Projectos de Dulce

Dear World: Day One

2011-08-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

Dear World,

I've got to step up my artsy-ness. I feel so entirely under-utilized in terms of the skills I have, so I am hopefully going to be addressing this feeling through exploring creative and physical outlets.

For some background on why I need to do this, let me tell you about what has been going on lately. First, JFR has gone back to school to finish his last semester for his master's. He will be very busy and many miles away, and though we've planned all our visitations for the next few months, I'm feeling very shakey about what happens after.
Next, I have been at my job for 2.5 months now. I work as a staffing manager at a temporary agency, and though I certainly enjoy certain aspects of it, I am very unsure about the sales part of it. It doesn't help that my awesome supervisor was promoted and I currently report directly to the branch manager, with whom I have communication difficulties. It doesn't help that I don't feel that my team is accomplishing what we need to accomplish. It doesn't help that I need to more than double the number of hours I am currently achieving.

But hey.

That's work.

This is for play.

I saw a great post about a Lullabye pillowcase on justcraftyenough , and I'm interested in doing something similar (without the tech aspect). I just bought a new set of sheets (which I am desperately hoping become softer over time), so maybe I'll embroider the topsheet and pillow cases. The only question is.... with what???

The theme of my room is currently mostly mid-eastern bazaar. I've been intending to post pictures all this time. Let's see what I can do about that.

I'm thinking for the embroidery, to go with the theme... maybe I should stick with geometric patterns. In Islam, creating art that is intended to depict God's work is some form of heresy, because man cannot depict God's work. I cannot really describe why, but then, I'm remembering this from the 9th grade, so I'm not going to push it.

Click below to learn more.

Typically, though not entirely, Islamic art has focused on the depiction of patterns and Arabic calligraphy, rather than on figures, because it is feared by many Muslims that the depiction of the human form is idolatry and thereby a sin against God, forbidden in the Qur'an. Human portrayals can be found in all eras of Islamic art, above all in the more private form of miniatures, where their absence is rare. Human representation for the purpose of worship is considered idolatry and is duly forbidden in Islamic law, known as Sharia law.

Wiki

How about something like this:

Pattern 1
Alhambra Influence
For the corners of the top sheet
In the center, the Arabic word for sleep
And I'd like to incorporate the design on the left of this image somehow...

Music (and inspiration for "love pillows"): Noah and The Whale

Missing : whiskey and chess nights with JFR

Stonyfield's Organic Campaign

2011-05-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

So, the bf, JFR, is really really into Stonyfield Organic Milk. I personally could care less (though it would be nice to have a goat so I could get goat's milk and make goat's cheese and butter... and maybe 2 hens or so... I'd be much more likely to eat these things if I was instrumental in our acquiring of them. Side note: I hate hate hate grocery stores [they are known to give me panic attacks], so buying them =/= acquiring them).

I signed up for Stonyfield's e-newsletter (hoping for some coupons maybe...) and I got a link to this pretty amusing video. The facts are true, but I personally like the occasional pun and the really funny backgrounds. Check it out if you're interested in your health / food/ short entertainment.

Long Time, New Things....

2011-05-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

Dear sweets,

It has been a very very long time since I have posted. I must admit, I found myself to be very distracted with various social events, academic requirements (ie graduating last may), then work requirements, as I tend to overschedule myself.

Today, however, I have left all of that behind and moved from Sarasota to Philadelphia! By today, I mean about a month ago. I am living with my boyfriend, who will likely be referred to as JFR.

I didn't bring much of my crafting locker (yes, I keep it all in a locker), but that has not kept me from attempting various crafts. For one, I wanted to make the bedroom into a bazaar inspired nest (the inspiration was from a scene in Anais Nin's Little Birds . After I began, one of our roommates wanted me to do her room as well, in shades of gold and purple. It all feels a bit unfinished, but that is what I was aiming for. Apparently, that same week the New York Times Style mag had a similar image. Huh. Who knew.

In other news, I went on a long series of interviews for what seems like a pretty close to a dream job this week. We'll see what happens, though if I'm not hired, I'm not considering it a let-down. Ideally I'll be able to go to Ithaca with JFR this fall for his last semester in grad school.

Right now, I'm catching up on my VERY overdue RSS reading. We're talking months. I've got a new wardrobe, and I may incorporate pieces into some new idea boards for y'all. I've got some charcoal and watercolor pencils (seriously, did not know these existed until 2 weeks ago), and I can't wait to share more with you.

See you soon (check back for pictures of the rooms later).

It's love, it's love, well who would have thought it.

2010-08-22T06:18:00.000-07:00

I am going to borrow from chicken soup for the dorky soul and say somethings that I love. You can visit this blog here: (I follow and love it). (I follow and love it).

Ok.

So.
Somethings I love.

