the firefly express

Well, dammit.

2012-01-29T17:23:00.000-08:00

grammy chic from ChixyCoco

I did it again. I found the greatest thing in the universe. Today the greatest thing in the universe is this mint condition vintage sweater, discovered by the keen eye of UK Etsy seller Chixycoco. Top that, Anthropologie! Chixy's shop is filled with lots of other mid-century magics, but this really takes the cake.

I would never have the patience to do this, but if you happened to have a sweater that needed more flair, it looks like all you need to know is satin stitch and French knots to make this happen. Just throwing it out there.

Done and done!

2012-01-28T11:18:00.000-08:00

Cat Head Cameos, by ME

It's easy to make stuff, but it certainly is a slog to take pictures of it! Sheesh. I finally sucked it up and took a bunch of pictures of things I've made, so I'm slowly updating my Etsy shop with new thingies. Slow and steady wins the race?

Here's a little video gold from Dionne Warwick. The use of boring office chairs is really awesome, as well as her eye makeup.

Pop!

2012-01-24T13:59:00.000-08:00

This is pretty much what it's like whenever I crack open a soda. I am glamorous all the time.

Socks

2012-01-20T14:40:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to make socks for Peter for a few years now. Turns out, I'm impatient and socks are hard. Above is the current status. I also like to give Peter a "activity present" for Christmas, because not only is it fun, but I always get to go too. Score! More often than not I choose from the awesome menu of SF Sketchfest events. I went to theater school with some of the people who started Sketchfest, although I did not know them well (I was a awkward underling with limited confidence and these people had their s together) but I did have scene shop with the beautiful and funny Janet Varney, who once lent me a black skirt because I forgot mine. She was nice. Anyhoo.

We're going to see the Thrilling Adventure Hour, which sounds something like A Prairie Home Companion except not terrible. I like famous people and funny people, so I'm really excited to see Bruce McCullough of Kids in the Hall, Paget Brewster from the Conways' favorite crime procedural, Criminal Minds, and my long-time comedian crush, modern dandy Paul F. Tompkins. I can't wait to get fancy and enjoy the humors!

Patchwork Pretty

2012-01-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

Oh, what! I want all of these brooches from Tasmanian (!) artist Shade of a Bonsai.

Pretzels!

Craftcation!

2012-01-15T11:30:00.000-08:00

Hey! I'm going to this! Mostly so I can hang out at Golf 'n Stuff, the freeway-side mini golf park my parents were often so kind as to take their children on our way to LA. 2012 is all about leaving the house and my comfort zone, and this conference seems ideal! Crystal? Haycox? Anyone? Come with me and we can walk back and forth in a hotel pool!

Color Crazy

2012-01-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

This. Is. Special. From Boo and Boo Factory on Etsy. Dang.

Les Cailloux

2012-01-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

While I prepare an epic post about the damn delightful Disney Family Museum, here's a little treat from Michel Gondry from the good ol' days, the 90's.

Yo, 2012!

2012-01-02T18:53:00.000-08:00

pic from SuperRadNow

Already 2012 is teaching me special lessons on coveting things beyond my grasp! Doggone you, Austin Cox aluminum chess set from 1962. It's not so amazing in this pic, but we saw one in person a few days ago at Moderne in Berkeley, a place I was always afraid to enter because it appeared to contain only expensive midcentury magic prizes for those in a higher tax bracket, and it was a real sight to behold.

Especially right after my trip to the Walt Disney Family Museum (much more on this later), its resemblance to the It's a Small World castle was obvious to me and even clear to Peter, who is ambivalent about Disney but excited about metalwork. Do I have $650 for a decorative chess set? No, I do not. This is why I need to become an art director on Mad Men. The real glory of this thing is the way it looks behind the blue plastic box.

Dolly!

2011-12-27T11:34:00.000-08:00

Santa brought me this Spitfire Girl dolly for Christmas. I love her so much!

I also got this teapot. !!! I'm so glad that others are indulging my obsession, and I hope that this Russian doll trend lasts forever. Also, now I can have a tea party with my special pillow. More sugar, Natasha? Of course!

Christmas time is here

2011-12-25T18:33:00.001-08:00

How did it come so quickly? I've been busy doing all the little IRL things that keep time passing so quickly, so here's a superblast of December hijinx. Merry Christmas and cozy times to everyone!

Portland and back, Part 1

2011-12-17T19:14:00.000-08:00

Obviously, I had the best time last weekend in Portland. It was the perfect storm of crafty magic, old and new friends, and Christmas joy! I was there primarily to vend at the absolutely delightful show, Crafty Wonderland, but spent all my other hours in the company of the best people in the world.

My booth!

My wonderful, wonderful booth neighbors, who could not have been nicer and more welcoming. Some people just radiate warmth and silliness, a combo I can always appreciate, but these people are rare. Janet Julian and Carye Bye, I miss you guys already!

Passed out on the Dr. Kildare pillow assigned to me by my gracious host.

All packed up. Pretty darn proud that I could do this with one suitcase.

I didn't get out much at the craft fair, but I made it here. The sweet Vanessa of Wanderlust; why do I not live in this tiny palace? Portland makes me kind of crazy because, among other things, it's a bit easier to live your dream without breaking the bank. California is brutal in that regard, but I've made a lot of inroads this year in creating a life that works for me!

Presents!

Tiny goods made by me.

The talk of the show: I spotted this masterpiece while setting up and had to get a pic of it before the mayhem began. Incredible workmanship, and no, it's not for sale.

I got a nasty cold immediately upon my return to California, which is a fun trick my body likes to play whenever a stressful/superfun period of life ends. So I've been chillin' with some Constant Comment and enjoying some much-needed quiet time at home. More Portland adventures to come (including the most epic party of all time. A taste: clown paintings, burl sculptures, and native wisdom!)

Only 600 miles away!

2011-12-05T16:54:00.000-08:00

Yesterday one of my favorite customers at Modern Mouse (and a Pollyannacowgirl fan, so nice!) came in with this shirt on. I almost punched her in the face with excitement. Turns out Disneyland made this shirt for the 45th anniversary of It's a Small World, and of course, you can only get it at Disneyland. This means only one thing: time for a little trip!

While I was researching the probability of procuring this shirt, I found a lot of other incredible Mary Blair stuff created in 2011. This bracelet? Amazing. Also expensive and probably long sold out, so that actually helps my covetous little heart.

pic from Disney Food Blog (yes, it exists!)

