sink or swim

techy help?

2011-07-22T01:01:00.001-04:00

does anyone else see that giant white rectangle at the top of my blog, covering some of the background design? how do i get rid of that? help would be much appreciated :)

as of late::

2011-07-20T01:14:00.006-04:00

these pictures are in reverse order, but here's a taste of what i've been up to in the hot, hot month of july::

(ok, computer's being dumb and underlining everything below like it's a link. i don't know how to fix that, so just ignore it.)

sam chung workshop at school - he's an amazing ceramic artist. it was so interesting, and one of the best things was his personality. he was so funny, telling stories about his travels, and he is so unassuming and down to earth. loved it!

(his site)

me and some 8th/9th grade girls from my church doing 'the creep' (don't know what i'm talking about? check it out) at the pool! haha each month, my friend jenna and i do an outing with these girls. each one of them is special to me and i enjoy the time we spend with them so much. their parents may think we're investing a lot in their lives, but i know they are definitely investing in mine. <3

we all went to ikea before the pool. raise your glass! haha (i love ikea! tons of stuff there is on my wish list).

p.s. why is the text normal now??? i don't understand... moving on...

here are 2 of my ceramic bowls i've made. :) they have been bisque fired, with the cherry blossom design painted on with a glaze that will fire to be tan with speckles. my original idea was to do this same design, with the same tan glaze, on all my dinnerware pieces (all 20 of them!!! =O that includes extras, though), with the background glaze being teal. well, i was only able to do that on my plates. i ran out of the teal glaze, and so did the supplier. so, all my rectangular dinner plates will be teal, square salad plates will be a dark green, the bowls (^^^) will be a dark brown, and my mugs will be a dark golden yellow. i hope they all turn out well and flow together. i will be finishing the glazing and firing process next month. :)

hi, my name is leah, and i will go to extreme measures to get a free chick-fil-a meal. proud to be a cow. (that's me on the left :) )

july 4th - charlotte knights baseball game! oh my lands - what a long night. game was delayed an hour and a half due to rain. =/ the game ended about 11:45, fireworks show ended about 12:15. got home around 1am. i just wanted to skip the game and get to the fireworks! haha bad, i know.

this awesome car was parked outside the baseball stadium! haha i loved it.

& what would summer be without pool days? ;) my friend jenna and i.

-----

so, this saturday i'm leaving for a week to kure beach, nc with my family. favorite spot in the world. i'll try to update from there. i'm hoping to get some crafty/artsy-ness done while there, including:

1) starting/working on the embroidery on a dress i'm making

2) sew the dress (bodice is done pretty much)

3) paint a few small ink & watercolor pieces

4) think up ideas for a sewing project for my niece

i hope i'm that productive! i'll see y'all later :)

thanks for reading!

-leah-

rolling thunder & 'where am i wearing'

2011-06-28T23:25:00.005-04:00

i love summer thunderstorms. so ironically peaceful, especially if you're laying in bed listening to them (wish i had been - they're over now).

--------

i promised a book review earlier, but it won't be long, because long reviews are boring. and to be quite honest, no one wants to read 5 paragraphs about this book i read when you have about a kajillion other blogs to read. yeah, i get you. i understand. ;)

but! it was really good, and i highly recommend it to everyone. it is called:

"Where am I Wearing: A Global Tour to the Countries, Factories, and People that Make Our Clothes" by Kelsey Timmerman.

essentially, it was about this young 20-something guy traveling the world in search of the factories that made some of his favorite articles of clothing. he was like a private investigator, but moreso for his own knowledge, examining the conditions the garment workers had to work in, how they lived, their income, how factories and clothing companies were set up and run, etc. i really enjoyed kelsey's writing style. going into this work of non-fiction, i was expecting a lot of big words, tons of facts and statistics, and dry writing. i found none of that in his book (you did use some big words, kelsey, i'll give you that! haha). it was very easy to read and follow, and his style was as if he was just one of your friends sitting with you over a cup of coffee, telling you about his travels. he made friends with a lot of the garment workers, spending a lot of time with them in their homes and villages, over meals, and doing fun activities (i.e. bowling, amusement parks, etc.). these personal experiences of his made the facts and the "meat" of his book personable. he isn't a huge aid organization, writing a huge summary on their work. just one guy, traveling alone, making friends, and learning about the reality of life halfway around the world.

one thing that really stuck with me after reading this was his perspective on child workers. before reading this book, i would say i was one of those people who immediately dismissed the notion of a child worker in another country making my clothes. how awful that would be! people should never shop at those stores that approve of this! however...after hearing kelsey out, i no longer take that stance. think about it - if we banned buying clothes from the companies/stores/countries that use children/teens to make them, we're not really helping them. the company loses $, the children may lose their jobs, and then no one's benefiting. as is the case with a lot of the children/teens kelsey met, these children may very well be the sole providers for their family. their parents may not be able to work, are probably living in a faraway village, they probably have a handful of siblings to take care of also, etc. kelsey brings up the better issue of learning to take a step back from these situations, and think about the true well-being of that child and family, within the context of their country. (not every country can or ever will be like the u.s., with the endless blessings and opportunities we have.) maybe companies can pull out the children from the factories and initiate an education program where they can attend school. maybe they can increase the pay and decrease the long hours these children/teens/adults work. the list of maybes can go on...

long story short, great book. great writing. big issues everyone should think about. (i said it'd be a short review, but i guess not - sorry! haha). big thanks to everyone who read all of that :)

here's the author's website: http://whereamiwearing.com/

what do you think about all of that? i'd love to hear your opinions on child workers, garment factories, etc. if you have them! leave me a comment or 2 :)

i have not forgotten

2011-06-15T23:40:00.003-04:00

about you! i will be doing a book review soon on the book i'm currently reading - "where am i wearing". it's a very interesting book, and i must say, i wasn't expecting it to be as good as it is. i'm about halfway through with it so far. the author raises some interesting points...

in other news, my summer ceramics class is in full swing. i only have about 4 or 5 weeks left, and so much that still needs to be done. i am making a dinner set - 4 plates, 4 bowls, 4 mugs, and whatever else i have time for. the shape is definitely japanese-inspired, but i haven't decided what the surface decoration will look like yet. my teacher thinks i should go towards a low relief carving on them, but we'll see. i'm bringing my camera to the studio tomorrow, so hopefully i'll get some good shots of my work in progress.

next time, i'll write more instead of a pseudo-post. ;)

longest hiatus EVER

2010-10-12T01:17:00.003-04:00

it's a brand new day! well, the day is actually on its downhill stretch...but play along with me.

it has almost been a YEAR since i blogged last. insane, huh?? in that time, i have moved to charlotte, got a new job, am continuing going to school to finish my associates, and living with a friend. oh, and as you can see, chopped my hair off! i had it cut last august, and i absolutely love it! i highly recommend a pixie cut, and forget about gathering up the courage - just go do it. you'll be so glad you did!

i want to get back into blogging, but i want to brainstorm a little on what i'm going to focus on. or maybe i'll just write random musings on anything and everything. i definitely do miss writing. and i am going to try to stay away from the emotional posts - gosh, i hate going back and reading them. haha! i am thinking of gravitating towards something artsy to focus on...surprise, surprise! we'll see... i'm going to try to come up with some sort of plan first, so that may be awhile. no worries though - it won't take another year!

and if you're wondering what the new name signifies -

i have recently been loving this song .

it's a david crowder song & it's called 'how He loves'. i love the message behind it - it's so powerful, speaking about how intensely God loves us, and despite our constant regrets and failures, He still showers His Grace on us. we're sinking in it. hence the name.

We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking
So Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don't have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way that

He loves us,
oh, how He loves us,

---images from weheartit.com---

Katharine Hepburn at her finest.

2010-06-11T00:49:00.003-04:00

hahahaha

I'm an emotional rollercoaster

2010-06-06T02:26:00.008-04:00

I miss him most when I feel alienated and discouraged.

He was so good at comforting me when I felt that way. I feel dumb in a way for missing him, because he's the one that ended things. But wouldn't it mean that I hadn't cared about our relationship at all if I didn't, at times, miss parts of it/him? I don't think the fact that I sometimes miss it is necessarily a bad thing, so long as I don't dwell on it for long. After all, he was a part of my life. A part of my story - one of the characters (among many) that, in a way, helped me along to where I am today. And maybe it's not necessarily that I miss the relationship itself - I think a lot of it is that I miss the companionship. I miss having that one person (besides family & friends) that I could go to, no matter what, no matter when and spill my guts, cry, share everything. I miss that so incredibly much. And I'm scared that I'll never have that again.

No matter how many times the lies are dismissed, they still creep up every now and then. I almost have this guilty feeling, for what exactly I don't know. I almost feel partial responsibility for the end of our relationship. Why? Because now, in hindsight, I can see the signs. I see all the signs so clearly. I can pinpoint where things started going wrong. I wish I had paid more attention. I wish I had analyzed them more, instead of just dismissing everything in hopes that it would fix itself. Why did I do that?

I will never understand how you can just stop loving someone. That is one part of the mystery that will never have an answer. Sometimes I wonder if I had showed my love for him better, if he would have still stopped loving me. How can you stop making someone a priority when they love you so much?

You know what terrifies me? That whoever I have a relationship with next will never fully understand what this past relationship meant to me. That, to me, is one of the scariest things. I don't think I could be with someone that didn't understand, because if they didn't understand it, how would they be able to understand me now? How could they see how it's affected me, & how the end of it affected me (negative & positive ways)? It was a part of my life, and I will still talk about it occasionally, and I need them to see that & be ok with it. It wasn't one of those nasty terrible breakups; we talked afterwards, but in the end after I decided to stop talking with him, we had an almost peaceful, last conversation. An understanding, I suppose, that we've gone our separate ways, and no hard feelings from either one of us.

Maybe, just maybe..they will understand because maybe they've been in a similar situation. I can only hope (not that I want people to have experienced heartbreak, but two people who have can relate better than one person who has and one who hasn't).

