CREATEaTHOUGHT

Dream job, top ten list.

2012-01-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

This week has brought about some good news for my lovely hometown of Saginaw. We are getting an Ulta Beauty store, and it just so happens beauty-makeup-skincare-and haircare are my passion. So I have put in my application and I feel like I need to build a top ten list of why they should NOT overlook my profile, even if it is just for my own benefit. As my friend Raven would say, my lists rock!

Top Ten Reasons Why Ulta Beauty Should Hire Me:

It is a field that requires studying and playing. Products and styles are always being updated and people who are passionate should always be learning and trying out things. I try new makeup looks, read books and magazines, watch trends, follow styles, investigate new products, watch youtube videos, and more. I am always experimenting, allowing myself to make mistakes and grow in something I am passionate about.
Customer Service skills, every job I have had has been customer service oriented, and I always get complimented on how pleasant I am on the phone and in person. Customers actually ask to speak or deal with me directly. It is a compliment I have gotten several times. At Ulta the customers would be the job!
I have great listening skills. I have listened to my friends skin or makeup issues and responded with advice I feel would fit. I find when I have gone into a beauty store the sales people don't listen to what I want they just try to push their favorite items on me. People will probably more money if you present them with options they ACTUALLY want. Example: I wanted a palette and instead of listening when I said I wanted the cheaper option so I could buy more products the girl kept insisting on the most expensive one and once I made it clear I did not want it she was no longer interested in helping me. I understand if you are working on commission but people would rather get more items that they want and would spend more doing so, instead of one item that costs their whole beauty budget. Plus you will get repeat customers when they know you are invested in their interests.
I am an artist and your face is a wonderful blank canvas that you get to create on every day for 60+ years. Every day you get a "medium" that is free and every day you can play and make mistakes or make masterpieces and then you get to do it all again the next day.
There are rules to follow and rules to be broken! Life is about playing and learning, and not about using the same products every day for the rest of your life. Life is too short and new stuff comes out all the time, and it would be too hard to ignore that change is good and inevitable! Hair grows out and skin can be washed. There are rules to follow like "wash your face everyday" but there are rules to be broken "no one looks good in pink eyeshadow".
People need advice, heck I know more than a lot of people and I still need help! You have to realize that while people may ask for your help they may not always take your advice. Some people are only interested in baby steps and you have to find even the small victories rewarding! Example: I had a friend who had some skin issues and we were able to determine she never used moisturizer (never even THOUGHT about it), after talking to me she bought some and her skin issue was resolved!
There is no "I can't" in makeup or beauty. For a long time I said "I can't wear red lipstick because I am too pale and have red hair!" Well I took that I can't and made it into a can, by trial and error, you just have to find what works for you and build on it, or take what doesn't work for you and find a way to make it work!
Know what people want, I feel like I do, especially by listening and learning. If someone comes in looking for one item and ONLY one item don't try to sell them on a million other things. They will go somewhere else and they may not come back. You want to turn people on not off. Just because someone wants JUST a mascara this time doesn't mean next pay check she won't want ten new items!
I don't bug people. I hate when the same sales person asks me three times or more if I am ok, or need any help. Some people just need to look at every item and would like to look on their own. Some people don't want or need your help and honestly after you ask someone twice you are just bugging them. Again you want to turn people on to the atmosphere not frustrate them into leaving.
Building on # 9, respect the surroundings. If I worked at Ulta I would respect that I am at work and respect the customers. I don't know how many times I have gone to a certain store and there are workers who talk so loud their conversations are heard by everyone. It is distracting and annoying. Also I would never argue with someone, I had a sales person tell me I did not get the item for a certain price because it was a "sale" price. Even though I had bought the SAME item three times over six months for the exact price they were claiming was sale. He insisted I was wrong several times and finally I gave up and left. I did not really feel like shopping for things that made me feel good after he made me feel pretty bad. Just be respectful of your surroundings and the people in them.

So those are the reason why I think I would make an excellent employee at a place I would spend a lot of time at anyways. It is something I am passionate about and think it would be a great environment for me. So cross your fingers and pray pray pray that this awesome place gives me a call!

Good mail day(s)

2012-01-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

I have been so inspired by a book I read recently that I have created a new habit in my life, sending and receiving good mail!
The book I read was called good mail day, I picked it up after a friend and I decided to start bringing postcards back in style!

These are two handmade postcards I have sent out for Good mail days!

I have also sent out tea samples, pinback buttons, really long letters in decorated envelopes, and much more. All to my friends so they have a good mail day. I have gotten back AWESOME stationary, postcards that light up my world, and fun notecards with my name on them!
Mail is more about bills and magazines! I think that real mail that takes time to send and receive is just amazing. I wonder what the postal carriers think of the mail I send out, and do they read the notes on my postcards? I wrote a poem on the back of a recent envelope in hopes that the postal carrier would read it!
Have you sent some good mail recently? Do it and you will probably get some in return!

Sunday Find

2012-01-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

As I was perusing the blogs I follow I found something share worthy! Of course I am going to link you to the awesome blog that it came from. If you follow any awesome blogs let me know I am always looking for new reads!

Dedicated Follower Of Fashion (blog)

This kind of goes along with how I have been feeling lately, living outside of the box, and someday being my own boss. ENJOY!

2012 Crafty goals

2012-01-05T18:42:00.000-08:00

We all want to do more in 2012 and we want to do more better. Reality is we don't have time or energy to always meet our goals, and craft and art goals get put on the back burner for sure!
My 2012 goal is simply to CREATE at least four out of seven days a week. Even if it is making one handmade card or an art journal page. Even if it is as simple as covering a canvas in one color
I just want to be always doing new.more.better... at least trying!
So what are your 2012 new/more/better goals?!