1. I love that I am not the only person my age who is sometimes taken aback by the blatent and offensive sex sells in music, movies, and, well everything. I love that I have a brain and can think for myself.

On a similar note, as my friend would say, I love that I am not "a sheep."

2. I love that I finally quit my job. I was working at an icecream shop. The corporate company I liked, and supported, and enjoyed the goals and missions of. The franchise, however, pretty much operated in opposition to those missions. And enjoyed power politics.

Seriously guys, it was ice cream.

3. I love that I am starting to actually learn and love and accept people for who they are. I think there is and will be quite a bit of difficulty for my generation to find and enjoy people. You can't love someone until you love yourself; you can't love yourself until you accept yourself; you can't love someone else until you accept that they too have flaws. The fact that I can look at someone and say, "yeah, you're a bit strange and have an odd flair for men's cargo pants, but that makes you comfortable, and I love you." This is a big step.

4. I love that I am starting my marathon training today and that I finished my warmup mile without losing my breath.

5. I love that my friends are back in town and I can annoy the hell out of them.

6. I love my obnoxious cat.

7. I love that my newer friends trust me so much.

<3.

Fill in the Blank Friday!

2010-06-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

1. One fashion trend I really regret is:
So far, I don't have any! Though this one always makes me laugh:

My cousin and I had these interchangeable leggings when we were little. We were just that awesome.

Auf

2. The one thing that always completes any outfit is:
My hair. I always forget jewelry and often forget makeup (though I feel more put together with the two). My hair usually fills in any blanks though -- maybe just because it's so big...

3. I would describe my personal style as:
Somewhere between prep and boho-rock star. I love the glitz and glam, but really value the clean cut lines of the preppy look.
Auf
Auf
I am known to be a bit outlandish -- lots of petticoats, garters and insane heels. Well, just eyepopping heels. Not insane. Example of a typical Saturday night:

4. My fashion muse is : Betsy Johnson! I love her color palettes, petticoats, and brazen confidence.

Auf

5. If I could own one designer piece of clothing it would be : Shoes. Specifically, Christian Louboutin. I'm addicted to what they call "Walk away shoes."

Auf

6. I would love to raid the wardrobe of :

I don't have an answer for this one...

7. Today I am wearing:
I'm heading into work, so the uniform. :(

Have a great weekend!

It's Fill in the Blank... Tuesday...

2010-04-20T13:09:00.001-07:00

So I am behind in blogging (read: life). But I am going to go along with this anyway. I always steal it from Diamonds and Tulle because I love reading her answers!

1. The first thing I do in the morning is: lay around. Not! I take my 11 year old cocker spaniel puppy outside (and she promptly goes back to sleep). Then, depending on the day, I get online, clean up a bit, then head out into the world.

2. Every night before bed I: shower. There's something about the hot water that makes all of my worries disappear. How awesome would it be to have the shower be a discofloor??

I love Dr. Spencer Reid.
3. My favorite thing to do when I'm having a bad day is: watch Criminal Minds. That show is amazing -- I just found it this year! I had an opportunity to get the entire series (of what is released) on DVD for $90, but I passed it up. It plays on USA all the time, and that's $90 that can go into the "travel the world" and "Sydney's college" funds.

4. Something that makes me cringe is: Jackass. The movie and the TV show. And for that matter, most of America's Funniest Home Videos. I don't want to watch the pain...

Karaoke!

5. Social situations: I love them! I am a good-time kind of girl. I like hanging out with my friends, listening to good music, and dancing the night away.

Source

6: I like to collect: tiny figurines. I pick one up every time I travel out of the country. I try to pick one that seems to define the city to me.

Diana and I at Gasparilla

7: Weekends are for: partying it up -- dancing, awkward festival times, and general inside joke material.

What are y'all's answers?

2010-04-19T22:56:00.001-07:00

I am so excited about Rachel's swap -- I just got my swap partner information and she looks like SO much fun. While I am brainstorming and craftstorming (it's what I do now that I have no life), I wanted to prod your brains.

First of all, I am curious as to y'all's thoughts on sex in America. Yeah, yeah, broad topic, but CNN posted an article yesterday on hooking up and sex in college. (Click here). I asked my facebook friends, and got some pretty good responses from them. What are yours?

I personally am struggling with the issue myself. I'm about to graduate from college (which has no Greek, by the way), and I have never really been in situations where casual sex was acceptable. Now I'm going out into the big bad world! What will I do?

Well, until the future unfolds (and many a crazy night take place), I shall not know. Have any stories to share? Thoughts?

Great news!

2010-04-14T10:44:00.001-07:00

For those of you who saw my post about Rachel's mail swap project, she's extending the deadline for information to the 17th of April! So head over and maybe you and I will be package pals. Does that sound strange? Suggestive? Wonderful? Find out!

Click me!!