You know what else? I wonder if he will tell any girls he has a relationship with about me. I know that sounds so petty and selfish. But we were going to get married. That's huge. What worries me is that he won't tell (why should I care though? but I do). Which means that he didn't care for me as much as I cared for him (right?). I was a part of his life too. I was there for him when no else was.

Some things wouldn't be so hard if I didn't have all these memories. All of these terrible, bittersweet memories.

I know God's not done with me yet. But it's hard to not lose hope or not become bitter when it seems like everyone around me is in love, has a boyfriend, getting engaged, or married.

There was some purpose to all of this happening to me...

I just don't know what it is yet.

I'm probably going to regret writing this after I wake up tomorrow. It's really late so that's part of the reason I'm feeling super emotional.

If you read through all of this emo blehhh, you deserve an award. Seriously. Thanks for sticking around. Feel free to leave encouraging comments; I could use them right now.

Hemingway, Move Over

2010-06-04T00:32:00.007-04:00

and this is where my heart found yours
in the tidal pools beneath the waves
tossed about and tangled
longing to be free
{l.a.h.}

Sometimes, I really just want to be a writer. Or rather, to be published. To put my words out there, to make a statement, to scream through my scrawlings on paper,

Hey World, This is Me. This is my Heart. These are the words God dropped off in my soul.

This is who I am. Take it or leave it.

And maybe it would inspire someone else.

I wrote the little blurb on this post. Came up with pretty fast, but I really like it. Sounds so ethereal.

I think some of the best writings come out of some of the worst times in the author's life. It's that whole idea of something beautiful being born out of tragedy. Think of it as a mosaic - things had to fall apart, to break for that mosaic to even be possible.

There's something so genuine, so visceral, about a person's writings. Especially poems. Short and to the point, they don't leave much room for wondering what's on the author's mind.

I've always liked writing poems, short little scribbles, whatever's on my mind, or my heart. I know it sounds so cheesy, but the words just come to me sometimes. I don't know how to describe it. It's almost as natural as scratching my head if I had an itch (almost). The words flow from my heart, down my arm, through my hand, and rush through the pen, until they reach the paper, spreading out and finally catching their breath.

Another thing, occasionally I wish I was this witty, hilarious, sarcastic person all the time - especially in blogging, when others read it. I am that way sometimes, but definitely not all the time. This post - exhibit A. I delve into the serious, my dreams, occasionally these intellectual/nerdy-sounding entries. But you know...I guess that's staying true to myself. Writing about what's on my heart. I'm a complex person, I have different facets of my personality, so I guess it only makes sense that I would have different kinds of entries. I like it that way, though. I've always been a fan of variety - I get tired of the same thing after awhile. (Like my surroundings, for instance. But I'll save that for a different post.)

~~~~

Here are some of my favorite couple of lines ever from Walt Whitman in Leaves of Grass:

Long enough have you dreamed contemptible dreams,

Now I wash the gum from your eyes,

You must habit yourself to the dazzle of the light and of every moment of your life.

Long have you timidly waded, holding a plank by the shore,

Now I will you to be a bold swimmer,

To jump off in the midst of the sea, and rise again and nod to me and shout,

and laughingly dash with your hair.

~~~~

(my sis took the picture at the top)

Giveaway Winner!

2010-05-31T12:18:00.004-04:00

The giveaway winner is......

Jamie from this is me; consequently!

Congrats :)

Email me your info. so I can give it to the giveaway contact so they can send off your prize.

Only 2 people entered (which kind of makes me laugh) this one, but I wasn't given a whole lot of time to get the word out there and such.

So...if I do one in the future, I will definitely do it earlier so more people can enter.

Plus, it ended while I'm here on vacation, hence why I'm a few days late posting the winner.

jewelry = happiness

2010-05-27T21:22:00.006-04:00

So ladies (& gentlemen...if you're out there?), I've come bearing pictures of beautiful jewelry! Not just any jewelry...but some things I've made. :) Yes, I'm about to take over this post with my shameless self-promotion.

Jewelry always makes a great gift, and a little someum' someum' for yourself never hurts. ;)

Right now I only have completed pieces of jewelry for sale on my site. But I'm thinking of making little kits, with cute little instructions, that you can buy to make simple projects - earrings, simple necklace, etc. Soon, I'll also post some extra beads I have that you can buy. So, if you're interested in a kit or beads, but don't see them on the site within the next few weeks, don't hesitate to contact me (and give me a kick in the pants) if you'd like to purchase one!

Click here to go to my Etsy site (I have more jewelry listed on there. I also do custom orders.)

Numero Uno

(Sold - but could make another. I have different bird charms though, since I ran out of those kind)

Numero Dos

(Still available!)

Numero Tres

(Sold - but have materials to make something a little similar.)

$7.00 - not listed in my shop yet, but will post them soon. Contact me if you'd like to buy them pronto!

If you purchase a piece of jewelry from me, 15% of the profit will be donated to Invisible Children.

Invisible Children is a non-profit organization I'm passionate about - they are committed to ending the longest-running war in Africa, rescuing child soldiers, & rebuilding Uganda & surrounding countries. They are doing some amazing things right now, so check out their site if you get a chance.

~~~~~

And I promise, soon I'll resume to making comments & all that. I've been slacking.

wordless Wednesday

2010-05-26T15:44:00.005-04:00

First of all, if you haven't entered my giveaway, go enter!

It ends tomorrow at midnight (EST), so act fast!

(It's for Wall Graphics from LargeFormatPosters.com)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On to the pictures...

This past weekend I was in the Asheville area celebrating my kindred spirit's graduation. I'm so proud of her! It was a lot of fun catching up & hanging out with all my friends. And that area is gorgeous around spring/summer. :)

Brittany & I after her graduation. Yayyyy Brit Brit :)

Sarah, me, Brittany, Jenna, & Sarah - reunited again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Check back tomorrow - I'll be posting pictures of some new jewelry I've made!

my first GIVEAWAY !!

2010-05-24T00:52:00.006-04:00

Giveaway:

Wall Graphics from LargeFormatPosters.com

(follow the links to check out the site)

So, guess what??

Well, I already gave it away, but I've been contacted to host a giveaway! Pretty exciting. :)

This is my very first one, so you need to enter (to make me happy) so you can win the awesome prize!

The giveaway is for Wall Graphics from LargeFormatPosters.com. To quote them,

"There are a thousand of ways where you can use wall graphics. You can use it to create a collage and print many photos on it and create single wall sticker/wall graphic poster for your house or business. You can also use this to advertise your business. Poster Stickers, Wall Stickers we have them all !"

Like they said, you can use these wall graphics for anything! They also would make a great gift, especially for family members, friends, new home-owners, newlyweds, recently engaged couples, etc.

One of the great things about the Wall Graphics is that they won't damage your walls. You can also reposition them, & they're printed on quality adhesive fabric material.

Links to their products:

http://www.largeformatposters.com/Decorative-Wall-Graphics-Printing.html - wall graphic printing

http://www.largeformatposters.com/ - large format printers

I'm already getting excited about mine! I think I'm going to make one for my jewelry business Hope Beads. It will give my business a nice professional touch, definitely.

Here's the Specifics:

* Giveaway Prize : (1) 24x24 Wall Graphics

* Open to U.S. residents only

* You must be 18+ to enter the giveaway

To Enter:

* Leave a comment letting me know you're a follower or if you just became one

*Post about this giveaway on your blog & come back & comment on this post with the URL

* Email your friends/family about this giveaway & CC me in the email (my address is on the right side column)

You will get 1 entry for each of these things you do. So each person has the potential of 3 entries. If your blog doesn't have your email address on it, please leave your address in your comment so I can notify you if you won! Also, please leave a separate comment for each entry!

Here's the clencher:

You have to act fast.

This giveaway ends the 27th at midnight (my time, EST).

That's right, the 27th as in 3ish days from now!

So hurry hurry hurry! I want you to win :)

Winner will be announced the 28th!

it's true.

2010-05-20T02:57:00.002-04:00

(from here)

i'm a lame-o & never did weheartit wednesday. i also haven't posted in awhile. and this isn't going to be a 'real' post either. haha

but!

you should feel special, because i'm posting this instead of packing. that's right folks, i'm doing this for you. go ahead, blush, & smile that goofy smile.

i'm packing, or rather obsessing over what clothes/jewelry to bring, for a lil' trip to the mountains for my kindred spirit's graduation! and of course i'll be seeing other awesome friends too. :) i cannot wait - i'm so excited!!

i am bringing my laptop (just so i can charge my *new* ipod touch - more on that later), so i may post again later, but i can't make any promises. i'll probably be pretty busy.

so if i don't 'see' you around here this weekend, hope you have a fantabulous one!!!

Wienermobile + Modern Family

2010-05-14T02:42:00.004-04:00

Isn't that picture magnificent?!

I realized that I haven't shared my love of the Wienermobile with you guys.

I don't think any of y'all understand how awesome it is.

It's basically my dream to ride in it. No lie. I've taken pictures beside it (& basically peed myself w/excitement) & seen it on the highway, but one day, I will ride in it. (I entered the contest to win a ride. Twice.)

And this guy from Modern Family is pretty hilarious too.

(picture from Oscar Mayer's Facebook fan page. yes, i'm their fan on Facebook.)

wordless Wednesday

2010-05-12T16:44:00.003-04:00

...Blanche edition!

I'm taking a break from WeHeartIt this week to bring you some pictures of Blanche and me. Blanche is my sister's & her husband's new puppy - she's a collie & boxer mix. And so cute! I took her to the park today; enjoy the pictures. :)

Mum's Day

2010-05-09T23:22:00.002-04:00

Happy Mother's Day Mom - I love you. :)

Thanks for being my best friend.

-taken either this past December or January-

Strawberry Fields Forever

2010-05-06T14:57:00.004-04:00

Guess what I did today?!?

Went strawberry picking!!

It was fun, but didn't last very long. We filled up our buckets pretty fast, and only picked 2 buckets worth. I ate one, fresh off the stem, and it was sooo delicious. Strawberry season kind of ushers in summer, and I look forward to it so much. Summer is (almost) officially here!

I almost forgot to mention this, and I can't believe it. There's 2 amazing things about strawberries - having the fresh ones to eat & also my Mom makes the most-delish-sweet-could-eat-it-straight-out-of-the-jar-goodness otherwise known as strawberry jam. Ahhh....can't wait.

my Mom showing off her prize-winning find:

Happy Thursday!

weheartit "Wordless" Wednesday

2010-05-05T02:25:00.007-04:00

and with these wings

i will swoop down

and glide into your dreams

kissing you

one last time

before it all fades away

and in a whisper so soft

you'll hear me say

in this moment forever

i wish to stay

~L.A.H.~

images from WeHeartIt.com

GENIUS.

2010-04-30T01:41:00.003-04:00

Seriously. I want this in my backyard.

weheartit Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T22:29:00.003-04:00

wonderful.

(weheartit.com images)

(p.s. i think i might start scheduling these wednesday posts, so they're not always at night =P )

If it's the beaches' sands you want Then you will have them

2010-04-27T23:02:00.005-04:00

side note: if you haven't caught on yet that i love the beach...then you probably haven't been reading this. haha :)

Because I like lists, that's how I'm rolling today.

~I worked out today, & my new favorite machine now is the rowing machine. Exhausting, but it works your whole body basically, especially your arms. I realized that I adhere to the "no pain, no gain" school of thought. If there isn't some sort of pain/muscle soreness/exhaustion, then I feel like I didn't have a productive workout.

~I've been thinking about my future a lot lately, what I want to major in when I go back to school, what kind of career I'd like to have, etc. The other day, the thought kind of just hit me - work with soldiers/those affected with PTSD using art therapy. I don't know yet if this is something I'll get serious about, or just an idea to maybe get my thoughts turned in a different direction (God has a tricky way of doing that sometimes ;) ). I've thought about doing art therapy before, but I don't know enough about it to make a good decision yet. I've found a few websites that might be of help to me, and I should probably go check out some books or something. And maybe talk to an art therapist to get a better understanding of it. I was thinking maybe having some sort of studio where soldiers about to be deployed or just returningcould come for workshops/classes/studio time. The whole idea behind it would be that making art could help them deal with all the trauma & stress & everything else going on in their particular situations. And perhaps if they're returning, and they have PTSD, this could be a way to just help cope with it. I also thought about how it could involve the families, their spouses and kids. I don't know, just some ideas. I don't even know if this kind of thing is needed though, or if anyone would be willing to do it. I know soldiers and their families have access to free counseling through the military, so this would be an extra service that most likely they'd be paying out of pocket for. And I don't know how many people would be willing to do that, especially for art therapy. But then again, out of all the counseling available free of charge, I bet art therapy is not included, much less available (or if it is, probably rarely). I need to do a lot of research on this...

(If you're still reading, high-five to you! haha)

~I've been reading "Long Day's Journey into Night" by Eugene O' Neill, and I'm actually enjoying it. Didn't think I would since it was written in 1940, and I'm always skeptical about reading older works because I'm not sure if I'll like it. Especially plays, I usually don't like reading them, but this one's good. I suppose I tend to underestimate how much people have in common, even if they lived in two separate centuries. That's the great thing about reading, you get lost in another world, and authors have this magical way of weaving parts of everyone's personality into their characters, so that anyone could relate.

I should be the host of "Reading Rainbow: Revisited." :) Gosh, I loved that show - Levar Burton, you rock.

~I saw Avatar. And I liked it. I thought it was really good, surprisingly. I say surprisingly because I thought it would be one of those movies that didn't live up to the hype, but it actually did (with me at least). I thought the artistic quality was amazing - the colors, the graphics, everything.

~Last, but not least, I've discovered The Avett Brothers! I've heard of them, but never listened to their stuff, until a couple days ago. One of my favorites, thus far:

If it's the beaches

