Indie Shopper

I Heart Earrings

2007-02-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

I've never been one for hearts. Not opposed to them but just not naturally drawn to the shape. BUT...while perusing Etsy the other day I fell in love with these wonderfully simple earrings from Jeweled Monkey Designs.

They hang a perfect 3" down, giving you a little swing to your step while not being overwhelming large.

La la love them!
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I haven't posted this last week because I've been trying to switch my website blog over to WordPress and if you knew anything about my coding skills, you'd know what a pain it is for me. Seriously, it's like pulling out teeth...molars...with long roots...and impacted.

Every time the end is within sight, I find a whole new set of issues that need to be resolved. Humph. All in due time, I guess.
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Definitely go and check out the brand new shop, Punk-n-Pie! Absolutely adorable things for the little hipster in your life!
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Hope you have a great weekend filled with pleasant surprises and sweet little moments!

Baking Is Fun! part 2

2007-01-26T08:02:00.000-08:00

Just some quick notes on the No Kneed Bread trial...

1. Looks pretty enough...apple pot helps.
2. About 25 min. into first baking (with lid on) faint smell of flour burning.
3. After taking out of the oven, top and bottom were very toasted but inside was slightly undercooked (still edible).
4. Next time will set the oven slightly under the recommended heat.
5. 1 cup of whole wheat worked just fine

Maybe has something to do with the fact that I was using the small oven to bake in? I'll try the large oven next time as well.

Mmm, warm homemade bread with butter....
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Talking about food....I've decided to give the Oil Cleansing Method a go. I mixed mine with extra virgin olive oil, castor oil, vitamin e and some lemon essential oil.

I've been using it for less then a week and more then anything I like that my face doesn't feel so dry and itchy. I'm always a bit worried when trying a new face cleansing regimen since my skin is so sensitive but this is working quite nicely.
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Scott Wade is proof that you can find beauty in anything!

Baking is Fun!

2007-01-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

So remember when I wrote that I was having a horrible day because on top of everything, two packages were missing from my door stop? Well, the wonderful people over at Baker's Edge decided to be super nice and send me another pan! Just in time for my friend, Pati's 29th birthday!

I wanted so bad to keep it. The first thing you notice when you open the box (yes, I couldn't resist opening her gift...sorry Pati!) is how wonderfully heavy this pan is and that it comes with a cute little red spatula. Pati is using it for two recipes today so I'll let you know how it bakes.

Did I mention how badly I wanted to keep it?
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Speaking of baking...I am, at this very moment, trying out Not Martha's No Kneed Bread (actually, I think it belongs to NY Times but I found out about it on Not Martha). I will be using my cute apple cooker that I found at Marshall's for 20 bucks! I originally bought it because it was so cute and such a deal but I've actually used it quite often. It perfect for making a stew or soup. We'll see how it works out with the bread.
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I love the spell checker thingy on Firefox. I'm the absolutely worst speller in the the entire world so it comes in quite handy throughout the day. I'm sure Jim loves it because I no longer have to ask him every other sentence how to spell something.

Mind's Eye

2007-01-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

I've got a bit of a phobia with heavy earrings and stretching out my lobes. I'm pretty much a minimalist when it comes to jewelry so my phobia rarely interferes but every once and a while, you just want to wear honkin' big earrings, right? Here is where my new Yuzen earrings from A Planet 4 Creation step in.

They seriously weigh nothing at all and measuring in at longer than 2 inches long, constitute "honkin" in my world.

And they have cute little goldfish...reason enough.
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Did I ever talk about Catia Chien? The artist I saw at Felt Club?

Well anyway, I found the most amazing artist at Felt Club. I'm sure you guys have heard about her but this my first acquaintance with her artwork and I was blown away.

You know how everyone's Mind's Eye sees the world differently? Part of it's based on reality, most of it's based on childhood? Somehow Ms. Chien's artwork captures my "Eye" perfectly. Couldn't pinpoint it if I tried but it definitely touches me. I love her lone, solitary figures. Reminds me of one of my favorite writers, Roald Dahl.

