I reeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally need a summer haircut, like right now. I don't know why but I have a giant phobia of getting my haircut. Must be all those short haircuts I had growing up. I used to actually put my poncho on my head and pretended like it was long hair. So now I'm 37 and I have hair all the way down my back. I think when you have something for so long, it would just be weird without it. But I want a shorter style that I can do more with. I guess this means I'm finally getting older, because I'm ready for change. I bet my readers get so sick of hearing me talk about aging, but it's really freakin' me out!
So, I'll probably opt for a shoulder length layered style, like I did 2 haircuts ago, and then I let it grow for a year or 2, and then repeat the cycle. I actually did try angled bangs a few years ago, but my hairline doesn't want to lay like that, so it was a constant battle. (My hairstylist has always tried to get me to come in every 6 months, but that just seems extreme to me!)
I've been wanting the posh spice bob for awhile, except a little longer in the back. I think short hair is actually more work though, because right now I can pretty much get up, comb, throw it in a ponytail, and go. Not that it looks cute.
so please dear readers, post links to cute short and medium styles for me. I need help.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
reality
do you ever feel like you self-monitor when you blog? I think I second guess myself too much, and sometimes I feel like using this space as a journal, but I try to pull myself back at the last minute.
I was so excited about quitting my job, but then this weekend the fear started to creep back in. I start worrying, "Can I really do this? What about the security of teaching? I'll be a one woman sweat shop, and I'll never be able to take a week off"...etc. etc. I need that confidence to well up inside me and take over, and sometimes it's hard to find. There is such a fear of the unknown.
We had a guest pastor speak at church this weekend, and he works with at-risk youth here in Omaha. His message was about actually allowing yourself to dream, and how it's so easy for us as humans to let past disappointments kind of numb us to the point where we don't even think things are possible anymore.
Maybe that's why I have always related to children better than adults. They are less censoring of themselves (if I said that right), and they are still in that place where they dream and imagine totally outrageous things sometimes. But many situations in my childhood have caused me to lose that inner child at times. I need to let her live sometimes.
I can remember laying in the grass as a kid and gazing at the cloudy blue sky, and finding shapes and animals in the puffiness. It's important for us to still allow ourselves to lay in the grass, and let time slow down for a bit.
Maybe spring has me dreaming of the lazy days of summer already. I don't know, as I realize that I'm REALLY getting older now, this is for real, that I don't want life to pass me by without dreaming and enjoying... and living.
I think for a long time I was scared to really live. Fear of public speaking (MAJOR- still have it), intense fear whenever I fly, fear of the water (I failed swimming lessons at 11), among other fears... it's just fear of living. I am realizing I can't control every variable that could ever happen to me. I can't control everything. Wow, is this post turning into one of those self-enlightened moments? Basically though, trying to control everything means that I... what am I afraid of really?
Well, at least at this point in my life I'm learning to play. I posted a while back on letting more color into my life, and not being so neutral. I think allowing myself to do that means I'm not as scared to be seen or noticed. The color is really exploding now-
my husband is like, wow, you're really into the pinks and greens, aren't you? He thinks it's pretty (in his caveman sort of way), but I really think that having a shop and creating on a more regular basis than I did before has brought out more confidence to try new things - and more colors. I guess normal people don't equate color to happiness, but it makes total sense to me.
I was so excited about quitting my job, but then this weekend the fear started to creep back in. I start worrying, "Can I really do this? What about the security of teaching? I'll be a one woman sweat shop, and I'll never be able to take a week off"...etc. etc. I need that confidence to well up inside me and take over, and sometimes it's hard to find. There is such a fear of the unknown.
We had a guest pastor speak at church this weekend, and he works with at-risk youth here in Omaha. His message was about actually allowing yourself to dream, and how it's so easy for us as humans to let past disappointments kind of numb us to the point where we don't even think things are possible anymore.
Maybe that's why I have always related to children better than adults. They are less censoring of themselves (if I said that right), and they are still in that place where they dream and imagine totally outrageous things sometimes. But many situations in my childhood have caused me to lose that inner child at times. I need to let her live sometimes.
I can remember laying in the grass as a kid and gazing at the cloudy blue sky, and finding shapes and animals in the puffiness. It's important for us to still allow ourselves to lay in the grass, and let time slow down for a bit.
Maybe spring has me dreaming of the lazy days of summer already. I don't know, as I realize that I'm REALLY getting older now, this is for real, that I don't want life to pass me by without dreaming and enjoying... and living.