~~~~~~~~

See you tomorrow for weheartit Wordless Wednesday!!

Mazel tov!

Mambo Sawa - "life is good"

2010-04-21T00:13:00.011-04:00

Hello again!

Even though I posted a few days ago, I feel like I've been away from my blog for a long time. I'll give you a rundown of the past few weeks.

*the 8th was my 22nd birthday! (I feel too 'old' to not have accomplished something magnificent in my life yet. I'm probably just way too hard on myself. Or maybe I have accomplished something, and I don't realize it...hmm...) I celebrated it with my family & my good friend Jenna (we were roomies my sophomore yr. of college) was here for a few days. Like I said in my previous post, we painted pottery, ate out, even played some Scrabble. haha We're Scrabble dorks. It's okay; we've come to terms with it. Oh, and we saw "The Last Song" which was disappointing, coming from Nicholas Sparks. His movies used to be good! Jenna & I pretty much made fun of Miley Cyrus' facial expressions the whole time. haha Mature? Oh yes. She cannot act, by the way.

((making fun of Miley))

((Jenna & I at the 'Shroom - I don't know what was going on with my eyes that day. I looked like I had morning face all day.))

*the 9th-11th I was at the beach! Kure Beach to be exact - as beautiful as ever. I went with two other good friends from college, Brit & Sarah. I only wish we could have been there longer than a weekend. We laid out on the beach (even though it was chilly), attempted at some frisbee, took a bike ride Sat. morning (I love bike rides at the beach!), ate out Saturday night in downtown Wilmy, & of course, had a few photoshoots. ;) haha (Oh, & got harassed on the pier. Nothing serious or anything, but it still pisses me off so much when guys/men make ridiculous comments & catcalls at girls/women. It's so degrading, and it really really riles me up. I always ignore it, but still. I wish I had turned around and snapped back at them with some comment.)

((Sarah, Brit, & yours truly in downtown Wilmington))

((I love this picture! & that dress - it's soo comfy))

*Let's see...oh yes, after that I was house-sitting. A little extra $$ for my bank account certainly doesn't hurt - after I get the check from house-sitting, I'm going to buy an iPod! I know, I am waaaayyy behind the times, but I want one. I have an older iPod shuffle, but it can get annoying because you can't see what songs are playing, and not a lot fits on those things. I had a few adventures while house-sitting, but the whole story's so long. It involved down power lines, their power being out, candles, dog crap, cat trying to escape 3x, car not starting, looong AAA wait, and crying at the end of it all. Stressful day, but I made it out alright.

*&...not much else has been going on, except that I'm now looking for a job in Charlotte. So if anyone has any sort of connections, let me know please!! I'd really like to find a job there (at least) for the summer, and live down there with Jenna. And then, if that worked out, come fall semester, we could get an apartment and I could go back to school! I've already looked into what kinds of art classes the community college down there has, and they have a lot more variety than the one here. I really hope it all works out, because I feel like I just need this change. I kind of feel stuck in a rut here at home, with my job, and not going to school. I also have hardly any friends around here, which can be hard. So, prayers (& connections) would be much appreciated for this!

*Oh, & today I planted flowers. Can't wait for my babies to grow. :)

~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for all your awesome comments on my posts. They make me happy!

P.S. weheartit Wordless Wednesday will resume next week.

Hey Soul Sister

2010-04-17T02:03:00.003-04:00

Hey soul sister, ain't that mister mister on the radio, stereo
The way you move ain't fair you know
Hey soul sister, I don't wanna miss a single thing you do tonight

Hey hey hey

Just in time, I'm so glad you have a one track mind like me
You gave my life direction
A game show love connection, we can't deny

[Never worn one before, but I had to buy it. It was only $5. Plus, it made me feel like a model ;) ]

Will you hold on with me?

2010-04-16T03:12:00.005-04:00

I will update & resume my commenting soon! Just wanted to post this picture & write a little someum-someum to let everyone know I'm alive. ;)

I returned from my adventures, but I've been house-sitting, and the wireless here isn't so great. Hence the lack of posts/comments. I'll be home soon, & I'll be able to sleep in my own wonderful bed, without dogs waking me up to go outside. Yay! I feel like I've been running around like crazy the past week. So thankful I don't work tomorrow.

Enjoy the weekend & this lovely beach picture my friend Brit took.

Ciao!

MIA

2010-04-09T18:59:00.002-04:00

I've been/will be MIA for a bit, at least until Monday, but for good reasons.

My birthday was yesterday (the 8th), and my awesome friend Jenna came to visit for a few days. On my bday we went to paint pottery, ate a late lunch at Mellow Mushroom, and ate dinner with my whole family at my favorite Mexican restaurante. And of course they sang a little song, and gave me fried ice cream! Woohoo! The day before that, Jenna & I went to H&M (I had never been before) & she bought me a beautiful really cute dress for my bday & I bought myself a dress. Both dresses were under $20 - awesome! Perhaps I'll put up some pics next week. And this weekend I'll be at the beach with 2 other friends! So have fun, & I'll be back later to report on my adventures.

Adios!!

((all images from weheartit.com))

Happy EasterS!

2010-04-03T22:12:00.004-04:00

* easterS is a term I took from my bro. Family joke :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jamie sent me this lil' Easter goody:

(those Reese's eggs are THE best)

Hershey's is partnering with bloggers to donate $5,000 to the Children's Miracle Network! They are hosting a blog hop and for each blog entry, Hershey's will donate $10 to the Children's Miracle Network.

Hershey’s Better Basket Blog Hop Rules

1. Copy and paste these rules to your blog post.

2. Create a blog post giving a virtual Easter Basket to another blogger — you can give as many Virtual Baskets as you want!

3. Link back to the person who gave you an Easter Basket.

4. Let each person you are giving a Virtual Basket know you have given them a Basket.

5. Leave your link at BetterBasket.info/BlogHop in the comment section. You can also find the official rules of this #betterbasket blog hop and more information about Better Basket with Hershey’s there.