This teapot also poses no threat as its purchase would violate my "no more glassware" rule. The resident dishwasher already suffers enough from my ten thousand kooooky tea cups and their slightly less numerous teapot companions. However, temptation is strong. It's been about three years since I've been to the Happiest Place on Earth; is there a Groupon for the entrance fee yet?

CCA Holiday Fair, SATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY!

2011-12-01T14:42:00.000-08:00

This is where I'll be hawking my wares on Saturday! Come to California College of the Arts' millionth annual Holiday Fair and you'll find some incredible art and lots of funny art students being really art-studenty. It's great. It'll be nice and cold, there will be cider and coffee, there might be homemade tamales, and the CCA Oakland campus is so cozy.

I like to think that every dollar I make at this show (which I've been doing for the past 6 years!) makes a wee dent into my massive student loan debt incurred by my two lovely years studying at CCA, but really, the earnings will probably go to deep-dish pizza and pipe cleaners (my life is weird). Ever since I started applying to grad schools in the winter of 2004, I considered the MFA experience as giving a really huge gift to myself, equivalent to buying an Escalade. But honestly, it was also an investment that helped give me the confidence that's turned me into a writer that sometimes gets paid the big bucks to write about the things I love. Yay!

Heart it!

2011-11-29T12:07:00.000-08:00

This video is possibly the cutest thing ever made. So simple! Hot lady + hearts + striped shirt = magic!

ME WANT FOOOD

2011-11-28T11:56:00.000-08:00

The finest snack available! Pic from Club Trader Joe's.

I like the holidays because they put peppermint on all the foods! These TJ's pretzels are on the top of my pepperminted list; they are obscenely good. Like the best kettle corn, the sweet/salty mix is perfect. I also like the chocolate-peppermint covered Joe-Joe's, but they're a little rich for everyday consumption.

Thanksgiving phone

2011-11-26T23:56:00.001-08:00

I finally got me one of them newfangled iPhones! It's pretty incredible. Now I know why everyone can't put theirs down. I am still working out the kinks and finding my favorite Hipstagramomatic settings, of course! So tell me, people of the future: what apps do I simply need to have?

Made with Love by Hannah...for MEEE!

2011-11-14T14:15:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting this skirt for many Christmases now. However, there is something wrong with my brain. In my warped mind, it is acceptable to purchase thousands of tiny treats that end up costing a ton in the long run, but I can rarely bring myself to spend over $40 on anything (excepting bills, student loan payments, and therapy). It is a pretty dumb system, granted, as it doesn't actually save me any money, but keeps me from actually getting what I want most of the time. Money! Whaddya gonna do?

Anyway, I finally buckled down after being in love with this gingerbread skirt from Made With Love by Hannah for ages. (It wasn't even expensive , esp. considering that it's handmade by a magical lady who lives in a gnome house, it's just that I am insane.) It's going to be my costume for the five craft fairs I'm doing this winter! Business tip: I find that customers seem to like a dressed-up vendor, and I always sell more when I wear my cowboy hat. I think that the gingerbread cowgirl combination is going to rock worlds (most of all, my own.) I can't wait!

Another hot holiday tip; Christmas music starts on KOIT this Friday. KOIT is the greatest soft-hits channel that has ever existed and their mix of Christmas music is super-traditional and awesome for the purist. It begins!

Oh no they didn't

2011-11-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

from Fabricworm

I don't know anything about this Hoodie fabric line except that they want me to spend money that I do not have on fabric that is too good to ever use.

It's ON

2011-11-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

Last week I accidentally bought a couple hundred spun cotton heads thinking they were beads. Oops! Now I have big plans to make some small friends.

Spun cotton is basically the best thing in the world, but no one seems to be using it for the greater good; the internet is full of too many pastely shabby chic collagey things made with it. I want to see if I can recreate some of these kinds of folks without them looking too cheezy. We shall see!

I have officially started Christmas crafting. I think I've made the mistake in the past of waiting until it feels Christmasy to get started, and then there's just no time left. I have high hopes for finishing some projects this year!

Oakland Street Finds, Edition Infinity

2011-10-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

photo from Etsy; the one on the bottom was the one I found

All I ever found on the streets of San Francisco were dirty mattresses, but here, the gutters are a cornucopia of treasures! Snagged this suitcase on Saturday night; it's in perfect condition. There were two, but I didn't want to be a hog.

blendblend

2011-10-24T16:15:00.000-07:00

double-sided cross stitch necklace "The Constance" from blendblend

I love Etsy. As many fussy problems as people have with it, it really does allow you the freedom to test your creative mind and see if anyone else is into what you produce, without too much agony and scary commitment. My wonderful friend and fellow blogger Crystal shared an idea with me this summer. I was like, "GO FOR IT!" A few months later, her new shop, Blend, is open and it's just incredible. I'm so happy she decided to take the Etsy plunge, because look at these necklaces! I am blown away by the teeny tiny needlework, the colors, and the super-modern/totally 60's design. Plus, they're double-sided!


the other side of "The Constance." dang!

I just snapped up the one below as it seemed to feature purely Pollyannacowgirl colors and you know I cannot resist the power of a good color combo.

Congrats to Crystal; I know her shop will be wildly successful! P.S. I sincerely hope that "The Constance" necklace is named after the classiest Constance I am aware of.

Celebrity Crafting Starring Jeff Goldblum

2011-10-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

I do a lot of searches on Etsy and the internet for craft stuff. It's part of my job, but it's also one of my favorite time-killers. Like the twisted roads Wikipedia can take you down, one Etsy search for "vintage japanese beads" can lead to something unexpected, such as the innocent hunt for "jeff goldblum crafts." I was shocked, shocked, to find nothing! How could this be? I thought there would be at least one thing. Nope. In a world where this exists, why should I be left unsatisfied?

There is a possible conspiracy. A few months ago I found the most beautiful painting of Jeff Goldblum being eaten by a whale. In the 30 seconds between showing it to Peter and going back to buy it, the painting sold. Seriously.

I dropped a lot of hints to the crafty community at large, but with limited results, I've taken matters into my own hands. Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you my first Jeff Goldblum craft. It was inspired by this nice tutorial I found on Pinterest from the blog Virginia & Charlie.

so pretty, right?

I used a slightly different technique because I am lazy and weirdly not a perfectionist when it comes to crafts. I printed out a pic of the classic "Jeff Goldblum is watching you poop" image (which is originally from The Fly, thank you very much, one of my favorite movies and something else I've been thinking about lately), placed it and a piece of embroidery transfer paper on top of my canvas, and started tracing with a ball-point pen. Then I followed the lines created by the transfer paper with white puffy paint.

my printer's got probs but it actually helped for this project.