I think for a long time I was scared to really live. Fear of public speaking (MAJOR- still have it), intense fear whenever I fly, fear of the water (I failed swimming lessons at 11), among other fears... it's just fear of living. I am realizing I can't control every variable that could ever happen to me. I can't control everything. Wow, is this post turning into one of those self-enlightened moments? Basically though, trying to control everything means that I... what am I afraid of really?
Well, at least at this point in my life I'm learning to play. I posted a while back on letting more color into my life, and not being so neutral. I think allowing myself to do that means I'm not as scared to be seen or noticed. The color is really exploding now-
my husband is like, wow, you're really into the pinks and greens, aren't you? He thinks it's pretty (in his caveman sort of way), but I really think that having a shop and creating on a more regular basis than I did before has brought out more confidence to try new things - and more colors. I guess normal people don't equate color to happiness, but it makes total sense to me.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
new arrival...
ok, I don't have enough inventory for a photo shoot yet, but I had my 'grand opening' yesterday :)
I was mainly procrastinating on finishing my taxes :( but I was happy to accomplish both.
~also, I can check off 'clean refrigerator' off of my spring break list. (maybe not spotless, but clean)
...on to the next list...
I was mainly procrastinating on finishing my taxes :( but I was happy to accomplish both.
~also, I can check off 'clean refrigerator' off of my spring break list. (maybe not spotless, but clean)
...on to the next list...
Thursday, April 10, 2008
accomplished~
Ok, learners permit - check
rearrange living room, bedroom, craft and fabric supplies - check
that's about it so far, and it's Thursday! Must get busy. I've been working so hard on orders, I don't feel like I've even had a vacation yet, and everytime we rearrange one area of the house, it affects every other area. So trying to create more studio space for me affects the kitchen, bedroom, hallway, dining room, etc.
Someday we'll have a bigger house and I can sprawl all my stuff out, but for now, space conservation is of the utmost importance. I'll take pics when it's not so rainy and gray. I know this means spring is here though, so I don't mind.
Also, I've got some jewelry in the upcoming book, 1000 Jewelry Inspirations, available for pre-order on Amazon.com. It looks like it's going to be a really nice addition to my crafty bookshelf ~ check it out!
rearrange living room, bedroom, craft and fabric supplies - check
that's about it so far, and it's Thursday! Must get busy. I've been working so hard on orders, I don't feel like I've even had a vacation yet, and everytime we rearrange one area of the house, it affects every other area. So trying to create more studio space for me affects the kitchen, bedroom, hallway, dining room, etc.
Someday we'll have a bigger house and I can sprawl all my stuff out, but for now, space conservation is of the utmost importance. I'll take pics when it's not so rainy and gray. I know this means spring is here though, so I don't mind.
Also, I've got some jewelry in the upcoming book, 1000 Jewelry Inspirations, available for pre-order on Amazon.com. It looks like it's going to be a really nice addition to my crafty bookshelf ~ check it out!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
spring break
ok, I have about 10 days off to gear up for the last 6 weeks of school - then all of my faithful readers won't have to hear about how I can't wait to be a small business owner only, and not a teacher anymore. I promise!
I'm going to try and accomplish the following this week:
1) clean out the fridge --spotless.
2) be a sewing MACHINE. (I've always wanted a t-shirt that says "I AM a sewing machine") ~~Some of this weekends' progress:
3) do a tree painting for my living room. (already got the canvas ready)
4) hire someone to do a banner for the new shop (already conversing with someone)
5) photo shoot with someone for the new avatar - - with mardi gras mask (oooohh, aren't you intrigued now?)
6) take little one to get her learners permit (not worried at all, she's a great driver! She's been on wheels of some sort since her first bike at 1 1/2)
7) Re-organize bedroom that is overflowing with fabric and craft stuff, which means I'll be reorganizing all of the other crafting spots in the house, and we are going to rearrange the living room.
8) Exercise at least 30 minutes a day (I gave up on the 2 hour ugliness from a few posts ago, I just don't have the time - or energy!)
9) Re-upholster top of husbands' desk after chopping 6 inches off of one end. We really need the six inches in the living room, and I already covered it in distressed leather, so all I have to do is unstaple one end, saw, and re-staple.
10) Possibly sweep and organize the back patio now that winter is over, so we can not be an embarrassment to the neighbors.
11) Hang new curtain rods that have been leaning up against the wall for 2 months.