6. Hershey’s is donating $10 per blog participating in the Better Basket Blog Hop to Children’s Miracle Network (up to a total of $5000 by blog posts written by April 4, 2010).

7. Please note that only one blog post per blog url will count towards the donation.

This might be over by the time these peeps (haha get it? i know i'm ridiculous) 'receive' their Easter baskets, but here goes:

*drum roll please*

1. Jennifer @ Crazy Shenanigans

2. BlueBelle

3. Marz @ Insights

4. Meg @ Style My Story

5. Jessica @ This, That & My Blog

I wonder if this will actually work & actually donate $$. I'm always skeptical about things like this, but I did it anyways in case it actually worked. So, repost this! Just in case. ;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

& as great as Easter baskets are, this is what Easter is all about:

Hope everyone has a great relaxing Easter, & is able to spend it with fam & friends! :)

Theater Thursday: Shutter Island

2010-04-01T22:54:00.003-04:00

hahaha Okay...I honestly forgot to do this earlier in the day. But I kind of have good excuses - I worked in the early afternoon, then went to the park & rode bikes with my bro in this glorious weather. Then ate dinner, etc. etc. Insert the forgetting part here. Well, at least I was being healthy & exercising. ;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shutter Island....wow.

I don't even know what I could say that would do this movie justice.

Definitely one of the best ones I've seen in awhile.

Leonardo DiCaprio's & Mark Ruffalo's characters are U.S. Marshals & partners in the '50s sent to Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of a patient. Shutter Island is a mental institution for the 'criminally insane' off the coast of Massachusetts. Most of the patients had committed murder among many other cruel & crazy acts. As the movie plays out, it's evident that there is something else going on at Shutter Island. Something dark, mysterious, creepy....insane. DiCaprio is determined to get down to the bottom of it, but it seems Shutter Island is determined to keep him & his partner there. I'm not going to spoil it for you if you haven't seen it already, but there is a twist to the movie!

And a pretty dang good one!

Everything about the movie was really well done, and fed the experience. From the get go, the music is creepy, the scenery is dark, and it's already mysterious and nothing's happened yet. It jumps into the story without a prologue. Sometimes in movies that's annoying, when no backdrop is given, but I'd say it was necessary in this one.

So far, this was DiCaprio's best performance. He really did an amazing job, and was very into the character. You could tell he worked hard and it paid off.

Also, interestingly, this movie touches on the effects war has on a person. DiCaprio's character is a war veteran, and his company had raided a death camp in Germany. Throughout the movie he has flashbacks to his war experiences, and you can see that they really disturb him. Just thought that was kind of interesting especially in light of our wars going on overseas.

Another thing I really really liked about the movie was the artistic element of it. There were scenes where DiCaprio's character was having dreams & flashbacks, and those were very artistic scenes, and really cool. Very colorful, and airy. Sometimes in movies those kinds of scenes look really cheesy, because there is a lot of 'fake' stuff going on. But I really liked it & think they did a great job with it.

Thriller, suspense, creepy, mysterious, awesome. Pretty much sums it up.

Now go watch it!!!

weheartit Wordless Wednesday (night - again)

2010-03-31T21:07:00.005-04:00

Thanks so much for y'all's (is that even a word? well, it's in my vocab) sweet & encouragingcomments on my last post. It's good to know I have blog friends. :) I'm alright, and what I'm disappointed about doesn't technically affect me directly. It's just one of those tough situations that we all wish would just go away. And I've been a little lacking with my comments & posts, so I'm trying to catch up.

Tomorrow I'll be doing my first Theater Thursday, so make sure you tune in! It will be goooooood. ;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(all images from weheartit.com)

Disappointed

2010-03-29T03:07:00.004-04:00

And no, I can't & won't go into details. Unfair of me, I know.

But hey, I'm the author here.

(weheartit.com images)

weheartit Wordless Wednesday (night)

2010-03-24T22:26:00.003-04:00

::inspiration::

((all images from weheartit.com))

Sweet Attention

2010-03-23T00:29:00.004-04:00

Is it sad that I want one of these...

...more than I want a boyfriend at the moment?

Ehh, probably not.

This picture is so cute!

I would absolutely love to have a dog, specifically a golden retriever, to take care of and love. Take walks in the park, ride in the car with the window down (haha), take to the beach.

I have to wait awhile though before I can get one since I don't have my own place at the moment, and don't make enough $$$ to take care of a dog. I want to be responsible about it, and make sure I have the funds I need to have to keep him happy & healthy. :)

When I do get one, I've been thinking about getting him from a rescue center instead of a breeder or elsewhere. I figure the dogs at the rescue center are more in need of a good home & a second chance than others. There's even a place in Raleigh - Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue! (Maybe I could volunteer there until I can get one..hmm..)

Ohh, I can't wait. I will be the happiest girl!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And on a side note, I'm now the proud owner of a

savings account!!!

I opened it up today. :)

Probably not a big deal to anyone else, but for me, it's one more step in the right direction. Yay for being more responsible.

Happy Tuesday everyone!!

Go out & enjoy the sunshine!

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for weheartit Wordless Wednesday!

(all images found on bing.com, except last two from weheartit.com)

We're all sinking for our sins Unless grace be the wind To fill our sails

2010-03-19T00:08:00.012-04:00

Since I didn't do my weheartit Wordless Wednesday yesterday (oops), I'll start off today's post with a few of my favorites from the site. Next week I'll be on top of things. ;)

( from weheartit.com; i would give credit to the original photographers but it doesn't post that)

(up up & away!)

(I'll be there so soon - can't wait!)

(spring is officially here this weekend!)

Lovely, eh?

Also lovely, the amazing deals I got today at Wal-Mart of all places!!! I am so stoked about them, it's almost ridiculous. Okay, not almost, it probably is. haha I'm such a sucker for cute clothes at even cuter prices. My Mom & I went to Wally World with the intentions of looking for swimsuits (a one piece for the gym) & buying ingredients for the delish taquitos I made for dinner (with the help of my Mom & bro).

Little did I know I would find awesome deals on some cute clothes. Get this, 2 of them are the Miley Cyrus line. Before you judge me, you have to admit they're cute. That Miley Cyrus knows what she's doing (she doesn't really design them anyways, they just slap her name on it).

So here they are:

(extra long black cardigan - $5. I was super excited about this one because I've been wanting one of those really long cardigans for awhile.)

(black sequined Miley Cyrus tank top - $3)

(sequins detail)

(cream colored button-up Miley Cyrus sweater vest - $3. I can't wait to wear this one!)

(striped cream colored cotton shirt - $3. This one would be good for a beach cover-up.)

~~~~~~

P.S. The recipe I used for the taquitos tonight can be found here. They were very yummy & everyone liked them!

~~~~~~

EDIT: I don't know why the images are so big; I selected the small size for the ones from weheartit. I don't know how to adjust the size to make them smaller, so bear with me! I used to be able to click the image and make it smaller or larger using the little arrow thing (no idea what it's called). It doesn't let me do that anymore though. I can't even click the image. Hmm...maybe it has something to do with my browser, Google Chrome.

oh, Tim Gunn

2010-03-14T01:58:00.005-05:00

(image from weheartit.com)

I just finished watching the latest episode of this season's Project Runway. Have I mentioned how much I love that show? Oh man, so great. One of the best reality shows too because there's not that much drama between the contestants, and the show seems to stay true to the contest. It's about the designer's craftsmanship and artistry, instead of who they got into a fight with last week. Anyways, I just wanted to say Jay made me so happy! He was finished with his dress, and helped Ben with his garment. I thought that was so awesome. Kindness is underrated and not something that's very popular, especially in the fashion industry it seems.

If I saw Jay on the street, I'd give him a hug. For being nice, and because he's so darn cute! haha Like a teddy bear.

~~~~~

2 things:

1) I have been feeling so productive & on top of things lately, especially my finances. It feels really good. I think I only ate out once last week on my own money. Here's a glimpse into my finances:

top 4 things normally eating my $$$ faster than a PMSing woman eats chocolate:

1. eating out

2. coffee

3. beads/jewelry supplies

4. clothes

Hopefully that will be changing. Seems to be already. I haven't bought new clothes in awhile. Hooray!

2) Remember that potential new job I was talking about earlier here? Well, I did the volunteer thing last Tuesday. It was okay, time went by quickly, and the 'work' wasn't hard at all. I think I was alright, but I'm not so sure about the boss' feelings towards me/my performance. I was under the impression from their facial expressions, some comments, and lack of enthusiasm for me that they just weren't feeling me. Perhaps the boss had a bad day though, and just overall wasn't in a good mood, who knows. All that was said when I was done was "I'll be in contact with you." I haven't heard from them yet. hmm... Maybe they sensed my nervousness, like a dog smells fear. haha Could be true.

All that I did was scan cards and greet guests. Honestly, kind of boring. It did go by quickly, like I said, but I've always enjoyed work where I can see a finished product, an end result, where I'm actively doing something. I was sitting on a chair scanning membership cards. Woohoo! (sarcasm) haha Not very productive in my opinion.

But the good thing out of all of this, is that I am getting more hours at my current job, which could very well (& hopefully) nullify my need for a 2nd job. Yayyy!!!

~~~

Question of the day:

I'm thinking of being adventurous and making taquitos.

Has anyone ever made them before & used an awesome recipe they'd like to share with me?