I let the paint dry and while I was pretty pleased, it seemed to be lacking in depth, so I found some watercolors and did a nice sky blue wash over the whole thing. The result:

I didn't quite get the insane quality in his eyes, but puffy paint is a challenging medium. Next time! I think actual embroidery or plush are next on the list; what do you think? Oh, and here's a fun video of the man himself on Tim and Eric. (Side note: This is one of my main depression symptoms. And I don't even take Wait-Mate!)

chococat

2011-10-14T14:07:00.000-07:00

I generally eschew chocolate for other sweet treats like pies, lemon bars, and gummi candies, but I bought this bar a few years ago (for the packaging, of course) and it's really good! The french bread bits are a little salty so it has that sweet/savory thing going on. Also, CATS!

Fancy British People Being Fancy

2011-10-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

What baby doesn't want to hear the tale of a saucy gal and a standoffish dude and all their drama? No baby, that's what baby! I found Pride and Prejudice for Babies while browsing at Nathan & Co. after my massage on Wednesday (yes, I am trying to treat myself right after a streak of bad bad days/weeks/months).

I also stayed up late last night, finally reading the copy of Brideshead Revisited that I found on the street (I'm serious, there are so many good books lining the gutters of Oakland. I don't get it.) I think that this tale of shattered innocence, adultery, and hereditary alcoholism would also make an excellent board book for children.

I've never read any Evelyn Waugh (only to be said in the poshest of British accents; Eeeevelyn Waaaugh) before and it was pretty addictive. I was not pleased with the ending, but what can you do? Now I get to watch this:

which should not be a problem due to this:

Halloweenie

2011-09-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

I'm really happy to be working with Wikia Easy Crafts because it's forcing me to be creative and invent my own projects (I am lazy lazy)! I've always wanted to try one of these yarn wreaths, so I did a fall/Halloween-themed one, and I'm pretty darn pleased with it. Also, obscenely easy. Check it out and leave a comment if you're so inclined!

Couch

2011-09-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

When I make my own ye-ye video where I walk through a series of really cute rooms, this Anthro couch will be in one of them. I actually love the couch we have, primarily because I didn't have to pay for it and it's pretty nice. It's beige and totally neutral, which helps to even out the decor explosion on the walls and everywhere.

from SLO Swap Meet! Best find evar.

We are trying to keep the house clean for at least a week. Anyone who lives in a small space knows that if you leave one thing out, be it a single ball of yarn or a half-finished cup of coffee, soon you will be consumed with an overwhelming filth that threatens to remain forever.

my brother got me this amazing tea set; he is good at presents!

It turns out that when two naturally messy people who love tiny objects fall in love and make a tiny home together, keeping the stuff in check is a real job. It seems that cleaning is also involved, which is hard for me as a person who isn't so hot at tidying up after myself. Ask anyone who I've ever lived with, especially my family. I have problems.

I try to make rules for where the tiny stuff goes; restricting it to certain spots in the house. It kind of works. These pics was taken about two years ago; those shelves now have at least 3 times the stuff on them. Oh well!

Poupee

2011-09-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

How cute is France Gall? I wish her dancing partners were a little less skeezy, but what can you do?

Lucky Lady

2011-09-22T17:49:00.000-07:00

My excellent bf made me this tiny little shelving unit out of scraps from his work. It's amazing and perfect for showcasing my little felted friends. We'll probably paint it red on the outside and yellow on the inside, but I like it as just wood too. Said boyfriend doesn't like to talk it about it too much, but he gets to work on some pretty cool stuff at the machine shop; including this video for GE! They did the resin coating and slicing of these things with a waterjet cutter. I love how it turned out! As a former expert in the field of radiology (5 months filing stuff and answering phones at a medical imaging center), the way this explains CT scan technology is totally awesome to me.

o dang

2011-09-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

So I started slicing and dicing the book of yesterday's post, of course. I thought of some great ideas and thought I could maybe use another copy, so I Googled it, thinking I could find a ton of 'em for cheap (I got it for a quarter). The thing could be worth like $100! Dangit! The one I have is pretty trashed but still in serviceable shape (I only cut out about 10 things). What should I do? Keep cutting or save it?

Pros for saving it: could be worth some bucks. Cons: I'm not super into keeping wonderful things under wraps and this project would be insanely cute. Sigh! Help me, friends!

je lis tu lis

2011-09-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

I snagged this book a few years ago for a pittance at The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse (where I visited this week and made out like a bandit with beloved friend Crystal), and just today felt brave enough to use it for a new crafty project. Cutting into gorgeous books is a mixed bag, but sometimes it's got to be done. Know what I'm sayin'?

I tried to learn French in a pinch before my family graciously took me and my brother to Paris ten years ago, but only got a couple of conversational phrases memorized. I have a weird gift for pronunciation and am pretty good at sounding better than I am at a few languages, but it would be nice to actually know them.

The project includes these babies, and you can probably put two and two together; but in case you can't, it'll be a featured option in my next Wikia Easy Crafts video, filming this weekend!

teaching time!

2011-09-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

me showing the lovely Samantha Barsky how to do somethin' with felt

I love teaching fun and easy things that I know how to do! Since I'm a dabbler in everything and an expert in nothing, teaching beginning crafts is awesome for me. Since starting work at Modern Mouse six (six!) months ago, they've kindly let me teach some workshops. I'm gonna do one tonight based on the tutorial I created for Wikia Easy Crafts, which you can see here! If you've never made the trek out to Alameda, it's worth it; such a strange and charming town, and the shop is the best as well.

Oooh. While watching my own video (yeah, that's how I roll) I discovered something wonderful. I don't know anything about The Craft Lady, but it looks like she's helping promote a chain of craft stores in Utah? I want her dress.

whipped cream and other delights

2011-09-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

image from Childhood Flames

I've had a lot of jobs. I was reminded of one of my first last night while eating a fancy dinner at SPQR with my bff. We had a meringue dessert with whipped cream, fresh figs, and strawberries. It was simple and delicious, and made me think of the boccone dolce at Papa Haydn in Portland, where I spent six months as a cake cutter. That's right, my official title was "cake cutter;" basically, I cut cake and squirted sauces onto plates. Sometimes I would do hostess stuff, but mostly, there was a lot of cake to be cut.

