I couldn't just let the camera sit in its pretty box, I tore through it the moment I sat down!)? I really love the Macro setting on this camera, it is worlds better than the macro on my other camera and it makes my mom's car look sexy :) Or maybe a tad dusty hehe, it picks up on everything!

And look at how much better this yarn looks than when I first showed it to you (granted the first photos were with my mom's not-quite-as-good-as-my-old-camera camera).

I can tell I'm going to have fun with this guy. Oh, and I named him Cliq. He's substantial enough to need a name :)

Summer Laze

2010-06-17T12:59:00.000-06:00

Matt and I took Lisa and a friend's foster dog on a hike last weekend up in the mountains near here and packed ourselves a little picnic. It was gorgeous, beautiful weather, beautiful scenery and great company. Sometimes, especially after a long week at work, you just need to find a warm, sunny rock and enjoy the summer laze.

Light Brown Hare

2010-06-16T09:00:00.000-06:00

Are you all familiar with the shop Light Brown Hare? If you're not, you should be.

She sells beautiful hand dyed yarns, stitch markers and spinning fibers. The yarns are dyed in very small batches and no skein is ever exactly alike so you can always have one of a kind pieces to give to your friends, family or yourself :D

Visit her blog for giveaways, updates and chit chat with her on Twitter.

And, she sent me some wonderful, very unique stitch markers last week! I cannot WAIT to use them!

Another Collaboration!

2010-06-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to announce to you all that I am in the works of another collaboration with another Etsy seller! This time, the wonderful yarnie is lylianmae, a yarn and fiber dyer, spinner and knitter.

(This picture sssoooo does not do the yarn justice)*

I will keep you all abreast of the collaboration and let you know how the pattern is coming, in the mean time, check out her shop and don't forget that you can request for fiber to be spun into yarn if you love the colorway but don't spin yourself ;)

Evergreen - 400 yds

Gobstopper 4.1 oz SW Merino

*My camera has died and I'm in the process of upgrading, more on this to come!

The Green T Turned Orange

2010-06-14T14:23:00.000-06:00

Hello readers! Today I want to share with you the creation of puravidaknits (Ravelry link).

She made her own version of the Green T! (Ravelry deets or get the pattern yourself!)

I absolutely love the color, don't you? She used Alora from Rozetti Yarns

Isn't Pam just adorable?

Have you made your own project from one of my patterns? Please share! I love to see others' renditions :D

Father's Day Gift Ideas

2010-06-11T09:00:00.002-06:00

Father's Day is around the corner, have you got your Dad covered? If you are still looking for that perfect gift, here are some great ideas.

1) 2 Mustache Rocks Glasses from BreadandBadger
2) Vintage Handcraft Watch German Airforce from revolt70
3) Solar Power Tshirt from ScreamPrinting (actually, they have a ton of perfect tshirts!)
4) Silk Wind Turbine Tie from toybreaker
5) Guinness Beer Bar from SoapDreams
6) Cobalt Blue Shaving Mug Set from sheilasthings

What are you getting for the Dad in your life this year? Do you have any plans or traditions to celebrate?

Wanna See Something Cute?

2010-06-10T14:57:00.000-06:00

My momma and I are walking this dog every week day. We leash him up, hand him his frisbee and head off to the park!

He carries his own frisbee all the way to the park and catches it nearly every time we throw it! It is the cutest little act ever, and walking to and from the park with the frisbee in his mouth always catches the smiles of passers by.

Yesterday while we were on the way to the park, he stopped in his tracks and stared into the trees and while Mom and I were trying to get him moving again we didn't see the small herd of deer he had spotted!

On the way back, the deer were still there, relaxing in the shade, staying hidden from much of the world around them.

Do you have wild animals in your area?

The Heat of Summer

2010-06-09T09:00:00.000-06:00

Its been up in the 90s the past few days here in northern New Mexico and I wish I could be here instead:

I Think We Dreamed It by risamay

Wearing one of these:

Chloe by ladramaqueen

With a pair of these:

Heart Shaped Glasses from overthemoonpenny

For those of you near a beach, take a dip for me!

The Louvre

2010-06-08T09:00:00.000-06:00

We returned to the Louvre on Wednesday after our fail on Tuesday (see yesterday's post) and it was well worth it! We saw so many beautiful statues, sculptures, paintings and drawings.

(Click to make the image larger :))

Of course we made our way to the epic Mona Lisa,

No, no, I meant the painting, not my pup (hehe)

I highly recommend spending as much time as you can at the Louvre if you're ever in Paris, you won't be able to see everything in one day, your feet and back will probably be killing you, but it will all be worth it!

