A Place I Call My Own

A Song For Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T07:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day ♥

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Ten On Tuesday

2012-02-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

Linking up with Chelsea today! This one has a question about our nails!

1. How do you feel about Groundhogs Day?
I don't really care about it. As far as I'm concerned, winter hasn't even hit the mitten.

2. What color are your fingernails right now? (Bonus points if you include a picture)
Currently my grey shellac manicure is 4 weeks grown out. They are way too long for me right now. A trip to the nail salon is a must this week!

3. Do you like riddles?
Only ones that I can solve.

4. When you were 10, how old did you think "old" was?
Pretty sure I thought "old" was someone over 20. Thats me now. I think old is like, wrinkles. Someone born pre 1950's.

5. Do you wish on stars?
No. But I will wish on a shooting star. They're more rare I think.

6. Do you recycle?
My family here does, so I guess I do. But in Michigan you get 10¢ back for your bottles/cans. It really adds up. Plus a recycling truck comes by with the garbage truck on garbage day and takes the stuff in the blue bin.

7. On a scale of 1-10, how good of a cook are you?
I think maybe an 7-8. I can follow recipes really well. But I've never had the chance to cook for more than just one person. I mean Frank always loved my cooking. Not sure how everyone else feels.

8. Do you color your hair? Professionally or at home?
I do, and I go to a salon for it. Blonde is not a color you should do from a bottle. My personal thoughts on that. I just feel like it goes brassy when done from a box. I'd rather the stylist pick the right color. Plus it feels good having someone do it for you. When I was a brunette, I did it at home all the time. Less room for error.

9. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your manners?
9-10 probably. I always try to be polite to everyone. I always say please and thank you. Hold doors open for people behind me. I say "pardon" or "sorry" instead of "what" if I can't hear or understand someone. I'll get rude if someone starts being rude with me though.

10. Who are the last 5 people you've texted?
- Frank
- Lo
- Mom
- Group text
- Eileen

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T20:35:00.000-08:00

Frank drew me this to cheer me up.
I have to say it worked.

Oh January

2012-01-31T14:05:00.000-08:00

I wan to start off with an apology to my fellow readers. If you're still out there, I'm sorry for my absence. It's been two weeks since my last post. It's not that I haven't had anything to say. Actually there is a lot to be said. I jut haven't had the push, or motivation to write. Unsure of what to say or how to say it. Lacking push or drive to do anything really. Maybe it's the January blues of your typical midwest winter I've missed out on for the last two years, or that the weather really is bipolar. Seriously, today is almost 60ºF. Double-U-tee-eff, eh? No really.

This past month has been a whirlwind of emotions and drama. I recently became employed again. Hi Body Shop. Your workplace makes me smell pretty and I will never have dry hands again. After two shifts I don't feel like a work bitch. I feel very included and welcomed. Must be the small staff thing. The free samples, on basically everything, is nice too. Want a Body Shop product review. Let me know!

Two weeks ago I finally received my insulin pump. Of course my endo in LA doesn't want to sign off on insulin for me because I'm not there. Which now forces me to find a new one here in Michigan. *eye roll* At least the hardest part is over and I am in full possession of the pump. It only took one year and five months to get. Of course my Medtronic rep thinks it would be easier for me to just travel to LA on a random Tuesday so she can train me and get my endo there to sign off on the insulin for me. Yes, because a round trip to LA is extremely affordable and more convenient, and I can just jump on a plane on a whim. I'm pretty sure I'd rather take the extra time to just find a doctor here and get it sorted here. I'm not sure how long it will be before I'm in LA again, and I don't really feel like waiting until then to get this pump hooked up to me. Because the pump is going to make my life a hell of a lot easier. No more shots 3+ times a day in my stomach. Health insurance companies are assholes. But thanks to my mother and a very helpful rep from my families plan, we sorted it out. Turns out my Cali insurance is private and doesn't need to be used. So obviously I used my parents insurance to cover the gadget. Of course I'll keep the crappy private plan I have so I can't be denied with a pre-existing condition when I'm 26. If you didn't know, diabetes has to be the most expensive disease out there. No generic meds for insulin. Test strips cost almost an arm and a leg. And it's all stuff that is used every. single. day. MULTIPLE times a day.

My mom's sister was diagnosed with uterine cancer. She had surgery today. Only to find out the cancer wasn't just in/on the uterus. I'm not sure how to react to it. I don't do well with bad news or situations like this. I am not the comforting type. I never have the words to say. Because to me "it'll be okay," doesn't help much.

Which also leads to my dads parents health. 80 plus years. Almost 60 years of marriage. Oma is in and out of the hospital with different complications of old age health and a husband that wants a separation.

I come to myself now. Here I am at 24 years old. Only three weeks in. I look at myself and see a big fat failure. This isn't where I wanted to be at 24. Six years out of high school. I don't feel successful. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I saw a quote on Pinterest recently and it's true, but I can't pick just one thing I'm passionate about.

Source: flickr.com via Nora on Pinterest

I honestly feel like I'm passionate about so many things. I've been told I am. But how do you just pick one thing?! I just feel so lost.

I'm 2000 miles from my best friend and love of my life. I have so many people throwing advice at me on what I should do and react to it. Quite frankly, I don't think most of these people have any right giving me advice when their relationships and love lives are a mess them selves. I'm learning on forgiving and moving past. I personally think that people can really change from mistakes made. When you see so much regret and pain in someone, makes me believe that they really do feel it. Why would they go and do something stupid again? I do listen to what they have to say, even if I don't agree with it. Actually my dad and my twitter followers have had the best advice. Dad told me to be honest with myself and with him. Don't hold back (Me hold back ever. You'll know if I'm upset, always) emotions. To always be truthful, even if it hurts. It's true. How can any relationship work if you're not honest. Yes the truth hurts sometimes, but it's better than being lied to and being hurt even more. Lies just turn into bigger lies and it ends up hurting both parties in the end and then trust is lost. At least the truth hurts for a bit, but you can get past it and work together on being stronger and a better team. My lovely twitter followers have told me to do what makes me happy. It's my life to live. Why should I let other people tell me how to live it.

Just feels like 2012 isn't starting out on the note I was hoping for, even though I had no standards for how it would even start out as. If this is the bottom it can only go up from here.

If you're still with me. Thank you for reading. I'm still here. I'm just trying to find a voice and motivation to even do something. I've just been a funk. Stay with me though. Hope everyone is doing well. I miss you all and I'm reading your blogs every day.

xoxo

Celebrations

2012-01-16T11:52:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday, so a week ago, I turned the (sorta kinda) big two four. Got some fun little goodies and celebrated with some lovely friends. Friday the thirteenth wasn't all bad. That turned out to be a great day for me.

But I thought I'd share some pictures from my birthday week.

Birthday dinner outfit.
shirt - Forever 21, cami - Old Navy, Jeans (not pictured) Gap 1969

Frank sent me some cool Japanese gifts. Paper kitties!

Mom & Dad got me an adorable Michael Kors bag

Night out attire. I was required to wear the beads and crown.
Getting attention from everyone in the bar was fun.

Best friend from grade school. I've known her almost 20 years.

Girlfriends <3

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T12:11:00.000-08:00

Birthday edition...

Music Monday

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Feels Like Home - Edwina Hayes

I miss you.

New Experiences

2012-01-08T15:25:00.000-08:00

I went out of town with a friend for the night this past weekend. She's a great gal that I've known for ten years now. She is very strong Christian and one of the nicest people I know. It was a great time catching up with her and singing and chatting on our 3 hour drive.

Friday night at dinner she asked me a question. She asked me what new experiences I've had since the start of our trip (we were currently 4 hours in). I asked her what she meant by that. A new experience, as in something that I've never ever done before. Example: Having Bigby Coffee for the first time. I chuckled and realized we were going to have a few during our 24 hour adventure. She asked me multiple times during our adventure what new experiences I have had.

We went to a social dance club that night. I have never in my life ballroom danced in any form at all. I learned the rumba, west coast swing, hustle and even the waltz (which I didn't really care for). Meeting all sorts of really nice people who took the time and really taught me how to do these dance steps. I have to admit, I'm kind of hooked on it now! What a great work out! It was also just so much fun. Much different to my weekend bar scene that I normally do. Also much cheaper.

I went to a wedding full of strangers with her and was almost forced into talking to the people at our table during the reception. Getting to know people that I knew I'd probably never see again. Just hearing their stories and them really listening back as well. It was a lot of fun. Even the wedding was beautiful and in an awesome location.

What did I learn from this?

I learned that by recognizing the things you do in life goes a long way. Even just the little things, like trying a new food or taking a different route to work. That if you take the time to see the small things, you appreciate it. Not sure if that makes sense at all. But it's a good reflection for day to to day or even if you look back once a week on the new things you've done. It's almost like a bucket list you create yourself.

It's like stepping back from life for a moment and taking a breath.

Life is for the living. Live it.

What new experiences have you had lately?

Sketch-Up

2012-01-05T21:09:00.000-08:00

Clever subject right? You know, like ketchup. Am I the only one laughing?

ANYWHO.

I've spent the last few nights playing with Sharpies and this giant (14"x17") sketchbook I found in my closet here. Playing with different patterns and designs. It's been a lot of fun. Here's a peak!

Freehand, no stencils for me :)

And outlined in a tan sharpie.

Swirls and tear drops. All freehand.

Finished product. I had to leave the room after coloring the drops in. My head was hurting from the smell of the giant Sharpie I was using.

There is just something so fun about coloring with Sharpie. I can't draw for the life of me. No seriously. I have ideas and characters in my head and I can't get them out on paper. But designs and patterns seem to come naturally. Remember why I wanted to get into graphic design in the first place. You don't need a degree for that do you?

I have another project in the works. Lets say all those swirls inspired me to do a peacock. Well, my friends, that is what I did. It will be a fun little collaboration with Frank. He's cleaning it up and I'll color it in in Photoshop sometime this weekend or early next week. Of course I'll post it when it's completed.

Speaking of weekends. I will be going out of town tomorrow night to attend a wedding with a good friend from church. I'll be her plus one. Looking forward to going salsa dancing with her tomorrow evening and meeting new people. Adventures are always fun. Tempted to see if I can bring mommy's pretty Nikon (D900? it's a pro dslr) with me. I'm probably better off with my Canon PowerShot. Fits better in my purse. Possibly some early birthday celebrations too? Nah, I'll hold off until next weekend when I can celebrate with all of my friends.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty...

2012-01-02T19:06:00.000-08:00

Little ball of fur.

She is just the cutest, chubby kitty out there.

Loves to lay on my iPad.

It's always nap time for kitteh.

Purr, purr, purr.

On A New Year

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

The ball has dropped and the new year begun. I can't say it started on the best note either. The night started fun and exciting, but slowly turned against me. Everyone seemed to be paired off with someone except for me. I must be a plague or something (maybe my current stuffy nose scared everyone away). I missed Frank with every fiber of my being.

The heart wants what it wants. He is who I want, and who I know I am meant to be with.

My NYE '11-12 outfit.
Shirt and skirt - Deb

The ladies. We go way back to elementary school.

My midnight kiss from my good friend. I've known her since we were six.

And a little more human. Beside my shoulder looking like its popped out of its socket.

"Be who you are & say what you mean; those that mind don't matter & those that matter don't mind."

-Dr Seuss

I hope everyone had a great new years and that it is starting on a good note as well. I know 2011 wasn't the best year for a lot of people. But now it's the year of the dragon, I believe. Am I right? But the dragon is also my Chinese zodiac. I don't follow zodiacs at all, I just think the dragon is cool. Seems powerful.

But I do enjoy that my birthday follows new years ten days later. It's like a double fresh start. Except, I'm kind of, sort of dreading turning 24. I just feel like I have nothing to show for it. But thats for another post later on.

Happy New Year everyone! Cheers to 2012!