The cakes were treated like precious jewels and we were only allowed to take one kind home for free as it spoiled overnight, the boccone dolce. I took home a container jam-packed with this cake constantly. I cannot tell you how much whipped cream I consumed during those strange months. Yes, I can. SO MUCH WHIPPED CREAM. I also had the special task of carrying a bucket of freshly whipped cream from the bakery down to the restaurant in the morning, where a huge glob went directly into my coffee. It was an easy and pleasant job, but I can create stress anywhere. The most anxiety-producing activity was carrying the cakes up and down the rickety bakery stairs to the restaurant. I only dropped one. It was a boccone dolce.

I don't care!

2011-09-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor Day! I am spending the morning doing the opposite of labor, and I found a little gem that I somehow have missed out on all these years. What? A weird dance sequence from a 50's musical that I haven't seen?! Yes. It's true. From a movie called The I Don't Care Girl, which is all about a sassy vaudevillian (who I think could use a new biopic), I present Mitzi Gaynor, some cats, a lot of feathers, and Oscar Levant at his deadpan best in one of the most nonsensical things I have ever witnessed. Enjoy!

Stolen from MEN!

2011-09-02T22:30:00.000-07:00

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Wow! I thought that the recent nail color trends were totally futuristic, but turns out, they're totally not. Check these ladies from 1962 wearing grey, and that seafoam green that's so popular with the young folk. The British Pathe website is the new *new* greatest timekiller ever; say goodbye to your Labor Day weekend if you dare to start browsing.

the perfect body

2011-08-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

Whilst Googling "ladies victorian swimsuit" for very important reasons, I was stunned by this picture of a posse of adorable curvy women! The thing that strikes me most about it is how confident they all look; they know they look great in their bathing gear and they're gonna go out there and knock 'em dead. So awesome!

booky wooks

2011-08-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to show off some of my books. I can't resist free books on the street, and there's been a lot of great free piles in the hood lately! Just this week I found one called The Loom of Language which looks fun, as well as Rosalind Russell's autobiography and Interview With a Vampire. I've also been hoarding free books onto my Kindle, which causes considerably less clutter but isn't quite as exciting.

OMG!

2011-08-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

OMG Felt Pennant by Rank and File

Do you ever have those days where you have so many tiny things to do that you can't do any of them and end up eating a lot of salty snacks and wallowing in bed? Yeah, me neither. I'm totally on top of everything all the time! WOCKA WOCKA WOCKA! Sigh. I have a lot of random bills and bits and pieces that I keep ignoring, hence the pileup of chaos and feeling of impending doom. What do you do when the to-do list gets overwhelmingly long?

These are a few of my favorite things...

2011-08-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

I love some really distasteful things. Toilet humor is my favorite thing (I try to keep it under the radar as I seriously lose like 5 Twitter followers every time I make a poop joke!). Why choose between highbrow and lowbrow when you can have both? These fine art prints from Legendary Tiger Hero are a great example. They're so wonderful that I'm not even going to make anyone look at them unless they choose to. I still crack up every time I see them, which is every couple of months when I look deep into my forgotten Etsy favorites. Are you ready? "Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens..." Jump in to see the magic!

It's not easy being green

2011-08-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

I know things are rough out there in the world right now, but at least we have this to look forward to:

MUPPET NAIL POLISH. My fave: Rainbow Connection, bottow row left, and Warm & Fozzie, top right. (I swear, this is not turning into a Muppet-themed blog, I just can't help it.) This stuff comes out in November from OPI and I might just splurge as these seem great for a holiday party. WOCKA WOCKA WOCKA!

Late Autumn

2011-08-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

Little Edie paper dolls by Claudia Varosio on etsy

Late summer always makes me think of Grey Gardens. It's still hot, but something is different.

On another note, I do these yoga videos from YogaYak sometimes. I love them. They're free and a lot of them feature real-looking people who are yoga experts but don't have freaky Madonna arms. I think Little Edie might have done a lot of in-home workouts if she had the means. Don't you? Also, I would do a Little Edie workout if someone invented it. Should I invent it?!

vacation vibe

2011-08-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

It's so great when someone else is on vacation and their vacation-vibe is transferred to you, even though you're at home. Honestly, it's almost as good as being on vacation for me, because you see things through new eyes and give yourself permission to indulge (I hate that word; so women's-magazine-chocolatey-decadent, but that's what it is).

My awesome friend Becky was in SF and we went to the Monk's Kettle, a place that seems like just another overpriced hipster pub on 16th and Valencia, but is actually worth every penny as they put magic into their foods and are also extremely friendly. I had the beef cheeks, which sounds disgusting (one reason why I ordered it) but I knew it had to be great. It was. Like, so great that when I Googled it, I found a million other people obsessing over it. Because I had vacation-vibe, I also ordered a huge platter of fries and a second beer. Thanks, Becky!

I also had vacation-vibe on Thursday, when I took Peter on an 18-hour birthday vacation which included an Aimee Mann concert at the Mountain Winery. I am ambivalent about Aimee Mann, but he adores her, and I will admit that she did put on a great show. Also, she is suprisingly hilarious.

We then drove along the windiest roads in California in the middle of the night to get to the Big Basin Tent Cabins. Passenger Peter saw a wild pig and a bunny, while I struggled not to careen off the side of a mountain! I love tent cabins as they mix two of my favorite things, motels and camping. The next morning we got up early, took an easy hike, saw one lonely banana slug, and drove home. Hooray for tiny vacations!

our world

2011-08-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

Nothing has the power to move me like Muppet stuff. But I didn't expect my reaction to this. Within the first few seconds I was sobbing, much to the confusion of my couch partner, who doesn't have the Rainbow Connection to all things Muppet. Get a tissue, have a listen! Also noted: Peter asked if I had heard this song as a child, to which I tearily replied, "yes, yes!" but in actuality I saw Emmet Otter for the first time two years ago. I just cannot resist Muppet magic and I think there is truly something magical about this song.

Manhattan

2011-08-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

Oooh, you guys, I love a good Manhattan, but I've never tried to make one at home until now, using this basic recipe. Not too shabby, although it isn't quite as exciting in a tiny espresso mug as it might be in a martini glass. Manhattans remind me of the glory days drinking with my dear friends at Wilf's, one of the less hip bars in Portland, but a glorious place where we could play glamorous dress-up just for each other, drink cheap Manhattans, and enjoy the genteel clientele (generally a smattering of elderly peeps there to enjoy the famed Bananas Foster).

me in the stripes; note fur coat on the floor

We went to Wilf's monthly to enjoy the piano stylings of a gent whose name escapes me now; it felt like our own private club and we were treated like VIP's every time. Boy, were we lucky!

