Christmas Talk?

Why is it that Halloween hasn't even passed yet and already people are talking about what they're going to do for Christmas? I mean, granted, I have been stockpiling presents like it's going out of fashion, but I haven't been talking about Christmas plans non-stop like I hear some others do right now. ... Just a second I hear the phone ringing.

"Hello?"

"Hi. Pot? This is Kettle. You're black."

"Well that's just rude. I'm not as black as you, you coal colored block of metal!"

"... That's uncalled for." Click.

Yep. I guess I might as well be truthful about this. I have gone on the Christmas bandwagon and I've been gushing about it, too. .... But that doesn't make it right!

Anyway, I'm thinking about starting my Christmas giveaway this weekend. It's actually going to be for a gift certificate to my shop, but I wanted to gauge any reactions you all might have to that. Thoughts? Ideas? Opinions? ... Okay, that was a little redundant.

Hello, and welcome to the Department of Redundancy Department. We're all out of the office at the moment so please leave a message after the message beep and when one of us gets back into the office we will reply to your message. Thank you, and have a nice day.

On Demand

Whether you're a mommy or an auntie or a babysitter, anyone who has watched small children on a regular basis knows the futility of trying to keep up with a favorite show, or catch as movie on TV right when it first starts. I can't count how many movies I've flipped to ten minutes or half an hour after they've started because nephew, niece, or brother didn't want to go down for a nap. Thank God for On Demand. And thank the networks that most of my favorite shows get put up there about a day after they air. That's not to mention when your child wants to watch Dora or Diego at six o'clock in the morning when they're not on.

You might not be aware of this, but Charter Digital Cable comes with On Demand access included in your monthly rate. If you're wondering what else you don't know about Charter' On Demand services, you can learn more at charter.net/ondemand. There are so many movies that you can choose from in the comfort of your own home instead of having to drive all the way to the rental place with your kids in the back seat. We all know what a hassle that is.

If you're curious about what other perks and specials you might be missing out on, you can get updates and fun extras on Charter’s Facebook page, which is as user friendly as it gets.

Weekend Etsy Deal

This weekend only, from right now until Monday, October 26th I'm offering a new deal at my Etsy shop. Buy Two, get One Free. This cannot be used in conjecture with the 10% off code, but it's a much better deal.

If you buy four things, you'll get two things free, and so on and so forth. We have such items as those you see decorating this post.

I just got some new supplies so that I can continue to create fun things for people's hair. Unfortunately, the hair clips I got happen to be about a third smaller than the ones I previously purchased, so I'm probably going to be charging a little less for them when I get them up.

It's been such a long week, I hope this offer of buy two get one free cheers you up if you're week has been as hectic as mine.

At least I now have a plan for the next four years school wise and I'm not worrying about that anymore. One less weight off my back. That, plus the lack of homework I have this weekend, and the fact that my cousin is coming up for a visit ... let's just say I'm pretty contented right now.

Bead Supplier

One of the really annoying things about making jewelry and accessories is that decently priced beads and gemstones. As soon as you find some beads that you like that are decently priced, you get owned in the shipping charges. If you're lucky enough to find good shipping prices, half the time the product is subpar and no jewelry designer -- whether they sell their art or it's just a past-time, wants to use poorly made products.

With this in mind, I happened to stumble upon Beads Of Cambay and their huge selection of beads and gemstones. There are many things to love about this site, including the worry free shipping guarantee and the discounts that get higher the more you spend. This, added to free shipping on orders over $100 in the continental USA and I'm salivating just thinking about it.

What could be better than this, you ask? The option of getting Wholesale Beads & Gemstones if you're ordering for a business venture. Not to mention, there is not just beads and gemstones at Beads of Cambay. Oh, no, there are findings and hat pins and hair pins as well. This store has almost everything you could need or want for jewelry crafting. I know that as soon as you start looking around, you'll fall as in love as I am.

Possible Major Change?

So, I'm pretty sure everyone reading this (or at least most of you) know that I'm an English major and I have hopes of getting my Ph.D. in English Literature sooner or later (most likely later). But I also have hopes of getting my JD - juris doctorate.

Before I do any of that, of course, I want to get a Masters Degree here, at CSUC after achieving my BA in English. My plan was to get my Masters in English, go get into law school and do that thing before getting a job at a firm somewhere or other and then going back for my Ph.D. in Literature. ...Until yesterday, that is.

If there is one freakin' subject that makes my blood boil and my anger issues surface it's talking about the budget crisis the CSU system is in right now. WHY THE HELL IS THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT THE ONE HARDEST HIT???? If you take away humanities, what's left?