Daily Cute

2011-09-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about fall but I feel like I love cute things even more. So when I found this I knew I had to share. Try not to get diabetes from how sweet and cute these are!

Coolest Jewelry for Summer and Fall 2011

2011-07-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with a seller on etsy named blockpartypress. I will take you on a journey in this blog post of my favorite items that are necklaces, and one ring. This seller does so many unique items from necklaces and rings, to magnets and hair pins, buckles, bookmarks and on and on. This seller works with hand carved stamps and polymer clay to create one of a kind items that I can only assure no one else around you will have. So lets take an amazing journey through necklaces that will become conversation pieces.

A night on the town, cities are hot right now and even if you don't live in a big one you can still appreciate a little city scape on your neckline. Neckline meet skyline <3

Big chunky bright flowers are hip and very hippy reminiscent. The seller has several colors available, so cute! It is girl but even a non-girly girl will find something to love about this flower.

Cupcakes! I am obsessed with this bite sizes bake good since I started thinking about opening a cupcake shoppe. These are adorable and delectable and the colors just pop!

Jet setters can become trend setters. Who doesn't love flying off to somewhere exotic, even if you are stuck on the ground wearing this necklace will show of your inner travel fantasies.

Who ever thought sewing would be hot?! Well it is and young and old sewers alike would love this cool spool hanging around their neck. Even cooler? Getting it customized in a thread color of your choice.

Anyone who paints knows its addicting. Wear it proud and say it loud with this necklace, I LOVE PAINT!

Best mood rings..... ever. Cloud rings, you almost need one of each. Plus they would match any outfit.

Bows are really in right now, so if you are feeling like you need a bow in your life opt out of the plastic thing on your finger and go for a bolder bow.

Cool quote!

2011-05-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

"Do the things you used to talk about doing but never did. Know when to let go and when to hold on tight. Stop rushing. Don’t be intimidated to say it like it is. Stop apologizing all the time. Learn to say no, so your yes has some oomph. Spend time with the friends who lift you up, and cut loose the ones who bring you down. Stop giving your power away. Be more concerned with being interested than being interesting. Be old enough to appreciate your freedom, and young enough to enjoy it. Finally know who you are."

Kristin Armstrong

May Favorites

2011-05-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

Since I am so behind on blogging, I KNOW I AM SORRY, I thought I would give you a big ol favorites post with tons of good stuff for May.

Ok so I know I did not want to jump on the Adele train, I know I am super late also, but I do not like any of her stuff yet just Rolling in the Deep. Reasons I like this song, Great beat, Adele isn't some skinny chicky singer she is a full bodied hottie, and the lyrics are completely my life over a year ago at the end of a long relationship.

The scars of your love remind me of us, They keep me thinking that we almost had it all, The scars of your love, they leave me breathless, I can't help feeling, We could have had it all,(You're gonna wish you never had met me), Rolling in the deep, (Tears are gonna fall, rolling in the deep), You had my heart inside of your hand, (You're gonna wish you never had met me), And you played it to the beat.

So I have gone to a million pure romance parties in my life and some of the products are meh, but some are great like the coochy shaving cream, or better yet the save my skin oil. I love this stuff it is great for sunburned areas and stretch marks. I use it every night after a shower because that's when your skin is the most likely to absorb moisturizers.
Nutrient rich Save My Skin Oil aids in the prevention and healing of stretch marks. Save My Skin moisturizes and nourishes stretch marks with essential oils that allow the skin to expand with the least amount of damage. Cocoa butter, enriched with vitamin E, is a natural emollient that helps to restore moisture and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Sesame oil is a natural healing oil, as well as a potent antioxidant. Kaylaya oil promotes skin cell healing. Kaylaya oil penetrates seven layers of skin to soften lines from the inside out, does not clog pores, and significantly reduces recent scarring.

Dining by the Alphabet: C is for Crabcake Factory

2011-03-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

We officially found the best Sunday brunch spot in Jacksonville. Well actually Jacksonville Beach, even better because it was a gorgeous day for the beach.
For around $20 bucks at CrabCake Factory you can eat all you can brunch and drink all you can mimosas. YUM x 100!

Raven enjoyed a plate mixed with lots of different items. It truly was a selection, there was so much to choose from,chicken, salads, potatoes, make your own omelet station, pancakes, french toast, and yes crab cakes. There was so much I can not even now, explain the expanse of this buffet.

Candace met us at one in the afternoon for mimosas, good convo, and WAY too much food!

I started out with Tilapia, mahi-mahi, chicken, potatoes, and vegetables. Do not be fooled I ended up getting way more food than I intended. When you are faced with so much food that you like and want to try it was hard not to over indulge.

I ended with an amazing plate of my favorite breakfast standbys. French toast, Waffles, and Pancakes. I doused them in regular maple syrup and strawberry syrup. How did I avoid diabetic shock? There was also baked goods from a Bakery called Black Dog Bakers. The bakery is co-located inside the Factory restaurant. I had a to-die-for cheesecake brownie.

It was a fun day, an experience we all enjoyed. I think the amount of food + the endless drinks makes this the best Sunday brunch deal as of yet!

Dining by the Alphabet: B is for Biscottis

2011-03-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

I am pretty sure Raven and I discovered the best brunch spot in Jacksonville.
Picture this, the weather is in the seventies in February, you arrive to a cute little bistro/cafe and sit outside in the early spring breeze enjoying sweet and savory concoctions that are only good enough to belong to a Sunday.

So Raven and I decided on Biscottis for two reasons. One: we both wanted to try it, and Two: we had a coupon. A coupon or special trumps and seals the deal in any decision.

Sitting outside in February was a treat, but not anywhere close to the treat of the extensive menu with an endless array of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drink options. Nestled in the quaint Avondale area Biscottis offers more than enough to satisfy your need for something new.