I had a horrible time deciding but I finally bought one of her Paper Planes prints. As soon as it gets properly matted and framed, it's going up in my entryway. Love it!

Tempted to get a Word Commission in April!
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By the way, Zefram is still miserable but his hot spot is healing nicely.
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I've decided to start a list of crafty projects that I want to try. It'll be in the right side column on my website blog, Indie Shopper. First up...designverb's Paint Chip Card Holder.

Sad Zef

2007-01-24T15:34:00.000-08:00

Isn't this the most pathetic thing you've ever seen? Poor Zefram, if you weren't so intent on chewing your leg off, we wouldn't have to use the Victorian collar.

Three entries in a row about my dogs...I'm obsessed.
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I haven't had Keds in years...maybe 5th grade? My sisters and I would always get your classic white every school year. Come May we were using that "Paint Your Shoes So They Look New" thingy every week. Never really paid much attention to them until I saw The Eleanor Duck Print Skimmers on Mixed Plate Blog.

The cuteness is just too much! I wonder if it's too late to drop the hint to Jim for my birthday? I'm sure it is, boo.

Wha...snow?

2007-01-23T09:20:00.000-08:00

Whoa, it snowed! Clover was very anxious at first but as you can tell, eventually got into the swing of things. You may have noticed Zefram's bandaged leg. He's given himself a nasty hot spot, dumbass. We're doing everything we can to get him to stop licking the spot.
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A couple of days ago I got a paper cut (actually it was a cardboard cut, which is so much worse) under my right hand pointer finger's nail. Ouch, right? It pretty much sliced the small piece of skin that connects the tip of your nail to the tip of your skin. I can't even move the mouse without it opening up and bleeding again. Sounds bad, right? I thought I had won the Worse Paper Cut Award...until Jim came home.

While at work he paper cut his eye. Seriously, his eye. He was trying to take a sip of water while holding a piece of paper and before he knew it the paper flipped over and paper cut his eye. It didn't look to bad, just really irritated. His eye.

Jim's always trying to show me up.
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I have so much crafty junk in this house. Stuff I bought when I had plenty of time to work on random crafty things like soap and candle making, knitting, screen printing...you know. We're planning on having a garage sale but I'm pretty sure people in this area don't go to garage sales looking for crafty things. I do and I know you do too, but not here.

Yet, with this overwhelming plethora of crafty things I still am coveting One Good Bumblebee's Jar of Whimsies. I'm thinking the first 5 minutes of exploring your jar must be as close to crafty nirvana as it gets.

None of my crafty junk is nearly as cute as this!

Blue Monday

2007-01-22T14:20:00.000-08:00

Following Marie's example, Zefram and I are doing our part to help out with Blue Monday. Ok, ok, Zefram was somewhat of an unwilling participant but doesn't he look so smart?!
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So my sister sent me a recipe for great morning protein shake. Basically it's 1/2 c of soy milk, 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder and 2 teaspoons of instant coffee. Seeing as drinking my morning protein shake is probably the worst part of my day (I've had chocolate....that does not taste like chocolate), I decided to give it a try.

Got out the milk, the scoop of powder and the 2 heaping tablespoons of coffee. Two hours later when I couldn't figure out why I had the jitters so bad I looked back on the recipe and realized that I had used tablespoons instead of teaspoons. I very rarely drink coffee so needless to say, I was very productive this morning.
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Who knew goth could be so cute? Check out blacklilypie Etsy shop!

powered by performancing firefox

Oooo, a secret!

2007-01-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

I have something to admit.

It's been happening since I was little and it's not something I let everyone know but...I'm a Sci Fi junkie. In my world nothing is as scary as Hal, Deckard is my android hero and hands down, Khan has the best set of boobies this side of Genesis.

Growing up I didn't realize anything was different until the other girls in 5th grade volleyball looked at me funny when I said Dune was my favorite movie. But come on, didn't you see how cool those stillsuits were?! I seriously read Childhood's End into the ground, I had to keep it together with tape until I got a new one a couple years ago.