Anyway, the English department chair and the provost have been slashing classes left and right. That tutoring job I have? It'll be for units next semester instead of money. I don't need units in the area it will be applicable to. So ... that's out. Not to mention I decided to hold off on the graduation thing until next year. Bad move on my part, I guess.

I'm still getting my BA in English. But now I'm thinking about getting my first Masters in something more applicable to law. Like ... History. That should be fun, and totally not something that would be too hard of a jump for me since I love studying the history of novels as well as the content.

Canadian Kitchen Makeover

Dear Readers, do you have a Canadian Kitchen in desperate need of a kitchen makeover? It's times like this - the launching of the new Maple Leaf Market, that I wish my kitchen belonged to Prince Edward Island, British Colombia, Nova Scocia or one of the other wonderful provinces in Canada. Alas, it's just a Californian Kitchen.

Of course, that doesn't mean that I can't use one of the meal planning services featured in the new market. You can now meet the Butcher, the Baker, and the Pasta Maker as well as find very quick, easy, and healthy meal ideas throughout the website. All this and the possibility of winning a $32,000 kitchen makeover or one of 12 Frigidaire refrigerators? I'd sign up for Canadian citizenship just for that. I'd even move to Alberta just for that.

Unfortunately, I'm stuck in California for the foreseeable future. Therefore, I implore all of my Canadian readers to enter this contest themselves so I can live vicariously through you. Just imagine what you could do with that kind of money! New countertops, a new stove ... an island in the middle of the kitchen with one of those hanging pan racks above it. The possibilities are nearly endless.

The Big 2-0-0

... Actually, the big 2-0-1. Blog post 200 was the sponsored post directly beneath this one, but I do so hope that that won't curb your enthusiasm -- it certainly won't curb mine!

This blog has changed a lot since I started it last year, but I still love posting my thoughts here and making new online friends. I've met some great people in the blogisphere and I hope to meet many more in the next 200 posts to come.

For your consideration, and in honor of this momentous event: One of my favorite songs by the wonderful band, She and Him.

A New Family Member

A few weeks ago I was talking to my sister/flatmate and we decided to adopt a pet from a local shelter. Problem is, looking for a new family member in is tough work -- especially when you have to wade through at least a dozen different websites looking for the right animal. Luckily for us, though, I just found out about this life saver of a website (pun definitely intended) called Petango.com which has a compilation of every pet out there in need of a good home and currently living in a shelter.

It's amazingly easy to use: all you do is enter in what type of animal you're looking for, your town or postal zip code, the specifics (if you want to look specifically for a male bull mastiff that's still a puppy, for instance), and then you go. The website will generate a complete list of animals that fit your qualifications so that instead of going to ten websites or shelters, you just have to go to one. The right one.

Now my sister and I are planning on adopting a cat, so when I typed in our criteria (adult and not declawed) I was amazed with the different pictures that came up. By moving your cursor over the picture of an animal that catches your fancy, a pop up opens and you can see some of the specifics about that animal without having to open another window entirely. Very handy. If you'd like to join my sister and me in our quest to rescue a feline friend, then head on over to Petango.com - Adopt a cat!

Yay for Sales!

I am so stoked because last night I made my very first sale on Etsy. It was for this lovely comb as a gift and I really hope the recipient likes it as much as I do. That, along with the two prizes for my recently ended contest will go out in the post tomorrow.

On top of this lovely news, I got a phone call from my sister in Cincinnati today telling me that the barrettes I gave her are causing quite a stir in her work place. Apparently one of her coworkers is planning on taking a look at my shop to see if she can find presents for her TWELVE granddaughters. Can you believe it? TWELVE!!! It's a dream come true.

This, on top of what I was told by a friend of mine in town, has me over the moon with the cow and the spoon. One of my flatmates from last year has recently started joining the pageant circuit and was in dire need of a head piece for her talent sections. I jumped on the opportunity for more advertising and gave her the comb I had already made (below).

Apparently it matches her chosen costume perfectly and she's quite excited about the peacock feather that's going to be adding a bit of charm to her dancing. I'm excited about the publicity and possibility of doing some more pageant pieces.

I've just noticed how much I use British sayings when I write and while it may seem a bit odd to you that I say post instead of mail, and flat instead of apartment, it's not to me (even though it is slightly amusing). Let me explain ... no, there is too much -- let me sum up. One of my favorite channels is BBC America and most of my favorite actors are British (Alan Rickman, Alan Cumming, Richard Armitage, Gerald Bulter ... you get the idea). When I was growing up I spent a lot of time watching British films and some of the jargon just stuck. I can even do a half decent accent if I put my mind to it ... which I rarely do.