We both ordered off the Sunday brunch menu. Asking the waitress what was good did nothing to help my decision because everything she suggested sounded amazing, all the descriptions were just as titillating. I finally chose the crab, asparagus, and brie quiche. Three ingredients I adored in a little egg pie, with a side of bacon and cheese grits. This was my first time trying grits, yum, not my last time with this side dish! This was the perfect mid day brunch item! I also tried one of the fancy pink lemonades. Delicious.

Raven ordered the Creme Brulee french toast. This was my second choice, it SHOULD have been my first. The waitress recommended it but she did not do it justice. So sweet that it does not even come with syrup, this is quite possibly THE BEST french toast I had ever sampled. It was so good you would eat a piece even if it fell on the table! HEHE!

This restaurant was easily one of the best places we have eaten so far and even though we are only on B I don't think it will be easy to top. I cannot wait to come here again, I peered in their dessert case a couple times but I had no room for more calories, I was so tempted. Next time I will be getting that french toast, it was worth it! This place is easily the perfect spot for coffee and slowing down the day for a few hours.

Some days I wish this was me

2011-02-22T15:40:00.000-08:00

Some days I feel like it is me!

Dining by the Alphabet: A

2011-02-14T17:55:00.000-08:00

A friend and I are doing a dining by the alphabet challenge, there is so many interesting restaurants in Jacksonville! We started with B then skipped to O, but I am going to do the blog in order as we are trying to continue on in order. A is for Aw Shucks

This time our group was pretty huge, eight people. Usually it is just Raven and I, which is nice, its chill and relaxing, we get one on one talking time, and we really get to explore and enjoy the food we are trying! But eight was also fun, almost everyone was new to the oyster experience.

Oysters Rockefeller: We all tried these oysters, on the half shell, with garlic, parmesan, parsley, and spinach. Yum! I had never had oysters

I ended up ordering a fried oyster and shrimp combo, pretty good, a little expensive, fun to try oysters. We also split crab stuffed mushrooms, and they were amazing, my favorite fungi!

Raven got a deliciously seasoned and flavorful spinach and feta topped flounder. It did not say mushrooms on the menu but came topped with them, not cool! Not everyone likes shrooms! She still enjoyed it!

My friend Candace decided to join us, she is an adventurer too! She got a fish slider, no complaints on her end.

After we had sat and chatted and stuffed ourselves silly with seafood we went and played arcade games. Yes, this restaurant had an arcade that gave away tickets for chintzy prizes. I sucked at all the games, and only got like eighty tickets, enough for two pieces of gum and two airheads! All in all I think I would give the night a 6 out of 10 stars. There was a few complainants, the food was pricey (not necessarily worth the price), the service was lacking a bit, but I decided that I would love to give them another try. The menu was full of lots of choices and I think I would love to try their gyro.

AND so onward and upward to new culinary delights and adventures. We only have three rules for dining by the alphabet
#1: Restaurants need not be visited in ABC order. (like if we find a wicked awesome coupon for Q but we are only on F it is ok to skip ahead, you cannot pass up a good coupon)
#2: Friends are welcomed both Raven and I both need to be present for it to count on our list.
#3: The goal is to find places new to each of us; however, if it is just new to one of us that will count. (So far three out of three have been brand new to both of us).

You should trying something like this challenge in your own city, you might just discover a new cafe or sandwich shop and broaden your horizons!

A blog favorite

2011-02-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

Need a laugh once a week? This blog is updated on Wednesdays and I have never been disappointed.
http://butyourelikereallypretty.tumblr.com/

"Every Wednesday I meet a new celebrity. So if you are in the mood for a Hump Day Treat you know where to find it."

By: Ryan Casey

Dresses for Bachlorette Party

2011-01-30T20:55:00.001-08:00

Dresses for Bachlorette Party by createathought featuring corset dresses

Some ideas of the look I am going for in October for the hot goth bachlorette party.

Summer

2011-01-29T16:48:00.000-08:00

I cannot wait for all that summer has to hold. The beach, a new city, new friends, festivals, bonfires....

January Feature

2011-01-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

Etsy Bloggers Team January Feature is
TheArtofJoy
Printable and Customizable Paper and Party Items

Stationary!

2011-01-22T18:37:00.000-08:00

I was inspired today by some of my friends back in Michigan who have been writing me letters. My one friend Stephanie said something to the effect that texts, emails, and facebook don't quite compare to getting a good ol' fashioned letter in the mail. I agree! So I went on etsy and found some stationary that I thought was pretty cool. I tried to find paper that you can write whole letters on and not just cards that can only hold a few sentences. I found some pretty awesome stuff! ENJOY

Inspiration

2011-01-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

While looking through my Elle Decor I found this print. It is From a collection called watercolors by Walton Ford.

If you look his collection up you will see the lion a lot. A lot of his art just seems so powerful and raw, natural for sure. Just thought I would share!

Ten Purchases of 2010

2011-01-08T19:22:00.000-08:00

I think I bought some pretty cool things on etsy in 2010. So I am sharing it here with you, maybe you will find something amazing to buy in 2011!
ENJOY!
Support Love bumper sticker, I proudly have on my car.
Chap stick Five pack, totally addictive stuff!
Absinthe lip gloss, the drink is yuck, the chap stick is good!
F-Love resin Necklace, lots of fun comments on this one!
My yellow messager bag, aka, MY travel bag, never fly without it!
Mr. Moustache, such a fun shirt! I bought it for a themed art walk!
Sent this to my bestie Tyler for his birthday!
More lip balm, flavored and tinted!
Awesome headband for my birthday celebrations!
Red heads rock pinback, because DUH we do rock!

A blog year in review!