Oh well, we all have our thing, huh?
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We're "considering" going to Costa Rica in April and by "considering" I mean, one second I think of all the reasons we should and the next second bring up all the reasons we shouldn't. I think I have split personality problem.

I think we found a package that has air and room for about $700 each. The flights alone are around $500 so for a few hundred we'd get room and board for 8 days/7 nights. Sounds like a good deal to me but maybe not?

I would loooove to take a canopy zip tour! Jim wants to see sea turtles but I think we're going at the wrong time.

Has anyone been? What was your schedule like? Recommendations on places to stay?
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Off to work, hope everyone stays warm!

Crafty Friends

2007-01-18T12:19:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love crafty friends?! Leah from Uplifting Arts sent me this beautiful notepad and it was so well-made I seriously was looking for the shop label she bought it from. I should have known better since all her work is meticulously handcrafted.

It's one of those presents you want to see everyday but you don't want to dirty. Maybe by the side of the computer? Considering how often I sit there, I definitely should have a little bit of "pretty" to brighten my mood.

Thank you Leah, I love it!
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Jim had to work late last night and usually when I tell people that, it means he got home at 5:45 instead of 4:45 but yesterday was the real thing. There was some miscommunication between him and a client and Jim had to work until 2:00 AM. Ouch!

But the good side is that without him to cuddle with and watch a movie, I got a ton done last night. There's finally an end in sight to the craziness that was the holiday season. So if you're still waiting for a cover or bag (so sorry Angela!!!), you should have it very very soon.

You guys are the best for understanding!
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Speaking of bunni*goods, I talked to my sister last night and she said that Kato, her boxer, is absolutely crazy about the bunni*goods dog treat pack I sent them.

I was originally going to give all of the packs as gifts from Clover and Zefram but they begged and pleaded for me to open one of the packs. It's hard to say no to faces like these...

Taking Stock

2007-01-17T07:40:00.000-08:00

What makes you happy? If the size of my smile in the picture above is any indication, my sisters and husband definitely make me happy.

Need some help reminding you how to find "happy?" Check out this video on The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun. We all need a little reminder now and then.
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Every year, instead of resolutions, Jim and I come up with a word that we want to work on for the year. Last year was "calm," this year it's "simplify." We're taking stock of all the things in our lives, physical and emotional, and finding that some of them add more weight then they're worth.

It's been different so far having to question the necessity of everything from relationships to buying trends. Not that, in the end, we don't end up buying things...we just make sure to question why we're buying it before we do.

I guess I never realized how much I impulse bought before. Very interesting.
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And to end this with something funny...I would love to buy some of these "I Park Like An Idiot" bumper stickers. I seriously think that 90% off my stickers would find themselves on nasty over-sized trucks. Ugh...don't even get me started.

Heh, I thought I was going to end this with something funny...oh well.

Morning Tea

2007-01-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

Ahh, what a nice way to start the week...Queen's Caramel tea in a tea cup from Leah wonderfully steeped in the Tea Maker from my sister. The rest of the day might be a crazy mess but for these first 15 minutes, everything is perfect.
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We were surprised to see so many people at Friday night's showing of Pan's Labyrinth. I'm pretty sure it was sold out. Maybe all of Guillermo's El Paso peeps were out supporting his new movie. Jim and I very much enjoyed the movie. Very creative if at times kinda creepy. Not too sure how the 8 year old next to me slept that night because I was disturbed during some of the scenes. Maybe she's a better woman than me!

Whoa, two movie recommendations in a week. Very interesting.
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Had a couple of friends over on Saturday night and wanted to make some bread to go with the lasagna. I hadn't used the Outrageously Easy Big Bread recipe for maybe 3 years and had forgotten that they weren't lying, it really is outrageously easy. Added some garlic to the dough for an extra treat. Tasted yummy when dipped in olive oil and Italian herbs.
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Anyone watch 24 yesterday? Eee! And there's another one tonight!