I found one, which I might use, but I'm open to suggestions.

~~~

Also, I've discovered weheartit.com.

That site is full of beautiful pictures & inspiration.

I stumbled upon it from following Juliana @ A blonde walks into a blog. She uses pictures from the site a lot. And she's an awesome blogger.

So, I've decided to do a

weheartit Wordless Wednesday

every week now, to share some of my favorites from the site with you guys. :)

So make sure you tune in Wednesday to check it out!

Much love dahlings!

& I have new followers!! Don't be shy - comments make my day. Truly.

when one door closes...

2010-03-09T02:40:00.002-05:00

God's been opening & closing doors a lot in my life lately.

& it actually feels good.

My dream: to have my own studio.

A place where it's ok if I spill paint on the floor.

Where I can spread out & just be.

++++++++++

Here comes goodbye

Here comes the last time

Sometimes goodbye is the best thing you can do for yourself.

See it as a new beginning.

That's what I'm doing.

(all images from weheartit.com)

(I think) I have a new job

2010-03-08T01:37:00.004-05:00

The title may have confused you, but I don't know for sure if I'm the proud owner of a new 2010 Better Job.

haha I crack myself up. Moving on...

I had the first interview 2ish weeks ago, and let me just say, I WAS FREAKIN NERVOUS. Not a sophisticated job at all, or anything where I'd have to wear pencil skirts & stilettos (though secretly I've always wanted a job like that). It was just that I didn't know it was going to be an official interview until I got there.

Yeah, pretty awesome. Not.

Anonymous lady had said we would be "meeting up, & talking about the positions further". Is it just me, or does that seem like it's not going to be an official interview? I've had numerous meet-ups like this where it's just them discussing the position, the pay, the duties, etc. & not asking you scary interview questions. So that's what I thought it was going to be.

But it wasn't, & I survived (somehow). I just feel like I'm not myself at all during interviews, especially when they ask questions like, "how would you describe yourself?"

Gahhh. That is the worst.

"Lazy, unmotivated, motivated at times, I sleep way too much, don't know what I'm doing with my life, but I have far-off goals, creative...blah blah blah." haha Do they really want to hear that? I don't think so.

I feel like I make up crap about myself, & I hear the words coming out of my mouth & it shocks me.....like how I don't have a problem meeting new people.

hahahahaha

So anyways, it must have gone well by the hand of God (not kidding), because she asked me to come back for a second interview with Mr. Dude.

So I did that last week, and it went much better than the first, and I was a lot more relaxed.

(Mainly, because he didn't ask me crazy interview questions.)

So, to make a long story short, I'm going on Tuesday to volunteer for an hour during their busiest time, so that I can get a feel for it, and so they can scrutinize my every move.

I probably sound like I hate this job already, but really I'm just nervous. I've been working at the same place for awhile now, and haven't worked anywhere new. And the position is basically greeting people at a front desk - sounds easy right? I'm not the most outgoing person though, hence the nervousness. So I'm hoping for the best, and to be pleasantly surprised.

(And trying not to freak out too much.)

~~~~~

So that's my job news, & on to something more fun:

I sold these on Etsy recently:

button post earrings!

Aren't they so cute & fun? Perfect for spring/summer!

If you want a pair, email me & I can make more. I have more colors too. I'll probably be putting more up on Etsy within the next few weeks.

Much Love Dahlings! And as always, thanks for tuning in ;)

job?

2010-02-23T00:41:00.008-05:00

((image from momadvice.com. no, i'm not a mom))

p.s. she ^ kind of looks like me. if my hair was up. and i had glasses. and liked to talk on the phone. and had bangish things. ok, we look nothing alike except for the blonde hair & smallness.

So tomorrow (well, technically later today, since I'm writing this in the early morning) I have a meetup/interview(?) with someone for a potential job. I'm really hoping I get it because I'd like a change from my current job, and this one just seems to be all around better. More hours & better pay. Need I say more? Right now I'm only getting a measly 10-15ish hours a week. Pathetic, I know. If I got this new job, I'd most likely keep my current one too, at least until I start school in April. (Which on a side note, I'm excited about, & want to start right now!)

Keep me in your thoughts tomorrow & say a little prayer for yours truly! ;)

there ain't no better reason, to rid yourself of vanities and just go with the seasons

2010-02-17T01:35:00.004-05:00

My heart & soul need a little bit of this:

photo from bing.com

((Kure Beach pier))

my own photo

((Kure Beach, NC))

So beautiful, just look at that shade of blue. I am seriously longing to be at this place. I would drive the 4 hours (total) just to be there for one day. It's so perfect, a small beach town that isn't commercialized, with only one traffic light in the whole town. Granted, it's busy during summer, with tons of tourists, but they have somehow managed to keep the small town feel alive. A perfect summer night at Kure Beach would be walking along the beach, grabbing some ice cream at the pier, walking to the end and back checking out all the fishermen's catch, and shooing away the pelicans. Ahhh I love it! =)

photo from bing.com

((view of downtown Wilmington from the bay))

And if you're up for some downtown galavanting, shopping, or maybe some night life, Wilmington is a mere 15-20ish minutes away. And downtown Wilmington is so awesome - cobblestone streets, right on the bay, lots of cute boutiques and shops, and great restaurants (including Paddy's Hollow at the Cotton Exchange. If you ever go to Wilmington you must check out the Cotton Exchange). I would absolutely love to live around this area later in life.

So, to sum up my ramblings, Kure Beach is my absolute favorite place in the U.S. (that I've been to thus far, and I've been to quite a few places).

Which got me to thinking,

What's yours???

((If all goes well, I might be going here the last weekend in March or the first weekend in April for an early b-day celebration!))

you may say i'm a dreamer, but i'm not the only one

2010-02-15T03:50:00.002-05:00

Last night I had the silliest dream. In my dream, my family is at my Grandma's house (except it wasn't really her house - weird how that happens in dreams), sitting down to eat dinner. I am the only one not sitting down at the table, & as I'm getting ready to join everyone, my Dad tells me I can't sit down until I'm wearing shoes. Shoes?!? Yes, you heard that right. I got pissed, and was screaming & yelling, "Why do I have to wear shoes to come and eat?!" I started cussing (which I normally don't do, unless I am super upset) & everything. Amidst all of this, mind you, I'm wearing slippers, not 'real shoes'. In the middle of my ranting & raving, my Dad takes a look at my feet, and says, in the calmest voice of course, "Oh, you're wearing slippers. That's fine." Are. you. kidding. me. Of course you couldn't notice that in the beginning. hahahaha It was so weird/funny.

I might have a 'real' post tomorrow.

my laptop is a ruhtard

2010-02-13T17:06:00.004-05:00

First off, let me just say a big thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. It meant a lot & was very encouraging. Thank you for thinking of & praying for me, Howard, & his family & friends.

(thankfully not my laptop)

So, I was going to do a post last night, but alas, my laptop hates me. I'm now using my family's computer which is annoying. I don't know what's wrong with my laptop, but it won't turn on. At all. The battery light is green, but whenever I hit the power button, nothing happens. This is the 2nd laptop I've had, so I'm really hoping I won't have to get another one because I don't have the moolah for it. I was going to tell all of you guys my 'exciting' adventures of this past week (including pictures), but that will have to wait until I (really my dad or brother) can get my laptop working again since the pics are on there.

P.S. If you know what movie I referenced in my title, I'll give you a high-five. Not the whole title, just one word.

RIP Howard Fisher. We'll miss you.

2010-02-05T01:50:00.007-05:00

I can't believe I'm writing this. I'm still in shock, and so sad. Wednesday morning I received a text from a friend of mine that our friend Howard Fisher, whom we had gone to college with (my first college), had passed away. I had found out he was sick with aplastic anemia last week, but for some reason, at the time I didn't think it was serious. Well, Tuesday night I was on the phone with another friend of mine (at the same school) and found out how bad it was. Basically, his body had stopped making blood cells & platelets. He is Jamaican, so he had gone back home to Jamaica for Christmas break, and was still there. Well, my friend & I were misinformed by a facebook group, & thought he was at Duke hospital, which is not too far from where I live. My friend was coming for the weekend, so we were just talking about going to visit him & I really wanted to see him. That was Tuesday night we were discussing it. And Wednesday morning, at 7:10 am, he passed away. I still can't believe it. He was in Jamaica, surrounded by his family, so I am thankful that they could be with him. But a selfish part of me wishes I could have seen him. Could have said goodbye.

He was an amazing soccer player, the goalie for the college's team. It's a small school, & everyone loved him, & that is the absolute truth. His tall frame was impossible to miss on the field. When I thought of the soccer team, I always thought of him. He was a part of it, a permanent part of it. And that's just the way it was. I went to the memorial service today, and at the service they announced they would be naming the field after him.

These were taken with my phone. The only pictures I took of him. This is the last time I hung out with him - we were in the library studying for Bio. I'm pretty sure, judging by the pictures, we did more goofing off than studying. But that's the way he was. He always brought a smile to your face, even by just passing by him on campus. His joy was contagious. It was impossible to miss him, wherever he was, being 6' 6". But he didn't scare a soul. He had the heart of a champion, a heart of gold. He was an amazing man, and words will never be able to fully describe his character & who he was. He had a great sense of humor, always making you laugh. And it was so evident he loved God. You can just see it in his smile. You could tell he trusted Him, & loved Him with all he had.

That college will never be the same. He was an integral part of it, and we lost him on Wednesday. There will always be a piece of the school missing. It breaks my heart to know I will never see him again. That I won't see him graduate when I go visit to see other friends graduate. That I won't get another hug or a smile, hear his Jamaican accent, or his laugh, or a simple 'hey, how are you' from him. He was loved so much. My heart goes out to the other Jamaican students, his friends, his girlfriend, and his family members. I cannot imagine how they must feel. If you think of him or his family, please pray for them & keep them in your thoughts. His girlfriend, as far as I know, won't be able to make it to his funeral, and that is incredibly hard. It's been a whirlwind of a few days. My heart knows he's in heaven, but it's still hard to think about. We lost a friend. But more than that. We lost an angel.

We love you Howie.

I miss you.

Award Time!

2010-02-02T02:20:00.003-05:00

So, the wonderful Jamie @ this is me; consequently gave me this Beautiful Blogger Award. Thank you Jamie; made me smile!

So the rules are I now have to tell you 7 random things about me.

1. I'm watching "Shawshank Redemption" right now with the bro. I've never seen it before; I know, I know, I know, I'm behind the times. Everyone & their Mom have seen it by now.