I am already gathering happy things for this. Another great stash buster, for those of you who are involved in the April Stash Bust.

Till Forever,

Frenchi

Short Notice!

2010-04-14T00:52:00.000-07:00

Rachel over at Delete the Adjectives is hosting a Postal/pen pal /awesome swap. But she is setting the deadline for today (the 14th!), so if you want to get in on it, hurry over!

Did you hear?

2010-04-09T19:26:00.001-07:00

Amy Stewart is having a give away! You should check it out -- her work is beautiful!

Below is my idea board for what to wear with it. It's my first, so I'm still getting the hang of it.

Fill in the blank day?

2010-04-09T18:43:00.000-07:00

So I have been caught up lately -- surprise surprise. BUT! Since I have finished my thesis I have been able to catch up a little bit on my blog reading. One of the blogs I follow is Diamonds and Tulle. She always has awesome outfits and a pretty peppy outlook on life.

Anyway, today (I think!) she posted that it was fill in the blank day. So I am going to follow her lead (and you should check out her answers too, then post your own! Leave a comment if you do!)

So today, in Sarasota, it was warm and a little bit stormy in the distance, but Angel (my 11 year old cocker spaniel "I think I'm a puppy" companion) and I sat out and worked on physics homework for much of the afternoon. Tonight I'm heading out to a party to enjoy being a college student for once. It'll be exciting. :)

1. The strangest thing I've ever eaten was -- oh man, I don't know. I've eating a lot of strange things. Perhaps one of the strangest was cold chicken feet at this chinese restaurant. Well, I didn't actually eat it. I did order it though. Something I've eaten? Cuye! That is guinea pig (traditional in Ecuador). I love caviar, so I don't consider that strange. In France, there was this place that made a huge deal out of mussels and french fries together. That was delicious AND strange. I think that's the winner.

Mom and I enjoying mussels and pommes and kir royale!

2. My best friend is -- Oh! toughie! I have so many wonderful friends! I'd say it's a tie between Diana and Shannon. Diana is so wonderful and socially creative (not to mention a genius), and Shannon and I are partners in performing. Keep an eye out for our upcoming [HIT POP] band -- Glitter and Lace.

Myself, Shannon and Diana attempting Shakira moves.

3. If I could live in a different era it would be -- Oh! To live in another era! Honestly, I've always thought I belonged in the 1950s or 1960s, but the more I learn about the women's rights movements the more I realize how lucky I am to have been born and considered an actual human being that can work. So, unless I was born as royalty, I'd say the present day. (In the case of royalty, let's say either the 1600s or the 1850s).

(though I would have made one fantastic Bonnie, as Diana and I demonstrate)

4. I like -- helping others. I think each of us are larger pieces of the puzzle than we imagine.

(People = dancing tetris pieces)

5. If you only know one thing about me it should be -- that I am here to have fun. There is very little in the world that is worth the aggravation, though this doesn't stop my temper. I get pretty worked up about things until my friends tap me on the shoulder and ask, "why?" Things tend to be better after that. So please remember to have fun today!

Diana gives an example of "fun."

6. My favorite book of all time is -- A Separate Peace. Well, it's between that and Death be Not Proud. Both are kind of sad, but beautifully written. Plus, for Death be not Proud -- SCIENCE!

7. The one beauty product I couldn't live without -- a boar's bristle hairbrush. I am so spoiled -- I have three! -- but my hair is unruly and terrible without it's soothing powers. Outside of that, I love mascera.

8. Blogging is --something I do in my spare time. I have several blogs, some personal, some not, and they all serve different purposes. I love following other peoples triumphs and disasters, and I hope someday others like to follow mine as well. Otherwise, I don't know. I'm just a jellyfish sometimes, floating with the current.

9. If I could star in a movie with any actor/actress I would want to work with -- well, here's the thing. I don't really follow these people. I love Kate Hudson because she seems like a lot of fun and I think Mandy Moore and I would have a lot in common. I've always loved Daniel Radcliffe. But really? James Dean. Done.

10. One of the best feelings in the world is -- giggling with your best friends. There's just something about it. I love performing, so it's pretty common to find me out with people at the karaoke shows. One day, it will be a sold out arena. Just wait. <3

Till Niagra Falls,

Frenchi

Bathroom remix; several months later

2010-03-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

I overhauled my bathroom several months ago with some new ideas to organize my everyday jewelry. I am sharing them with you!

I have my own bathroom, so I decided to make it girly and flowery. :)

I love callalilies. These are fake callas hotglued directly to the wall above my towel rack. I might upload more pictures when I have cleaned the place.

In the last image are the earring and necklace holders I made. They are cheap (ikea) frames. I removed the glass (plexiglass) and inserted some polyester batting and a material I liked to make it plush, then for dangly earrings you can just stab the hook through. For the necklaces, I bent corsage / boutonnière pins to little hooks.