(grr, the stupid little nike widget isn't working ...

2007-01-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

(grr, the stupid little nike widget isn't working to show you that I made a resolution to run 27 miles in Jan or else I would not go thrift shopping for a month. gasp.)

Nike+ has a cute little resolution maker that I decided would be fun to give a try. Now that I'm actually looking at it and realizing that I'm already under my target goal, I'm wishing I hadn't put thrift shopping on the line. I'm suppose to run 4 miles today (I'm quasi-training for a 5K) so hopefully that'll put me right where I need to be.

Wow, a month without thrift shopping. Could you even imagine?
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Ooooo, Jim and I are going on a date to see Pan's Labyrinth tonight! So excited. We've been big fans of Guillermo del Toro ever since we rented The Devil's Backbone. And his comments during Blade II made that movie for us. He's a funny guy.

Have you seen Children of Men yet? It's good, you should definitely give it a try!

Since the vegan sugar cookies I tried to make be...

2007-01-11T07:25:00.000-08:00

Since the vegan sugar cookies I tried to make before Christmas turned out like tofu bricks, I decided to give Dr. Weil's Sesame Almond cookies a try. They have a pretty interesting taste with the toasted sesame seeds mixing with the almonds but Jim and I both agreed that they left you wanting more. AND they're not too bad for you, can't beat that in a cookie!

They taste wonderful with a warm cup of tea!
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I love me some bath time and was very excited when I found out Kristine's Shower was having a great sale! Definitely go and check out all the amazing products but a word of caution, you may never want to leave your bath tub again!
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Adriana, my silly little sister, drew my name for Christmas and was kind enough to give me exactly what I asked for, a Nike+ sensor for my Nano! (amoung other fun things that weren't on my list but that I'm totally loving...that's a sister for you!).

Seriously, this little nano thingy is absolutely amazing, all you do is put the sensor on your foot (you don't even have to buy the Nike shoes!), plug into your nano and start running! The nice lady comes on every five minutes to let you know where you are in your run and at any point you can press the center button to get more detailed info (pace, distance, time remaining).

Once your run is done, you plug your nano into iTunes and all your run information is transferred to the Nike+ site where it'll keep track of your progress.

Love it!

Hmm, I'm using the Performancing widget...let's ...

2007-01-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hmm, I'm using the Performancing widget...let's see if it works...
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We're redoing our bedroom. We painted it white a few months ago and since it was the only white room in our house, thought maybe we could work with it. I had wanted to do something monochromatic in the room but all the curtains and bedspreads that were white, black or gry were either out of our price range or too collage dormy. Even the blessed land of Ikea couldn't help us.

I wanted something serene and peaceful while sticking with the minimal style we both like. Nothing was working until we came upon these curtains. They really seemed to put into fabric what we were looking for but couldn't quite describe. Simple and modern, once we found the curtains everything else just kinda fell into place.

Decided to stick with our plain white comforter and add fun bold black and white pillows. Maybe I'll find some time to make some?!
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Eeeeee, so excited when mentioned that His Dark Materials was being made into a movie!!!! I came upon the HDM scene pretty late (a couple years ago) but instantly fell for the creative and intense storyline. Mmm, Daniel Craig.

Speaking of movies, we went and saw Children of Men on Saturday. Very nicely done, Sr Cuaron. Loved Micheal Caine's character but who wouldn't love a 70 year old pot smokin' hippy?
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Don't you hate it when you have so many ideas floating through your head and don't have the time to work on some of them?

It's absolutely impossible to describe how much ...

