What I Wore: 1/31/2011

Pink top: Lands' End Canvas- Jan. 2011

Grey tank top: Wal-mart- Fall 2010

Grey Cardi: K-Mart- gift

Jeans: NBC

While super cold temps and freezing drizzle were falling outside, I decided to heat up my wardrobe with some bright colors.


I chose this outfit to go along with Fab Finds Under $50's Pretty Little Liar's challenge even though I've never seen the show). I think this outfit is an Emily outfit (active and sporty, minimal jewelry, balanced proportions, and eye catching color) but I identify more with Spencer's style (muted colors, preppy, classics, layers, mix of masculine and feminine).

I also wanted to show off my new Lands'End Canvas long sleeve v-neck tee. I actually picked up 4 of these tees while they were on sale. I got one in coral pink (as seen above; which is pretty close to Pantone's color of 2011, honeysuckle pink), and one in cappuccino, tea rose, and aubergine. I was hoping that these Lands'End tees would be thicker than they turned out to be and the v-neck is a bit deeper than I expected ( I definitely need to wear another shirt or tank underneath to keep them work appropriate), but I think they'll be great layering pieces and add pops of color to my wardrobe through the Spring.

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Things I learned from the 2011 SAG Awards

So, I totally missed the 17th annual SAG awards this weekend and I have no idea who the big winners were, but I did see who the big fashion winners were (thanks to yahoo). Here's what I learned after seeking pics from this years SAG Awards.

1. I love prints! Claire and Mila looked hot in their printed dresses and if I had all of the money in the world, both of these dresses would be in my closet.

Claire Danes

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Mila Kunis

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2. Red is in (and thank goodness for that!). I love the color red and luckily the color red loves me back.

Tina Fey

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3. Baby bumps are also in (and Jane Krakowski and Natalie Portman were rocking the bump). However, this is one look I won't be rocking anytime soon.

Sofia Vergara

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4. Twisted/ wrapped dresses do nice things to your body. It looks like I need to invest in some twisted necklines.

Kara Mara

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5. Friends don't let friends wear dresses like this. Granted, it's not the worst dress EVER, it just was the least best at the SAG awards.

What do you think? Did you catch the SAG awards Sunday night? Who were your best and worst dressed picks? Let me know in the comments below.

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What's Making Me Laugh: Zuckerberg on SNL

This weekend SNL was hosted by Jesse Eisenberg who played Mark Zuckerberg in the film Social Network. At the top of the show there was a cameo by the real Mark Zuckerberg which was "Awk-ward!" to say the least. If you missed it, check out the video above.

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What's Making Me Laugh: Naked Guy Celebrating

*Warning: The following isn't suitable for work (or prudes).*

Perhaps I should call this "what's making The boy and his friends laugh" instead (however it did get some nervous giggles from me for the shock value). Why would someone do this to another person in front of a crowd of people!? Isn't this man on man molestation? And look at the crowd egging it on!

What is your reaction to this video? Funny? Shocking? Appalling? Let me know in the comments below.

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What I Wore: 01/24/2011

Dress and matching hoodie: Jonathan Saunders for Target 2008
Tights: Haines
Shoes (unseen): American Eagle for Payless

Sorry for the blurry picture, but a blurry picture is better than no picture, eh? I got this dress as a pre-Christmas present a few years ago to wear to a conference. I'm not really a huge dress person so this dress rarely gets worn, but on Monday I decided to give it another go. I wish I would have checked the weather report before I committed to this outfit because the temperature only got up to 40 degrees F and I had to spend an hour and 15 minutes outside that day. Oh well! At least I looked good while I was freezing my tail.

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Grandma's Christmas Mittens

This year my grandma asked for a pair of mittens for Christmas that match her blue coat with black, light blue, and purple accents. Even though I started early on my Christmas knitting , it took me awhile to find the perfect yarn. After visiting every yarn seller in my town, I found the perfect yarn (Caron Simply Soft Paints in Oceana) at Hobby Lobby, but they only had a knitted sample of the color I needed so I ended up ordering the yarn online. My skein arrived on Christmas eve. So I was a knittin' kitten knittin' mittens on Christmas Day. :P

I used the Free Vintage Knitting Classic Mittens pattern (found here) and it took me only a week to knit up my first ever pair of mittens.

Of course, grandma loved her mittens and said that she'd wear them for the rest of her life (which I suppose is kind of a grandma joke since she's 91 years old).

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What's Making Me Laugh: Pee Wee on SNL

  I totally grew-up in the era of Pee Wee's Playhouse and it was one of my favorite shows when I was a kid, so I was super excited (and yet somewhat disturbed) when I saw Pee Wee on last week's SNL Digital Short. Pee wee with a drinking problem!? Hilarius! And the intervention scene is priceless (especially given my new found love of knitting while watching AMC's Intervention on Netflix). 