It looks like Wilf's has updated a bit according to their snazzy new website, but I'll remember $4.00 Manhattans, the Wilf's Breeze, and having a little corner of the world where a bunch of lowly servicefolks got to be the glamorous, glorious people that we always dreamed of.

sailor shoes

2011-08-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

Damn you, Anthropologie! These shoes meet all my criteria; weird color, short stacked heel, open toe. I am already on serious shoe probation and these are bit off-season anyway, so I think I can resist, but damn.

we have a winner!

2011-08-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

The announcement is a little late, but I shall now state that the winner of the Vintage Craft Workshop giveaway is....BECKY HAYCOX! Becky, who I happen to be longtime internet buds with (but is totally the legit winner as I used one of those random number generator thingies), is an amazing crafter, quilter, and seriously funny lady who I had the great pleasure of meeting in person at Renegade LA when she visited the Pollyannacowgirl booth, which immediately made her boyfriend's nose bleed with its crafty powers. Yay Becky! Your book is on the way.

Here are some pics from some of my vintage craft books; the only thing that would make the above any better is if the toilet was brown. I do love a brown terlet.

I pretty much want to eat this Jaeger pattern pamphlet as the colors are tremendous.

Oh, and this is Butch.

Now that we have a scanner (that Peter found for five bucks, thank you very mucho!) I should put up some more pics like this, eh? Thanks to everyone who entered my first giveaway and there will be more to come!

chelsea scotch

2011-08-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

I love Japanese candy, but sometimes it doesn't taste as good as it looks. Chelsea Butterscotch is an exception; it's like the best Werther's Original you ever had. Even the inner wrappers are amazing; apparently the candy maker, Meiji, wanted to give it a swingin' British vibe.


from flickr user kodamakitty

I got a box on my recent venture to Japantown and was reminded how much I love it!

gettin' greasy

2011-08-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to blog about grease jars for ages, specifically, when I realized how much I love cooking with bacon grease. Gross, I know, but my god, it can make things so delicious! I also love the idea that something so nasty can be stored in an adorable little jar created specifically for that purpose. They were a big deal between the 30's-50's, when people really needed to save every last bit of what they had.

The ones that boldly say "GREASE" on them are my favorites; these are jars with nothing to hide. However, this "fat can" may be taking it too far.

federal glass grease jar from gasman201 (nice name!) on etsy

We don't eat a lot of meat at my house, but do a lot of flavoring with a bit of bacon, anchovy, or prosciutto here and there. Using meat as a spice, so to speak, has been awesome and cheap. I'll use the leftover bacon grease to saute greens, which is obscenely good. I was also advised by the genius Crystal to pop popcorn with it; oh, sweet lord. Here's a recipe from the NYT using prosciutto as the magical salty flavor friend it was born to be.

I don't have a grease jar yet, but Etsy is dripping (ha! see what I did there?) with them, so it's only a matter of time. Obviously, they can be used for non-grease purposes as well. Is there a grease jar in your past or future? Do you ever cook with grease like Ma Joad would have?

No-Sew Applique Video Tutorial

2011-08-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

Squee! I'm really excited to share this video! Shot in the brutally adorable home of the lovely Christina Loff (of Chronicle Books fame and now rocking the lifestyle category at Wikia), I show you how to make the easiest craft ever: no-sew applique.

Some fabric is just too good to make something big out of; what if your favorite part ends up cut in half or isn't perfectly placed in the middle of your purse or pillow? I came up with this project so I could showcase the best parts of great fabric without any distractions. Here's the next fabric that's gonna get this treatment:

Again, the devious minds from Kokka conspire to make my brain explode. Thanks again, Fabricworm.

I also get to use Fancy Felt from my beloved Sue of Giant Dwarf; there's nothing more exciting than getting an envelope in the mail filled with the prettiest colors. I've written up a set of step-by-step instructions for this project as well, you can find it on Wikia Easy Crafts. Hope you enjoy, and post a comment if you have any questions at all!

MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!

2011-08-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

Woo-hoo! I got to spend an afternoon at the Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs in San Francisco on Friday, and I left feeling so invigorated and inspired. I spent a bunch of time tooling around with this blog in the hopes of creating a cleaner look and making room for new projects and ideas! I hope you like it. To celebrate the new look, I wanted to give something away! I can't think of anything better than a fresh, beautiful copy of Vintage Craft Workshop by the incomparable Cathy Callahan. Man, it's so good. I really love all the projects, but my favorite parts are the bits of craft history all about the forward-thinking ladies like Aleene Jackson who helped bring the crazy world of craft supplies to life.

I'm pretty sure I visited Aleene's Fibre & Floral Supply when I was little; accompanying my grandmother, who would have been buying miniatures for these amazing Christmas houses she made every year for her church bazaar. (Mom, can I get a confirmation on that?)

So anyway, this giveaway! All you have to do is leave a comment sharing your favorite craft, vintage or modern, and on Friday I'll pick a random winner!

Ch-ch-ch-changes

2011-08-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

print from Monster Gallery

Is it weird that I want these shoes? Big changes are here, as you can see; tomorrow I've got a super-exciting surprise for y'all and I can't wait.

Sunday Superjam: The Monks

2011-08-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

Oh my god! How is this band so good? My work buddy (who has excellent taste!) turned me on to the Monks about an hour ago, and I'm already obsessed. These guys took it to the next level with their monk haircuts and noose-neckties; this video is great not only for the jams but for the deliciously blase dancing.

saturday

2011-08-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

Eeep! I had so much fun shooting the next two videos for Wikia Easy Crafts today; above is a sneak peek. I think they're going to be the best ones yet.

I also stopped by General Bead while I was in the city. I love it there; for all its weird smells, roaming animals, and dust, it's just one of my favorite places, and the selection is ridiculous.It's seriously a must-see for any crafty person. The owner is wonderful and a true San Francisco gem. He's a crazy old kook, but so, so nice, and I always really enjoy talking to him. Today they were playing some Buzzcocks in the attic area where all the vintage and new/old stock beads are, and I started singing along. (It's the kind of place where you can totally do that.) We started talking about late 70's pop/punk (we've also had some really nice chats about George W. Bush), and it was awesome! These were the next two songs that came on; right up my alley. Sometimes I forget about music.

it's a small world

2011-08-05T23:24:00.000-07:00

Found this on the Mary Blair Facebook fan page; my goodness, she's impeccably dressed and sounds like such an awesome lady. Walt Disney, on the other hand, seems like kind of a blowhard as he keeps talking over her. Let the woman speak, Walt!

lee

2011-08-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

It's been four years since we lost the original psychedelic cowboy, Lee Hazlewood. I miss him. I think Sam Rockwell could do Lee justice in a biopic? I love that guy too. It would be like "Walk the Line," except totally ridiculous. I am writing this movie stat.

summer breeze

2011-08-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

party pics from etsy shop vintage goodies

On Saturday I spent the afternoon in the garden, drinking lemonade and reading this very silly book about the wild life of Disney World employees. Sometimes I forget to go outside, which is one of the reasons I take a ton of Vitamin D supplements, but when I do, it sure is nice! Reading out-of-doors is such a weird luxury. All I want to do is sip summer drinks and lounge (preferably poolside, but that's another story), but I have a lot of bizness to get done. However, a girl can dream; here are 60 purty pics and recipes from Martha for summery backyard refreshment! I'd like a peach and blackberry muddle, please.

the future

2011-08-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

This video is great; I think the shoes are right on target!

home

2011-08-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

Here's a shot of my studio before I trashed it preparing for Renegade! I am really good at not putting things away, hence, lingering messes that compound upon themselves.