2. I want Morgan Freeman to read me bedtime stories. haha That sounds kind of creepy, but I loooove his voice. And he's my favorite actor (along with Tom Hanks).

3. I'm thinking I might have my own little giveaway sometime in the future. I make jewelry, so maybe it will be for a piece (or two) I've made. A girl can never have too much jewelry. ;)

4. I wish I had more style & fashion sense (& a personal stylist). So my unwritten (& delayed) New Year's resolution is to be more original with my outfits.

5. I have switched colleges/universities twice, and taken a lot of time off (doing that now woohoo). But I don't regret going to either schools. I met lifelong friends and had amazing times (mostly at the first school), and even if that was the only reason that I was there, I'm thankful for it.

6. It snowed here Friday night/Saturday morning. I always love it when it snows & it's so rare here. We're usually lucky if we get an inch and we got about 4 this time. There's just something about the snow - the world seems to slow down a little bit, people seem nicer, and it's like you're a kid again.

7. I want to go to the beach sooo bad. Kure Beach to be exact. My favorite place in the U.S. It's small, and not commercialized, with one stoplight in the whole town. It's close to Wilmington too, so that's awesome. I might go with a friend on Sat. for the day because I'm having beach withdrawals!

Alrighty, so now I pass the Beautiful Blogger Award off to.....(drum roll please!)

Meg @ Style My Story!

As you can tell from her title, she has a fashion blog, & she's got some fabulous pictures & outfits! So check her out!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh, & a huge thanks to everyone who answered some of my questions on my last post & encouraged me. You guys are awesome!

???

2010-01-28T21:47:00.000-05:00

This may be a stupid question, but how can I get the comments people post on my blog to be sent to my email? I currently don't have it set up for that, & I think it'd make things a lot easier.

Not that there's a lot of people commenting...but, you know, for the future.

When I get famous in blogland.

haha

Also, does anyone know of a way to put a PayPal button on your blog, like on the side column?

You know what, I'm just going to make this a post full of questions, now that I'm on a roll.

I have been wondering, ever since I joined Blogger last year, how people host giveaways? I mean, I understand the gist of it I suppose. But I don't understand how these companies get in contact with the people, or how the people get in contact with the companies. And what do they do, just say, 'hey, i like such and such product. give it to me so i can have a giveaway on my blog?' haha I really don't know. Or how in the world does the company find, & pick said person to host a giveaway? I'm guessing a lot of that has to do with your number of followers. I imagine you have to have a million & ten for companies to want to give away their products on your blog. After all, they want as many people as possible to check it out I guess.

And how do you get so many followers??

check it outttt

2010-01-28T01:58:00.001-05:00

check out this iPod nano giveaway!!!

hosted by the fabulous A Blonde Walks Into A Blog.

hurry, it ends Feb. 1st.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

oh, & thank you for the compliments about my painting on my last post! they made me smile! :)

Mission Accomplished!!

2010-01-24T00:25:00.000-05:00

My van Gogh inspired painting, done for my sister. The picture on the left is a picture she took of the van Gogh print she liked at Target, and the picture on the right is my interpretation of it. Can't do it exactly like the Master himself, so it has my own little touch.

Here's a full view of the painting. I used acrylics on canvas. It's been in progress for awhile, but my guesstimate for how long it took is about ...uh, 7-8 hours perhaps? Not really sure. And man, there are a lot of layers on this thing! haha I guess I never realized that most paintings probably have to be put down in layers (i.e. very time-consuming). I've never really done a painting like this before, on my own time, outside of a class, so I'm really happy with it.

So tell me...

What do y'all think??

Criticisms are welcome too!

the games we (let ourselves) play

2010-01-22T01:12:00.000-05:00

when my ex calls, i get nervous & my heart starts racing for some reason. he broke up with me, he's said a million times he wants to be friends, i know he's not trying to play games. but for some awful reason, i actually get a little bit excited when he calls, or when i know i'll be talking to him soon. & i think it's not necessarily that i still have some feelings for him (although that may hold some truth), but i love the attention. even though he's my ex, even though he broke my heart, it makes me feel a little bit good about myself that he calls to catch up and see how i'm doing. makes me think "oh i'm awesome & such a great person because even my ex doesn't want to completely get out of my life. he wants to be friends. i must be the shizz." yeah, pretty much goes like that inside my head. & also something like this too "it's kind of nice to have some sort of boy calling me up, hanging around. even though it's my EX. he's still a boy." & for some awful reason, i like it when i get the chance to talk about him in front of another guy. "like oh, i'm a great girl. get this, my ex still talks to me. & i'm the bigger person, because he broke up with me. so look how cool i am, because i dated such a great guy. & maybe one day, if you play your cards right, you can date me too. but you have to measure up to my ex." gahhh what a sick game i'm playing with myself. as i'm typing this out, i'm just beginning to realize it. i still have a ton of respect for my ex, and still think he's such a great guy. i still have him on a freakin pedestal!! even though he broke my heart in an awful way! why??? why do i still compare guys to him, why do i still think he's the greatest guy. why do i still think about his advice and think about what he would do in situations & stuff. i made him too huge of a priority in my life when we were dating, that is obvious. i idolized him. he may be a great person, but i have to stop thinking like this. & i keep telling myself i'll cut off communication with him soon, but to be completely honest, i don't want to. i know i have to though. i just don't want to feel like i'm leaving him (even though he left me, so why should i care) when he needs a friend. gahh.

see, i'm ridiculous.

Whew! Almost didn't make it!

2010-01-21T23:21:00.001-05:00

...my deadline that is. I almost let a week slip by before posting again. But I made it! (barely) I am actually winding down for the night, at 11:22pm. This is very rare for me. Around this time, I usually get some crazy project idea in my head, and feel like I must finish it before I go to bed. Like cleaning my room, finishing my sister's long overdue painting, making 8,000 pieces of jewelry, collaging who-knows-what, you get the picture. I'm a night owl, so I usually feel wide awake about this time, long after others have called it a night. It's not rare that I go to bed at 3 in the morning. Call me crazy, but I've done it plenty of times. Sometimes getting a lot accomplished. & sometimes getting a lot of facebook stalking accomplished. haha I'm tired "early" tonight because I got up earlier than I normally do so that my Mom, sister & I could go to IHOP.

We normally don't go out to breakfast, so it was fun to do something different, & it forced me to wake up before noon (hey, stop judging me, I'm not in school right now, ok?! don't you remember your days of sleeping the day away??). I got some delicious chocolate pancakes, hash browns & fruit. You can never go wrong with hash browns! (P.S. I just thought about this...do Northerners eat hash browns? Or is it a Southern thing?)

While on the subject of eating, I've realized I need to make an actual budget or just get super strict with myself about spending. I was thinking about it the other day, & the majority of what I spend my $$$ on is food. & mostly fast food. I do love me some Chick-fil-A. I was actually just telling my Dad 2 days ago how I wish I had a Chick-fil-A vending machine. No lie. How amazing would that be?!? haha & an eternal fountain of their sweet tea!! My goodness. Just the thought sends me into cardiac arrest. I really really really wish they would get some kind of customer rewards program going or something. Because I spend a pretty penny there.

But anyways, back to the $$$ issue. (P.s. I'm skinny, but I do love food. & I get distracted sometimes, so bear with me) I haven't really spent much money in the last couple of months on things I usually spend money on such as clothes, little things I really don't need, etc. & now I've realized most of the money I actually have spent, goes to eating out. Not good. So now, I have to cut down on that, & be disciplined about it. We'll see how this goes. Maybe my new, growing fascination with trying to cook will help with this...

I'm going to try to make my own salad dressing. I'm thinking a vinaigrette or something like that. Any suggestions or recipes?

Au revoir! this was a long one!

**Quick Little Edit!!**

Whoa whoa whoa...back the freight train up!! Obviously someone forgot to tell me Project Runway started back up again! How did this slip my mind?? I love that show. With my whole heart. =D

Okay, just part of it.

Breathe

2010-01-15T02:16:00.000-05:00

So, this blog got a little bit of a makeover. I haven't written in it in months, so hopefully this time around I'll update it pretty regularly. At least once a week (keep your fingers crossed). I really got inspired by "Julie & Julia" and how Julie started this project of hers and consistently kept up with her blog for a year. It seemed to really help her, and I guess that's kind of what I'm hoping for. Plus I think a "project" like this is good for me. Basically, I was in a very serious relationship that started last year and ended September of '09. My ex broke up with me, and to be honest, it crushed me. It still hurts like crap, but I can feel myself slowly healing. And by slow, I mean at a snail's pace. haha So, after seeing the movie & thinking about it, I think keeping up with this blog will be therapeutic in a sense. And even if no one reads it, that's okay with me. I'm doing it moreso for myself, to get my thoughts out there, and to heal. I'm also a really crafty/artsy person, so I'll probably occasionally put up some of the jewelry I've made, or an art project I'm working on, stuff like that. I started writing a letter to my ex, and I'm thinking of finishing it and giving it to him when I see him (he has some books of mine, & I have some of his, & some other things). I haven't seen him since October, but we have talked on the phone. It's surprisingly not a mean letter, more like closure for me, final things I wanted to say and stuff. Maybe I'll post parts of it on here. Or would that be inappropriate? I don't know. I'll think about it.

Oh, and I'm typing this at 2:23 in the morning. I have got to do something about my sleep schedule. This is ridiculous.

As always,

Leah the Fabulous

i should probably just shut this down, but i enjoy reading other people's. just not updating my own.

2009-09-23T00:06:00.000-04:00

i thought i saw him today.
my heart skipped a beat for a second, and i was probably holding my breath.

and the first thought that popped into my head was

oh shit.

Productive (sort of) Day

2009-05-19T20:34:00.000-04:00

I was looking for the Matt Nathanson cd "Some Mad Hope" at Target today, and they didn't have it. Does anyone else find that hard to believe? "Come on get higher" is pretty popular right now; somebody ought to let Target know. I saw about 8 kajillion Hannah Montana cds & no Matt Nathanson. What a sad, sad world we live in.