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What I'm Listening To: Richard Crowson's Response to Governor Brownback

Recently, Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has been on a financial cut-backs kick and proposed the elimination of the Kansas Arts Commission by July 2011. This would force the Kansas Arts Commission to go private with limited state funding and it makes me (and many other creative people) very very sad (see details here).

On Friday mornings, my local NPR station does a segment with local banjo player, Richard Crowson, and this week he decided to do his commentary with a song about Brownback's proposal that I really enjoyed. If you're interested, you can read about the commentary here and listen to the song here.

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Weekend Update

Hello everyone! How was your weekend?

1. This weekend I pulled out my Couleur Experte hair color & highlight kit (6.1) and tried to do a little hair experimentation and give myself some ombre hair ala. Alexa Chung (see below). Long story short, I left the highlighter on my ends per the instructions, then left the highlighter on a little longer and nothing happened. So, I suppose if I ever try this again I'll either get a bigger, blonder bleaching kit or seek out a professional.

2. Did you all watch the Golden Globes on Sunday? I watched bits of it here and there and kept a special eye out on the fashions. I liked that we saw some color this year with some honeysuckle pinks, greens, and bold yellows and oranges. Here are my picks for best and worst dressed at the awards:

Best

Claire Danes

http://celebrity-gossip.net/golden-globe-awards-2011/claire-danes-2011-golden-globe-winner-458198

Scarlett Johansson

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1347803/Golden-Globes-2011-Eva-Longoria-Christina-Aguilera-Scarlett-Johansson-best-fashion.html

I know that not everyone loved Scarlett's hair, but I thought this look was fab.

Anne Hathaway

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1347803/Golden-Globes-2011-Eva-Longoria-Christina-Aguilera-Scarlett-Johansson-best-fashion.html

Worst

Helena Bonham Carter

I like quirk as much as the next person, but this was too much for the awards.

Tilda Swinton

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1347803/Golden-Globes-2011-Eva-Longoria-Christina-Aguilera-Scarlett-Johansson-best-fashion.html

Christina Aguilera

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1347803/Golden-Globes-2011-Eva-Longoria-Christina-Aguilera-Scarlett-Johansson-best-fashion.html

And my pick for "I wish I could get away with that dress" is:

January Jones

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1347803/Golden-Globes-2011-Eva-Longoria-Christina-Aguilera-Scarlett-Johansson-best-fashion.html

Who are your best/ worst dressed picks?

3. Over my MLK, jr. holiday I saw 2 films: Black Swan (mind-blowingly trippy) and The Kings Speech (cute, feel-good movie). Both flicks were exceptionally good. If you haven't seen them already, you can check out the trailers below.

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What's Making Me Laugh: Portlandia

Portlandia: Portland Dream of the '90s - Portlandia - Series - On Air - IFC.com

I saw this video clip online a few weeks ago on Chic Steals and I've had this song in my head ever since and now I really want to go to Portland.


It turns out that this clip comes from a 6 part comedy series called Portlandia that will premiere on the IFC on Friday, January 21, 2011 at 10:30 PM ET/PT and stars Fred Armisen (SNL) and Carrie Brownstein (Sleater-Kinney). So, while I can't afford to travel to Portland anytime soon, I can check out the show and you should too. If you don't get the IFC, you can check out the first episode here.

Note: I am in no way affiliated with the IFC.

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Snow Day!

Greetings, everyone! I'm having a Snow Day today! Overnight Sunday and all day Monday my town got 4 inches of snow. Now, to some of you that may seem like a lot of snow, or it may seem like no big deal (depending on what part of the country/world you're from), but where I'm from, that's a pretty good amount of snow. In fact, this is the most winter weather we've had all season, and the snow + temperatures in the single digits and negatives lead to a whole lot of Tuesday cancellations today including my workplace.

So, what am I doing with my snow day? Well, rather than spend all day in my PJ's under a Snuggie (although I did wait until 2:30pm to get dressed) I've been crafting and updating my blog. Right now I'm working on a pair of Diabetic-Friendly knee high socks (with this pattern) for my Grandma as a late Christmas present. I also recently finished a pair of mittens for my grandma that I'm hoping to deliver this weekend, so look for my post about grandma's mittens shortly.

Have you been effected by some winter weather? What do you do on days you're "snowed in?" Let me know in the comments below.