2011-01-02T16:57:00.000-08:00

Just thought it would be fun to do a quick snippet of posts from 2010. I cannot believe 2010 is over so quickly.

JAN: I actually mentioned moving to JAX, months before I made the final decision!Feb: Feeling mopey in the month of love. I still like this print!
Mar: in love with writing, and making journals for the etsy shop!May: Post about wanting things, it is part of being human!

June: I saw this awesome move- a Must see!JULY: Just wanted to say I love my followers!
Aug: Posting about an awesome seller!

Sept: Decided to move to the first coast, jacksonvill Florida. It was the hardest decision I have made in the 24 years of my life, and I am thinking it will continue to prove to be a good one!
Oct: Just got to Jax, having fun exploring, trying new restaurants and
NOV: one of my besties birthdays back in MI, I sent him this t-shirt from etsy.
Dec: and apparently I wasn't much of a blogger, my bad!

Holiday List

2010-12-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

I "borrowed" this from my friend Kate's Blog.

1. Holiday spirit is hard to come by this year, no snow, warm temps. I am really going to have to start psyching myself up!

2. The holidays are incomplete without Polish Sausage and Sauerkraut, Coffee Cake, Cookies, Puppy Chow, Homemade ornaments and stockings.

3. My favorite things to do around the holidays is going to holiday things, window displays, events, whatever!

4. A holiday tradition my family and I have is Coffee Cake from a special bakery in Bay City, Church, Presents, Amazing Dinner.

5. Holiday music is AWESOME! I have it on Pandora radio, set in my car, and a sweet Bing Crosby thrift cd!

6. This year, I'll be spending the holidays Hopefully with my parents. I think they are driving down so it will be bro,mom,dad,me. And I would honestly not want anything else.

7. Holiday wish list A mixing bowl for my house, a membership to Sam's Club, a webcam so I can skype!

Pillows for everyone

2010-11-28T18:26:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across this cool pillow store the other day on etsy. I really like that each pillow is a different letter that spells out a word. Here are some of my favorite pillow sets from this seller shopdirtsa.I do lllooooove naps! I mean who doesn't love naps?!

I think this would be so funny to see on someones couch!
A kind of pillow mantra!
BED, duh!

These would make excellent Christmas presents for practically anyone you know. New home owners, newlyweds, someone redecorating, someone who appreciates whimsical home decor. You can even create a custom word set from this seller. You could do words like home, love, peace, or your name, first or last, if it is relatively short.

Another reason to ETSY

2010-11-21T14:37:00.000-08:00

I am separated from my family and friends by 1100 miles. So a week ago when it was my best friends birthday I was at a loss to send him a gift. Then I remembered that etsy sellers will send gifts to other addresses if you ask them too. Saves me from have to ship the items myself. Plus this seller even sent him a card with the item. This is what I got him!

Thrift stores revisted

2010-10-25T20:13:00.000-07:00

I think my view of thrifting has always been a little skewed. Mostly because the clothing places I visited seemed dirty, junky, and unorganized. It seemed like the clothes were in really bad shape, so I stopped going to resale or thrift shops. I really only shopped for furniture and knick knacks and books, sheet music, etc.

Well I decided that maybe, just maybe, my large new city would have a little higher quality clothing places. I was right. We went to about four places, there was a goodwill by the pound, that was a little lower quality, but I did get a skirt, a random polka dot shirt and a leather jacket. I am kinda a germaphobe, so I am doing laundry tomorrow.

I got a lot of great items. Even some non-clothing items, a yoga vhs, and...... a BING CROSBY Christmas cd, FOR THE WIN.

It was a good day, I found an amazing thrift store, the last one we went to, that had an amazing selection and the quality and cleanliness is amazing.

Is there an activity you gave up on that maybe you should give another chance?

I dream in Books

2010-10-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

I love finding pics on the web of libraries in houses, that I absolutely want.

Pictures compliments of (http://ache.tumblr.com/ http://anxioussparrow.tumblr.com/)

Fun Facts about my new home

2010-10-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would update with a few fun facts since I have been doing a lot of research.

Forbes ranked Jacksonville in the “Top 10 Best U.S. Cities to Find a Job.”
National Geographic Adventure magazine ranked Jacksonville as one of the “Top Six Beach Towns” in the United States!
AmericanStyle magazine ranked Jacksonville as one of its “Top 25 Arts Destinations.”!
Jacksonville, the largest city in area in the continental United States, is a rapidly growing metropolitan city in Northeast Florida, with approximately 850,000 residents.

Tonight I officially ate at a new place in Jax, I am looking forward to all the new culinary experiences. Tonight was Moe's which is similar to a Qdoba or a Chipotle. The cool thing is you get free chips and salsa, unlimited!

Lucky

2010-09-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been saying this quote "If you are lucky enough to live at the beach, you are lucky enough!"
Well in a little over one week I am moving my life, body, every possession, and pup to Jacksonville Florida! Just time for a change, time to live at the beach, time to grow up, time to really live.
Moving from Michigan to FL approx 1100 miles away from (almost) everyone I know and love.... SCARY!
Below are some pics of the beaches in Jax, the last pic is my new townhouse!

Moving sale

2010-09-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

Just a quick plug, I have a bunch of awesome randomness listed on ebay to sell, super cheap!
CHECK IT

Art stuff, posters, glassware, picture frames, ETC.