Today I drove to my New College to register for classes. My advisor only signed me up for 4 classes (12 hours) for now. I have Design, a Renaissance Art History class (blech, I can't stand art from this era. Does that make me a terrible ~~person~~ Art major?), Biological Psychology or Psychological Biology (something like that, I can't exactly remember the name), and ~~Naked People~~ Figure Drawing.
I'm thinking I can definitely handle more than that. At that rate, it would take me 3 1/2 more years to graduate, or so it seems. I'll hopefully be registering for 2 more classes (Intro. to Poetry & Spanish 203) if space opens up over the summer/early next semester.

Has anyone seen the new Star Trek movie? OH my goodness - SO good!!! If you haven't, go see it this weekend; you won't be disappointed.

I'm leaving you with some of my Etsy favorites:

gray & black bamboo print dress
I love this dress; I wish I had it, so I could wear it on the cruise I'm going on in 2 weeks (!!!). That big black satin bow is so perfect.

blue tulips pottery pendant
I love the look of this, so unique. Something beautiful created out of a broken mess.

mustach-io
mustache. necklace. amazing.

toast card
how cute is this? this one's my favorite from her shop. :)

Heidi the Hedgehog, Teeth that make you Wise, & Jesus Camp

2009-05-13T02:39:00.000-04:00

I bought India ink at Michaels the other day, and let me just tell you, it is so fun. I was just doodling with it, and decided to draw a little character for an imaginary children's book. I came up with this (with a suggestion from my Mum):

How cute is she?? This was the very first one, so it's a little rough (& smeared), but here's some more:
(ehh that didn't show up too well) Here's a closeup:

I think it would be so cool to illustrate a children's book. Especially with little animals like Heidi!
~~~~~~
On to my second tidbit, my boyfriend might have to get his wisdom teeth out. He'd have to go somewhere else to get them out, because where he is they don't exactly have an abundance of oral surgeons. As soon as he told me this, I was wishing for them to send him back here to get them done (doubt it would happen, but hey, I can dream right??). It would be soooo awesome to see him, but he doesn't even know yet if he has to get them out.
~~~~~~
And thirdly!
Go here: Jesus Camp Trailer.