You could conceivably do this to create a variety of looks.

Relaxation!

2010-03-16T19:29:00.001-07:00

Oh dear, it has been a long long time since I posted.

You see, I am a fourth year (translation: senior) in college (specifically New College of Florida). In order to graduate with our bachelor of arts, we have to complete 7 contracts and write and defend a baccalaureate thesis. I have just finished mine and turned it it! I was originally going to defend it tomorrow (St. Patrick's Day), but it has been postponed until after spring break. I have lots of work to catch up on (I'm taking 6 classes), but overall, I am relieved.

Because I had planned on defending the thesis tomorrow, I went out and bought a sweet bright green dress and matching hat. I'm wearing it anyways, don't worry. And I have an alternative dress to wear after break. But I am going to post pictures of my awesome outfit. Eventually. :)

In other news,
Sydney Peyton was born nearly a month ago! I have seen some beautiful pictures and I can't wait to see her in person! I go home on Saturday to spend time with her, her mother, my mother, my cousin, and several new and old friends. I might even go to a prom! I will be sure to share some pictures with you guys!!

Anyway, I wanted to let y'all know I still exist and will be updating a lot more often now!

Dinosauric!

2010-02-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

I love my thesis Carrel Buddies, Austin and Catherine, with Diana around the corner and Amber stopping by. Even the USF kid behind me is sweet. Look at what one of them (I suspect Catherine) left for me!

I would like to introduce you to...

2010-01-21T02:02:00.000-08:00

This marvelous little blog called Citizens. Everyday they introduce you to a new person with a few details about that person. My cousin was one of the first "citizens of 2010", 'Citizen Bean.' She's an amazing photographer. Since then I have enjoyed reading about strangers and neighbors and people who I wouldn't likely ever meet.

Quick Projects

2010-01-20T22:50:00.000-08:00

My school has this magical thing called "The Free Table", which is essentially anonymous free-cycling. I was sorting through it and found an old EXPRESS striped stretchy scoop neck shirt. So I wandered home and tried to come up with things I could make from it. First off, a small stretchy bag for whatever (likely whatever fiction book I will be reading at the time.

I used a spare bright red shoe-lace I had lying around.

I used the pretty scoop neck for a headband to keep my hair out of my face. I'll put up a picture wearing it soon, but it's to the left in this picture.

I put in 1.5" woven elastic to keep it snug. :)

Remember to tell the ones near to you you love them today!

What a strange week...

2010-01-20T16:23:00.000-08:00

I have gotten nothing accomplished this week. I have sat on the couch and pigged out and slept for long periods of time... I need to work on school work rather than watching Say Yes to the Dress like I have been, but alas.

I have repurposed a t-shirt I found, so yay -- I made a book bag (tiny drawstring) and a hair piece that will keep my poofy red hair in place. I've gotten ideas for a motherhood gift for my dear friend Sandra. I am going to make her pajamas and a robe, and picked out fabrics at Joann's yesterday. Turns out they're having a pretty great sale, though I spent a lot more money than I should have.

I will keep you up to date on that, and hopefully Diana will find her sewing machine so I can steal it.

As for now, I'm going to clean the living room, buy lightbulbs (I'm living in the dark!), and type up my ISP so I can turn that in tomorrow, along with the remainder of the residency forms. Whoo!

I'm almost done with the valentines I'm planning on handing out this year. Previously I have gone with store-bought foil cards, but I had some time and a stroke of creativity, so we'll see how these turn out. They're not super simple, but they are free and for my close friends, very personal. I plan on handwriting a little note of why I am glad we are friends to go with each of them, as there isn't much room for writing on the valentine itself.

Additionally, I am participating in my first swap! It's with the very Bitter Betty of Bitter Betty Industries! I am very excited.

Lookie! A knitting needle roll!

2010-01-19T23:25:00.000-08:00

Okay, here's your warning. I didn't measure anything, the seams are totally crooked, and it's not perfect. But it's the thought that counts, right?

So I started with a fat quarter of a cotton material I thought Amber would like, and a whole bunch of white felt. I mean, a whole lot of it. I embroidered "Simple Knot" in the turquoise color along with knitting needles on a diamond of felt.

I eyeballed the size of the fat quarter and cut felt just as long and 1.75 times as high. First, I hemmed every corner. Next, I sewed a series of stitches vertically in the felt, folding the extra .75 over, creating a pocket (or rather, several pockets) for the needles. I even made a wider, shorter pocket for scissors.

To follow, I faced wrong side to wrong side of the felt and fat quarter, and stitched up the sides, remembering to leave gaps to add ribbon later (I didn't have the ribbon yet). after securing my ribbon, cutting it to the lengths I wanted, I placed one double ribbon (one longer length folded over) along one vertical hem, and two shorter ribbons along each horizontal hem. I secured my embroidery to to outside.