A Reflection

2011-12-29T21:00:00.000-08:00

In just a few short days a new year will be upon us. A few days after that will mark my entry into the mid twenties. Twenty four, ouch. I can't say that I am really looking forward to that.

But I can say that I am so thankful that this crappy year of 2011 is finally over with. There was too much unneeded stress this year. When January 1 rolled around I was so optimistic that this was going to be a great year. What a bitch slap to the face that was. Well it may have started on a good note, the months from June to December have been by far some of the worst in my life. From stupid drama with girls, to relationship issues, to not being fulfilled at work.

And here I am in Michigan, once again. Sigh.

I've learned to really value true friends, and who they really are. Quality over quantity for sure. Even after thinking that I had finally made some real girl friends out in LA, I was proven wrong again. Girls are just bitchy. I never seem to get along with them, and they always seem to make up fake stories and lies about me. I'm sorry, I'm not that person you claim I was.

Being promised to be moved up at your job for a year and a half is exhausting. Between going back and forth with managers, I was still never upped. Yea, I kind of just got that promotion. Sadly didn't get to do anything with it. I wasn't even getting a raise with it! Just a minor bonus at the end. So working full time, with no raise and a slight bonus is what? A bit more than $150 for almost four weeks you'd think right? Guess not. I know it was kind of a temporary position, but still! I'm worth more than that. I hope that they realize how big of an asset I was to that store. But wait, how do I go about finding a job in one of the worst off cities in the US? Thanks Detroit. The holiday season is over, there goes retail. No degree, limits my possibilities even more. UGH.

Can you say frustrating?

Going into 2011 I thought this would be the year that I would finally get engaged and married. Wrong again.

I always wonder why. I work so hard at everything in my life and yet nothing seems to go the way I'd like. That's how it's been for my whole life, especially my short adult life so far. Here I am, less than two short weeks away from turning 24 and I don't have really anything to show for it. I thought by at this point in my life I'd have something or be someone. I'm no further ahead than where I was when I graduated high school at 18. Seeing fellow grads getting married and having babies just hurts me and pulls at my jealousy strings. ((ok I know that may sound wrong and come off the wrong way, but there is meaning behind it too.)) But that's what I want! Sometimes I go back to how I think I'm just meant to be a wife and a mother. That, that is my calling.

Maybe I shouldn't put so much hope into 2012, and just let things happen the way they're meant to.

What I Wore

2011-12-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve.... Yes it's a few days late, but I just now turned on my CrapBook. Still not a fan of the blogging app I have for my iPad. Apologies for the stupid face, Dad didn't tell me when he was taking the picture.

Jeans - Gap, Lace shirt - Dots, Shoes - Macy's, Cami - Old Navy, Necklace - Swarovski

A Special Request

2011-12-22T21:40:00.001-08:00

I was asked by a family friend to make a scarf for her 18 year old daughter. There was a special request. To have it be bright in color, and of course soft. So at Joann's the other evenings found this fun stuff!

Actually since being home I've made three as gifts, from my dad to his work assistants. Another is going to be made for my aunt, and possibly another for the same family friends mother. It's giving me hope, and hopefully the shop gets some more hits.

Isn't it fun though? Made it a tad larger than my other circle scarves, but it wraps around your neck three times easily. Will be nice and cosy for her walks to class on the western side of Michigan.

Of course the color is called "kitty"

And kitty loved the kitty colored yarn. She is a huge help, if playing with the yarn is helping.

What I Wore

2011-12-14T22:15:00.001-08:00

It was a day for a doctors appointment and errand running. Of course it being a day off it was also comfortable.

Tank and jeans - Gap
Sweater - TNA
Shoes - Chuck Taylor's

Who doesn't love a sweater with reindeer on it?

Classic shoe.

Ten On Tuesday

2011-12-13T21:54:00.000-08:00

So it doesn't look like I've completely fallen off the face of the earth. I'm playing along in this weeks Ten on Tuesday. There is still over two hours until it's Wednesday here. Link up with Roots and Rings if you want to play along too.

How do you eat your eggs?

Depends on what kind of mood I'm in. I love eggs in general so I'm usually happy with them. Though I think restaurants make the best scrambled eggs. I need to get one of those flat cooking things.

Do you volunteer?

Slap on the hand. No. I should. I donate clothes and food though!

What's your favorite brand of jeans?

Gap's 1969, obviously. Kind of work in the first store in the country. But seriously. They fit amazingly. I highly recommend them. And at $69.95, they're not that expensive. Compared to other high end jeans. They are also some of the only jeans that I can find long enough. Having a 34" inseam and being a size small 2/0 is not the easiest.

What was your child's first word? Or what was your first word?

Sans child. Mine. Mom?

Can you french braid?

Nada. I feel like I can do my own hair at times. But I haven't tried in years. Plus it just looks super messy when I try myself. It's a must learn. I used to love when my mom would french braid mine when I was a kid. Oh the waves and volume they'd create.

Do you prefer wide ruled, college ruled or blank paper?

College rule. Wide ruled makes me feel like a kid. Forget the blank paper. I can't write in a straight line. I despise when I write on an angle. I will also rewrite things many times if I don't like my hand writing.

Is there a specific treat you always make during the holidays?

Not yet. I feel like the holidays will be more fun when I have kids to celebrate with. Make treats with and stuff. As a kid we would always make short bread cookies. Each with a little dollop of red or green frosting on them. They were the size of quarters, and so very yummy.

Do you have a Kitchen Aid mixer? Do you want one?

No, but I want one oh so very badly. Thinking the stainless steal one to match my future kitchen. But the orange one is so much fun. Or the white one. BAH!

What kind of computer do you use?

I usually use my iPad. But if I'm on a real computer I'll either be on our iMac or my super old MacBook (circa 2006), it's probably considered vintage now.

Favorite Christmas movie?

Elf! I consider it a new classic. A Muppet's Christmas Carol is another good one!

What's Going On.

2011-12-08T23:23:00.001-08:00

Seems as if I've fallen off the earth. I guess I have. Work is busy and is just going to get busier.

BUT NEWS!

I guess I've been promoted. I am (officially on December 11, 2011) 1969's new, acting, customer experience manager. Yay! Moving to a real CE manager in the new year. Exciting. Just a tad bummed that in order to go move further up, I have to leave my little bubble at 1969 and go to a real Gap store. Though, I will most likely be going to a store closer to my home. Would be nice to ride my bike again to work. Even if we move.

House hunt still continues for us. We're going out again this weekend. Fingers crossed that one of the places we look at (I have picked them all) is good enough to put an offer on. Feels like we've been looking forever now.

Now I'm going to finish my Christmas list. Which has been so very hard to come up with this year. I just don't know what I want.

Good week everyone?

This Life..

2011-12-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Love the view on my commute to work.
The valley and LA is showing some pretty fall colors.

Walk That Walk

2011-12-02T22:57:00.001-08:00

Animation by Frank Macchia

This past weeks Good Vibes was another episode where Frank was the animation director. Or lead animator. Either or, I am beyond proud. I just had to share the .gif of his walk cycle of Mondo and Woodie as women in "Breast Friends".

MTV also has those little bumpers while the credits roll with clips of the show in them. Whose animation just so happened to be in that MTV bumper last night. Frank's. So if you catch yourself flipping through your TV guide and see Good Vibes playing on MTV. Stop and check it out.

Good Vibes airs on Thursdays at 10:30P on MTV.

Brought to you by the proud girlfriend.

On Facebook...

2011-12-02T22:10:00.001-08:00

This is something that I've been thinking about a lot lately. I've talked a bunch with Frank about it as well. Even though it is the main reason we met, it's something that has taken over our lives. Well maybe not taken over, but something that's apart of our day to day life.

Now we all have one. Facebook. It's probably been apart of your life for years now. Checking it every day, repeatedly if you have an iPhone or any item that has data capabilities. Anticipating notifications from friends who "liked" your status or commented on your latest profile picture. A great place to tell everyone you may know your days hourly updates.

Take a look at your friends list. How many friends do you have? I currently have 218 friends. A big chunk being family members from mine and Frank's families. The other chunk are people I went to high school, college, even grade school, with.

Not sure how people have more than 1000. Or even 500. Do you actually know them all? So what if you went to high school with them. You didn't talk then, you're not gonna talk now. Why even bother?

Throw some mutual friends of family members or friends, and we have hundreds of friends in there.

But I personally feel like Facebook has and is ruining my friendships with the people that used to once matter the most.

Sure we're friends there. They get all excited when I come home. My phone and FB notifications start to blow up with questions and dates. But any other time I feel like I'm just a person that they can check up on through my status updates and pictures.

Yes I said check up on.

I can say I'm not the best at keeping in touch. But I do make an effort in taking time to at least Skype with my friends. Even text them, even if it's something random and stupid. They'll get it. I understand that people have busy lives with work and even school still. The time difference makes things a tad hard too with me being three hours behind them all. But thats no reason to not to stop and make time for me.

I've begun to let my friends status' get to me. For some reason they make me angry. Suddenly making me feel as if I don't even matter to them. Yes I texted you last week to set up a day to Skype with no response.

After I was diagnosed with diabetes last year and was in the hospital for three days, my mother was barraged by family members on FB asking for MY address and phone number. Yes I said my mother. I was friends with every one of them. Not one of them contacted me. Even with them in possession of my address and phone number, not one of them called me or sent me a card. So I deleted them all.

I'm coming to a point to do the same to my friends. I'm coming close to deleting them, almost to force them to contact me directly. If I'm really their friend, they'll call. Or text. Or make time to Skype. Hell even write snail mail back and forth.

The debate continues.

The reason I try keep my blog separate from friends. Even my twitter for the most part.

Ten On Tuesday

2011-11-29T18:08:00.001-08:00

Time to link up with Chelsea for Ten on Tuesday!

1. Do you wear glasses, contacts, or are you one of those perfect eyed people?

I am one of those perfect eyed people. Even with being diabetic. I'll have to start seeing an optometrist in a year or so though just to make sure my eyes are ok.

2. What is the next item you are going to purchase?

Not sure. It could be coffee. It could be some Christmas gifts. It could be a new top for work. Or a candy bar.

3. Have you ever watched Judge Judy or any other real court shows?

Not a fan.

4. How do you feel about fake nails?

I love them. But they are so high maintenance. The whole getting them filled ever few weeks is expensive. And they just kill your natural nails. If you haven't tried the new "gelish" manicure, do it! It's a gel polish and lasts for weeks. I've been getting these manicures since September. My nails look fresh and shiny for weeks. It's also pretty affordable too. Compared to weekly manicures.

5. What is your favorite sport to watch?

Not a fan of watching sports on TV. But hockey and basketball live is a lot of fun.

6. If you could create your own Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavor, what would it be and what would it be named?

Cheesecake flavored ice cream with a caramel swirl throughout. Big chunks of cookie dough and brownie for something to chew on. It would be called...

7. Do you have any scars?

I have a small scar on my left palm. It's from a dish smashing on my hand when I was 15. Any other scars that I've had, have all faded. Shouldn't complain about that though.

8. Does your pet's name fit them? Is there a more appropriate name?

I had a cat named Teddy. He was grey. He was fat. He wore a neck tie. He was tottering Ted. Loved getting into mischief.

9. What is your favorite television show theme song?

Trying to think if any of the shows we watch have theme songs. Big Band obviously. I'm not a fan of Family Guy. The Simpsons is almost timeless. The Brady Bunch is super catchy though. So is Cheers, and Friends!

10. What was your favorite activity on the playground?

Loved the swings. I still do. I used to show off my gymnastic skills on the monkey bars or other bars. We used to play games as a class like "stuck in the mud," or tag. Another one where the ground was lava and there were lava monsters that tagged you, but you were only safe if you were on the structure. Oh to be a kid again.