Best etsy seller ever

2010-08-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while you run into a GREAT etsy seller. One that provides not only a great item at a great price, but someone who goes beyond their obligations to customer service. This seller went over and above what she could do to make it a perfect sale. This blog post is for her shop, and I am going to pimp her out for a while because the experience was so amazing.
So here is the story.
As you know from PREVIOUS POST I have been looking for some new lip balms/tints. I have looked through countless shops for ones that have gotten good feedback, offer multiple colors, and flavoring. Finally I have been purchasing them, starting with BodyLuminosity.I ended up purchasing a maraschino cherry (YUM) lips tint. The shipping was excellent!
I received it on a saturday, a night I was planning a big night out. I was so excited, it smelled amazing. I set it on my bed and was off to do whatever I was doing that day. I got home that night to get ready for the bar night and I looked all over the bed. IT WAS GONE. I looked in my purse, in my makeup drawer, and finally the floor. DUN DUN DUN
On the floor all I found was the clear plastic wheel that turns the balm up and down, it was CHEWED. My dog, my lovely dog, takes naps on my bed. She found the lip balm and completely destroyed it. My dad found it and did not even know what it was, she almost ate the entire thing. I did eventually find this out that she had ate it, I was so upset. I cried a little because I was already sad about something else, it was a last straw type of thing.
I emailed BodyLuminosity, letting her know I could not leave feedback, detailed, because my pup got to it before I even had a chance to try it out. She assured me that it was all edible stuff and the pup would be fine, THEN insisted on sending me another one. Well of course I insisted she do nothing of the sort, I was disappointed but it was my own fault and a result of my carelessness. She said she wanted me to have a new one and was sending one anyways. I was excited! She could not send me the exact one but did send me another one I was interested in.
I WAS FLOORED.
I cannot say that another seller would have gone over and above like that, especially since I paid and left feedback, she could have just let it be. NO she sent me a new one, she let me know that the dog would not be hurt, and she talked with me the whole time through the conversation option on etsy.
I got that second package, RIPPED it open, unwrapped it, teased the dog, put it on my lips, and put it in my purse!
Needless to say a cute boy liked it last night.

THANK YOU BODYLUMINOSITY for being an amazingly awesome super etsy seller!

2010-07-31T08:35:00.000-07:00

This is going to be me today. I am going to a friends house for an enchilada lunch. I made fresh pico de gallo. OMG it is so good, a bit spicy but will pair well with Lime chips!
Then we are going to paint and scrapbook and make frappuccinos!

Love

2010-07-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

A true artist

2010-07-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

In my opinion (just opinion) a true artist makes more than just art to sell. A true artist makes things/works of art for themselves as well. Why it would seem like a waste of talent if you were not able to enjoy the fruits of your labors! So I found these blank check book holders that I had bought a long time ago, probably with the intention of selling them at some point. Well gall-darnit I wanted to make something for myself, so I did. I used these fun art sticker and some plain cardstock. It is not super fancy but it way cooler than the plain brown one I had been using. You know what? It makes writing checks for bills just a little bit fun!

MAKE something ARTY for YOURSELF today!

June artist feature

2010-06-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

I know it is almost July, but I am excited to blog about the June etsyblogger featured blogger!
BeadedTail is a jewelry artist, and I am super into jewelry right now, so I was drooling over her cute pieces!
You know what makes this store even cooler in my opinion?

♥♥We make beaded jewelry for animal lovers with a portion of ALL sales proceeds benefiting animal awareness causes. See our profile for a list of charities we support.♥♥

I mean look at what I found in the profile!

The following are some of the organizations that THE STORE supports:

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals www.ascpa.org
Humane Society for the United States www.hsus.org
Dogs for the Deaf www.dogsforthedeaf.org
Alley Cat Allies http://alleycat.org
Chintimini Wildlife Rescue www.chintiminiwildlife.org

Total 2008 Donations $407 - Thank you to all our customers!
Total 2009 Donations $686.50! Thanks so much!

So check them out, buy some pretty things for yourself, and support a REALLY good cause!

Glasses Rock

2010-06-23T18:35:00.000-07:00

I know I have mentioned before I wear glasses, but I saw this on Cosmic and knew I had to email it, post it on facebook, and blog about it!
I used to be super self conscious about my glasses. I was made fun of pretty severely in grade school, and I never wore them in high school. In college and now in my adult life I DO NOT CARE. I love my glasses, I wear them everyday. I see so much better than with my contacts, so why should I sacrifice my vision, comfort, and sanity? I still wear my contacts to the bar, special events, first dates, etc. and I am still not 100% comfortable with guys seeing them (still self conscious about being cute in glasses). But I am working on that attitude above.

HOLLA IF YOU WEAR SEXY SPECS!

Hurray for Movies!

2010-06-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

Last night was the kick off of my cities Lawn Chair Film Festival. The movie was whip it, which I had never heard of but is an ASS KICKIN flick about roller derby. I totally want to be a roller derby girl now. Wish I was a better skater...

WHIP IT, the directorial debut of Drew Barrymore, stars Ellen Page (Juno) as Bliss, a rebellious Texas teen who throws in her small town beauty pageant crown for the rowdy world of roller derby. Marcia Gay Harden plays Bliss’ disapproving mother, while Kristen Wiig and Juliette Lewis play roller-derby stars. Filmed in Michigan.

Here are some pics, the trailer is at the bottom.

Also these are some other films playing this summer at the festival I am excited for, FANTASTIC MR. FOX & 500 DAYS OF SUMMER

Things I do not like

2010-06-16T04:57:00.000-07:00

It cannot be all fun and games all the time. I try and pretend it can be, but then sometimes things come in multiples of three OR MORE and they are things that are more or less not so fun.

1) Having mosquito bites on the tops of my feet. Seriously the mosquitoes had to pick the most annoying area to bite multiple times.

2) Pretty Little Liars not being posted online after it aired on ABC Family. I think I should be uploaded within three hours.

3) Missing above show to go to a poetry reading that was a) held at a tiny coffee shop b) so packed I had to sit outside c) it was cold outside.