2007-01-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

It's absolutely impossible to describe how much I love my Mohops! Seriously, it's like a game, trying to figure out how to do the ribbons. There's just so many options! Highly, highly, highly recommend them.
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I'm still burning the midnight oil to get all of your orders out. I sincerely apologize if you've had to wait for your iPod cover or bag but I'm working my fingers to nubs over here trying to get it all out. Ok, not really nubs and all because that would get everything kinda bloody but I promise, I'm workin'!
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In addition to the craziness that was Felt Club and the Holiday Season, I decided it would be extra fun to add more stress to my life and invited the crew of That's Clever! into my house. Ok, ok. Not the best idea or timing but as things often turn out, I had a great time with those crazy HGTV folks. Seriously, the HGTV people were super cute and very sweet. They even understood the large Spock image we have hanging over our pool table and the X-Wing embroidered pillow. We'll see just how goofy I look on camera.
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Ok, back to getting these little nubs a sewing!

Packed and all ready to go to LA! See you at Fel...

2006-12-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

Packed and all ready to go to LA! See you at Felt Club!

Quick post since I'm crazy busy over here but I'...

2006-12-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

Quick post since I'm crazy busy over here but I'm so excited about our new labels! We got them from Lucky Label who were not only very accommodating but super quick and reasonable. Definitely recommend them!

If you're in the Los Angeles area next weekend, stop by and visit us at Felt Club!

Just ordered my new favorite tee...too bad I won...

2006-11-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

Just ordered my new favorite tee...too bad I won't have it in time for election day! I really want the Kwisatz Haderach and Diversity tees too but those will have to wait.

Have fun voting tomorrow!

My Cinnamon Roll necklace from Pancake Meow arri...

2006-11-02T05:55:00.000-08:00

My Cinnamon Roll necklace from Pancake Meow arrived yesterday and it smells so yummy! I also have a donut one that I constantly have to tell myself not to shove up my nose every time I'm wearing it. They just smell so stinkin' good. I love how her Banana Cream Cake looks, can you image how it smells?!@$#%

Actually, Jim bought me this necklace because he lost a bet. While watching the first episode of Lost a few weeks ago, he said that the new lady (Juliet) was the same girl who was looking for Desmond (mmm, Desmond). Umm, no. Using my cunning detective skills, I proved him wrong and now have a new Pancake Meow necklace because of it. We really should bet more often.

The cinnamon necklace actually has some meaning behind it. February 18th, 2000, Jim proposed to me over a cinnamon roll in Salt Lake City. Other girls have stories where their boyfriends propose on an empty beach or in a crowded restaurant...I have a cinnamon roll. It seems appropriate for us, not a lot of bells and whistles. Just the two of us, two forks and one cinnamon roll. It's nice, though, because every Feb. 18th we make sure to get up a little early to make cinnamon rolls for each other.

It's a great excuse to eat a cinnamon roll!

Have wonderful cavity-inducing Halloween!

2006-10-31T07:05:00.000-08:00

Have wonderful cavity-inducing Halloween!

Jim's got this great little habit of surprising ...

2006-10-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Jim's got this great little habit of surprising me with completed house projects when I get back from trips. A couple years ago it was The Wall Fabric Organizer I had dreamed up, last year he moved The Badly Placed Cabinets to another wall and this year....The Perfect Side Table!

We had been talking about getting some nice side tables for a while now but nice just wasn't enough for us, they had to be functional as well. Not always but sometimes one or the other of us will play or watch a movie on the laptop (since we refuse to put a tv in the bedroom!) while laying in bed. Sitting in bed with your legs out and laptop in, well, your lap is definitely not the most comfortable position. So we started talking about small side tables that would rotate under the bed and still be long enough to hold the weight of a laptop but tall enough for our legs to fit under. Eventually we realized there was nooooo way we were going to find the exact measurements premade.

Luckily for me, my husband and his father work great together and love working on a project! When I got back from Chicago I was super surprised to see the two side tables by our bed. Jim did a great job with the simple lines and beautiful wood.

And I even like the color.
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Have you all carved your pumpkins already? We have two waiting for us to cut into. I'm pretty sure one of them is going to be the ever faithful Puking Pumpkin. I have a friend who is going to make a Dia de los Muertos alter for Steve Irwin so I thought maybe I might make this pumpkin for her!
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I'm a big fan of snacks and therefore are a big fan of snack bars. Here are some great recipes to try on your own: Alton Brown's Health Bars (Lifehacker)

After rushing home from a day out with my Mom, I...