NEW Rosette Clips

2011-11-29T16:04:00.001-08:00

Hey everyone! Hope you all enjoyed your long, Thanksgiving, weekend! Can't believe it's Tuesday already.

If you haven't noticed I've changed some things on the bloggy here. On the right sidebar you'll see I added a shop feature! And if you look closely you'll see that I added three new items.

These are the completed rosette clips! I actually spent most of my day on Thanksgiving crocheting the leaves. Each leaf was individual, then sewn together. Once one leaf was two, I sewed them to the bottom of the rosettes. I'm happy with the way they turned out.

I swapped the original croc clips for proper hair ones. They fit perfectly on the back, and just look darling clipped in your hair. Now if only I could get a proper picture of one in my hair.

You'll also find that I changed the link to the "Facebook" button. It's now linked to my "The Maple Blonde" Facebook page! It's a great way to share creations with my friends and family, and so they can share with theirs as well. Thank you so much Caity for helping me figure out what option to pick!

This week is going to prove to be a busy one. My part-time life at 1969 is at nearly 40 hours. Help me figure out how thats part-time? It's hard to give the blog attention when I'm tired from work at the end of the day. So I hope to find some time this weekend.

Speaking of weekend. I think I might be able to start some Christmas shopping. May have to wait until next weeks paycheck though. Fingers crossed we get to go to Disneyland next weekend!

Crafting

2011-11-23T16:49:00.001-08:00

After a quick trip to Michael's last night to purchase a glue gun, I was able to create my first rosette clip. Suitable for your hair or to clip onto a headband. I'm planning on finishing up the rosettes I have and getting them listed into my shop, hopefully by the end of the weekend.

Isn't my pink glue gun cute?!

Don't mind my messy hair.

I plan on pricing the rosettes at around $7-$10. Reasonable right? I'm also trying to figure out Facebook Pages. I'm not quite sure what option to pick. If you have a Facebook Page, what option did you pick?

Now to gain some more traffic and sales for my shop. Anyone wanna pimp me?

I'm looking forward to having Thanksgiving off with Frank. Very thankful to be paid to have tomorrow off as well. Oh the perks of retail. I'm not even dreading Black Friday at 109 S. Rob. Yes, Robertson is a big shopping street. But we have a big mall with major department stores 3 blocks away, and The Grove a mile and a half down the road. All the crazy shoppers will be heading to those locations. Though we are offering 25% off to be included in the Friday sales.

What are your Thanksgiving plans? What are you thankful for this year?

Music Monday

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

Now, I am not a fan of dubstep. About 99% of the "songs" (if you can call them that) just sound like noise to me. Ha, makes me sound and feel old talking about different music types like that.

I love the song Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People. They are a fantastic band. I do not like this dubstep remix, but I do love this video. Check out this guys dance. It's fantastic.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Is everyone excited for turkey day on Thursday?

Handwriting Meme

2011-11-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure I did one of these, if not this meme a while back. But I can't resist. Let me know if you play too! I'd love to see how you write!

The Questions:
1. Name/Blog URL
2. Lefty/Righty/Ambidextrous
3. Letters you enjoy writing
4. Letters you dislike writing
5. Write "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."
6. Write CRAB, HUMOR, KALEIDOSCOPE, PAJAMAS, and GAZILLION in all caps.
7. Write one of your favorite song lyrics.
8. Write who should do this.
9 Any last blurb slash note.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Ten On Tuesday

2011-11-15T18:53:00.001-08:00

It's Tuesday! So that means it's time to link up with Chelsea and play along too!

1. What are your pantry staples?

Rice, tea.. lots and lots of tea, chocolate poptarts, olive oil, bagels...

2. What are your refrigerator staples?

Diet Coke, juice boxes, Diet Snapple, cheese, milk, apples, eggs, cream cheese...

3. You already look like Heidi Klum (or your favorite supermodel). Now, what are the top three non-physical things you would change about yourself?

To be more outgoing. Practice my art and photography more. Pray and read the Bible more. Though I should do those three now. There are no excuses.

4. What’s holding you back from your dream job? (If you already have your dream job, how did you get there?)

If you've been reading for a while, you know that I have no clue what I want to do with my life. I've done a lot of soul searching in the past few weeks and I know that I want to be a stay at home mom. But that really isn't in the books right now. But when that happens, that's what I'll be. I want to do something creative and hands on. I've really started considering photography. Maybe not shooting weddings, senior pics or engagement photos. Instead more nature, animals, scenery. I really feel like I have a great sense of tone and colors and also composition. Things many people have commented on with my paintings and drawings. All I need now is the money to buy an DSLR camera. Anyone have $800 laying around they want to lend?

5. You have $500 to spend but it has to be on one item only. Go.

Ha! Since I just said I need money to buy a DSLR camera I should say that. But I really, really want a Michael Kors bag. Though the money should go towards an insulin pump.

6. What is something that you are embarrassed to admit you buy on a regular basis?

Gummy bears. What every diabetic should be eating on the daily..... *shifty eyes*

7. What’s in/on your bed every night?

Four pillows (two for me, two for Frank). Franks typically to my right. A sheet and our comforter. Maybe some strewn clothes from earlier in the day.

8. What is a non-necessity item that, no matter how expensive it gets or how tight your budget if, you will always find room for it?Shoes. But I'm pretty good at finding myself deals. Like these lovely boots I got for $30 at DSW last week. They were on clearance for $54 with an additional 30% off. Mother was nice enough to let me use her $10 off your purchase coupon. I wish I had looked at what the original price for them was to see how much I actually saved.

9. What is the weirdest sandwich you’ve ever made?

I don't make weird sandwiches. But I did dare my brother to eat at peanut butter and mayo sandwich many years ago. I told him it was amazing. He gagged.

10. Would you rather: Be banned from Pinterest forever, but gain a million captive Twitter followers; or, never get on Facebook again but gain five thousand blog readers?

Probably the Twitter followers. I don't think I could tear myself away from Facebook sadly. It's been in my life for 5 years, just can't drop it. I JUST CAN'T!!

Redesign

2011-11-15T18:31:00.001-08:00

Incase you haven't noticed, the blog has gone through a little makeover.

This includes a new button to swap and share on the right hand side.

Back to work tomorrow. Can't say I'm excited, but I need to make some money. I'd be oh so content just doing my own thing from home. Creating new shop pieces and what not. Maybe in time.

I'm also thinking of doing my very first give away once I reach 100 followers. Whose down for that? Just to figure out what to give. I'd love to see who reads on the daily. Don't be shy friends!

Coming Soon?

2011-11-15T00:20:00.001-08:00

..to The Maple Blonde shop.

Hair clip?

Brooch?

Headband?

You decide.

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

Tomorrow..

"Three things that will last forever -- faith, hope and love --and the greatest of these, is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13

Worldless Wednesday

2011-11-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Well nearly worldless. BeCe is incredibly hard to photograph. Poor thing. Maybe it's her black fur? But I got some nice shots of her frolicking in the grass after I did my manless, scarf photoshoot. She's a little cuddle baby.

Ten on Tuesday

2011-11-08T15:02:00.000-08:00

I haven't done a Ten on Tuesday in a while, but I couldn't pass up this weeks! Play along and link up with Chelsea!

1. What’s your favorite television show for each day of the week?

Sunday – The Walking Dead

Monday – HGTV, TLC

Tuesday – Tosh.0

Wednesday – South Park

Thursday – The Big Bang Theory, The Office, Parks and Rec and Good Vibes!

Friday – no idea

Saturday – no Saturday shows.

2. How many times do you wear your jeans before you watch them?

Depends. I own a crap ton (thanks 1969) so I typically wear a pair once a week, maybe twice. But you're not really supposed to wash your jeans. It fades color and changes the fit. If anything I'll throw them in the dryer, dry (even thats bad for your jeans) just so they'll shrink back to size and be nice and tight again.

3. What is your favorite pasta shape?

Pasta is delicious in general. I don't eat it very often to begin with because of the diabetes. But I love shells, they're fun to stick on your tongue. Cavatapi (sp) is also good! Shapes and textures are just fun to eat.

4. Do you read newspapers?

Nada

5. Do you sleep in socks?

Only, and I mean only, if my feet are freezing cold. Then it's tub socks, and they usually get yanked off sometime in the middle of the night.

6. Favorite genre of movies?

Funny, animated, romance.

7. How do you feel about wrestling?

I love to play wrestle. It's fun, especially when I win!

8. Should men pluck their eyebrows?

If they have to pluck some stray hairs and keep them looking neat then yes. Nobody likes a unibrow.. or caterpillar brows.

9. Do you have dimples?

Just the ones on my lower back. If that even counts.

10. Do you like to camp?

I do! I haven't been in years. But I need running water, a toilet and some sort of mattress. Skunks running ramped on a campsite is also a big no, no.

Re-Capping

2011-11-07T14:18:00.000-08:00

November 7. Already a week into the eleventh month of the year. Christmas decorations litter the malls and stores. Isn't this the turkeys month? ((I'm no Grinch, but seriously? I'm not going into Christmas mode until the week of Thanksgiving.)) Wait, it's almost 2012?!

I made a sale from my shop! Trilled as can be. I sent the package off Friday, and it's already out for delivery. The USPS is crazy fast sometimes.

I've even started sketches on some earrings I want to create. Possibly doing some packages as well. Everyone loves a scarf and hat combo right? What about some fun art prints done by Frank and I?

Good Vibes has aired two episodes. This week make sure to look for Frank Macchia ((Tumblr, Blog)), animation director, in the credits. Yes, my man is technically a director. Sexy, eh?

I decided that upon my arrival back in LA, to really pick up photography. I have loved using my moms DSLR so much. I've even captured some awesome shots. Now if I can find an internship, or an apprenticeship of sorts out there that would be perfect. I'm thinking along the lines of more print photography. I think? Shooting portraits is fun, but nature, food, architecture is more exciting to me. Maybe I just need to dabble in it all and really find my niche.

I guess what I'm trying to say, is that I think November is starting as a good new chapter.

The message from a church service I attended a few weeks ago was this. Stop looking in the rearview mirror while going forward. You're just not going to go anywhere, or go anywhere fast. You need to look forward and stop letting the past take over your future.

Live and let God.

I keep going back to Jeremiah 29:11.

I know I am going to do amazing things. I just need to trust and have faith. I want to leave a legacy. Even if it's for one person.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Maple Blonde

2011-10-31T21:19:00.000-07:00

Exciting news!

I have just opened my Etsy shop, known as The Maple Blonde!! As a lot of you may know I have been spending weeks crocheting infinity, circle scarves. Finally got a small inventory and opened the shop late on the 31. Technically the launch is today, November 1.

I am so excited for it!

I'm not just going to be selling just scarves. I'm going to add some photographs that I have (thank you Nikon D90) and maybe some jewelry. Just need to figure out sizing and how to price them. ((if you have any suggestions, I am totally open to hear them))

A button link will be up on my side bar shortly with a direct access link to my shop.

I will also keep updates on here with new shop items. If you see something in the shop but would like a different color you can always comment for a different color, or even pattern. Want a smaller cowl? We could definitely work something out! I'm just starting out so I am open for feedback.

I want to thank Frank for doing an AMAZING JOB on my banner! I lack design and illustrative skills, so of course I went to him for help. I was not disappointed.

Thank you so much for your love and support through all of this. I loved how we finally did a collaboration together and I can't wait to do more collabs with you in the future.

Looking forward to this new chapter to my life. I think this is a great fresh start already. I hope it takes off!

Hair Change?

2011-10-28T23:27:00.001-07:00

Looking to do something different with my hair. What shall I do? - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Crazy, Busy, Life.

2011-10-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been just a whirlwind of busy. Not all of it good. I sit here, writing this post, in Michigan. No, I'm not really visiting, but I'm not really staying either.