4) My phone will not longer send texts to facebook. It will receive, it will upload photos. But I cannot text back :(

5) Facebook at home will not load correctly, photos are being left out on profiles and the wall/news feed.

I am obsessed with this song

2010-06-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

LIP LOVE

2010-06-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

I am on a quest, for an amazing lip balm. I would prefer handmade if possible so send me some suggestions. I have tried a handful on etsy with some good and bad results. These two below are great. Some I tried were like tinted, left yellow on my skin, tasted like soap.

HeathensHearth <3
BLSoaps, she has an amazing lip tint that is well AMAZING. Plus her flavors are wonderful, quite the selection!

Want

2010-05-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

Do we ever stop wanting things?
It to be friday so I can go see SATC2

Seeing love everywhere.
Someone who loves to cuddle like I do.
Label maker with that fun font!

Blast from the past

2010-05-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

Wow I totally forgot about the "boo boo bunny" until I saw May's feature for Etsy bloggers!HandmadebySandi is bringing them back!
Your little one will love our little Boo Boo Bunny. This adorable item is made of a quality wash cloth, with a little coordinated ribbon.
In the loop behind the ears, we have included a block cube that can be refrozen. Just keep the
block cube in the freezer until you need to use it. Then pop it in the bunny.
Keeps child's hands from getting cold and wet.

I remember using these when I had a boo boo, my mom was so cool!

There is a birthday sale going on in this shop, go get a boo boo bunny NOW!

Why is vintage coming back?

2010-05-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

Because it looks so DAMN good!
I stumbled upon this etsy seller last night and I was almost late for drinks because I just could not stop looking!

Fables by Barrie

AMAZING, several words come to mind, vintage sailor goodness, pin up, betty page, bathing suits, dresses.

I double dog dare you to look in this shop and not find one HOT thing you like. Plus a lot of the colors are patriotic, and July 4th is just around the corner!

Super cool cards!

2010-05-09T17:13:00.000-07:00

I found this seller in chat one day and was pretty impressed with these cards.
gramkinpaperstudio.etsy.com

There is also a super cool blog!
http://gramkinpaperstudio.blogspot.com
Seriously check this store, the courtesy cards are hilarious!

Gramkin Paper Studio is the place for Modern, Chic Personalized Stationery, Notecards,Invitations, Business Cards ,Gifts & More!
Pick one of our designs and add your own personalization.
We have a wide variety of stationery, from Notecards, and Labels
to Invitations for Wedding, Parties and other events to Birth Announcements.

FAVORITE sayings right now

2010-04-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

Love me or hate me
It won't make or break me
♥

I am a catch
an honest to God catch
but you are going to have to chase me to catch me
♥
Just another girl that wants to rule the world
Any time or place
And when she gets into your head
You know she’s there to stay
♥
I am not the same girl I was days ago. I am better, stronger, hungry for life and experiences. I will not do anything I do not want to do, I will not do anything that does not make me happy, or benefit me in any way. Know this, it is not about anyone else anymore. Just me. (I wrote this!)

♥
There is a point in life where you get tired of chasing people and trying to fix everything. But that is not giving up, it is just realizing you do not need certain people and their crap.
♥
I can
and I will
WATCH ME

IN 2010

2010-03-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

You should write more, on paper not just on the internet. Just a thought since I love journals.

@ shop!

Blackqua!!!

2010-03-16T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hey blog lovers I am back from vacation and so sorry to leave you hanging! So as an I am sorry I am going to post some black and aqua items from etsy, which in my OPINION rock!UM quite possibly the cutest wallet ever!
And this necklace is gorgeous, I wanna wear it when I go out.
Cute wallet and pattern.
Ferocious lion t-shirt, rawr!
And since headbands are making a comeback, a headband!

PS: all you need to do is click on the pic and you will be taken to the item/shop!

Love postcards

2010-02-28T14:09:00.001-08:00

So years ago when I had love, and believed in love, I collected vintage postcards with the theme.... LOVE!

Now they are tacked to my wall right above my bed and are a constant sad reminder of all I have lost. And it is a continual pain I feel looking at them.

I love these postcards but I cannot bear to look at them constantly. Yet I do not want to just sell them as is. I want to make something out of them. So I am thinking of laminating them and using my binding machine to make them into small journals and then posting them in the etsy shopalop!

What do you think? That is the idea that has been stuck in my head for a couple days. They are in great shape, just still tacked to me wall. I need to buy laminating sheets or learn how to use the machine at work, then just cut some cardstock down to size!

So you have any other good ideas that would work for these beauties? I have about twenty or more.

Lovely house and apartments

2010-02-23T19:56:00.000-08:00

I love looking at interior design sites and books, in hopes someday I will have a pretty place of my own. Here are a few of my favorites!
All photos from http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/Can you say a wall of books? AMAZING

Pretty blue shutter doors would be a bright spot in every day!
Gorgeous attic room, simple, vintage painted walls.
More rooms centered around amazing bookcases.
Shutters and doors that lead ocean side.
Yellow couches!
I want this bar.
Old used brushes is a great piece.
Cool mod corner shelf.

Pretty Lil Dresses

2010-02-19T09:28:00.000-08:00

I swear Etsy has some HOTT dresses! Might have found this in a treasury, but it is amazing. I am going to lose weight and move to a town that has a hot club atmosphere and the buy this dress. Normally pink is not my color but look at this thing!
Decadent Designs is the creator of this amazing piece, the whole shop is pretty rockin in my opinion. "specializes in custom made cocktail dresses, evening wear, corsets, bustiers, pencil skirts and PVC club wear." I am not sure what PVC Club wear is, anyone wanna tell me?

Valentines Carnival

2010-02-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

February 14th is Valentine's Day. What is your best childhood memory of Valentine's Day?