I also made these peg people ages ago with my brother. The one on the left is me, of course!

Our house is currently a resort for fruit flies. No pictures of the kitchen, although it does look pretty cute.

Embroidery wall. My beloved Larry David by Erin, hamster by Crystal, floral and geometric by Meaghan!

Summer mantel. My friend Krista made the calendar, Sue made the pinwheel, my brother made the embroidery, and the golden deer I snagged from my parents' house. Yay for everyone!

christmas in july

2011-07-31T11:42:00.000-07:00

How great would these look on a red sweater?! Even in a non-Christmas way. Probably I will buy them. Look at them.

campari

2011-07-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

I really want to like Campari. It's such a pretty color, and classy people from the past drink it. I want to like it so much that I bought a bottle of it the other day. I figured, I've grown into being able to sip a little glass of Frenet Branca, and that stuff tastes like toothpaste and wood. Unfortunately, Campari still tastes pretty much like poison to me. I've been experimenting and the most I can handle is just a mere dash thrown into a glass of iced sparkling water with lemon. How do people drink Negronis with such relish? Blarf! Alas, I fear I will never be so fancy. Here are a couple of cocktails that sound so appealing, except for the fact that they contain Campari.

Harry Pottaaaaahh!

2011-07-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

I adore Harry Potter (and the smart little actor who plays him, of course! Swoon.), so I was super-stoked to help create a HP-themed craft for Wikia Easy Crafts! Christina and I put together this awesome banner and made a lil' video in my funky home studio; please check it out, leave a comment over at Wikia, and just maybe you can win that Golden Snitch necklace I'm wearing! Here's the link; I'm really enjoying making these videos; I think there's more of this kind of thing in my future fo sho!

mind = blown

2011-07-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Every time I think Kokka has made the best fabric of all time, they go ahead and do it again. This is BRUTAL, I tell you! I think they are out to destroy me. Available at Fabricworm.

LALALA

2011-07-26T11:38:00.000-07:00

Although I spent most of my Los Angeles time underneath a steamy tent, I did have a few opportunites to get out and about with my beloved friend Crystal, who knows just what I want from a vacation. So many of my friends are living far away from me, so in lieu of tourist activities, I would much rather chill out with a loved one, eat ice cream sandwiches with homemade Nutella ice cream (!!) and watch approximately 35 episodes of Say Yes to the Dress interspersed with a few doses of Pawn Stars and My Strange Addiction. (MY strange addiction: watching cable at other people's houses!)

I didn't eat any KFC, but I found myself stuffed with chicken strips constantly thanks to the Ludo truck, a magical rolling chicken machine that was stationed at Renegade. So darn good! The below is a choice bit of Crystal and Scott's home decor.

We took a little journey to LACMA in the evening to see the Urban Light exhibit; it was so pretty. Here are a bunch of pictures that are way better than any I took. I felt that on this particular trip, my eyes were open to more of LA's charms than its gross qualities, which was really refreshing and made me want to spend more time there!

A fancy Manhattan at the outdoor museum bar. This was my high-rollin' night and we did it up right.

image from space15twenty

Crystal took me to the famous Umami Burger, where I couldn't resist ordering something called the Stinkburger. Now I can say I've eaten a hamburger with fried anchovies on it. It was a little much, even for me, but I'm glad I took the salty plunge. Their burgers are just the right size; look how puffy the bun is!

LA! Foods, friends, fried anchovies. I will be returning soon.

RENEGADES! ROUNDUP!

2011-07-23T21:35:00.000-07:00

Wow. I did it. Two weekends, two craft shows, two of California's best cities, three servings of fried chicken, and lots of friends. I was lucky enough to be next to Two Rabbits Studios, a crew of dudes who bring the party wherever they go (as well as a much-needed dose of male energy to a field dominated by the ladies). They made the above bingo card--awesome.

This dolly is from Hillery Spoat of Specks and Keepings; since my birthday is usually near Renegade, I often get to pick out a present from Peter there, and this year I chose one of these. So incredibly beautiful and strange!

Here's me, my stuff, and my boothmates in SF!

Picked up some sweet shirts; kind of out of my usual fashion range but these were just too good. The first: J'aime Tacos from MNKR

Eternal Pizza Party by SEIBEI

I fell in love with this print; it's already framed and above my bed: Best Friends by Nan Lawson.

I got a handful of great postcards from Catlin, but this was by far the best: Inspiration by Caitlin Holcomb of Nice.

The best part of doing these shows was meeting new friends, seeing people I haven't seen in years, and getting to say hello to Internet amigos that I adore but hadn't yet met IRL. (yeah, I said it.) I got to meet the most wonderful Becky Haycox, a true soul sistah, and the awesome Jenny Ryan, who even bought one of my California necklaces!

Yay for shows, and yay for the relaxation when they're over!

WIPED OUT.

Rejected!

2011-07-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

My internet friend Erika Kern linked to her friend Nik's genius piece of embroidery on Facebook this morning. It was based on the actual text of a bonafide fool. This takes me back to my most delicious rejection, the time I asked a guy out and he said he was "really busy" reading The Two Towers (this was right around the time the movie came out). It was amazing. Men are a true mystery.

Renegade LA

2011-07-14T22:46:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy week! I'd like to think that by the end of it I will be pretty proud of myself for keeping it together. I'm at my parents' house right now celebrating my birthday (yesterday) and just sewed a bunsload of stuff for Renegade LA this weekend. I can't wait to see my friends, and also can't wait to meet some new friends who I've only known on the internetz thus far.

Heaven Can Wait....Forever!