In the end it all comes back to the giddy school girl inside of me jumping up and down and squealing, "Yay for sales!"

Breast Cancer Cure?

It's no surprise anymore that October is Breast Cancer Awarenss month and many different companies are encouraging you to make a donation to help eradicate breast cancer. This is no surprise at all, especially given that it seems like everyone knows someone who has been effected by the horrible cancer.

Well, I'm not sure if you've heard that Cryo-Cell International is partnering with the National Institute of Health this October to try their luck at using the stem cells in menstruation blood to battle breast cancer. Wouldn't it just be amazing if the answer to curing breast cancer -- and potentially other cancers, as well -- lay in the stem cells found in the menstruation blood women throw away each month? Just imagine all the lives that would save.

During the month of October, you can make a Cyro-Cell Breast Cancer Donation or a C'Elle Breast Cancer Donation by purchasing one of their services. For every "Protect Baby, Protect Mom" package someone purchases, Cryo-Cell will donate $50, and for every C'elle Menstrual Stem Cell package Cryo-Cell will donate $25 to the Susan B. Komen Foundation. This way, even if the research behind stem cells proves futile, at least you know that your gifts could still save lifes -- and improve the quality of life for those suffering from breast cancer.

I know we all have to start Christmas shopping soon (I've already started) and what a great gift to give an expectant mother, or your sister. It's the gift of life, Dear Readers, don't let it pass you by.

And the Winners Are ...

After a very long two weeks, and entries into my opening contest, I am pleased to announce that the winner of the comb (seen below) is Jenny from Just Jenny, and the winner of the barrette (seen next to the comb, below) is Patty from Broken Teepee Designs.

Thank you all for playing along with me. I'll be contacting the winners shortly.

BUT WAIT!!! That's not all! There's one thing more I think those of you who entered this little shindig should know (as should anyone else who is still reading this post). This week's discount code for my Etsy Shop is for 20% off your total order from now until next Friday night at midnight. All you have to do is order using the code "Contest" and I'll send you a revised PayPal bill.

Now, I guess there's just one thing left to say: Is anyone looking forward to the Christmas giveaway?

Etsy Hearts

***This post is sticky. Scroll down for new posts.***

For those of you who have possibly not heard yet, I'm currently hosting a contest to spread the news about my new Etsy shop. There are two prizes and you can enter by going to my Etsy shop (just click on the picture below) finding your favorite and coming back to this post and telling me which one made your list.



You can, of course, also enter by blogging about this contest on your own blog and commenting here with a link. This will earn you five entries. Commenting with your favorite item in my shop will earn you one. I've also decided to spice things up a bit and give you another entry if you heart my Etsy shop. For my convenience, I'd appreciate it if you left me a comment on this post letting me know that you've done this.

The contest is going to run until midnight Pacific time on October 16th. That's this Friday, folks, so if you want to get in on this, hurry up. The prizes are pictured below. They will go to two separate winners. The comb will go to the first prize winner, and the barrette will go to the second place winner, as chosen by random.org on October 17th.

Both of these pieces are one of a kind and replicas will never be made by me. They're perfect for costumes, or just to spice up everyday outfits that you have. Not to mention if you're from Cincinnati that barrette will proudly display your love of football.

Woot!

That's my new favorite word. I am so happy with the results of my contest (which will be going on for about the next three hours). It wasn't everything it could be, but it was a pretty good start to what I hope will be a long running shop.

I've just ordered some more base materials. It was a great deal cheaper for me to get the small clips at CraftsEtc.com rather than my previous supplier, so look forward to lots of those coming up in a week or so. I also got some zig-zag barrettes that look really cool. I can hardly wait to get my hands on them so that I can play some more.

It's been an extremely long week and all I can really say after that is: TGIF. ... orama.

It's Only Tuesday???

There is something utterly amazing at how long this week feels already. And it's only Tuesday. Imagine that. I'm so exhausted with school and work and everything that my eyes are getting sleepy by five o'clock! Ridiculous. Absolutely, positively ridiculous.

What makes things worse/better is that it was overcast and cold all day yesterday and when I woke up this morning it was RAINING!!! I love the rain and it was awesome to wake up to that. What made it even better was that last night I was reading Balzac's Father Goriot and there is a part very early on in the book when he writes about a foggy, overcast morning that causes people to lose track of time and oversleep. Those days are the best ... especially when you don't have to go anywhere that day. It's like a snow storm: it's no good if you have to go out into it and trudge off to work or school. So much better if you can just stay at home and curl up with a warm cup of tea or coffee or cocoa.