Having left extra fabric at the uppermost part of the roll, I folded it over once and created a upper closure to secure the needles, and stitched the fold into place.

And voila!

Whoa!

2010-01-19T21:35:00.000-08:00

Look at that! I love being inspired by companies -- I realize they have gains due to it, but it still makes me happy. Fiskars has a huge project collection:

http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/projects/

And no, they don't give me money or anything. <3!

Baby Sydney

2010-01-18T12:26:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelies!

I have known for about two weeks now that I have a baby god-daughter on the way! Her name will be Sydney Peyton. I was surprised and confused at first, but I am so glad she is coming. Her mother and I grew up attached at the hip, and she will be a wonderful mother, there is no doubt in my mind. Even when I was surprised and upset, I knew she would be a wonderful mother. I hope she knows that.

Recently her mother was hospitalized for pre-eclampsia, or high blood pressure, She's doing fine, but for the time being the plan is to deliver Sydney at 37 weeks, or February 7th! I am running around thinking, does she need this? Does she need this? Would this be good to give to her?

The more I think about it, the more I wonder what my role as godmother will be. Yes, I want to have her best interests in mind, but I need to remember that she is her own being and not her mother, who I was regrettably harsh on in my younger years. In talking to my alter-ego-pop-star Shannon, she has agreed that I should try to be like the "fairy godmother" -- I know I won't be around much when she is a little baby, but I want to show her about dreams and truths and love and living in the moment without betraying yourself. Because it's taken me a long time to get to that point in my life, to recognize that I don't need to break my back everyday to achieve what I want to achieve. I want to be that crazy lady who dresses up in a fairy costume with the 3 year old and skips around the mall with glitter and wands. I want to be present in her life and watch her dream and grow.

I am young and terrified and absolutely in love with this baby girl who isn't even born yet. I appreciate if you would keep her and her mother in your thoughts, and any advice that you think should be passed along to her mother or myself would be greatly appreciated. Sydney will be the first child of a young mother who is very dedicated and wonderful and brilliant, but who I know is scared too.

Thank you so much! Remember to tell the little ones (and big ones!) in your life how much you love them today! <3

Visitors and Vanishings

2010-01-17T20:50:00.001-08:00

What an interesting week!

My wonderful soul-mate Shannon has graced me with her presence for the weekend -- she's returned to her former stomping grounds of Sarasota and New College for amusing and delicious times. Twenty-four hour Starbucks to see Frank and Missy, our lovely baristas, downtown Sarasota for movies and ice-cream, St. Armand's circle for beer and gelato (yeah we're classy!). Baby clothes shopping. You know!!

Does this mean I've finished my cleaning times? Of course not! I am still in the process of this fun experience. I've been totally lame and not crafting, holding up my ideas in my brain for a better day. I've signed up for the valentine exchange with Bitter Betty, so I will be putting that up when she's received it! The theme I'm really feeling right now is along the "I'd like to teach the world to sing." I'm heading up the relief efforts at my college in regard to Haiti, and hopefully will be on a service trip there in March.

My uncle is concerned about my safety there, and I understand that, but I feel such a need to go there. I've been to Hispanola many times, to both the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and many of my favorite art pieces in my collection are from Haiti. The last time I was there I felt incredible sadness because of the chain-link fences constructed to separate the natives from the tourists. The poverty has always been immense, but that is the only time I remember being physically removed from the people who live there. As usual my family left everything we had taken as well as large tips to the women who cleaned the hotel rooms -- we want to make sure the clothes and shoes and razorblades made it to the community.

What do y'all do when you see people suffering? Here in the states, we are often lucky enough to not encounter it, despite there being thousands of people and children who can't afford to eat. Please share your fundraising/volunteer efforts with me!

For the future...

2010-01-12T06:12:00.001-08:00

Last night (when I stayed up later than I should have, surprise surprise...) I stumbled upon Elizabeth Dye, a bridal shop ( I presume) in Portland, Oregon.
This is the dress I want to wear on my big day (as of right now), maybe with a set of robin egg blue chiffon or lace roses in the center at the bust, with one of my grandmother's rhinestone pins. Wouldn't that be beautiful?

She has wonderful dresses, but this is my absolute favorite. I found it through this post on oh hello friend (certainly one of my favorite blogs!).

Good Morning World!

2010-01-12T06:02:00.000-08:00

I thought I would start the day off well! Last night I worked out for an entire hour (exciting!) marking my second workout in the new year (I'm a week behind, but I started that way..). Then, alas! even with the help of Benadryl I couldn't manage to fall asleep until probably 5am. And you know Pumpernickel the cat would wake me before my alarm went off at 8. But I am awake, I am drinking Irish Breakfast Tea from this beautiful cup from Anthropologie and I am actually ready for the day. I hope you are too!