Long story short. Frank and I are a bit of a break. We didn't say goodbye forever. Just for now. We have some things we need to work on as individuals. If we don't work on ourselves right now, then who knows where our future would even go. Or how long it would really last. We just want things to get better before it's too late. Who wants to take a break after 15 years of marriage and a family? I know some people do, but we just don't want to be that couple. I love him and he still loves me. It's not like anyone cheated or fell out of love. We just need to focus on our own independence right now. I would like to be back in California before the new year, even Christmas.

When I end up back in LA, I decided I want a fresh start in what I do. I don't want to do retail. I want weekends off to focus and spend time with Frank. Explore that amazing city that we took advantage of for so long. Trips up the coast. Silly day trips to the La Brea Tar Pits. More hikes, see the waterfalls in Pasadena. Visit the Getty more frequently. Beach trips, even if it's chilly. Even walking around our quaint little neighborhood. I almost want to get a start and really make my shop a priority. Make that my full time job. Especially if it starts off well. I also decided that I want to take photography classes. Can you take those with a "better than" point and shoot camera? I mean, it would just be to refresh my memory on how to take a "manual" photo. You know, F stop, exposure, ISO, white balance. All that jazz. Then possibly start with some freelance photography work.

I've sort of gotten a lead on my shop. I have a total of 3.25 scarves made! Yes the one quarter was needed, like I think the one I am currently working on is a quarter way done. I'll probably need more than the two balls I picked up at JoAnn's Saturday. Kind of hope that they aren't in demand right away so I can whip up a few more before shipping. Thankfully I'll be shipping once a week to start. Maybe Thursday or Fridays? Franks going to design a cute little banner for it, and also some new buttons for my blog. Finally him and I are collaborating together. It's exciting, and I am quite excited.

Found an adorable little stamp and tags to use it on. My little purple 9 1/2" x 6" notebook has a page with a list that is just over half the page long of things to do before the first. Some will be done over the weekend. That includes name change for the blog, including the URL. Hope I don't lose all my comments. I'll definitely be keeping myself busy, just hope my bouts of ADD quit. I need to really focus.

Oh and Good Vibes premiers on Thursday on MTV at 10:30p EST (or local time if you get it)!! I'm so excited to watch. Seeing commercials just made the whole thing a reality. Something I've watched be created for the past year is finally about to air on national television. Not just that, but they have one of the best time slots on prime time TV. All the best shows are on Thursdays.

To finish this post. A silly picture of a tomato. Hope everyone has a great week!

Jeremiah 29:11

2011-10-18T23:50:00.001-07:00

"FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU. PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU. PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE FOR A FUTURE." ~ JEREMIAH 29:11 I need to keep telling myself this.

Ch Ch Changes

2011-10-17T23:54:00.000-07:00

A few fun and exciting things soon to happen here. Including a new blog title!

I know I've been off the wire for a bit. Been quite busy with work. Working almost full time in retail is exhausting. But I have been trucking away on my scarves.

So wonderful readers of mine. I want to add something else to the shop. Something quick, fun and pretty.
Earrings? Hair pieces? Jewelry?

What would you, as the customer, want to see?

What I Wore

2011-10-12T23:33:00.001-07:00

This is what I wore to the 1969, denim design office, downtown Tuesday evening.

tank, cardigan, jeans - all Gap
shoes - Nine West

Pre-makeup, hair. Playing with curls.

Location:Woodbridge St,,United States

On Five Years

2011-10-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

I was 18, you were 19. Nine months apart to the day. We were still babies. Sometimes I can't even believe we were so young. Never would have guessed it would be forever. It was my first year of college, only a month in. I'd only known you for a few weeks. A friendship was growing so quickly.

Oh how time flies.

I remember how I wanted to look pretty for you. Making sure every strand of my brunette locks were perfectly straight. Spent hours picking out what to wear. Just wanted the night to be perfect.

I knew it was coming. Our date was all planned. A little sushi place you knew of near our school. We both had iced tea, or you might have even had some Canada Dry. You just love ginger ale. We shared a sushi boat and enjoyed miso soup. You sat across from me, looking ever so hansom.

My phone buzzed at 7:43P. A text from you. Asking me out! Giggling I looked at you and nodded with a smile on my face. You got up and come over and sat next to me, and you asked me to be your girlfriend for real. Of course I said yes! You gave me a kiss and you held me in our little sushi booth.

The past five years with you have easily been the best years of my life. You became more than just my boyfriend, but into my best friend as well. It's so comforting to know that I can tell you anything and know you won't judge me. Even after all this time, I never run out of anything to say to you. Our silence, never awkward.

I know times get tough with us, but I know we can get through it, through anything. Not everything in a relationship is perfect. But "in good times and in bad," I will stay with you.

Often I think of how we've gone through more in the past 5 years than some married couples do in a lifetime. We've dedicated our vows to one another. We help each other when we need it. You were there for me 100% when I was in the hospital with diabetes, and you are still here for me now. You are my biggest supporter. I stood by your side and held your hand when you were stressed and busy with finishing up Good Vibes.

You inspire me. You make me want to be a better person. I love the dedication you have for your work. It's not just a job for you, but a love. You wanted to be an animator for most of your life. What kid knows that? It's something I admire in you so much. Along with me admiring you, you also encourage me so much. I know I don't follow through with a lot of my ideas and lose motivation quickly, but your push means everything to me. I should show you more.

You are just an amazing person.

I love you with all of my heart Frank.

Happy Anniversary

What I Wore & Then Some

2011-10-07T22:39:00.000-07:00

TGIF? If it is even Friday. The past two weeks have just been crazy for me. I've worked almost 80 hours. Thats a lot of time in retail. I am physically and mentally exhausted. Looking forward to having Sunday and Monday off. Just need to get through a 9 hour shift tomorrow with only me and one of my managers working. 1969 will be holding us captive. See if we make it out alive!

Any who. I wanted to share what I wore to work, yesterday. My manager comes up to me and is like,

"Did I tell you how cute you look today? You look like a celebrity on a day off. Your outfit is simple, but done so well."

Needless to say I was very flattered. So I had Frank snap some photos of it when I got home from work.

Shirt & Jeans - Gap

Jean fit - Skinny Boot.

Probably one of the most comfortable pares of jeans I own. I call them my "pajama jeans" because of how comfy they are. They don't stretch out and give you a saggy bum and they make your legs look super skinny. Fitted through the calf with a small bootcut opening. Love them.

I've been wondering where people find the time to do all of their amazing craft projects between work and other things. I come home and just don't have the energy to do anything, even cook. Maybe I'm not really used to the busy hours I've been getting. But I just feel drained after a long day. Sometimes there just isn't enough hours.

The scarf has been a huge hit! and I have decided to launch a shop on aiming for, November 01! I plan to spend this month preparing for it. Making my products and getting supplies. Of course coming up with a good name. Who knows, maybe if I make it to 100 followers I will do my first ever give away. I'm excited for this to happen. I really think I can do this.

Exciting things are also in the works for me with work. After over a year of "talk," saying I'll be getting training to move up in the company, it is finally happening. I'm going to another store next Friday to train as a leader (on duty.) I'm already nervous. I haven't had a leader in over a year and a half, let alone go through the rallies at the beginning of shifts. We do it differently at 1969. It will definitely be a new experience. But I'm excited that I'm finally going somewhere and not just staying a sales associate. Though I would be really sad to leave my store on Robertson.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

Remember when I went to Detroit and Toronto a month ago? A month already. Here are some shots from that trip. Apologies. I only took a few pictures.

My best girlfriend (old roomie) and I enjoying some drinks in downtown Toronto.

High Park had some beautiful gardens.

This little guy wasn't shy at all!

He actually came

Ten On Tuesday

2011-10-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is enjoying their Tuesday. I know I am. Today started off with a quick check up with my endocrinologist followed by a lovely manicure.

If you haven't tried the "gelish" manicures, I highly recommend it! I became hooked when I got it done on my visit to Michigan. The polish doesn't chip for weeks! Perfect for me, who ruins freshly painted nails after an hour of folding jeans. Oh the life of working retail. Nonetheless, it's worth the money! Stays shiny and chip free for 2-3 weeks. Sold! I got a light pink to support October's, Breast Cancer Awareness.

I'm linking up with Roots and Rings 100th, Ten on Tuesday. Link up if you want to play along too.

How do you take your coffee?

Like the Beastie Boys say, "I take my sugar with coffee and cream." Yes I enjoy very beige, and sweet coffee. Even better if it's flavored. I usually ask for a vanilla shot when I order from Coffee Bean or Starbucks, and when I'm in the midwest/Canada, Tim Hortons.

ii.

Do you prefer soft or crispy chocolate chip cookies?

Soft if they are home made, crispy if it's store bought. Like Chips Ahoy (currently in my cupboard now.)

iii.

Do you wear a belt everyday?

No. My belt is usually worn for my outfit as an accessory, like with my high rise jeans, or around my waist with a denim dress.

iv.

What is your favorite color combination?

Love light greens (sage) with deep purples (eggplant.) Yellow/grey, blue/white, purple/yellow, magenta/turquoise. Love colors and playing with them.

Do you like sour candy?

Mmm, not so much. Tart sure, but I like to enjoy candy.

vi.

How often do you do laundry?

Well, I personally don't do the laundry. Frank does it 90% of the time. We do it once a week. I'm sure once we move and have our own washer and dryer we'll do it more frequently. But at $1.25 a load, its weekly.

vii.

Did you ever wear braces?

Never. I saved my parents some money by not ever needing orthodontics. I was blessed with a large mouth and straight teeth. I even have all four of my wisdom teeth.

viii.

Are you good at roman numerals?

I can figure out the date if I have time to look at it.

ix.

What is your favorite form of social media?

Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest

How do you feel about chin dimples?

I don't really. Though, they look better on men than women.

Thanks for reading!! Did you see I incorporated the roman numerals?

PS. I also want to send a HUGE thank you to all the awesome responses and words of encouragement!! I definitely think I'm going to go forth and do this! Not sure if I should say anything yet, but I'm thinking of a November 01, 2011 launch date. Time to get crack-a-lackin.

Mmm Scarf!

2011-10-03T22:30:00.000-07:00

FINISHED!

and I'm in love.

Photo props to Frank who stopped playing Zelda on his 3DS to take said pic.

Now who wants one? Especially with fall taking over 2/3 of the country.

Shop worthy?

Squee!

2011-09-27T14:20:00.001-07:00

Wow! Thanks for all the amazing, motivational, responses to my last post!! They really gave me a huge push (and motivation) to start this. Now, question. What kind of products would you like to see in a shop? Besides scarves, is there anything you wished you saw more of, handmade, online? I saw some pretty thread/yarn and I'm thinking doily earrings. Assorted colors, sizes and maybe textures. I need to start small and simple.

Loving the feedback! And all of you amazing readers!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:S Robertson Blvd,Los Angeles,United States

Etsy Shop?

2011-09-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

The past few days I've been thinking of starting/opening an Esty shop for myself. As a way to make some extra cash (Christmas IS less than 100 days away now.)

I was inspired Saturday night to make a chunky infinity scarf. Off I went to JoAnn's and found some awesome grey marble yarn. A pretty eggplant color as well. I crocheted up a storm and finished the ball of grey yarn in a matter of hours. I'm sure the 10mm hook helped with the speed. I plan to post pictures when I finish it. The one ball wasn't enough.

So I was thinking of making some pretty scarves, not just infinity ones, and selling them. Maybe along with some prints. The tree silhouette was a big hit. Or even special requests. Maybe some jewelry in there as well... ?

I mean it would be a tad hard to start, I don't have a million loyal followers. But it's worth a shot right?

What are your thoughts?

Oh and my old room mate from college has launched her own vintage Etsy shop. Be sure to check out Anna Nostalgia.

Life After Death And Taxes

2011-09-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

Clever me using a Relient K song title, as the title to this post.

Today marks two things. Life and death.