2011-07-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

Oddly enough, I waited a really long time to see this one (Get it? Waited? Like in the title?! Blam.). It wasn't heaven, though; it was just okay. Kind of a stinker, actually. The Lubitsch Touch usually leaves me feeling like a little bit o' charm could conquer the world, but aside from the sassy grampa, I wasn't charmed by any of the characters in this movie. Also, I think I kind of hate the 1890's. While trying to find out if anyone else on the internets felt this way, I found my new favorite film blog, Feminema, written by the kind of lady I aspire to be, which has a great discussion of why Heaven Can Wait is such a drag.

The most exciting thing about this movie is that my friend and genius illustrator Caitlin Kuhwald created the Criterion cover shown above. Isn't it purty?

Psychedelic Sunday: my year is a day

2011-07-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

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This video is notable for its amazing composition of humans; the four dudes really know how to stand nonchalantly in the most choreographed ways imaginable! Also, racecars!

Yeah, I'll have one of those...

2011-07-02T23:09:00.000-07:00

I don't have $38 for these, but I do love a good children's tea set. I wonder if this is still a fun thing for kids; I know it was for me. That may have had something to do with the fact that my mom/grandmother let me have tea parties that involved serving SUGAR WATER to my compatriots. So delicious.

Renegade!

2011-07-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

All of a sudden, it's almost time for my Renegade adventure. Next weekend I'm selling in SF, then I'll drive down to LA for their fair the weekend after that. Eek! I'm having a pretty good time making tons of new stuff; I hope folks like it. Around this time before a show, things start to get pretty messy and it looks even more like a rainbow barfed in this tiny house.

This is what the dining table looks like today. I'm pretty happy about it.

Gnomes, Tulips, and a Lawnmower

2011-07-01T23:45:00.000-07:00

Short and sweet. This is pretty much my ideal afternoon; placing four gnomes in a garden, messing with a scarecrow, casually riding around on a lawnmower, and calling it a day.

Patchwork Party

2011-06-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

Oh, man! So wonderful! Only in my dreams can I create a quilty thing that has more than nine pieces, so I'm totally enamored with Tamiko's gift to her taffy-loving friend. Where did she get this fabric? To quote Crystal, I die. Tamiko's blog, Patchwork Notes, has oodles more genius pieces like this. I will try to be inspired instead of wasting time slowly burning with envy at her skillz.

John Candy craft

2011-06-29T20:39:00.001-07:00

Great Outdoor plushes, originally uploaded by tad carpenter.

During my monthly search for Jeff Goldblum crafts, I got sidetracked and started looking for John Candy crafts. This is the only one I've found, but boy, it's a doozy! I will never forget the steak scene from The Great Outdoors, an otherwise forgettable vehicle. So...much...gristle!

Just Kids

2011-06-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

I've always loved Patti Smith; she's one of those people who doesn't seem to have compromised much, with amazing results. I finally read Just Kids, her memoir about her early life with the artist Robert Mapplethorpe. She was/is tough, brave, and smart, and it was a great read. They basically hung out together, were totally committed to creativity, and lived on a budget of absolutely nothing. My favorite tidbit: Smith got a plum job working in the rare books section of a bookstore and used her knowledge of antique books to feed herself and Mapplethorpe during extra lean times.

After reading this book, it's clear that I have no idea what it is to truly sacrifice for art. I know it isn't the sixties anymore, but the atmosphere's different. However, I do know that the crazy friends you make in your early 20's can last a lifetime and continue to inspire, and all that time spent just hanging out is special, even when you're not a famous punk poet.

Psychedelic Sunday

2011-06-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

This song isn't particularly psychedelic, but my response to it was when I heard it while shopping for jewelry supplies in a Beverly's yesterday. This is not a song you expect to hear in a store. I present for your listening "pleasure," Winchester Cathedral by The New Vaudeville Band. It's a real treat for the senses.

Reading

2011-06-24T16:50:00.000-07:00

{pic from A Better Oakland}

On Monday I got to show my support for the Oakland library system (the mayor is trying to shut down ten of the city's fourteen branches?!) by reading for a few minutes in front of City Hall.

I didn't want to be boring, and also wanted to read something that reminded me of how important libraries are. As an adult, I will admit to being a terrible user of the library, in that I don't utilize it enough. But as a kid? Oh, my god. It was the most important place. So I read from Harriet the Spy, which is just a truly genius book and so enjoyable to read again every few years. I don't think any other children's book asked the questions that it did (about religion, family, money, and human behavior) in such an honest way; the voice of HTS and its equally brutal sequel, The Long Secret, did a lot in terms of shaping me into the cynical but softhearted weirdo I am today.

It was fun to read aloud. I did an "old rich lady" accent that was enjoyable. I hope they don't shut down any libraries.

Psychedelic Sunday

2011-06-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

This song is the flavor of the day. "California" by Robert Charlebois from 1966.

Hairs

2011-06-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

I'm having a hair crisis. Every once in a while I commit to growing it out. This lasts about three days; then I get the scissors and start whacking. I guess this is why I have a wig (which I think people totally thought was real when I wore it in New York. I think.) However, my hair is long enough to sport a few bobby pins. I made these ones and want to wear them all at once. All colors ftw!

The End of an Era

2011-06-18T00:26:00.000-07:00

Most crafty people have heard the news by now that ReadyMade is no more. The magazine, brand, and blog are kaput as of Thursday afternoon, which was a big, sad surprise to me (although obviously I am aware that print media is generally in trouble). My main feelings include what a bummer, well, nothing lasts forever, and what now?

I've gotten used to writing about crafts almost every day for the past year and a half, and I don't want to stop now. It's been fantastic, and going back through my posts this afternoon to archive them for a future portfolio, I can say that I'm really proud of the work I've done (if you know me at all, admissions of pride are few and far between).

So for now, I plan to continue writing about crafts and the other things I find wonderful and compelling on the internets. I'll just be doing it here. I hate change, but sometimes it can be a catalyst for some good ol' fashioned forward motion. Here goes!

Vacation Prize

2011-06-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

I just got back from visiting family in Denver, CO. Turns out, Denver is awesome! All the houses seem to be made of brick and perfectly covered with ivy, the air smells great, and the mountains are beautiful. I did a teeny bit of shopping with my mom and she bought me these paper dolls. I swear, I did some nature stuff too.

Yeah, I'll have one of those.

2011-06-07T10:46:00.000-07:00

Today's vintage glassware that I do not need nor have room for is brought to you by Sunny Day Vintage. Adorable, right? In my dreams I will be eating little custards out of these.

Made it!