I am in love with Balzac's works. This novel is freakin' amazing! It's like a history, economics, sociology lesson all in one. It's ... Balzacorama. Which makes no sense unless you've read the novel. Tehe. Novelorama.

Life Mentor

When I think about my childhood and different teachers that helped me along my journey, one that stands out was my middle school algebra teacher. Her name was Mary Ann and she was one of the best teachers I've ever had. She helped me learn to work past my anger so much in the years that I knew her. Never once did she judge me or treat me like an object and I always felt a sense of safety and security when I entered her classroom. Every once in a while, when I have a particularly bad day and start feeling all lonely and off track, I try to remember that feeling of safety and love and support that I associate with her.

Everything I do in my life is because she first showed me how to move past my inner turmoil and work toward a bigger goal. It was with her that I began to fully realize that I could channel all my negative emotions into some problem that needed to be figured out -- be it an equation, or a question asked about a novel or author. It's like she saw the potential in me and steered me in the right direction.

Unfortunately, I lost touch with Mary Ann a few years ago and I have no idea where she is now. If this has happened to you, you should do what I did and check out MyLife, which is a people search for the United States. I was very happy to learn that she is still at the middle school I attended, helping to steer other teens toward a good life.

A Few New Pieces

Last night and tonight I went on a creating spree that resulted in somewhere between 20 and 30 new pieces, some of which are now up on my Etsy shop and ready to be sold. These are a few of the new items that I made. Most of them are not up on Etsy right now, but I'll try to get them up this week. Hopefully tomorrow, but I might not have enough time between school, work, and freaking out about the potential cancellation of the tutoring program I work for. I really wish that they don't cancel it, but with the way the California budget is right now, it's entirely possible that there just won't be any money to pay for tutors next semester or next year.

It seems that freaking out is all that's really on my to-do list this week.


I almost had a panic attack tonight by counting how many base components I have that are still pristine. In short: not many. I shocked myself when I realized how much I missed being creative. My entire family is quite artsy (even though some of them refuse to admit it -- we all know how to wield a hot glue gun and a pair of scissors) and I didn't realize until I had fully immersed myself in this undertaking just how much I've missed it. Sure I've been writing like always, but there is something different about taking a strip of yarn too short to do anything with, and a few buttons, and a hair barrette, and a hot glue gun and making something fun and funky for someone's hair.

There is no feeling in the world like looking at the happy face of someone when you've just made their vision become a reality. I love using my hands to create things to bring joy to others, and I guess I needed to remind myself of that. It's almost surreal to make these things out of such simple supplies and find yourself face to object with something that could have come out of a fairytale or costume supply.

When I'm feeling quite out of sorts with my school life and whatnot, sometimes I think about what it would be like to just quit and start all over again as an art major. Of course, I'd never do that, but sometimes I feel like my friends who are also English major only like me because of how smart I am or how I approach reading different books.

I am more than the words that I write. I am more than the things I produce. I am more than my brain. I am more than a test score. I am more than a theory. I am more than a survivor. I am me. And I hope that never changes.

... Okay, I didn't really mean to go off on such a philosophical note there. As you can see, I did a lot of creating in the past two days. These are just a few of the items that I created. I love how the crocheted circles look with buttons and flowers and even the peacock feather. It's the illusion of a hat or a fascinator without any of the fuss those can bring. Yay for no fuss!

Can't you just imagine the compliments you'd get wearing one of these in your hair with a pair of jeans or even a pencil skirt and stockings? So great for the fall and winter. Personally, I think these would also look great as part of a costume if you're going out for Halloween.

I think for Christmas and New Years I'm going to get some festive colors of yarn to make more circles (and possibly some squares) and some holiday buttons and things to make stocking stuffers.

If you are shopping on my Etsy store for a present at any time of the year, I do have gift-wrapping options available. There's no real reason why, but all the gift wrapping boxes and bags I have right now are polka dots. ... No real reason but the fact that I really like polka dots. A lot.

This last piece with the three little dark blue roses in it is up on Etsy right now (as you can see in the previous post). It's one of my favorites and would look amazing when paired with a princess gown, a Renaissance dress, or even a fairy costume. You could even go as a flower garden with this thing. ... Or you could just wear it with a pair of jeans and a tee shirt and transform your outfit into something extraordinary with so much feminine wonderness.