Honestly the school parties, they were always a blast! Dressing in pinks and reds. Sweets and treats. Making lil bags/boxes to hold valentines from classmates. The super cool cards and candies everyone gave!

This is my first single Valentines in six years. I honestly can say I want this holiday to be over with, just this year.... As I am a hopeless/hopeful romantic I am hoping to have some love by 2011.

Etsy Proposal???

2010-02-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

If I ever find a man, who not only knows about etsy, but buy things there, I will marry him. Especially if he proposes using these magnets that I found on etsy Via treasury.
These are so cool, from sideproject on etsy! You can even add a name in there so it could be Beth (HEHEH) will you marry me? And if a man did this, a man I loved, I would say yes. Too bad I wouldn't have time to make some YES magnets. Or something equally as cool and arty. If you have seen my shop then you know I am all about fridge fabulous-ness.

This is perfect

2010-02-04T15:09:00.000-08:00

To describe how I have been feeling since October. She even has red hair like me!

SOURCE

Why keep a journal?

2010-01-30T09:28:00.000-08:00

"Taking a few minutes to write in a journal is an excellent way to get in touch with yourself. Before the hustle and bustle of the day begins, you can sit with a cup of coffee or tea and slow things down. Journaling can help you off-load so that you’re ready for the day. Journaling is a great way to focus on yourself. ...It’s a good self-awareness tool that can help you focus on areas that need work."
---------------------
Journaling is a way to store all those memories, the little and the big. Capture the moments. Much like a movie, set the scene, describe the players, direct the events, fill in with the proper amount of emotions...you are the writer, director... and dreamer. A journal does not have to stick to the facts, just the facts, it can and should veer off the beaten track. Make connections, pull in memories, make the mundane sing. © 2010 Associated Content, Inc.

So, what can a journal do for me?

a journal can...

* be a place to store all those random memories, those ones you think you'll never forget...but just might. Having a storage area of people you've met, places you've been, brief experiences you've had are priceless. No one else has the same collection. No one.

* the mix of these random thoughts, can provide connections that can be the catalyst for a song, a painting, a story, a script, a poem.....

* relieve stress. writing things out, puts a perspective on the events, helps distance yourself from the source of the frustration or pain and allows you to be subjective for a moment....or just vent!

*provide invaluable practice. it's true, practice does make perfect. The very act of journaling, makes you a more imaginative, confident, skilled writer. © 2010 Associated Content, Inc.
--------------
The benefits of journaling have been scientifically proven to:

• Improve physical health and mental well-being
• Diminish symptoms of depression, anxiety, panic, substance abuse, PTSD, asthma, arthritis, and many other health conditions and disorders
• Improve cognitive functioning
• Make therapy more effective
• Strengthen the immune system, preventing a host of illnesses
• Counteract many of the negative effects of stress
• Finally, journaling is for everyone. It just “feels good” to write Copyright © 2007-2009 My Therapy Journal.com

HERE are some other great links to check out!
http://www.ehow.com/how_2336810_write-a-journal.html
http://www.shewrites.com/profiles/blogs/why-journal

I really do not want to run, tell me to stay, tell me you need me like I need you, tell me to stay, tell me please just tell me

2010-01-28T21:42:00.000-08:00

This could be the new home of CREATEaTHOUGHT. From Michigan to Florida. Life changing. I no longer want to live in a place where it is so cold it hurts to be alive.

Independence

2010-01-19T19:21:00.000-08:00

WOOOO

I am SO proud of myself. I have had an ipod shuffle for years and never worked on it myself, I always had "someone" put music on it. I just did not know/want to learn how. Now I DID IT ON MY OWN! So proud, so happy about this tiny accomplishment. Seriously it is an amazing feeling for this tiny bit of independence. Not feeling so lost. Not feeling like oh, "someone" did that for me, BUT I can do it for myself now!

I still want to share my small accomplishment with "someone".

January Feature

2010-01-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

January Etsy Blogger Feature is NicoDesigns.
At Nico Designs you will find handbags, accessories, and an assortment of gifts. Items currently listed are ready to ship.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

My new Years plans in the form of pictures, mostly from cosmic, for etsybloggers team carnival!I have a lot of hopes and dreams for this new year. Mostly I just hope I do not lose anymore people I love. Family members, friends, and loves.

I am going to do what is right for me.
I am going to give things my all.
I will continue to make art no matter what!
I will try and forgive and forget people that have really hurt me.

Tea Party

2009-12-21T09:43:00.000-08:00

Tea is awesome, I would know I review for the Tea Review Blog!
So here are a few of my favorite tea items from Etsy!
The first is a cute pouch from kukubee
This a cute tea cup ring from GardenGwyn
This is some yummy loose leaf from TeaForAllReasons, they make awesome tea, see some reviews on the blog link I posted above :)
I literally LOVE this, this is a vintage looking tea room sign from thebackporchshoppe I love this shops work!
Last but not least this awesome funky tea monster magnet from Vozamer! This shop is kooky awesome!

So check out these tea items, and find some of your own!

December feature

2009-12-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

The etsybloggers december feature is Calkat/Yoga Fairies.
I LOVE THE YOGA FAIRIES. Well why not yoga is darn awesome!CHILD'S POSE

COBRA POSE
DOWNWARD FACING DOG!
For more about who & what visit...
www.calkatthejewelryjunkie.blogspot.com
and www.ametistadea.blogspot.com

Follow on Twitter... http://twitter.com/AmetistaEtsy

CREATE's PLAYLIST

2009-12-05T14:44:00.000-08:00

Currently these songs ROCK MY WORLD

DANCE
Meet me half way- Black Eyed Peas
Sexy Chick- David Guetta and Akon
Shots-Lil John and LMFAO

SAD
Rain- Creed
If you only knew- Shinedown
The absence of your company- Kim Richey

JUST GOOD STUFF
Vultures- John Mayer
Good People- Jack Johnson

Yellow is so magical

2009-11-21T13:35:00.000-08:00

Yellow is my favorite color.... right now and I am seriously obsessed with finding a yellow handband (maybe more than one) to buy on etsy. Here is what I have found...