2006-10-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

After rushing home from a day out with my Mom, I was pleasantly surprised to find a package from On A Friday waiting for me! It's so sweet and simple, love love love it. AND...as an extra plus...it reminds me of Harry Potter everytime. (Psst, did you hear Harry Potter's going to be bearing all?)
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On a related note, I figured out why I don't make jewelry. It's such a bloody pain to take pictures of! Kudos to those of you who do it everyday. You're a better woman than I am...or at least better photographer!
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Last night we had our first lesson on the climbing wall! We spent the first 30 min. going over the safety techniques, how to put on your harness, tying a figure 8 knot and belay mechanics (basically, spotting your partner). For the hour and a half after that, Jim and I got to split off from the rest of the (much younger) group and work on our own, with the instructor supervising of course.

I actually did much better than I thought I would! I've always had weak upper body strength so I was a bit worried going into the class but it wasn't too bad. I even felt confident enough to give a route a try. Granted, I fell off while trying but luckily I had a pretty good partner!

At some point, after I had fallen, he told us that if you don't fall at some point in the night, you aren't pushing yourself hard enough. I thought that was pretty good advice to use throughout your life.

I love my new addition to my Wee Lil' Cute Thing...

2006-10-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

I love my new addition to my Wee Lil' Cute Things collection: a donut from My Paper Crane. I ripped through those tiny packages as if they had real donuts inside! I loved how this donut was fuzzy. Welcome home sweet little donut!
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My computer has a nasty little virus and is seriously infringing on my internet time. I think I need a cupcake. :(

Please welcome the newest addition to the Gerber...

2006-10-18T10:29:00.000-07:00

Please welcome the newest addition to the Gerbera family, the big sister to our other messenger bag: The XL Messenger! With 5 pockets to lose your keys in and an extra long strap that can be adjusted from 24 to 48 inches, this bag is definitely large enough for any busy mom or student on the go!

Stop by now to take advantage of our introductory special: FREE SHIPPING!
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Just got the super exciting news that we will be making the fun trek out to LA for Felt Club's XL Holiday Edition. It'll be nice to see some of the people I met at Renegade and meet new ones! I wonder if I should tell Jim now or later that after seeing the vendor list, I'm really not expecting to come back with much money?
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Super excited about the Nintendo Wii!

I'm sure most of you know how to make a sock mon...

2006-10-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

I'm sure most of you know how to make a sock monkey (if not, check out these instructions) but what about making him a bit more Halloween-y? Our latest Craft Project gives you instructions necessary for making your very own Ghoulish Monkey!

Pay attention to the last instruction...just like in the Gremlins, it's the most important!

And if you're into sock monkeys, check out the book Sock Monkey Dreams! Full of important insight into the complicated world of sock monkeys. I can't decide which diorama is my favorite: the one with the monkey getting his back hair shaved by a fuzzbuster or the sock monkeys brake dancing on the last page.

Yay for Sock Monkeys!

Indie Shopper

I *Heart* Earrings

Baking Is Fun! part 2

Baking is Fun!

Mind's Eye

Sad Zef

Wha...snow?

Blue Monday

Oooo, a secret!

Crafty Friends

Taking Stock

Morning Tea

(grr, the stupid little nike widget isn't working ...

Since the vegan sugar cookies I tried to make be...

Hmm, I'm using the Performancing widget...let's ...

It's absolutely impossible to describe how much ...

Packed and all ready to go to LA! See you at Fel...

Quick post since I'm crazy busy over here but I'...

Just ordered my new favorite tee...too bad I won...

My Cinnamon Roll necklace from Pancake Meow arri...

Have wonderful cavity-inducing Halloween!

Jim's got this great little habit of surprising ...

After rushing home from a day out with my Mom, I...

I love my new addition to my Wee Lil' Cute Thing...

Please welcome the newest addition to the Gerber...

I'm sure most of you know how to make a sock mon...

I Heart Earrings