Resolutions.

2010-01-04T02:15:00.001-08:00

I don't have a bone to pick about resolutions, but I am confused as to why we look at time in the form of years. Yes, we need to create a unit that people can recognize and imagine is "tangible," but I will never understand it. Don't get me wrong, New Year's has always been pretty much the biggest holiday in my life ever, and about half of Athens figured that out this year. Note to self... sparkling wine does not equate to regular wine...

So about resolutions. Why do we say, "this year I will do this?" I mean, every goal needs an end point I supposed... a finish line. But if the resolution is self improvement, do you plan on returning to the former self at year's end? It has never made sense to me and probably never will.

I guess I think of resolutions as things you want to be forever. The quote "Today is the first day of the rest of your life" has always stuck with me, and I see life as more of a continuum of sorts than a calendar year. But then, so did the Mayans. Sure, they replaced the calendar when it was no longer applicable, but then the Mayan calendar lasts for centuries without ever utilizing a leap year to make up for our western failure at astronomy and time.

Digression.

I guess what i was thinking about is that yes, I have resolutions. I come up with them several times a year. And some of them I forget immediately. Others I carry forever it seems.

This year everything will change even more. I will (Embryo willing!!) graduate, move to St. Kitts or Naples, and probably grow a bit distant from both Shannon and Diana, despite how much I hate the thought of it. I will have a goddaughter named Sydney Peyton Bateman. I will probably be under higher levels of control than I have ever been under in my life. I will keep calm and carry on. I will learn more. I will write more. I will (someday!) get to read for pleasure. I will get a job that doesn't involve the words food-service. And I will pull the charcoal back out and run down my fingers on the cello and newly officially mine guitar.

I think the skies are clearing back up again. I passed every class I intended to. I have marvelous friends. I am confident. I am terribly intimidating to men. Good? Bad? Who knows.

I guess the big thing is that I actually sing more now. Not like, karaoke sing (though I love that). I've been singing in my everyday life. It's like an indicator species, except the indication is that of my emotional stability. I stopped singing in March of 2009 and didn't really start again until October. Well forget that.

This year, and every year from here on out, I will sing.

Last Christmas, I gave you my heart.

2009-12-27T00:30:00.000-08:00

Gosh darnit. Holidays are difficult. I mean, really difficult. Not just for me, not just for my family. I just... I guess there so many roadblocks through life it's hard to remember what is great.

I spent the holiday in bed, complaining and being a terrible child to my wonderful and amazing mother. I'm feeling much better now (36 hours of mind numbing sleep will do that), and am regretting my behavior over the past few days...

Well... seeing as to how no one is following this blog as of yet (whoo!), I will upload pictures of the gifts I have given and am soon to give (to the wonderful girls back in SRQ)!.

First of all, to my mother:

To the woman who can read every book in 30 minutes flat, a way to save the world (and somehow spend some more money in the process...). She's been trying to lately.

Also, after hearing complaints from my mother about how she feels old because of her neck. So Santa brought this!:

To my new friend Heather, a shared love:

To my best friend (ever!!!) :

(I will provide a short tutorial later...).

To my wonderful cousin, a monogrammed pocket square (still in progress... I am so bad...).

So I need to think of somethings to do for Mom before 1. Heather and I throw the best New Years party in recent history and 2. I run back off to school 500 miles away.

I would love suggestions, cyber phantoms.

Damn felt...

2009-12-14T11:05:00.000-08:00

So I was working so hard on Diana's gift... and I feel like it's not up to par. You see dearies, Diana is a bit picky. I love her to death, but she likes things to be neat and straight. And my limited experience on the sewing machine doesn't really equal straight lines.

Oh well! I redid half of it, and it's no where near perfect, but I hope she likes it anyway.

I'm nearly finished with Mom's gift, all it needs now is a drawstring.

What else?

Well, that's it for now. Though I did have a great time in Michael's, having 2 boys help me find the glycerine (apparently it's kept in the cake decorating area... hmmm...). I've made a snowglobe-like present for my sparkly friend... I hope everything goes well! I will keep y'all up to date as life progresses!

Gifts, cont'd

2009-12-12T23:20:00.000-08:00

Ahahah! Today I woke my mom up at 630! What a great daughter I am, huh? We went to Michael's, Total Wine, Walmart and Joann's, plus some food. So many goodies! I bought felt to finish Diana's gift, quilted material to start Mom's, some cotton to get a handle on Marie's, and an amazing felt surprise for Diana!!! Of course, I bought white when I should have bought grey, so tomorrow is "return/exchange day". I hate that day.
BUT! We got some Gingher scissors (sweet sharpness!), new lipstick (did I mention I had the Chanel lady pick the color for me? Then we bought the Revlon equivalent. (sneaky sneaky...).