12) almost forgot...TAXES! ugh.
ok, I'll stop for now, because I don't want to overwhelm myself :)
Oh yeah, relax on the couch and watch "What Not to Wear" every day at 11 am central time on TLC. I am so addicted to this show! Some of the poor people who get nominated for this show -- I can't even fathom their clothing! And then when they accept the fact that they can find clothes that make their bodies look better, then it's so exciting to see them get new hairstyles and makeup. (Although I think sometimes the hair guy could choose better styles).
I'm going to try and accomplish the following this week:
1) clean out the fridge --spotless.
2) be a sewing MACHINE. (I've always wanted a t-shirt that says "I AM a sewing machine") ~~Some of this weekends' progress:
3) do a tree painting for my living room. (already got the canvas ready)
4) hire someone to do a banner for the new shop (already conversing with someone)
5) photo shoot with someone for the new avatar - - with mardi gras mask (oooohh, aren't you intrigued now?)
6) take little one to get her learners permit (not worried at all, she's a great driver! She's been on wheels of some sort since her first bike at 1 1/2)
7) Re-organize bedroom that is overflowing with fabric and craft stuff, which means I'll be reorganizing all of the other crafting spots in the house, and we are going to rearrange the living room.
8) Exercise at least 30 minutes a day (I gave up on the 2 hour ugliness from a few posts ago, I just don't have the time - or energy!)
9) Re-upholster top of husbands' desk after chopping 6 inches off of one end. We really need the six inches in the living room, and I already covered it in distressed leather, so all I have to do is unstaple one end, saw, and re-staple.
10) Possibly sweep and organize the back patio now that winter is over, so we can not be an embarrassment to the neighbors.
11) Hang new curtain rods that have been leaning up against the wall for 2 months.
12) almost forgot...TAXES! ugh.
ok, I'll stop for now, because I don't want to overwhelm myself :)
Oh yeah, relax on the couch and watch "What Not to Wear" every day at 11 am central time on TLC. I am so addicted to this show! Some of the poor people who get nominated for this show -- I can't even fathom their clothing! And then when they accept the fact that they can find clothes that make their bodies look better, then it's so exciting to see them get new hairstyles and makeup. (Although I think sometimes the hair guy could choose better styles).
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
sneak peek
first of all, thanks to Amy for the wonderful info. about a future possible gorgeous model :) And now a small sneak peek~ this little apron isn't exactly what the new shop is going to be full of, (it will have variety of course- it is me after all), but a peek all the same.
...more to come-
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
helloooooooo?
Would the Amy who posted a comment about her nieces in Papillion please send me a message through my etsy shop so I can contact you back?
There is no blogger link when I click on your name, and I don't know how to reach you~ THANKS!
There is no blogger link when I click on your name, and I don't know how to reach you~ THANKS!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
sewing marathon
ok, so yesterday I was super excited that I could spend most of the day sewing. I cut out tons of things, paired various fabrics together, and created a pattern for a purse that's been in my head for a few weeks. I'd love to keep this baby, but I have several more in other color combinations cut out and ready to be sewn, so maybe I'll keep one of those.
It took me about 8 hours to make, but that was due to designing and creating the pattern, writing instructions for myself as I was doing it, so I could have the future ones go smoothly. Like do this part before you do this part, to make life easier. I think I will make the sides shorter in the ones to follow, so the zipper has more room to lay when it's closed. I abhor installing zippers, but when I actually start doing it, it's really not that big of a deal. Jeez, you mean I have to change the foot on my sewing machine~ gah! So hopefully the next one I make will be more like 3 hours instead of 8 or 9. I haven't been carving out time for working out this week either, and even though I've been sick, and even lost my voice for 2 days, I still feel guilty.
I can't wait for spring break though, so I can have a few more sewing marathon days. This is just one of the fabric stacks I have set aside for the new shop:
I'm so in love with the black and white damask print that I used for the purse, but it was originally purchased for some of the couture children's clothing for the new shop. I'm probably going to have to invest in a serger within the next couple of weeks, because there are some designs that will have rows and rows of ruffles, and it's just not practical to have to turn the raw edges of each ruffle down twice, not to mention all of the other wondrous things that a serger can do that I don't even know about. It will be nice to not always have to do french seams on everything.
It took me about 8 hours to make, but that was due to designing and creating the pattern, writing instructions for myself as I was doing it, so I could have the future ones go smoothly. Like do this part before you do this part, to make life easier. I think I will make the sides shorter in the ones to follow, so the zipper has more room to lay when it's closed. I abhor installing zippers, but when I actually start doing it, it's really not that big of a deal. Jeez, you mean I have to change the foot on my sewing machine~ gah! So hopefully the next one I make will be more like 3 hours instead of 8 or 9. I haven't been carving out time for working out this week either, and even though I've been sick, and even lost my voice for 2 days, I still feel guilty.