What do you guys think about this??
I myself am a Christian, but I would NEVER send my kids to something like this. That is crazy to me. I'd love to hear what others think about it though.
~~~~~~
Ok, time for bed, goodnight!

you don't always have to hold your head higher than your heart

2009-04-29T01:56:00.000-04:00

This sounds like heaven. I want to go.

Summit of Awesome 2009

Not to mention it's got a cool name. Who wouldn't want to go to something called Summit of Awesome?! I mean, really...

I'm in the process of putting some new stuff up on my Etsy, so be sure to check that out!
If you do, you should pass on by here, and tell me what's your favorite, and any advice/improvements you think of.

That would be insanely helpful & awesome & oh so cool of you to do!!

:)

p.s. i only got one necklace up on my Etsy thus far. it's so time consuming & i'm tired, so i'll finish the rest later.
ciao

weekend recap

2009-04-27T01:32:00.000-04:00

Friday:

My Mum & I ventured over to the Southern Women's Show (i.e. like a state fair, but for women); we spent 5 hours there. That's right - FIVE hours. I didn't mind though, because it was like a shopaholic's dream. I found some great deals on jewelry to give as gifts to friends from an awesome boutique's booth. &, might I add, I won a $25 gift certificate to the Melting Pot!! I've never been before; I've heard it's delish. (Have any of y'all ever been? What did you get & how did you like it?)

Saturday:
not a lot of anything. haha I did plant flowers though!

Cosmos to be exact; I was quite proud of myself (b/c I'm not really of the domestic, gardening, cooking type).
Went to church, and FINALLY signed up to volunteer in the church's children's program. I get to decide which age group to work with, and I think I'm going to go with preschoolers...call me crazy.

Today/Sunday:
work. bleh. Not too many exciting stories there.

And for the record, I need a car. I'm currently living at home (off to school again in the fall) and I don't have my own car. I've been driving one of my family's cars for the time being. Just a little Honda Accord or Civic would do for me. That's all I ask for. So, anyone giving away a CAR on their blog?? haha ;)

Meet the love of my life. :)

2009-04-24T03:45:00.000-04:00

This is THE only picture I have of him from NeverNeverLand (i.e. the Middle East). And he doesn't even look like he's in the Army. haha He is though.
4-5 ish months until he's back!

I ordered this book on Amazon the other day:
Once I get it, and start reading, I'll give y'all the scoop on it!

I hope it's good, and not cheesy.
But then again, I'm a cheesy person at times.

I'm such a romantic, and my friend Brittany likes to remind me of that a lot.

Have a great weekend! Let's hope it's sunny. Because sunshine makes me do this: =D

confessions of a retail associate

2009-04-20T22:09:00.000-04:00

Can I just make a post to rant about work? I need to let some of my frustration out. I had a bad night at work; ok, most nights grate on my nerves, but I was really frustrated tonight. I work in retail, at an arts & crafts store. I love to shop there, but not work there. But that's what I'm doing now, until later on in the summer (I got the job for that art camp !! wooohoooo). Most of the customers are nice and polite, but then there's that handful that reeeaally gets on my nerves. It's the people coming in for school projects, and they have no idea what to get or even where to start, and all of a sudden, you're the expert on all things lighthouses. Or dioramas. Or masks. It's like they have no clue how to be even the least bit creative, and I'll be honest - I don't really understand that. Let me clarify something here though. I like helping people, and I really wouldn't mind spending the time to talk with the customers, and help them out, give my opinion, etc. However, if I did all that, I wouldn't get everything else done that I'm supposed to. That's one of the things I really don't like; it's like help the customers, and greet each one you see, or get the things done that you were told to get done. It's annoying; they expect you to be an octopus and do 8 million things at once.
Tonight I saw that I was written up for my drawer being $10 short yesterday. This is what really made me frustrated. I know it wasn't me; I only had a few transactions yesterday, and I always count out people's change twice, just to make sure. They started this new thing recently, where they have 2 people on a drawer for the day: one in the morning, and one at closing. So when I came in last night and got on my register, someone else had already been on it. I'm 99% positive that the $10 short incident happened while this other person was on there. I'm sure they wrote both of us up. And the worse thing is, even though I commented on the notice that said I was short yesterday, it will probably still be on my record or whatever. It is completely unfair for me to be blamed for something I didn't do.
And I volunteered to work tomorrow for a girl that's got an appointment. Why am I so nice? sheesh. I should have said I had plans (to not work), and seen if they could get someone else to work for her.
yayy for retail.

it will defeat you, then teach you to get back up

2009-04-16T23:36:00.000-04:00

Currently listening to: Jack Johnson, "Hope"
His music always seems to put a smile on my face. :)

Good thing: I'm feeling productive (semi-rare), & really crafty (not rare).
Bad thing: It's 11:38 at night. I'm a night owl, fo sho.

On to the meat of it.
Warning: I'm about to brag about Sir Boyfriend.
So, last Wednesday was my b-day, the big 21. Unfortunately, Sir Boyfriend is not on the same continent as me currently. So he sent me a few presents, from NeverNeverLand (aka the Middle East). He put so much thought & effort into it, it's so sweet. Ok, I know you're begging to know what I got. haha Juuust kidding, no one reads this. But anyways, here we go.

I opened up the package to see this beautiful, incredibly detailed carved wooden box. Seriously, it's amazing. He gave me this larger box, and then there's an identical smaller one. Both of them have the keys to lock/unlock them - old fashioned - so cool! These are authentic handmade from the Middle East (I'm not sure if I can say what country, so I'll just say Middle East for now). I opened up the bigger box to find these:
Handmade silver & turquoise earrings! The stone is a little darker in person, but you get the point. Apparently the turquoise is from Pakistan (not where he bought them though). I love these - one of my favorite colors.
In the smaller box, was this:

Isn't that beautiful? They're Star Sapphires; in normal lighting conditions, they just look like navy blue stones. But when you shine a light on them, out pop these beautiful stars! It's so pretty. And the background is one of the scarves he also sent me (also from the Middle East).
Yeah, he's pretty much the best guy ever. To put all this thought and effort into my present, to make my birthday special even when he wasn't there. Oh, and what tops it all is the most romantic, best letter ever that came with the bday package. I would quote part of it for my audience, but I don't know if he would appreciate that. ;)

He spoils me, but I reassure you I'm not a spoiled brat.
I just have an awesome boyfriend.

And...on to research crafty things on the Internet, and stay up all night. hehe

By the way, Etsy.com freakin' rocks.

And so does Ornamentea. I made this necklace from trinkets & doodads (i.e. jewelry supplies) I bought there.
Want to buy it? Go here: my Etsy.

Mucho amor to people that actually read this! Which is probably all 2 of you :) haha

where were you

2009-04-12T01:52:00.000-04:00

dang.

i'm ready for this deployment to be over.

i think it's getting harder, now that spring's here & summer's right around the corner. i love spring, & summer, and everything that comes with it. and i'm sad bobby's not here, so we can enjoy it together.

it sucks.

i miss all those little things.
the hugs, the talks, comfort, the silliness. that laugh. that goofy thing he does when this certain song comes on. =D picking me up, piggy back rides! haha talks about our passions. the future. his kisses. going out. family. trips. the beach.
everything. i miss it all.

7 months.
5(ish) left.

=(

come on, get higher

2009-04-03T23:54:00.000-04:00

Pardon me, as I'm coming out of a blog/communication coma. It tends to happen to me every now and then...I gotta fix that.

Well, a lot has happened within the past few weeks. I visited the school I'm transferring to in the fall, and I love it! It's so beautiful, and I know there will be a lot of good opportunities for me, like student clubs and stuff. The campus is big, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it after a few weeks of being there. I'll either be majoring in Studio Art or Art Education (haven't decided yet, leaning towards Studio Art). And the art building is awesome; I can definitely see myself spending a lot of time there! It's a multi-million $ building (forgot how much) and only 2 years old. Can we say awesome??

My boyfriend sent me (he's in NeverNeverLand right now) a hoodie & shirt from the school as a random congrats-on-going-back-to-school/you're-awesome/I-love-you gift, 'cause he's amazing like that. And if you're reading this Bobby, you did a good job picking it out. :)

I recently applied for this job to work at a kid's art camp over the summer, and I'm really really really hoping I get it. I'm hoping the lady didn't give the position to someone else already. :/

And, for the finale...drum roll please....
I have a website for my jewelry! Sort of..haha. It's on Etsy, so I suppose it counts.
Click here for the site.
I have only about 6 or so pieces up right now, but I'll be adding more this coming week. You should definitely check it out.
And the best part of all, is by buying a piece of jewelry from me, you're helping people in need. I'm donating 15% of the profits to an organization called ICDI (Integrated Community Development International) which helps the people in the Central African Republic (aka the CAR -one of the poorest countries in the world). ICDI helps in many ways - well drilling, orphan care, agriculture, AIDS/HIV education, microenterprise, and radio programs. The 15% that I will donate to ICDI is going to go towards well drilling. Obtaining clean water is a huge problem for these Africans; many of their sicknesses and diseases come from drinking bad water. By drilling wells in villages in the CAR, ICDI is able to help hundreds, even thousands of Africans, for generations to come.
So, just think - by buying something from my w
ebsite, you are essentially helping people, just like you and me, obtain fresh, clean water. Think about it.

(check out ICDI's website by clicking here)

**Also, if you're interested in custom jewelry, just shoot me an email (link is on my profile page).

P.S I turn 21 in 4 days. Kind of bums me out. Am I having a midlife crisis at 21?! haha Let's hope not.
I'm so ready to move out, and go back to school. Taking a year off of school and moving back with your family definitely can have its disadvantages (being around family 24/7), and advantages (no rent, free food).
Anddd, (this is the last thing, I promise haha) I can't wait to get out of this job! Oh my goodness, retail sucks. And customers can be so rude. At least I'm looking for something else during the summer, hopefully with that art camp.

Peace out! Have fun in the sun!

Oh, wait. One last thing. =P
Is anyone else having problems signing into their 20 something Blog? I sign in, and try to click friend invites, or inbox, and it makes me sign in again. Then it says there was an error or something crazy like that. It's been doing that for the past few days. weird.

planz

2009-03-17T00:36:00.000-04:00

my dearest friend Brit-Brit/Little Brittle/Critter/Apple T (birthname: Brittany) is coming to visit me for her Easter Break, and one day we're taking a day trip to Kure Beach/Wilmington.

so I'm compiling a list of what we'll do:

-ride bikes down to the end of the island/Ft. Fisher. see the infamous jetty.
-take a dip in the ocean !!
-eat lunch at Michelangelos pizza place maybe
-walk the pier, potentially get some ice cream
-walk around downtown Wilmington
-go to the bead shop !!!
-eat dinner at this cool little waterside restaurant that i can't remember the name of
-drive homeeee

i'm stoked =D

Spring/Summer Wish List

2009-03-16T15:30:00.000-04:00

Here are a few things I want to buy, mainly from Old Navy. They have such cute, affordable stuff there! Although, while it is affordable, I really don't need to be spending any moolah other than what is necessary. These student loan payments are sucking my will to live!! Anyways, on with the eye candy... =)

Dear Spring...I've been waiting for you

2009-03-07T01:27:00.000-05:00

So, I'm pretty new to this blog and I'm fairly certain no one is reading this. I don't know many other people that have one of these. Alas, that will not keep me from posting on here. Today has been a pretty good day - I watched some of Heroes Season 2. Can I just say that show is awesome?! haha I just recently started watching it, and I believe I'm already addicted to it. It is just such a well-made show, with an original storyline. Later in the afternoon, I ventured to the park for some painting time. I've never done that before - painted outside (I've sketched outside, of course, but never painted - at least that I can recall). The one difficulty I encountered was keeping up with the setting sun - I don't know how Monet did it.
Here is my painting - acrylic on stiff cardboard. I improvised since I don't have a spare smallish canvas at the moment. It's not a masterpiece, but I had fun painting it. It was relaxing. I haven't decided if I should touch it up a little bit more, or just leave it. Suggestions??
The weather was so beautiful, I just had to get out there - it was around 70 degrees today! Wonderful, eh? And to think - it just snowed on Monday. That's good ole' North Carolina weather for you. I cannot wait for Spring - it's definitely my favorite season.
After din-din (dinner for you non-Leah speaking peoples), we went on an adventure downtown! We went to this cute coffee/ice cream shop called Crema. I enjoyed a French Vanilla Latte.
When I got back home, lo and behold, guess who called?! That's right, Bobby! It was definitely a good surprise since I wasn't expecting him to call until tomorrow or Sunday. For some reason, this time around hasn't been as hard on me as it is on him. I think I needed an adjustment period, and now I'm more emotionally stable. Not that it isn't hard at times, it's just that for some reason it's a little bit easier now. And I'm sooo glad that's the case! =) If you have a moment in your day though, please pray for all of our troops. Our prayers are powerful, and they could definitely use them. Pray for their emotional health, not only while they are deployed, but just as importantly for when they get back. Many soldiers go through Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and they go untreated. I think that is definitely one area that the Army needs to put more focus on.

On a lighter note, I have been making jewelry, and lots of it! I usually sell some of my jewelry at City Florist in Clayton (none of my jewelry is on the site, but it gives the address & such). It's not currently at the store, but I'm taking it back up there towards the end of the month to get ready for prom season. Hopefully that will draw a lot of younger girls into the shop, and my jewelry will catch their eye! I'm trying to go to a deeper level with my jewelry and thinking about making a catalog or newsletter of some sort. I'm also trying to decide if I should keep the website I originally started awhile ago, or make a new one, potentially on Blogger. I'm thinking about taking my jewelry to some different stores/boutiques and asking about selling it there on consignment. I have been making jewelry for a few years now, but I'm fairly new to the "business/marketing" aspect of it all. Any help, suggestions, tips, etc. are greatly appreciated!
Here are a few pieces I have made recently.

If you're interested in purchasing any of these, just leave a comment or email me and let me know!

I think that is all for now; have a great weekend and enjoy this gorgeous weather!

~L~

Adios xanga, Hola blogger

2009-02-28T02:12:00.000-05:00

I've come across these cute little blogs on here, so I've decided to start my own, and give up xanga. I gave in, and did what everyone else was doing.

But at least this is a good kind of peer pressure.
Plus, it seems that this blogger has a lot more options than xanga. They are up to date, and in the know.

So, this is a new beginning. I'll post as often as I can, and update you on my super exciting life.

I'll tell y'all about myself in the next post. I should be getting to bed.

I'll give you a little tidbit to hold you over until the next -- I enjoy staying up late. But it's become a habit of staying up wayyy too late.

Oh, I've recently fallen in love with the musical works of Taylor Swift.
My favorite - "Love Story". The music video has brought me to tears, but before you think I'm ridiculously silly, let me explain.
Every time I hear this song, I think of my boyfriend Bobby. He's in the Army, and was recently on leave and I was able to spend 11 wonderful days with him (more on that later). Well, the 17th he left to go back across the pond. I dropped him off on base at Ft. Bragg, and then made the 45 min. drive back home. Well, needless to say, I was a little emotional from having to say goodbye to him, again. It's hard knowing I won't see him for another 6 months. I was driving down 40, and "Love Story" came on the radio, and I cried because it makes me think of him. Go watch the music video if you like Taylor Swift; and if you don't, well, give her a listen.

--
We were both young when I first saw you
I close my eyes
And the flashback starts
--
And I was crying on the staircase
Begging you please don't go, and I said

Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone
I'll be waiting all there's left to do is run
You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess
It's a love story baby just say yes
--
Romeo save me, they try to tell me how to feel
This love is difficult, but it's real
Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess
It's a love story baby just say yes
Oh oh
--

sink or swim

techy help?

as of late::

rolling thunder & 'where am i wearing'

i have not forgotten

longest hiatus EVER

Katharine Hepburn at her finest.

I'm an emotional rollercoaster

Hemingway, Move Over

Giveaway Winner!

jewelry = happiness

wordless Wednesday

my first GIVEAWAY !!

it's true.

Wienermobile + Modern Family

wordless Wednesday

Mum's Day

Strawberry Fields Forever

weheartit "Wordless" Wednesday

GENIUS.

weheartit Wordless Wednesday

If it's the beaches' sands you want Then you will have them

Mambo Sawa - "life is good"

Hey Soul Sister

Will you hold on with me?

MIA

Happy EasterS!

Theater Thursday: Shutter Island

weheartit Wordless Wednesday (night - again)

Disappointed

weheartit Wordless Wednesday (night)

Sweet Attention

We're all sinking for our sins Unless grace be the wind To fill our sails

oh, Tim Gunn

when one door closes...

(I think) I have a new job

job?

there ain't no better reason, to rid yourself of vanities and just go with the seasons

you may say i'm a dreamer, but i'm not the only one

my laptop is a ruhtard

RIP Howard Fisher. We'll miss you.

Award Time!

???

check it outttt

Mission Accomplished!!

the games we (let ourselves) play

*Whew!* Almost didn't make it!

Breathe

i should probably just shut this down, but i enjoy reading other people's. just not updating my own.

Productive (sort of) Day

Heidi the Hedgehog, Teeth that make you Wise, & Jesus Camp

you don't always have to hold your head higher than your heart

weekend recap

Meet the love of my life. :)

confessions of a retail associate

it will defeat you, then teach you to get back up

where were you

come on, get higher

planz

Spring/Summer Wish List

Dear Spring...I've been waiting for you

Adios xanga, Hola blogger

Whew! Almost didn't make it!