Today marks the two year anniversary of living here in Los Angeles. I keep wondering where the time went. It's gone by so fast. I don't remember two years ago being unemployed and looking everywhere for a job. I remember that it was nearly 120ºF when we moved all of our furniture into our little apartment.

Today marks the day when I started my new life. My new life with Frank. Yes we'd always had something together, but we were embarking on a new adventure. Living together. I no longer my parents dependent. While there has been ups and downs in the past two years, it has been a great experience. We have gone through a lot, but I think it just shows that we are meant to be together. We've shown our vows and committed our lives to each other.

Just last week (Sep 16) was five years since we met. We used to be such babies.

Today was also a sad day. Our family kitteh back in Michigan, Missy, had to be put down today. I guess in the last week she had been sick and not eating. My mom couldn't stand to see her suffer. I hate the thought of putting an animal down, especially a pet you've had for 17 years. But it's also unfair to see an animal suffer.

She had been our baby girl for 17 years, this month I think. I remember her always sleeping in my room on the furnace duct because it was always wide open and warm. She used to sleep on my bunk with me at night, or early in the mornings. She had a thing for Frank too I think. She would always wake him up by sniffing at his face or sleeping on the pillow next to him. Missy was very independent, probably because she had 3 little kids (and their friends) grabbing at her when she was just a little kitten. She used to climb the maple tree in our backyard onto our roof and get stuck quite often. Morning doves were her favorite animal to catch, because bunnies were just to fast.

Cuddling wasn't her favorite thing to do, but there were days if you weren't feeling well, or if you were sad, when she would come up and lay by you. Waiting for you to rub her ears. Her purr sounded like a motor. You knew she was comfortable and loved.

She was quite the little lion.

I'm glad I got the chance to see her last week. She loved sleeping in the sunshine.

RIP Missy.

What I Wore..

2011-09-21T16:29:00.000-07:00

I wish you could tell my jeans were gray.

Shirt - Urban Outfitters (summer '11)

High Rise Skinny jeans(gray) - 1969 Gap (fall '11)

Shoes - Stitches (summer '09)

Kitteh Kitteh

2011-09-13T19:01:00.001-07:00

Michigan kitteh love
BeCe waiting for tummy rubs

Missy, our 17 year old Kitteh

Came home this afternoon and found BeCe and Bitsy cuddling on my bed. Can you say awww?

Day Three

2011-09-03T15:33:00.001-07:00

People I love. Easy enough. Here ya go.

Frank - of course he is number one.
My family
Franks family
My friends - old and new
Those who...
- Help me
- Inspire me
- Thank me
- Pray for me
- Believe in me

Award - I Dig Your Blog

2011-09-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was surprised with an award from the ever so lovely and awesome, Jill from Life After College.

{1} Thank the person who gave you this award.

Thank you so much Jill! You are an amazing gal. I love everything you have the same and love that you are super tall, just like me! Tall people rock! You are a complete sweetheart, and I love everything you have to say. Your blog is so true and genuine. I'm so glad I can call you a friend.

{2} Reveal 3 random facts about yourself.

~ I recently started liking olives. Mainly kalamata ones. Still not a fan of the black or green ones though.

~ I love to look at maps. I seriously study them. Learn the geographic's of a new area. I even remember the exact route my dad and I took on our cross country drive to LA. I tend to use the nav when going someplace new.

~ I have near perfect teeth. I've never had braces or a cavity. I even have all four of my wisdom teeth, and you know what? They all fit!

{3} I pass this award onto..

Zara at Eat, Shop and Be Married

Celeste at Lost On Earth

Angie at Lariats and Lavender

Congrats ladies! Hope you had a great Friday!

30 Days of Lists

2011-09-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

I am actively taking my part with 30 Days of Lists. That being I do my lists on their days, and post them to the Flickr group. But I'll share my days here with you as well. Just a few days at a time. Took me a hot second to figure out how to upload pics to Flickr from the iPad. Just needed the app. Now it's easy. But I still like blogging on a computer. So here I sit.

Here are days one and two. Enjoy!

Day 1

Goals for September

~ Start meal planning again

~ Continue to regulate my glucose levels

~ Attempt to {start} save money for upcoming holidays

~ Read more

Day 2

I am happiest when..

~ I spend weekend mornings with Frank, cuddling and playing in bed

~When I am thanked for helping someone

~ When I paint

~ Long walks with Frank. We always have something to say

~ When I see old friends and meet new ones.

Recap - August

2011-08-31T22:04:00.000-07:00

August. You are (or will be) over in a few short hours. Can you please tell me where you went to? I honestly feel like you just started. I guess that just means you were a busy month, even when it feels like I didn't accomplish anything.

1969 hosted the LA Vogue Blogger event last Thursday. It was crazy busy, but so much fun! We all came together as a team and worked our butts off. The event was a huge success and it makes me excited for the store to host more events in the future. It's things like that, that really make me love my job.

September is going to be quite busy as well. I will be heading to Michigan and Toronto for a whole 10 days. I leave next Friday. It is a very needed "vacation." No worries of work for ten days. Five of them will be spent in Michigan, enjoying girl time with my lonely mother. My dad will be in Germany, and one of my brothers will be away at school. Then I'll take the train over from Windsor to Toronto and meet Frank there. I can't wait to see my school friends and Frank's family. We plan to go to our favorite restaurant downtown. We both need this time away. Hopefully be able to relax and rejuvenate myself. I've been so unmotivated lately to work, so hopefully this time away refreshes the system.

But before I begin my travels again. We have Fashions Night Out, Los Angeles (Sept 8.) Of course I chose to leave the morning after. Events are just fun to work. Especially FNO. Lots of mingling happens. Not too focused on selling or anything. Just having fun. How work should be.

I'm looking for this to happen! 30 Days of Lists starts tomorrow! This is my first time joining in. Today I spent time creating my journal. I'm going to make a hole in the top, left, corner and put a ring in it. I don't have 30 pages in there yet, but I can always add. I will be across the country for almost half of it.

Today I enjoyed a nice day off. Started off the morning chit chatting with Frank as he got ready for work. I drove back and forth to Hollywood THREE times today. I felt like I was in the car all day, it's no wonder I'm pretty tired right now. LA drivers are stressful. I always get super anxious while I drive on the freeway here. People everywhere, at all times of the day. But it was worth it. Frank didn't have to take the subway, I got my hair done, and I got to see the finished intro for Good Vibes!

{{my new moccasins that I got from DSW for $40. Beyond comfortable}}

{brand - Minnetonka}

Last week we were told that we were going to be remodeled. Project LA launches in October I believe and 1969 needed a bit of a facelift. Here's a preview of what was done. Big, huge, denim table is GONE! We can now walk freely around the store helping customers easily. Black walls make the store darker. I can now look outside and not be blinded from all the light reflection. They're adding new wall fixtures tonight so it will look even more different tomorrow when I go in. It will be fun to have FNO in the new store.

Hope you all had a great Wednesday. Time is just flying by! Have a splendid September!

Four Hundred.

2011-08-27T23:14:00.001-07:00

This is my 400th post. Can you believe it? Its a big number. I thought I would get this out before i start the 30 Days of Lists on the first. Which I am pretty excited to do. I should probably start my journal soon. Knowing me though I will probably just write my lists on random papers. Guess how I'm writing said post? That's right. On my pretty new iPad that Frank so lovingly bought for me. What a great guy.

So I thought I would share some pictures. Why not, eh?

It finally got over 100 degrees here yesterday. Even being outside for a hot second (no pun intended) to throw out the trash, it was like an oven. It's even been warm at night, which makes sleeping a tad uncomfortable. Hoping the extended forecast is right about those low 60's in the evening next week.

My pretty Blowfish shoes came! Had a bit of a mishap with my mailman. They were supposed to arrive last week. Made a few phone calls and found out they'd been at our local post office for over a week. Had them redeliver for today, and here they came! They are way too comfy, I can't wait to wear them.

I leave this guy somewhere in reach in the house. If I see a bug or spider, I grab this can, point, aim, and spray. Mainly used on daddy longlegs and house spiders. If it's bigger in size, Frank gets kill duty. I hide and scream, like the girl I am. I hope everyone has a great weekend. If you are on the east coast, I hope you are all safe! Prayers are being sent your way.

Wee Bit Wednesday

2011-08-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

The time goes by way too fast if you ask me.

Already Wednesday. Link up with Leigh Ashley if you want to play too.

{one} what's your guilty pleasure tv show?

The lack of cable helps with this. But I have to say I can't help but watch Secret Life of the American Teenager week after week. Netflix holds the key to the door of guilty pleasures. I've watched all the Kardashian shows, including Kourtney and Khloe. Roseanne and The Hills as well.

{two} ear piercings on men: yes or no?

No please. Thank you Frank.

{three} do you have dish or comcast?

Nadda. Not sure what provider we'll go with before Good Vibes airs. Probably Time Warner.

{four} what's your favorite current fashion trend?

Stuck in skinny jeans. I love, love, love the high rise, wide leg, trousers that are in style. If only I could find a pair that had an at least 38" inseam. I must wear them with heals and be all leg. But any I've tried on are just 34". Perfect for flats, not heals. Sad.

{five} if you could learn to do anything, money not being an issue, what would it be?

Photography. I think that would be a good one.

{six} red or white wine?

White for the most part. I'll pick a red if it's recommended to go with an entree.

{seven} what type of food is your favorite (ex. italian, mexican, etc.)

Italian. But the real stuff made by Frank's Nonna. All pasta and sauces from scratch. Roasted peppers that are to die for. They even make their own wine!

{eight} hp or mac?

Mac. I've had my MacBook (currently writing on) for five years now. It is only now slowing down. I mean I don't have the latest software (Lion/Leopard etc.) But it works just fine. Frank went through three hard drives on his Dell before it finally crashed for good. It was just over two years old. We both have iPhones. Two Apple TVs. I will soon be the owner of an iPad. Just a little Mac family over here. Plus they have great warrantees.

{nine} what color is your bedroom?

We can't paint here so our room is just white. I'd like a nice, airy, color like a nice sage, or blue of sorts. Frank just said a deep, dark, color. We'll see what happens I guess.

{ten} what's your favorite form of exercise?

Walking, dance, lifting jeans. ha.

Silhouette

2011-08-22T22:52:00.000-07:00

There is a huge tree I can see from our front window. I'm not sure what kind of tree it is, but it looks beautiful silhouetted against the sunset in the evening. It inspired me to paint this.

Dusk or dawn? You decide.

Painting on the Cintiq is fun. But I'm excited to see what I can whip up on the iPad. Coming Wednesday (fingers crossed.)

Painting done in Photoshop.

Speaking of the iPad. It will be very handy when it comes to doing the 30 Days of Lists in September. I am going to be spending 10 days in Michigan and Toronto. The pad will be a saving grace on my flights, especially to Michigan, because I don't think Delta has tv's. Though I do want to find myself a cute journal. I do have a fun one in a box in our closet. Maybe I'll just have to dig through and find it.

Are you doing the 30 Days of Lists?

That One Time..

2011-08-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

..my iPhone's warrantee was up in five days and Apple just gave me a new phone.

Yes.

That happened.

The volume on my phone had been on the fritz. I couldn't turn it up with the buttons on the side of the phone. Knowing my one year warrantee was going to be up very soon, I made an appointment with a "genius" to have them look at it. The guy looked at it, said it could probably be fixed, but said a new iPhone would be better. Not refurbished new, but brand new.

And this didn't cost me a dime. Thanks Apple.

Upon plugging it into our computer at home. All of my apps, pictures and even my texts from the last time I plugged the phone in, were re-added back onto the phone. In one way it's awesome that iTunes did that, but creepy at the same time. Makes me wonder if any information on my phone is just drifting around in the internet land.

Anything like that ever happen to you?