More Exploring: A Pretty Church, and the Arc

2010-06-07T09:00:00.001-06:00

Tuesday, we went exploring, hoping to see the Louvre, but, sadly, its not open on Tuesdays. It was still a good day though, we happened upon this absolutely beautiful church on our way and walked around, took some photos and a brochure.

It had paintings on almost every wall, gorgeous depictions of various biblical scenes.

There were statues,

And of course, there was an organ.

This church was different from Notre Dame, it had the tall ceilings, stained glass,

But it seemed a bit more eclectic, and I suppose seeing one of the nuns riding a scooter wasn't bad either ;)

Then we made our way to the Arc de Triomphe and although they were cleaning it and I didn't get to see it in all of its glory, it was still a pretty neat thing.

Flashback Friday - Cow Town

2010-06-04T06:34:00.003-06:00

Welcome to this week's installment of Flashback Friday! Don't know what Flashback Friday is? Check out Christopher and Tia's blog to learn more and see how you can participate!

When I was younger, we lived in New Jersey and would, on occasion, on the weekends go to this flea market type place called Cow Town. Once you saw this guy, you knew you had made it**:

Of course it was very crowded and filled to the brim with all sorts of interesting things. I distinctly remember one sales man, in the corner of a building near an entrance or exit and his advertising was to loudly drawl out with his southern accent "A dollar or less, everything's a dollar or less!" Which sounded more like (read the caps with a loud, very slow tone): "a DOWL-er or less, EV-erythin's a DOWL-er or less!" The Dowl-er or less part started out loud and ended in a lower pitched, softer mumble type thing. This is probably the thing I remember best about Cow Town.

**I did not take this picture, in fact, the picture isn't even an older one, I got it in my email recently from my Grandparents (Hi Grandma and Grandpa!) so I cropped it and lightened it to allow you to see the cowboy better, I hope this isn't cheating ;)

Yarn Shop

2010-06-02T09:00:00.002-06:00

Now, of course I can't come to another country and not check out their fiber goods. I looked online and found one fairly close to me, within walking distance, that had all kinds of good reviews, and that's where I went on Monday.

Its called La Droguerie and some of the highest quality yarns line the walls when you first walk in. Alpaca, cashmere, wool, angora, kid mohair, baby alpaca, linen, bamboo, cotton, and blends of each in all sorts of colors, weights and textures!

There were completed projects made out of the yarns lining the walls as well, and each section of yarn had at least one swatch that had been knitted up so that shoppers can see what the yarn looks like knit up.

Beyond the yarn, there is a plethora of buttons, toggles, patches and embellishments for knitwear or sewn goods, then around the corner lie shelves teeming with jars of beads.

Big beads, small beads, all different shapes, sizes, colors, materials, and purposes.

Not to mention the spools of ribbon! Ribbons and trims of every color, width and design, what would you possibly do with them all!

And of course, a section for faux flowers, butterflies, birds, vines and the like.

La Droguerie really does have something for everyone, but each customer shares one thing in common: how to get the things they want. It took me some time to figure this out, and I had to ask a few other customers to find one who spoke english well enough to explain it to me.

Basically, you look around, find exactly what you want, then you wait in a line (the line for yarn, buttons, beads, or ribbons and faux foliage). The line takes up the most time, but once you reach the front of it, you get the sole attention of the salesperson there to help you. You tell them what you want (or show them) and they get it for you. In the case of my yarns, I told her which I wanted and she asked how much, they sell yarn by weight, not necessarily by yardage or straight skeins or balls. I got 50g each of the two shown below.

(More to come on these goodies later)

After they get you your desired merchandise, they take the goods and the receipt to the checkout counter, you pay and you're on your way.

I've never been to a shop quite like that before, but it was a great first, lone adventure :)

Notre Dame

2010-06-01T11:00:00.003-06:00

Saturday, Megan and I made our way to Notre Dame. We saw some neat things and grand buildings on the way:

We also crossed the Seine:

And then, there it was, and let me tell you, you would not believe how big this place is, inside, the ceilings are so high up and everything is so beautifully and exquisitely detailed.

I think if you click the picture, you can see the images bigger, and I apologize for the fuzziness of some of them, its hard to take pictures in a dark space.

There is so much stained glass, and some of it is original to the building!

We were able to go inside the treasury and see all sorts of interesting relics.

If you ever get there and don't want to pay to see inside the treasury, you can still see all kinds of amazing things in the Notre Dame, we didn't go up to the towers, but that is another tour you can pay to see.

Our Apartment

2010-06-01T09:00:00.003-06:00

These are the stairs leading up to our apartment here in Paris. They are a little crooked and each step is half wood, half brick. The bottom floor of the building is called floor zero and the next floor up is the 1st floor, and that's where we live. We have a small courtyard outside some huge windows that I sleep under which allows me to see the views shown in this post.