On the bright side, I did finish Amber's gift. I'll upload photos once she has received it.

Tonight Josh, Kyrie and I went to see The Princess and the Frog. I loved it!! Good music, plus references (i.e. direct quotes) from some of the other films. !!! So exciting. I'll share pictures after the gift giving is complete.

Loves~!

Rambling, and I broke the sewing machine...

2009-12-11T19:36:00.001-08:00

Ok, so while reading blogs, I came across HollySarah's 2010 Style resolutions, which I think is a pretty neat idea. While I have a (tiny!) tattoo that I do love, I don't know if I would get another one, though she posted some amazing ones (check out the doe on the chest)!

So I was thinking, what would I change about my style? It's normally pretty out there -- I like to remix clothes, and I wear everything from gothic- inspired petticoats and sparkly red orchid hair pieces to (Gasp! sigh! faint!) Brooks Brother's inspired wear. I do so wish to be classy like that. Honestly, I don't know how I would describe my style. I'll put an honesty box question on my facebook and see if anyone responds!
But for Spring, I hope to wear more pretty cardigans (okay, maybe not for long... I do live in Florida...) I hope to wear more brooches, and use more fun jewelry. I have a huge collection of dresses that I never have anyplace to wear, so I'm hoping to get in on some social action in Sarasota, because we all know they have galas and balls and things like this, and should be at them.

Over the summer I hope to wear more flowy shirts, cotton, and recycled dresses. But then I also don't know where I will be, so this is up in the air.

Back to the real world... I broke the sewing machine again. I swear I've broken it a zillion times. Everything is peachy up until the bobbin runs out. So I wind another one, stick it back in, follow the threading diagram, and bam. It hates me. I'm waiting for Mom to come home and show me how badly I screwed it up this time.

On a brighter note, Amber's gift is almost done. I need some pretty ribbon, a working sewing machine, and it will be complete. Then I will need to come up with a design for Marie's gift...

I love this: http://www.well-worn.com/2009/12/faux-real-luxe-snow-globes.html and now I know how I'm wrapping Shannon "I Bring the Sparkle"'s gift. Good! Success!

I just love browsing my google reader and finding a million great ideas from Creature Comforts to CRAFT to Geekologie. I'm always pleasantly impressed.

Love! (ay carmela).

Off to the A-town we go.

2009-12-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

So I am about to pack up my car (including cats) for the 8-10 hour drive. I normally don't mind it too much... but... cats...
I gave Nicky 1/4 of a benadryl to knock him out... right now he's passed out.

On another note, Will asked for the eggnog recipe I used. It turned out pretty good (and pretty strong!), so I'll post it here too:
Ingredients

Serves 26

* 12 eggs, separated
* 1 1/2 cups superfine sugar
* 1 quart whole milk
* 1 1/2 quarts heavy cream
* 3 cups bourbon
* 1/2 cup dark rum
* 2 cups cognac
* Freshly grated nutmeg

Directions

1. In a very large bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and pale yellow. Gradually add sugar to yolks. With a wire whisk, beat in milk and 1 quart cream. Add bourbon, rum, and cognac, stirring constantly.
2. Just before serving, beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into mixture. Whip remaining 1/2 quart heavy cream until stiff, and fold in. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

(from Martha Stewart)

I just can't wait to get back to a sewing machine and start quilting material to finish these gifts!!!

I also figured out what to get for Will. Success? Yes.

Gifts!

2009-12-09T15:12:00.001-08:00

I have finished the hardish part on Amber's gift (aka designing!), and I just know she's gonna love it. I'm trying to finish my take on the Sweet and Spotty Needle Wallet , but I'm simplifying it due to extreme laziness and general lacking of material. It's a good thing it's for me, because my choice in colors was pretty poor.

I'm working on Marie's gift next, and so have to pick out another design and set of fabrics. I'm a bit worried about that, as Marie is more Grandmothery than I, but also a bit more focused on solid colors, I think. If I could find about half a yard of light, simple rose print, I think it would do. That means braving the craft stores at this time of year...

What do you think of these phrases? "Let it steep" or "Tea is instant wisdom"? Comments are welcome!

Diana flew out today. There is so much left to be done on her gift yet! At least I know the dimensions I need to work with. I think (and am quite confident) that the zipper will be the most difficult part. Again, I have to go to the craft store when I reach Atlanta. And I have to learn how to quilt material....

I ordered my mother's gift a while back and the office at my complex is still holding it (I keep forgetting to pick it up!). I want to create another way to wrap it -- though I bought her a protective and ultra-snazzy leather case (I guess I can consider the vegan days of my life over), I want to make her a more amusing personalized one, like a more serious version of this, which I saw on Craft. Maybe with something simple like a drawstring closure, that would fit over the case I gave her. It would be okay for travelling but not for daily use.