Win a 2010 Camaro 2SS

Wouldn't you like to win a brand new car without too much effort? How about a brand new laptop? Well, you can with Charter Media's Camaro Sweepstakes which is going on right now.

From now until November 26th at noon, Charter will give away a laptop a day to those that enter into this amazingly cool contest. If that's not good enough, if you purchase three Charter services right now, you can get a $100 gift certificate to the store or restaurant of your choice. If you buy two services, you'll get a $50 gift certificate, and if you buy one, you get a $25 gift certificate.

To find out more information about Charter, you can visit Charter on Facebook. There is also Charter on Twitter for up to date information and updates on their constantly running contests and specials.

There are so many great things about Charter Media that it's impossible for me to tell you about them all. They have super fast internet and phone services, not to mention their great television packages. It is well worth it to check out their website to see how much money you can save by switching over to them from your current providers.

A Bit of Fry and Laurie

Just a little something to brighten up your end of the week. This is one of my favorite clips from two of Britain's best actors, Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry. Enjoy.

Life, the University, and Cake

Oy vey this week has been long and brutal. Last week, too. I've had people sitting in on my tutoring sessions these last two Wednesdays, and papers, apartments to clean, and all that jazz. Not to mention finishing Sense and Sensibility, Much Ado About Nothing, and starting Twelfth Night and Pere Goriot. Talk about a lot of reading. My eyes hurt from all the black on off-white. I think God might be punishing me for being an English major.

On the bright side, I got my business cards for Etsy yesterday, so I can start handing them out to friends and family to get the word out that I'm selling these lovely little hair pretties. I've had many compliments on the ones I've been wearing to school each day, too. Perhaps now I can get more traffic to my Etsy shop (link on the right) and possibly some business.

Oh, don't forget that for 10% off the entire selection of things on my site use the code "ruckus" until midnight tomorrow (Friday). After that it will be changed to "bias." Have fun looking around over there and feel free to shoot me a request for a custom order. I love working with other people's ideas to create awesome pieces.

Learn to Cook -- With Style

Wouldn't you love to be able to eat a perfectly cooked four course meal one night and then learn how to prepare it the next day? Ever wondered how to pair wine with food? Well, then keep the dates of October 16th and 17th in mind. The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is hosting yet another event that will leave your mouth watering and wanting more. On the first day participants will go to a Wine Tasting Reception, a cooking demo featuring appetizers, followed by a four course meal that night, and a cooking demonstration the following day with Chef Nathan Read that will teach you how to prepare the four course meal served the night before.

For the very reasonable price of $398 for two people, you get all I mentioned above, plus wonderful hotel accommodations. Can you just imagine the joyful, shocked faces on your family's faces as you serve such a scrumptious four course meal to them on Thanksgiving or Christmas? There is no better feeling than seeing a job well done being appreciated by those around you. The best part about it is that you won't be "flying blind" on this trip (as you so often are when making food from a recipe for the first time). Nope. You'll know exactly what the food's supposed to taste like from your trip.

And, when you're in Branson and not working on the food, there are loads of world class theaters and museums for you to visit. Not to mention the great scenery the hotel and city are surrounded with. It'll be sure to be a trip to remember.

10% Off Code and Contest

I can't believe I almost forgot to tell you all about my wonderful discount offer for all of you. As today is the 2nd, and the 10% discount code I gave you last week of "Pineapple" is going to expire tonight at midnight, it's time for me to tell you the new code.

"Ruckus."

As in, "You boys better stop that ruckus or I'll come in there and give you something to yell about!" ... Which I never heard before in my life. ... Let's not go there.

I love that I can do whatever I want to with the prices of things in my shop. It's comforting to know that I can safely discount already low prices to help out others like me who don't usually have that much extra money. ... If any. I love knowing that I'm coming away from a shopping trip with a ton of great deals.

Among these great deals is the hair pretty you see to your left. This is one of my favorite combs, and I have a lot of this trim, so if you want to get one to keep and one to give away, that's always an option. The effect of this one in your hair is perfect for jeans and a t-shirt, or with a little black dress. I just love how you can dress it up or down depending on your outfit!

I called this one a "Hair Skirt" because a friend of mine was watching me make it and she said that's what it reminded her of. After a moment of contemplation, I saw what she meant and the name stuck.

And don't forget about the contest! You still have two weeks to enter if you'd like, just remember to comment on the original post and/or blog about this on your own site, leaving a link here so that I can go check it out, too. It ends on October 16th, so that I can send out the prizes to the two lucky winners in time for Halloween.