I also ordered myself some new moccasins. The ones I currently have are a few years old. They're from Walmart so they aren't the best quality, plus they make my feet smell worse than a horses ass. Best part about ordering? I got free shipping and I had a $10 off coupon. Thanks DSW! Mocs are my go to flat for the fall/winter seasons. They go perfect with jeans and they are just super comfy to wear for hours at a time.

Source: dsw.com via Samantha on Pinterest

Coming Soon...

2011-08-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

A pretty white iPad.

Frank has already ordered this Pogo stylus pen for me to use on the iPad. That means painting, drawing and sketching on the go.

Of course it's pink too.

One Year

2011-08-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

I've started writing this post so many times. Unsure of what to say, or how to say it. The fact that one year has gone by so fast it just leaves me feeling, well I'm not even sure how I should feel.

Accomplished?

Proud?

Sad?

Confused?

I have been a type 1 diabetic for one year today. Where did the time go? The two weeks of feeling like absolute shit, felt like a lifetime. Remembering how thirsty I was and how I couldn't see is still so vivid in my mind. How Frank had to carry me into the ER at 3AM because I couldn't even walk. After that, it's all a blur.

I remember the first appointment I had with my endocrinologist after being discharged. She asked me how I was handling everything emotionally. I told her that it is what it is. I can't deny that I have a disease and that I have to deal with it. She seemed shocked that I was "dealing" with it all so well. Surprised that I hadn't felt depressed about it. Even when I saw her back in June she was surprised that I still hadn't gotten down. Well why would I? I can't just deny that I have this. This is apart of my life. How people can just say they don't have it and not take their meds is beyond me. I never want to feel like that ever again. And I mean never. Sure there are times when it just kind of sucks. That only seems to be when I get hypoglycemic. Not a good feeling either.

Coming out of hospital I thought I had to change my life completely. Especially my diet. But in reality, I haven't changed that much at all. I do count all of my carbs in a meal. I can't just go to the coffee shop and order a latte. Or get a "Love It" from Coldstone on a whim. When eating out I will only eat half of my meal, unless it's salad, sushi or something else that's light. Pasta and sandwiches always get boxed up and taken home. Usually eaten for the next days lunch.

People ask if I can drink or have sugary treats. Of course I can. I can really eat or drink anything, in moderation. Sometimes a little extra insulin is taken just so I can have that piece of cheesecake, or have that second glass of wine.

I'm not ashamed to tell people that I'm diabetic. I would actually rather everyone I know or work with to know. So they can help me incase I get a dose of hypoglycemia. Where they can find my snacks or juice. That they know I'm sitting down so I don't pass out from low blood sugar. So far I've only had one scary low, thankfully. I've learned that too much caffein lowers me, and it takes time for me to raise my sugar up from it. I usually just feel really shaky (you can actually see my hands shaking) and weak. Sometimes hot and nauseous. There has been times where I didn't know I was low until I took a read. Everyone thinks being low is good. I keep telling them, "no it's not!" It's not a good feeling.

This whole disease is a huge learning experience. Not just for me, but for friends and family as well.

Dealing with insurance has been a nightmare. I know if I had an insulin pump it would make my life easier. But I manage well with doing my own injections. One day, soon enough, I'll get one. I'm lucky to not have to use syringes, but to have insulin pens. As expensive as they are, I'd rather that.

Remember going to the doctors as a kid and how they had to poke your finger? Remember how much it would hurt and how much you would just dread it? I do that 3 times a day, every day, 365 days a year. It's the only way to get a glucose read. You know what? It doesn't even hurt.

To everyone that has been there to support me in the past year.

Thank you

Without all of your prayers, support and love, I don't think I would have gotten through it all.

Challenge: Underpants

2011-08-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

I have been challenged. Angie has tagged me to do the underwear challenge. How could I resist. It is in no way dirty, but fun. So why not! Anyone after reading this can play too. I'm supposed to tag, but doing it on your own is more fun!

Let the games begin!

1. What do you call your panties/underwear/undergarments? Do you have any commonly used nicknames for them?

Underwear. If I'm being silly I'll call them my unmentionables. But I hate the word "pantie" ick.

2. Have you ever had that supposedly common dream of being in a crowded place in only your underwear?

Never actually.

3. What is the worst thing you can think of to make panties out of?

Those candy ones don't look too comfy. But I'm pretty sure they're not meant to be worn long.

4. If you were a pair of panties, what colour would you be?

A quick peak in my drawer, and you will find a bunch of colors and patterns. Probably a hot pink. Or lacy black.

5. Have you ever thrown your panties/underwear at a rock star or other celebrity? If so, which one(s)? If not, which one(s) WOULD you throw your panties/underwear at, given the opportunity?

I don't go to those kind of shows. Even so, I probably wouldn't.

6. You're out of clean panties. What do you do?

I would never run out. I could probably go 2 months without washing a single pair (now I want to count them and see how many pairs I actually own.) I used to own more, but I've cut back on that problem/gotten rid of the "old" yucky ones. Luckily Frank does the wash every week so I never run out of any clean ones. Yes he does my our laundry.

7. Are you old enough to remember Underroos? If so, did you have any? Which ones?

I remember them? But I'm positive I never had them. I didn't even wear pull ups. I was potty trained well.

8. If you could have any message printed on your panties, what would it be?

MINE!

9. How many bloggers does it take to put panties on a goat?

Quite a few. Would be a good time with pictures taken and memories for a lifetime.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-10T22:50:00.000-07:00

The day isn't over yet right?

"Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light for my path."

Psalm 119:105

Lady In Red

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

This picture.

{via pinterest}

Inspired me to paint this.

{{Painting was done digitally in Photoshop}}

Mid Afternoon Snack

2011-08-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

Tomato, bocconcini. Some salt and pepper and a dribble of olive oil.

Music Monday

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

After hearing this song play on my Pandora Radio a few weeks ago, I knew I had to buy it off iTunes. So glad I did. I've been playing this song (along with Walk, last weeks Music Monday) on repeat constantly in the car. You just can't go wrong with catchy, upbeat, music on your way to (or from) work.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

PS. If you haven't seen it yet, I have a button up for grabs on the right side bar. I'd love to swap! Let me know if you have a button too!

Just Your Average Sloth

2011-08-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

I'm unsure how I feel about it's hair. But that is why I chose to paint the critter.

I think sloths are the cutest!

This Weeks Events + What I Wore (on Tuesday)

2011-08-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

This past week we've had some cool, and crazy, events happen at the store. We were expecting celebrities to show up on Tuesday, but PR switched it to Thursday. I'll get to that. Needless to say my body is exhausted. After working 7 days in a row, traveling 5000 miles away, then jumping back into the work bandwagon, I need a good rest. Or a real vacation.

Pico de Gallo in Los Angeles made a whole taco truck for us! The truck was completely Gapped out (Pico de Gap.) Promoting this falls, "Beyond Blue" campaign. They are doing a two month tour all over LA. But they are also doing tours around NYC, Chicago and San Fran! It's pretty exciting. Top Chef Marcel was even there preparing tacos! They were delicious!

Yesterday (Thursday) was the big celebrity day. Thankfully I don't watch a lot of the shows the celebs were on so I didn't really know who they were. The "big" names included were Sarah Silverman, Nikki Reed (Twilight), Alexa Vega (Spy Kids), Spencer Grammer (Greek) & Dave Annable (Brothers and Sisters.) All the craziness occurred when Nikki and Alexa came in at 6pm (an hour before closing and when I was supposed to clock out.) Paparazzi swarmed the door and windows. The store, that had just been replenished from earlier in the day, was turned upside down. Clothes everywhere! The PR people went crazy with them. We somehow comped last year and made some money despite giving away thousands of dollars of clothes to these people. Someone can give me clothes any day!

Well I wanted to share what I wore on Tuesday. Had to be super Gapped out. Gap's European shirt dress. A little warm for the 90 degree day we had + running around from 7A til 3P. But it will be a perfect outfit come LA fall starts. Probably around the end of October/November.

Eyes closed. Whoops.

Wee Bit Wednesday

2011-08-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

Holy moly it's already here. Week is half over, and already three days into August. Where on earth does the time go?! Posting this late today ((already Thursday for most of you out there!)) because I've been working all day. We're getting ready for a big celebrity event that's happening tomorrow. So we had to take time to make sure the store, and our back room, looked the best it could.

I have to say, again, this is my favorite meme out there. I was so sad when it went to hiatus for a few weeks. So happy it is back! Link up with Leigh Ashley if you want to play too!

{one} what was one thing that you valued when you were a kid?I've never actually taken the time to think of what I really valued as a kid. I loved all of my toys, but I really loved the stories and adventures I could create. How I could entertain myself for endless hours.
{two} what was your favorite (+ lease favorite) subject in school?Haha, what wasn't my least favorite. I've always been good with geography. I always know where I am, and can get anywhere just by looking at a map. But I hated math. Wasn't good at it AT ALL! They invented calculators for a reason. Now I did like some parts of history, but not all of it. I really liked how people lived over what events happened. Bio wasn't my thing and I didn't even bother with chem. Economics and government, no thank you. This is why I took mainly art courses my senior year. And also why I took government civics THREE times. Whoops.
{three} do you remember your first love?Yes. I don't think you can ever forget who you first fell in love with. But I now have someone and something far greater than what I had with my first. Frank loves me for who I am, unlike my first love.
{four} what one pet would you love to have?Dying to get a pug or a wiener dog.
{five} would you rather live in the country or in the city?Can I say the burbs. I've never lived in a "real" city. Don't think I could handle the crowdedness or high buildings. It would be a bit closterphobic. But I also couldn't live in the butt crack of nowhere. I need to have people around. A grocery store down the street and shopping with in minutes. Why I think the burbs are a perfect compromise.
{six} what do you love about blogging?What Leigh Ashley said. The amazing people that I've met through this. I wish I could meet you all in person and just have a fun, hang out party.
But I also love blogging because it's an outlet from life. It's where I can put my thoughts out, get something off my chest, rant and so on. But also talk about what I love in life, Frank, my family and friends and so on. I blog for me. I don't blog for anyone else.
{seven} what is the first website you visit everyday?Well blogger is my homepage, but I go straight to Facebook after that.
{eight} will you or have you joined google+?I do! Add me!
{nine} what is your favorite scent of candle/air freshener?I like fresh or fruity scents in the spring and summer time. But I love apple, pumpkin or spiced scents for fall and winter. We have an amazing apple pie candle in the kitchen.
{ten} how would you describe your style?I call my style, Sam Style. Simple, but classy. I honestly have the hardest time outfitting myself. I'm dying for a pair of high waisted, wide leg trousers. But the damn things don't exist for my odd size. 5'9" size 034-36" inseamPlus I want to wear them with heals. It makes me so sad.

http://leighashley.blogspot.com/

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

My cousin has the cutest little wiener dog.

I Like Flowers

2011-08-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

Weekend Recap?

2011-08-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

I snapped a few iPhone pics this past weekend in New Brunswick, Canada for my aunts wedding. I'll have to work on some sort of collage for the pics I took with my moms beautiful Nikon. But I'm waiting for her to post the wedding pics first. Maybe. We'll see. Plus the pics are huge files and take a bit of time uploading, blerg.

It was a good trip. Coming home yesterday was a bit stressful. But I made it home in one piece. It feels so good to be home with Frank once again. It's crazy how much I miss him when were apart, especially a whole continent apart (thats four time zones) and limited communication. Was good to see family that I see every 2-5 years, and get to know them a bit. My aunts new husband is a sweetheart and they are a great couple.

All in all it was a good weekend. I wouldn't say it was a real vacation for me. We were so busy getting things ready for my aunts wedding that there was no time to relax. Plus after working 7 days in a row, then taking a red eye, my sleep was pretty messed up. My body isn't really sure what time zone it's in right now. Thankfully I have to get up at 5:30A tomorrow for a fun celebrity event at the store. Maybe that will put me back on track.

Always Fresh. Always Tim Hortons.