Additionally, Austin's birthday is December 24, and his birthday was last night (whoo! bowling!). I want to make him something memorable for his all-holidays gift. I love these notecards by Marie-Chantele Turgeon, so I'm thinking something along those lines for the card, but what to make for the self proclaimed "Most Adorable Boy at New College"?

Again -- comments! I'm going to sift through the pics from last night for inspiration...

On a totally unrelated note...
I don't Finals! Hahaha. I have my last Thesis meeting tomorrow morning ( I have to leave at the ungodly hour of 7am to get there in time!), then I come home and pack for the trek up to the 404! I can't wait to go to my friend's holiday parties and rock around the Christmas tree.

Speaking of trees, my mom and her roommate were going to get a live tree this year. Well, really a dead tree, but you know what I mean. After 10 years (a decade!) of resigning to use a fake tree for ease, finances, and maybe the environment, they want to get a large dying tree for the living room. Perhaps partially due to the fact there will be a party this year.

I told my mom I would only bless it if she bought a tree with a root bulb (you know, for replanting), and more specifically, a tree native to Northern Georgia. I don't think they're going to do this. As a senior about to receive her degree in Biology, who is deeply interested in ecology and local environments, I feel that we need to spread the word about what trees are native (and therefore reasonable to replant) in areas. Personally, the annual massacre of trees doesn't make sense to me. Maybe if you lived on a giant parcel of land with a huge pine forest, and cut it yourself, but since I don't know many people in the suburbs of Atlanta who are capable of this, I don't see that being reasonable either. Gosh.

The cat (Pumpernickel) is complaining. I adore him, but is he noisy!

I hope Geo is happier at my mother's house. But you know, she's not going to get any better, especially not here. So I might as well offer her a giant suite all to herself, with the occasional stress of dogs barking.

Thoughts? Comments?

Inspiration and Holidays

2009-12-08T02:30:00.000-08:00

Today I have stayed up far too late again ( I did, in my defense, sleep until 5pm yesterday), and have wandered the internet finding wonderful craft blogs. Sunday was my college Holiday party (meaning I threw a party and invited my college friends), and around Saturday I'm driving back up to Atlanta! I have also found that if I have facebook open in another window, and someone chats with me, blogger freezes!
So I have started another two embroidery projects for my best friend... I have several more pieces to make before January, but I'm pretty sure she'll like it. And there's a secret present in the making too!!

One of the presents I am making for Amber is coming along slowly... I need a sewing machine for proper making. And the last present I'm making is going to be perfect (it's part of a collection I'm giving her).

The photos up are some of the decorations from the party on Sunday.

I had fun with it.

Made WAY too much food. Five types of cookies, pumpkin pie, scalloped potatoes, shrimp cocktail, sandwiches, pigs in a blanket, homemade (traditional) eggnog, and more. It ended up being small but fun. I passed out for two hours after everyone left!

Today I have to meet with a rehab center (my thesis is about Wildlife Rehabiltiation), see a movie with Diana, go to Austin's birthday bowling party, and analyze some data for my thesis. Wish me luck! I'm looking forward to being back in Atlanta, but not to being in a car with two cats for 8 hours...

Fun times!
spread love.

ps: I wanna go rollerblading. Someone should join me on Wednesday!

Dec.3.09

2009-12-03T06:16:00.000-08:00

Okay. Well. New Blog. Because I'm CRAZY.

I decided to do this instead of updating my facebook status every 30 seconds, so if you've stumbled here I am so sorry.

I'm trying to keep my life exciting and balanced and WHOOO, so last night I met up with Sean and went to Kroaky's karaoke contest (running through Dec 31). His Maroon 5 performance (This Love) was far superior to my Carrie Underwood (We're Young and Beautiful), but that didn't stop the judges for rating my stage presence above his. I feel really bad about that... he keeps trying to impress me and I keep trumping him...
Anyway, due to a second place tie, I won $50 in Kroaky's giftcards and was invited back for finals on Dec 31 (when I will not be here...).

Due to happiness, there was much singing. Sean and I attempted (he did Kanye well, I failed at Estelle!) American Boy, then Aladdin's A Whole New World. Later on three of us sang Lady Marmalade, and Cory, a great baritone, knew more than Gina and I combined. It was pretty awesome.

After everyone left, I sang a short a capella "Look at Me Now" from The Wild Party (Jason Brown). It's sung by a whore, but I really love the feel of the song. No one really commented... I wonder why...

"I got life in the end, so let me tell you! The South is gonna rise again! When you're born in a ditch, you quickly learn to plow, so darlin's darlin's darlins, take a damn good look, look at me now!"

I have one more paper to pump out, and several data collection meetings in the next week (one in 1.5 hours!). I'm so happy, I could melt. I might actually get to go home in time for Mom's Christmas party!

Alright, I'm out. Hit your notes lovies!