I can't wait for spring break though, so I can have a few more sewing marathon days. This is just one of the fabric stacks I have set aside for the new shop:
I'm so in love with the black and white damask print that I used for the purse, but it was originally purchased for some of the couture children's clothing for the new shop. I'm probably going to have to invest in a serger within the next couple of weeks, because there are some designs that will have rows and rows of ruffles, and it's just not practical to have to turn the raw edges of each ruffle down twice, not to mention all of the other wondrous things that a serger can do that I don't even know about. It will be nice to not always have to do french seams on everything.
Friday, March 21, 2008
the countdown begins...
ok, it's March 21, and the official countdown to summer vacation has begun. I know it's a little early, but a girl's gotta have dreams. Basically, my countdown works in weeks. I have a sticky note pad with 8 pieces of paper, and I just pull one off after the week is over, and then it says '7' underneath. It's a great joy to rip off each page. I know, small things bring me much happiness. I just can't even begin to fathom that pretty soon I'll actually have the time and energy to make and do everything that I want to get done. And sleep in...
Yay for summer!
And the excitement is even more intense, because I know that this is the end of my teaching career. (With children at least). I'm really looking forward to teaching workshops with adults. Let's get crafty, ladies!!
I took a picture of my desk the other day, because it seems like every time I need to sit down and complete orders or make something new, I have a giant pile of crap on my desk. So I've gotten pretty good at picking out anything important and scooping all the tiny bits of paper, thread, wire and fabric (only the scraps that are smaller than an inch~) off into the garbage.
I also took a picture of my giant box of bubble envelopes I ordered, because it's so wonderful to have 100 or so sitting there waiting to be filled with orders, instead of always worrying if I have enough. Surprisingly, they take up less space than I thought. It saves a lot of money doing it that way too.
I'll post some pics of my other shop as soon as I have some.
Yay for summer!
And the excitement is even more intense, because I know that this is the end of my teaching career. (With children at least). I'm really looking forward to teaching workshops with adults. Let's get crafty, ladies!!
I took a picture of my desk the other day, because it seems like every time I need to sit down and complete orders or make something new, I have a giant pile of crap on my desk. So I've gotten pretty good at picking out anything important and scooping all the tiny bits of paper, thread, wire and fabric (only the scraps that are smaller than an inch~) off into the garbage.
I also took a picture of my giant box of bubble envelopes I ordered, because it's so wonderful to have 100 or so sitting there waiting to be filled with orders, instead of always worrying if I have enough. Surprisingly, they take up less space than I thought. It saves a lot of money doing it that way too.
I'll post some pics of my other shop as soon as I have some.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
this is serious!
ok, so I got tired of schlepping around 12 x 12 scrapbook paper in different types of bags, baskets, and containers, (the paper always curls up on the edges and gets all messed up, because it's too big) to do projects on the go, so I decided to make the 'seriously big tote' in one of my favorite amy butler fabrics. This thing can hold a ton of scrapbook paper, my camera, laptop, scrabble tile tin, glue, magazines, lunch, hat, gloves, ink pads and stamps, and still feel kind of empty. In a word, it rocks!
I think I'm so happy with it and it's such a joy to use because I hardly ever make anything for myself. I'm always too busy making stuff for the shop. I actually get excited to leave the house because I get to have all of my stuff with me, and since it's basically devoted to crafty stuff, I don't have to keep packing and unpacking and re-packing it. I always have projects that I need to work on while I'm on the go, like for those times in the car waiting for my daughters soccer/basketball/softball practices to be over. I want to make another one (or two) to keep in the car for the grocery store, and I think it would be fun to add some embellishments to the outside before I put the lining in... like buttons (I know, I have a button obsession, but at least I can admit it), or fabric transfers of clip art faces. And of course some of my vintage inspired lace, and my adorable rickrack. I saw a tote at a little boutique that had a rafael-like face image on it, and it was very european looking. So now I just have to learn how to do fabric transfers and find some cool faces.
So I already made another for the shop, and I think I'll make a series of these, and I want to put contrasting fabric pockets on the outside too, (this style has two large pockets on the inside.) I put some canvas stiffening in the bottom for support, and it's just perfect. Maybe I should make more stuff for myself...
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