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Baby Blanket

Before Winter Break, I was approached by a co-worker who asked if I would make a baby blanket for her daughter whose expecting a baby girl in March. I was flattered to be asked, so of course, I obliged, and my co-worker provided me with some balls of Bernat Softee Baby Solids yarn in lavender, pink and yellow to get started and told me that I could use any pattern or technique I wanted.

After browsing Ravelry I really liked ravelry user SheilaWKent's Bubbles Baby Blanket and decided to use the same pattern. I added a stripe of white in the center of the blanket with yarn from my stash to match SheilaWKent's blanket and made each stripe approx. 4.25". It only took me a week to crochet this 30" x 30" blanket (I finished on Christmas day). Here are the results:





I was able to deliver the finished blanket when I returned to work from break and my co-worker was pleasantly surprised. Since I finished so soon, the blanket will be able to be delivered to future mommy at her upcoming baby shower.

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A Tale of 3 Betty's

Way back in August 2010 I participated in Craftster's Ongoing ATC (artist trading card) Swap. For those of you who don't know, ATCs are 2.5" by 3.5" handcrafted cards that can only be traded (not sold). In order to participate in the swap, I had to PM a brief survey to the swap leader for approval, claim a fellow ATC swapper and post my own ATC wishlist on the forum, and wait for someone to claim me. I was claimed by missmoppet and blogged about it here and I claimed shelina to make a Betty White themed ATC. I had so much fun that I ended up sending her 2 cards and keeping an extra for myself.
The first Betty White ATC that I made utilized an image from when Betty White hosted SNL. I used heavy weight interfacing for the base and zig-zag stitched a scrap of bright pink denim for the background for a classic Betty card.

Next, shelina had indicated that she was a fan of the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter comic book series, so I decided to combine her love of Anita with her love of Betty. I hand drew the image in pencil and ink taking inspiration from some Anita Blake images online and some images of Betty White at the Emmys.



Finally, I saw this image of Betty White and decided that I had to turn it into an ATC to keep for myself. This time I just applied the image to a bit of scrapbooking paper I had on hand. I had a lot of fun making these and would love to participate in another ATC swap.
What do you think of my Betty White cards? Have you ever participated in an ATC swap or a Craftster swap? Would you like to participate in a swap or trade cards with me? Let me know in the comments below.

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What I'm Watching: Red Pandas

Hello Everyone! Did you know that right now Firefox is streaming live, cuteness 24/7? Firefox has teamed up the the Knoxville Zoo to present a live web feed of adorable Firefox cubs (aka. Red Pandas), Spark and Ember, and there's also a feed for you to watch their parents and aunt as well. I love watching the feed when I'm feeling a bit bored or down as a way to pick myself up again. Because, how can you be bored or down when watching these adorable creatures frolicking around!? If you're interested in checking out these guys for yourself, just visit FirefoxLive.org

Red Panda/ Firefox

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What I Wore: 1/5/2011

stripe turtle neck, cardigan and pants- Target (ages ago)
red flats- Payless (2 years ago)
knitted flower pin- Laura May's Cottage

Wednesday's Fab Finds Under $50 Outfit Inspiration calender called for Stripes, Red, and Pearls. Although I got the stripes and red down, I forgot about the pearls.

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What I Got For Christmas 2010

I know. Christmas was soooo last year. But, I still wanted to share with you what I got for Christmas.

Button Front Tops at Kohl's
Pajamas by Nick & Nora

I got a pair of Temple St. Clair for Target earrings, a white button down shirt from Kohl's, an orange/ red plaid button-down, 2 Nick and Nora sock monkey pajama sets (fleece from my parents, cotton from The Boy), and a slinky maxi skirt from Urban Outfitters.

Nick and Nora sock monkey slippers

And Paul Frank slipper socks

And Kirby's Epic Yarn (swoon!)

Plus, I got a whole haul of new fun socks (Paul Frank Halloween socks, argyle knee socks, hydrating jammie socks and cabled brown socks) and a pair of black hydrating butter gloves (not pictured).

What did you get for Christmas/ Hanukkah/ Kwanzaa/ Winter Break/ ect.? Let me know in the comments below.

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Counting Down the Days

Are you in search of the perfect 2011 calender? Do you like adorable things and/ or yeti's? Well, do I have the calender for you!


Yesterday, How About Orange shared a link to a yeti paper craft calender for January 2011 by The Curiosity Group and I thought that this month's yeti calender was so cute, I printed and crafted it up right away. Each month in 2011, the Curiosity Group will share a different 3D paper craft calender for you to enjoy. I think they make great desk companions.


I've named my yeti Bob.

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2010 Craftacular! AKA. What I Made in 2010

Since 2010 has already come and gone, I thought I would re-cap all of the things I made and shared in 2010 just in case you missed something.