2011-06-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

I've been making so much stuff lately, and somehow, stubbornly refusing to photograph it. Yesterday I mustered the strength; but by the time I got outside, it was raining. Well, I did it anyway, dammit! These are my favorite new thing I've made; I decided to put a little puff of wool roving in the bottles and I think it completes the look. Go me!

Stick team!

2011-06-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

I was so mad when I first saw this movie. I thought it was the worst thing ever. It still may be, but now I've seen it ten thousand times. It has an irresistible power. Hopefully now that Christopher Meloni's leaving SVU, he'll play more sweater-fondling, dance-montage-having Vietnam vets. The above is an art show I might actually feel comfortable attending.

It's happening!

2011-05-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know, you guys! I think this could be good. Like, maybe really good. Jason Segel seems to understand what should happen in these movies; also, I appreciate how pasty and flabby he continues to be.

Jam Jar Fancy

2011-05-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

It's common knowledge that jam jars are the best receptacles for anything from craft supplies, wine, candy, and occasionally, actual jam. Bonne Maman are the best, but honestly, we eat like one jar of marmalade every year, and I can't be filling our fridge with spreadable fruits just because I like the jars. (Can I?)

Anyway, I was looking for a bottle of wine at Cost Plus for Peter's "Drunk Orson Welles" themed birthday, and I found this. I didn't buy it (I was swayed by another bottle simply called SWEETBERRY WINE.) but I will next time. What a grand vase the bottle would make!

Please enjoy this video; I like it way more than any of Orson Welles' other works, The Muppet Movie notwithstanding.

Dolly

2011-05-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

I made this dolly on Saturday for my friend Katy. It's from the free Black Apple pattern featured on Martha Stewart. The hair is suede, which was kind of hard to sew through, but other than that, this was super easy and extremely satisfying!

NYC

2011-05-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess New York is pretty awesome. Like, the most awesome. Dangit! I wanted to remain ambivalent, but now I am in love. I am still working on my pictures, but here is just one of the five zillion places I went to and enjoyed, Obscura Antiques in the East Village. I bought Peter a pair of vintage safety glasses, but I secretly wanted to buy lots of dead fish specimens in jars. Luckily, they were out of my price range.

Wood people with vintage button hat rings

2011-04-24T15:27:00.001-07:00

Wood people with vintage button hat rings, originally uploaded by anniescupboards.

This is the kind of jewelry I find appealing.

Brownies!

2011-04-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

Brownie Girl Scout Figurine from Hey Yo Yo

I started Girl Scouts as a Brownie, and ended as a Brownie. It was fun, but I think somehow we were all over it by the time we should have been promoted to Juniors. My main memory of Girl Scouts was going to an overnight jamboree, eating some questionable chili, and having the worst nightmares of my life laying in a sleeping bag in a huge auditorium filled with little girls. Also, once we made Easter baskets from those green strawberry containers. Pretty fun, pretty fun. Was anyone else a Brownie?

Pretty foods

2011-04-14T20:46:00.000-07:00

Our nasturtium plant just exploded with blooms; I love the idea of eating flowers and these seem like a healthy treat. From a blog called, most awesomely, Delishy Town.

Apple a Day

2011-04-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

I'm in the market for some really dorky but comfortable athletic shoes for my new lifestyle where I actually move occasionally, but I keep getting distracted! Do you think I could exercise in these handmade moccassins from Darlingtonia?

AHOY!

2011-04-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

(This is a real peek into my awesome psyche and also explains how I had and paid for a 24 Hour Fitness membership for a full year without ever entering the building once, except to cancel said membership.)

I went swimming at Temescal Pool today. This was a huge deal for me, as I have talked/thought/obsessed about swimming there for the nearly four years I've lived in this hood, but my anxiety always had the upper hand. It is not easy for me to do new things. I really like swimming, though! I used to swim daily in San Luis Obispo, but the idea of a new and different pool was extremely daunting. I have been taking tiny steps to actually get in the pool since last year. I have had my swim pass since July 2010. I actually got up the nerve to put on my suit and go a few months ago, only to discover upon arrival that the pool was closed due to a government furlough.

However, today was the day. I checked the website to make sure the State of California wouldn't ambush me again. I swam for 30 minutes and now I feel like this:

C'est la Vie

2011-04-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

This ridiculously wonderful weather is putting me in an unusual mood; relaxed and hopeful. Say what?! Although this print suffers from "put-a-bird-on-it-itis," I love the colors. I would poster my optical cavities with inspirational prints from Etsy if I could.

Weight Watchers

2011-03-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

I know this is kind of weird, but I totally joined Weight Watchers' online program last night. I generally need an entity to be accountable to if I want to get anything done, so I gave the man $17.95 and I've started counting points. I don't necessarily need to lose a ton of weight, but I want to eat healthier and exercise more consistently. I've also seen their plan work for some good folks that I know, and it doesn't seem too crazy. Last night I learned that the combination of a pepperoni calzone and two beers is about a day's worth of points, but at least I started off honestly. Onward and upward!

Problems

2011-03-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

You know that California platter I posted about last week? Well, y'all convinced me. I bought it and eagerly anticipate its arrival. Now, though; is there any way I can have this?

Please let me know.

Liz

2011-03-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of huge gaps in my movie knowledge, and Elizabeth Taylor is one of them. I'm pretty sure I've never seen a movie with her in it. I know, I know. It's crazy. But people say she had an undeniable presence, and I look forward to checking out some of her stuff. I might start backwards with Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and follow it up with Father of the Bride (both available on Netflix Watch Instantly). Also, I love this picture of her and David Bowie; they both look utterly trashed, but still beautiful. RIP.

Sound and Vision

2011-03-22T21:56:00.000-07:00

I'm not great at commitment, but I'll say that this is probably my favorite song. It doesn't have a real video, which is kind of better, because it is perfect as is.

California

2011-03-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

This tray is awesome. Tell me what I can use it for (besides cup-holding) and maybe I will buy it.

Swedish Hasbeens

2011-03-18T00:25:00.000-07:00

It's long been known that Swedish Hasbeens are the greatest shoes of this century. But their Spring 2011 collection is brutally amazing! And, of course, pure torture. Thanks to Crystal and Lauren for making me aware of this new chapter of desire in my life.

I wouldn't be able to handle having such expensive shoes (they run between $200-400ish), but man, these are some excellent shoes. I think I like the red best, but I would settle for green. You?

A First

2011-03-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

Nino Ferrer sings one of my favorite songs, Les Cornichons. It's kooky and insanely danceable, but not as kooky as this video for Oh! He! Hein! Bon!, which seems to have a loose plot revolving around putting a parade float together. Yeah, that's right. Embrace it!