I keep saying they need to franchise out here. Starbucks and Coffee Bean are bank breaking.

I played wedding photographer.

While 90% of the attendees went home to change clothes. I rocked this dress and heals all day and night. A true LA girl.

Dress is from Urban Outfitters.

I even caught the bouquet. Watch out Frank, I think we're next.

The terrifying plane I flew to and from Montreal.

I hate that airport.

Music Monday

2011-08-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

I've been loving the new Foo Fighters album lately, especially this song. You can watch the official video on YouTube. If you know the movie Falling Down, you'll for sure like the video.

Good Vibes

2011-07-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good Vibes is now promoting it's self. If you haven't heard of the show yet, you need too! Frank's studio Six Point Harness has been working on it for almost a year now! They previewed an episode at ComiCon and got a great response for it. And why wouldn't it? The show is hilarious!

I'm so proud of all the hard work Frank and all the other guys at 6PH for all the hard work they've done. The show looks awesome and I cannot wait for it to premier on MTV this fall ((October?)) It will be premiering after the relaunch of Bevis and Butthead.

Good Vibes - Trailer Video - IGN

Frank was privileged to be a storyboard artist and animation director for a few episodes. I can't even express how proud I am to see his dreams come true. To see something he has worked so hard on to be on national TV. I'm so proud of you Frank!

You'll have to see if you can spot us in the season finale.

((we're in it quite a bit))

Window Display

2011-07-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

I have such a blast designing new windows for the store.

This is what I did this week with all of the new jeans we got.

{Lets just say we have more legging jeans than we know what to do with}

I think Kate {mannequins name, for real} looks pretty good. She's ready for fall, even though summer hasn't quite hit LA yet.

What I call my summer cubbies. Bright T's with shorts.

New Italian Denim legging jeans. Feel so amazing.

Erin & Nick.

The dress Erin is wearing here is adorable and from our European collection. The dress Erin is wearing may be in my possession in the very near future.

Apologies for the terrible glare in the windows.

We close at 7 and it's light until then, impossible to avoid.

What I Wore

2011-07-26T23:01:00.000-07:00

Today's work ensemble. Even though I was super rushed this morning, I think I threw together a decent outfit. Decent enough for a few pics.

2011-07-24T22:28:00.000-07:00

Even evening traffic on the 101 is beautiful.

A night out dancing.

Guest Postin'

2011-07-21T10:46:00.001-07:00

Check out the Guest Post I did over at Zara's blog!! Thank you again, so much Zara for having me!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T15:10:00.000-07:00

Wee Bit Wednesday

2011-07-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday so you know what that means... Wee Bit time! Link up with Leigh Ashley if you want to play along too!

{one} what is your dream job?Lately I've been dreaming of becoming a visual merchandiser. The thought of being a photographer has always been a thought as well. We'll see how I like that after I shoot my aunts wedding next weekend. But my ultimate dream job is to be a stay at home mommy. But I need a few years before I'm even ready to have babes.
{two} how many best friends do you have?Frank is my very best friend in the whole world. I trust him with all my heart and I can always be honest with him, good or bad. He is the one person I can always talk to about absolutely anything and I know he won't judge me.

{Disneyland October 2010}

{three} what’s the longest road trip you’ve ever taken?Detroit, Michigan to Los Angeles, California. I should map the route and show you where we drove.
{four} if you had to do one single thing every day for the next year, what would it be?There are so many things I already "have" to do every day. Can I not do something for a year. I would actually like to be able to run every day, or most days. But we know that's not happening.
{five} what’s one story your family always tells about you?I'm actually not sure what story my family tells about me. They live 4000 miles away. Now they probably ~~tell~~ educate people about how I'm Type 1 diabetic.
{six} how did your parents pick your name?They said they had a book of names that they'd leave in the bathroom (yea I know) and they would come out with different names. One day they came out with Sam. Both fell in love with it, and I guess that's how it came to be. Short for Samantha, but no body I've ever known calls me that. It's actually a similar story for most female Sam's I have met.
{seven} what’s the one thing that scares you more than anything?Not finding my soul purpose in life. Like what I'm meant to do and who I'm meant to be.This quarter life crisis takes it's toll.
{eight} are you a good cook?I've been told I am. Frank doesn't seem to have a problem with what I make him every night. I like to be inventive sometimes.
{nine} where do you see yourself in 20 years?Married with some kidlets. A pretty house in the hills.
{ten} what’s your best childhood memory?Playing dress up. I used to be so many characters. I remember summer days were spent in costumes making forts on our jungle gym. Making "food" out of moss, grass, flowers and any other "edible" substance I could find. Creating stories to live by. Also setting up my Barbie's houses in my room.

10 Ways to Love

2011-07-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

I need to live by these words more often.

via {pinterest}

Wee Bit Wednesday

2011-07-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

It's back!! I had actually planned on doing this post hours ago, but due to our AT&T being a complete douche bag I've been offline for the last 4 hours. Just seems like a lot of little things falling down around us in the past few days. Our poor car is getting a nose job from a slight accident that happened on Sunday afternoon, so we're stuck with a crappy Chevy Cobalt until she's fixed. Latest is next Friday.

Our internet troubles have been on and off since before April. Took two calls today to get them to fix it, and we still have a tech coming down on Saturday to look at it. I just say, if you're going to play with our network and turn our internet off, please call me and let me know what you are doing to it!

Now here is Leigh Ashley's Wee Bit Wednesday! Link up if you want to play along too.

{one} what’s the #1 most played song on your iPod (or whatever you use)?Going based off my iTunes since my iPod is in the bedroom and really hasn't been used in a while.According to iTune it's: Be Your Baby Tonight - Norah Jones. {two} what’s your favorite type of exercise?Probably anything doesn't feel like a workout at the moment. Dancing and cardio are fun. I also enjoy walks.
{three} what’s your least favorite mode of transportation?I LOATH the bus. Only because LA has some of the worst public transit ever. Takes so long to get to one place.
{four} if you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what would it be?I liked being 21. It was a great year in general. I also loved 16.
{five} when you have 30 minutes of free time, what do you use it to do?Browse the webbernets (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest yadda yadda.) Watch Netflix, movies.
{six} what do you miss the most about being a kid?Ashley put it simply. The lack of responsibility. To stay up late without worrying about work or school in the morning. Not have to worry about money or bills.
{seven} when was the last time you were nervous?I wouldn't say I get nervous, I get more anxious than anything else. I was nervous about my interview back in June. I'm just anxious about work and life right now.
{eight} what was the first thing you bough with your own money when you were young?I actually would hardly spend it. If I did it was always candy or slurpees. I had a summer job at 13 cutting grass for neighbors and babysitting. I made $500 cause I wanted to buy an iMac. The old school iMac.
{nine} what is your favorite month of the year?I love May. Always seems to have nice(ish) weather no matter where you are. LA doesn't seem to have many seasons.
{ten} what are 3 songs from the soundtrack of your life?Hmm that's tricky. Everything is Alright - Motion City SoundtrackSilver Lining - Rilo KileyTurn to Real Life - Shiny Toy Guns
Happy Hump Day Everyone!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-13T04:00:00.000-07:00

My favorite boy showed up with these for me, just because.

Figured it Out?

2011-07-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

This quarter life journey has not been easy. It has not been fun. I know there are hundreds of you out there that probably feel the same way. But I think I've reached a milestone. I'm not sure why or how it took me so long to figure it out, but I feel like I have.

Visual Merchandising. *hits forehead*

After skyping with Frank's dad the other night and talking about what was going on with work. How I was really loving doing all the floor changes he mentioned to me about thinking about going into visuals. Huge eye opener. It involves being artistic. I've always had an eye for color and composition. I wondered before how to get into something that involved both. Here it is.

I've absolutely loved designing the sales floor. Designing the store windows myself. Getting that freedom to be creative. My days have just flown by while doing that. I've felt happier than I have in a while just doing that.

But onto the next step. How do really get involved in it? How do I move up from where I am now? I know I can take classes, and even get a degree. But I know it's not needed. Experience is. Just where and how do I get that experience?

Any thoughts of feedback would be extremely welcomed.

Ten on Tuesday

2011-07-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today's ToT looked like fun, so I'm linking up with Roots and Rings and playing along.

1. When you are on a plane and the kid behind you is kicking your seat, what do you do?

If it's a shorter flight and the kicking isn't TOO bad, then I don't say anything. But I'll start off saying something to the flight attendant. I have a problem with negative confrontation. I actually find adults to be worse at kicking seats.

2. What food that you KNOW is bad for you and you shouldn’t have, but you love/eat it anyway?

Hmm, what isn't "bad" for a diabetic. Cookies. Chocolate chip cookies and cupcakes. I can never just say no. We can't keep cookies in the house because I'll eat them when I know i shouldn't.

3. What is your favorite book of all time?

I have read and re-read Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. Fast read and so good.

4. If I came to visit you in your town, where would we eat?

There are a few places we just love. Laurel Tavern is our local spot. Not your typical bar food and beer place. The food is amazing and hardly deep fried (no beige food here.) And their drink menu is assorted local beers and wines. Of course you can order your favorite cocktail.

Umami Burger is something everyone needs to experience. I'm not a beef burger eater, and I'll eat this. The size of the burger is small, but don't let that fool you. It is a dense, filling little thing. Personally I have a hard time finishing one. But how can you say no to a burger voted the best in the country? Simply, you can't. Three locations in LA vary different restaurant atmospheres, including one right off the boulevard.

5. You have 500 dollars and 40 minutes to spend it at any store you want. Where do you go?

I know $500 wouldn't get me far in this store, but Anthropologie. That store is just beautiful.

6. What blog do you read every day/the most often?

Zara // Jill // Angie

7. What’s the longest you’ve ever been stuck at an airport?

I wouldn't say more than a few hours. Usually during layovers on trips across the country. Longest I think was maybe 5 hours on our family trip to Holland back in 2000. I have a short layover in Montreal coming up at the end of the month. Hoping an hour and a half is enough time to do customs, check and RE-check bags.

8. What’s your daily makeup/face/cleansing routine?

Morning - wake up and tone my face. Put The Body Shop's Vitamin E eye cream on followed by their Vitamin E face cream. Brush teeth and do make up.

Evening - Remove make up with a make up remover wipe. Wash face with Neutragena's Cooling face cleanser. Tone. Maybe put on some Body Shop Nighttime Tea Tree lotion. And some Vitamin E eye cream.

I use St. Ives Apricot exfoliator around 3 times a week also. Keeping my face smooth.

9. Where is your farthest away friend?

Toronto at the moment I believe.

10. Where is your favorite place to go hiking (or to enjoy nature)?

We are so lucky to have so many wonderful hiking and walking trails around us that we need to take more advantage of. We literally have 3 different parks/trails within a mile from us. There are some outside of Pasadena that are supposed to have pretty waterfalls and views. Same being said to some in the Malibu areas. We just need to explore them. Probably not during the hot, dry summer months though.

Apart of Your World

2011-07-07T17:14:00.000-07:00

Growing up The Little Mermaid was my favorite movie. Still to this day, it remains a favorite. I've met the designer of Ariel, Glenn Keane. Frank even had him do a drawing of Ariel for me, which hangs on our living room wall. Back in December they were having a showing of an original film cut of the movie in Hollywood, and Frank took me to see it. It was my first time seeing my favorite childhood movie in a theater. Tears filled my eyes as the film started.

I've been playing on the Cintiq so much in the past few weeks. Experimenting with different painting techniques and figuring out what feels natural. After doing these drawings I did realize that character design and sketching is not my favorite things to do. I still gave it a shot and this is what I came up with.

{via here}

Using my college life drawing techniques to get Ariels shape and proportions right.

I then added my own twist. It's not 100% complete here, but I don't care.