Knit

Lotus hat
Bacon and Eggs Dishcloth
Revoluti Shawl
Cheesylove Sweater
Mom's Birthday Bag
Rose Dishcloth
Grandma's Favorite Dishcloth
Lands End Warm Up America Blanket Squares
Delightful Kollage Lace Scarf

Crochet

My Week of Headbands (x 5)
Fashion First Aid Bag
Crochet Baby Bear Hat
Mom's Christmas Slippers
Dad's Christmas Slippers
Dr. Who Doll

Sewing

Sewn Necklaces
Garbo Skirt
Thai Fishing Pants
Chic Steals Men's Shirt to Ruffled Top
SATC Hobo Bag
My May Frock by Friday Dress
Tuxedo Bib
Danielle Dress
Welcome Home + Birthday Banner
DIY Peter Pan Collar Tank
Mom's Sewn Necklaces


Drawing

Illustrations from the Sketchbook Project

Other

How to Fix a Drafty Window
I Love to Rasterbate (wall decoration)
Anni Albers Washer Ribbon Necklace
Martha Stewart Coconut Layer Cake
Martha Stewart Molten Mocha Cake
Frog Button Earrings


Not Pictured

Betty White ATCsMen's Shirt into a Ruffled Tube Top
Refashioned Striped Tank with Added Flowers
Bouncing Bubbles Baby Blanket

That's 48 individual DIYs in 2010! Not bad if I do say so myself. Thank you all for checking out my crafts and here's hoping that 2011 is even more craftacular!

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Alegria: it's not a pharmaceutical company

Last week I got to see Cirque du Solei's Alegria in my hometown with my best man and lady friend (+ her parents). I've never been to Vegas or seen a Cirque du Solei performance, and even though I was in the nose-bleed seats, I still though the show was spectacular!

I thought this was a major highlight:

The hand balancing act

Not only was the hand balancing act mind blowing (how can that guy twist around on those poles without falling over!?), but the man was wearing half-pants (how can that guy twist around on those poles like that without falling out of his pants!?)

aforementioned half-pants

So, ladies and gentlemen, I have decided that these half-Speedo/half-tights need to find their way into mainstream fashion. That is all!

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What I'm Listening To: MGMT "Kids"

Hey kids! Why not ring in the new year with MGMT's "Kids" song?

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New Years Resolutions

Happy New Year, everybody! Did you all make your new year's resolutions? Last year I started a 101 in 1001 list, so this year I thought I'd update you on my progress.

Accomplishments

• I started off the year by finishing off my master's project art therapy video.
• Over the summer I took a Yoga class at my local recreation center.
• I've been pretty good about keeping up with my crafting "to do list."
• I have read a sewing pattern and sewn something without help.
• I've stayed pretty true to my promise to blog at least once a week and I have more readers than I started with.
• I've met new people and made new friends-thanks to my new job that I got this fall.
• I've reconnected with some old friends that have moved back into town.
• I finished the Sookie Stackhouse novels and am eagerly anticipating book 11 due out in May 2011.
• I started drinking red wine occasionally and I've been drinking a lot more tea (Tazo's Zen Green tea is my favorite!)
• I've gone to a couple of concerts like She and Him, the Heavy and Rocky Votolato.
• I spent quite a bit of my summer time at the park.
• I've spent lots more time with my family
• I'm doing more thrift store shopping.
• I knit something for charity
• I've cleaned out my clothes closet and re-purposed an item of clothing into something new.
• I participated in an Artist Trading Card swap on Craftster.org
• I got a library card.
• I've started a collection of fun socks (and I got a couple of new pairs for Christmas)
• I've got a Nintendo Wii.
• And my resume is up to date.

Rejected

• I did not attend the 2010 American Art Therapy Conference in Sacramento this year due to lack of funds. Maybe next year.
• I also won't be visiting my friend in Texas anytime soon, since she re-located to Kentucky this year.

What's on the Horizon

• I'm still hoping for an art therapy (or related field) job.
• I'd like to get myself motivated to get back into the gym. Maybe it's time to sign up for another yoga class.
• I'd like to do some more sewing, do more knitting and crocheting to reduce my stash to one storage box (right now I've got 3 big sweater boxes full of yarn), and do more drawing and painting.
• I need to do some more traveling. I'd like to spend more time at some of the small town shops outside of my city and I'd like to travel to Portland, New Mexico, St. Louis, and Europe in the near future. I'm also open to relocating.
• Maybe 2011 will be the year that I start selling my arts and crafts online. What do you think?

So, what are some of your new years resolutions? Let me know in the comments below.

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