The Little Mermaid always gives me inspiration to be who I am as a person. To go out and do the best I can do. There is just something so inspiring about Disney movies. Tangled actually made it to the top of my favorite animated movies list. I should follow the message of these movies and use it as my motivation to get what I want. To go where I want to go.

I have been struggling with this quarter life crisis. I have Frank and a few great friends behind my back supporting me every step of the way. Helping me, giving me suggestions on what I can do. The past two weeks have been super creative and visual for me. At work and at home. Changing the sales floor on my own, designing my own window display and the amount I've painting have made me come the conclusion to do something professional with my creativity. Whether it's to get my foot in the door with production or to sell paintings (thats a long shot.) I know that I need to start going in that direction and to start actively looking for something that will give me just that.

My days fly by when I get to be creative. It feels like a little outlet. It made work ~~more~~ fun. I loved not spending 8 hours focused on the customer service part. I feel happy. That part of me has been missing for a while. I was happy with where I live, with Frank, the fact that I have a job. But inside and underneath I wasn't happy with where I was and what I was doing. I have a new little kick of energy where I know I can do anything I want to do. I can and will prove that I am a hard worker. Willing to learn to become better so I can move further and higher.

Work Creativity

2011-07-06T17:23:00.000-07:00

Warning - This post is picture heavy, and full of my "work" from today.

I love getting the chance to be creative at work. It honestly makes my day go by so much faster. Sure I make a mess of the sales floor while I do it, but no one shops before 1p anyways. It really makes me want to get into a profession where I get to be visual and creative. Especially over the past few days. I love it.

Pictures go from the front of our store to the back.

Excuse the low quality. Only had my iPhone on me.

With this exception. On the table right as you walk in.

Women's side.

Should I be proud?

Wordless Wednesday

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

07.05.11 Sunset

Hair Transformations

2011-07-05T22:44:00.000-07:00

I got this awesome idea from Zara! I thought to myself, wow has my hair changed over the past few years. ((But make sure you check out her blog, she is pretty amazing!))

A brief over view of the past few years.

I've been dying it since I was 15, a whopping 8 years of my life already. First to a golden blonde to a 180 brunette. I stuck with brown 2004-2008. In December 2007 I decided it would be fun to chop all that I had grown all off. I decided to get highlights for the first time in my life before heading to Los Angeles for Frank's three month internship. The blonde didn't stay long for I was back to brunette in October. Summer 2009 I thought dying it blonde from a box would be a good idea, big mistake. My roots were about 2 inches grown out and the blonde only really took to them. A month later after I got a job I decided to dye it to something a bit more natural. In September '09 I went back to dark brown. December I went for the highlights again, the sun didn't want me to be a fake brunette. More blonde was added in June '10 and in April '11 I went full blonde. Now I can't see myself as anything else.

My transformation in photo's begins in 2007.

About a month before chopping. We both had some long locks.

Fresh cut bob Dec. '07

My summer '08 "blonde"

Fresh cut, fresh dye && my 17 yr old cat Missy.

The color to cover the terrible box dye in July '09

Also when I really started to grow it out again.

Last time it was that dark, Sept '09

Natural Bridges National Park, Utah.

New blonde, Dec '09

After a recent cut to even out "the bob"

Enjoying a souvenir shop on Hollywood Blvd when my mom visited.

Today, right now. A full head of golden locks.

((don't mind the puffy tired eyes))

What kind of changes have the hairs on your head gone through? Are you a dye virgin? Do you grow yours for years on end? Do you change it up monthly or weekly? I'd love to see!

1969 Window

2011-07-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

One of my managers last week told me that I would be getting full rein on changing the store's windows.

It's kind of nice being told you are trusted enough to have creative say in the store. Also fun that we get to come up with our own ideas.

This is what I came up with today.

What you see to the left as you enter the store.

Full, simple and colorful

We're in very close contact with our design team downtown, and they are always saying how they want to see more color at the front of the store. Well I hope someone from the team comes by in the next few days and sees what I've done. Just hope they like it.

Slat wall added to catch the eyes of walkers.

Aren't those yellow shorts so fun!?

Lovely mannequin sporting Erin Wasson's Low Love jewelry line.

Canada D'eh

2011-07-01T00:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada D'eh!

((see what I did there))

image via pinterest.

Quick Calla

2011-06-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

Self Portrait

2011-06-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

Last week Frank finally got a new computer. He went a whopping 5-6 months with out one. Using only his iPhone to surf the web, and my macbook on occasions. Mostly to Skype with his family on the weekends.

A few weeks before that he purchased a Cintiq from his studio. Basically brand new, less than a year old and only had been used for one project. It's a tablet that hooks up to your computer that you can draw on. Except it has a screen. A tad tricky to describe to those who aren't in the art field. This is what it looks like, you can see the iMac behind it, along with some of my notes on the wall.

So over the past few days I took the time to play on the computer, and with the Cintiq. I always start with self portraits cause I never want to offend anyone. This is what I came up with.

Based off a picture my mom snapped of me while we were up on Mulholland Drive last August after I was sick. Taken just after the sun went down looking at the pretty lights in the valley. I forgot how much fun painting/drawing hair is, even though I always hated it in my high school art classes.

Hope you enjoy

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Just apart of my commute to and from work. nbd

Yes those are houses hanging off the edge of the hill.

Recap

2011-06-21T18:26:00.000-07:00

I finally had my review today. Sadly not with my old GM, but with our current temp GM. Overall, good review. I scored above target in the end. Obviously I know my stuff.

Eyes are open to what I need to work on. I do get flustered in big groups, especially when it's a visit from corporate. But our temp GM said he would work with me to move me up and get me confident in those situations. At least there were no negative comments. Just ways to make me better. work really hard with me to get me to move up. Even if its me observing grade 4's in different stores to see how it really goes. At least I now make over $9/hr... blerg.

I'm still upset/bitter about the other girl getting promoted. But what ever. Our other manager gives me the chance to do more. Trusts me to get things done and direct others. To make sure the floor is taken care of and looks good at all times. I never have to be baby sat. That makes me feel good. Also getting "thank you" texts from my managers also helps and goes a very long ways for me. Not only with my confidence but just in general. Today I got to move all the mens shirts around. Forgot to take pictures but I think I did a good job with what I did. It'll all change again Thursday anyways.

I'm still gonna branch out. This is just a job for me, to make money. If I move up, I move up. If another, better, opportunity arises I'll take it. It is not a career. I'm just going to live life day to day. Stop sweating the small stuff and just be happy with where my life is. My life is so far from bad. I have an amazing boyfriend/husband. I live in an amazing city. My health is getting better every day (even if the online pharmacy sucks.) I have a job. Our friends here are awesome. We're moving soon, condo hunting is so fun! Just knowing a lot of exciting things are coming both mine and Frank's way, just makes me happy.

Wee Bit Wednesday

2011-06-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

Hump Day! Week is half over, which means 3 more days of work and I get to spend all day Saturday with Frank. Link up with Leigh Ashley if you want to play along!

{one} what color best describes you + why?All colors. Calming pastels to energetic brights. Natural and neutral. It's all there.
{two} how have you changed in the past year?I became diabetic and had to alter my lifestyle quite a bit. But not too much. I just have to watch what I eat and count carbs. I can't just pick up and eat or drink anything I want. But I know this will help me stay healthier as I get older.
{three} have you ever had any surgeries?Not yet at least..
{four} why did you start your blog?I started to showcase my art and work in my classes. From there it turned into a public journal.
{five} what are you looking forward to this summer?Hitting the beach on weekends off. A possible trip to Toronto. Sunshine and getting a nice tan.
{six} do you have any family traditions for the 4th of July?Nope. I would like to see some fireworks this year though.
{seven} what’s something new that you’ve tried in the past few months?Not really. Just different foods maybe?
{eight} what is the perfect a/c temperature?Mid 70's with sunshine and a cool breeze. The median weather for Los Angeles.
{nine} what was the last movie you saw in the theater?Super 8. Not too bad. Was entertained throughout the whole thing. Great "child" actors.
{ten} what song do you think everyone should hear at least once?Make You Feel My Love - Adelle.

Frustration.

2011-06-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

I'm a bad blogger. I seem to only write Wednesdays. I have Wee Bit coming after this one. I've just been having a bad week and I need to vent!

Changes have been going on at work as I've mentioned. Sunday I found out a girl that I work with got a promotion to replace a girl that left the store. Not that anyone really cares. I feel very over looked. I work my ass off every day I work. I have the most open availability out of everyone. Where and what happened? We have our yearly review tomorrow afternoon. I'm hoping my old GM has some good news for me. I'm going to speak up and asked what went wrong, tell him my feelings.

It's just a very aggravating situation to be put in. I was promised a year ago that I would start training to move up in January. Which then moved to March, then May. Still nothing. Where did I go wrong? I've been recognized by multiple customers that I help. Some who even come in and will only shop with ME. Today a guy called looking for jeans. After finding the size and getting them set aside from him he goes, "that girl Sam always helps me out when I come in. She's very nice and helpful." I go, "oh thats me!" People know me. They want to shop with ME. How have I not moved up. Two and a half years with the company. It's a great company, and I know their training program is great. But I feel like I'm over looked.

Now I don't go and say all this stuff to make me feel better. Frank sees and knows how hard I work. My family and close friends also see it. I have worked so hard at everything I've ever done in life, and it some how seems and feels like I fail. First year of college I break my drawing hand. Second year, new program I fail 5/7 classes. How does that stuff happen? Why do I have go through this time and time again. It's like life's funny way of showing me it's not what I'm meant to do in life. But why?

Thank you to some of you gals that have talked to me about this via email or Twitter. Means so much to me to have support from people I hardly know. And of course thank you to Frank who has been with me holding my hand this entire time. Who will continue to help me find something new.

I'll be starting a new job search soon.

Tada!

2011-06-08T18:08:00.000-07:00

Before (bad indoor lighting)

After

The yellow brassiness is all gone! Fresh cut and the bangs return. My hairdresser is a miracle worker. She did such a fantastic job. Her new salon is also super fun! She's been doing my hair for 4-5 years. I'm so dedicated that I found out where she worked when I moved here. She moved a year prior.

Wee Bit Wednesday

2011-06-08T17:20:00.000-07:00

Feeling in a bit of a funk today. Stupid news about my insurance. Raising my Lantus injections. Just kind of over things. Maybe I'm just tired. I did get a fantastic new hair cut though. Maybe this weeks Wee Bit will cheer me up. Link up with Leigh Ashley if you want to play along.

one} how many times have you been a bridesmaid/maid of honor?Nope. When my close friends start getting married I hope I get the honor of being in their weddings.
{two} what’s the last thing your do before you fall asleep at night?Cuddle up to Frank and put on a movie or tv show.
{three} you just won your dream vacation, all expenses paid. where are you going?Bora Bora!
{four} what is your favorite outdoor activity?Hiking/taking walks with Frank. Some beautiful hiking trails and paths in and around LA. Some that have yet to be explored by us.
{five} as a child, what did you want to “be when you grew up”? did you end up there?I wanted to be so many different things, and I never ended up doing one of them. I'm thankful I have a job, but I'm just kind of over it. I feel like I work too hard for little pay, and that my hard work isn't really recognized. If an opportunity came up somewhere else I'd probably take it.
{six} what are 3 things your dream home would have that you don’t currently have?A dishwasher, washer/dryer, central air and heat. Coming soon :)
{seven} what’s for dinner tonight?Not even sure. I don't really feel like cooking let alone the dishes ugh. Maybe Chipotle.
{eight} if someone stopped by your house unannounced on a typical Saturday night, what would they find you doing?Probably sitting on the couch in my comfy pants watching Netflix with Frank.
{nine} what’s your average monthly water bill?I think our complex pays for water. But I never see the bill, digital and Frank pays.
{ten} what do you do to relax?I'm incapable of relaxing. Help me.

2011-06-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know how to center the images and text in my gadgets using CSS? Or another simple way???

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