I honestly want them all. I seriously cannot decide but they are all awesome!

Will it?

2009-11-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

I am having a real rough life right now. It is hard to think the above is true. Even a little bit.

IKEA

2009-11-08T13:34:00.001-08:00

Just a few of my IKEA purchases from yesterday, I love that place. I am super excited about my new bookcase!Shower Squeegee only 99cents!Coolio ice cube tray, I got the heart one! Gonna be super cute for parties!
I love these kiddie bowls. I have the silverware too. Super cute for snacks!
Tiny Tea Infuser. Two bucks!
Lamp for my room. Four bucks.
This is a duvet cover, I bought a white duvet as well. I will be using it to have as a couch throw to match my pillow covers I got last time, BELOW.

End table to match my coffee table and the bookcase.
Ginormous bookcase, will hold my books and arty treasures.

November Blogger

2009-11-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

November etsyblogger spotlight is..... thefabmissb
The Fab Miss B is a one woman extravaganza dedicated to finding unique handmade and vintage things for you and your home. Come in and Find one of a kind.

Glasses are hot

2009-11-03T20:17:00.001-08:00

I never used to think so, having thicker ones and being made fun of, now that I am an adult I love them and wear mine proudly. GLASSES ARE HOT! No question:

ME!

So yeah glasses are not nerdy, but HOT.

Sunday Loves

2009-11-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

Here are some thing I am loving RIGHT NOW!Elsie Flannigan's blog. She is simply an amazing artist who inspires me greatly. I love her blog and her shop and her over-all. The picture above shows how beautiful she is (I am so jealous of that dress) and her blog shows her beautiful personality.I love little wood signs, I have about half a dozed saved up for my new place, but no doggie ones yet! This is from thehomespunraven @ etsy who is also a Michigander like me!
I really do not know how this is even still available. It is wonderful, and I want it! It is art by vanillagirl13 and it is pewter bamboo wall art. Very simple but so beautiful!

There is no surprise why I like this shirt, being a crafter and all. Plus this artist is great I have some totes from their store and I love rainbowswirlz designs!
Elsie (see above beautiful person) posted this place on her blog, and now I am addicted. I am not sure what it even is but right now it is beautiful pictures and art that is posted every day. I think it is like a photo blog. It is amazing.

HAPPY

2009-10-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN

Oh October

2009-10-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

They etsy blogger team carnival for October!
Halloween - What are you doing to celebrate this year? (Either in your Etsy Shop,with your family and friends, or even home decor)
WELL- Bought a costume called Honey ale. My best friend and I are going to see two hot local bands Fri and Sat of Halloween weekend!It is cute! It is very hard to find a costume that fits right when you have a little extra something something and all the costumes are designed for skinny minnies!

Sunday top eight

2009-10-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Elsie Flannigan's Sunday ten loves, I am doing my own verson, only mine is eight because I cannot find ten things I love about today since I just woke up two hours ago!
1) An awesome bling bling necklace from Stoopidgirl on etsy. She makes awesome stuff and this is something that is in my favorites for sure! I mean come on who doesn't like bling? And this bling is huge!
2) This is completely me! I love pandas and my bf says I am a panda, and I have red hair! Steppie is awesome and makes lots of panda goodness on etsy. This is in my favorites!
3) A painting that I finished on thursday, it took forever but I cannot get good pics because my dog loves to snoop, and the lighting is never right. But this is super cute with her in it!
4) Two of my friends just recently started a band Seventh Vail, it is pretty awesome. I loved seeing them play and hope they get booked at more places soon! They are some cute boys!
5) Facebook, it runs my life!
6) My friends coffee mug. It is huge, from NYC! I love it and I get to use it on Sundays to actually drink a lot of coffee!
7) Penny my dog, and my love, she is messy. She has a basket for her toys and everyday she proceeds to pull them all out and strew them all over the living room. So cute!
8) Coffee Mate Tiramisu creamer, delish!

Want is a naughty thing

2009-09-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

The face behind the art

2009-09-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

September Blog Carnival for Etsy Bloggers team!
Activities: Painting, writing, reading, sleeping, arting, collecting things
Interests: Tattoos and getting them, fabric and paper, home decorating, writing a novel, Staying up as late as possible to see if I function with little to no sleep, kitschy things
Favorite Music: Hellogoodbye, Maroon 5, Matt Nathanson, The Killers, Snow Patrol, Colbie Calliat, Queen,Ac / dc, staind, Disturbed, Three Days Grace, Breaking Benjamin, Greg Laswell, Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, Jack Johnson, Kate Nash, Lily Allen
Favorite Books: Wicked, Shadow of the Wind, Memoirs Of A Geisha, The Bear went over the Mountain, The Time Traveler's Wife, The Secret Life Of Bees, Bitter Is The New Black, Dead until dark(the whole series), Walking in circles before lying down, The Chronicles Of Narnia

About Me: I wish had qualities like
Sympathy
Fidelity
Sobriety
Sincerity
Humility
Instead I got lunacy
I wish I could fit myself in my pocket
And tie myself to a rocket
And send myself to outer space
I wish I had a different face

September Blogger Spotlight

2009-09-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

designsbyvanessa.etsy.com

Upon first look you see the cutest jewelry. Birds and gems and very vintage. There are also super cute cards! Colorful store indeed!
Blog ♥ http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com

That above is actually my favorite piece from the store! So pretty and simple, but eye catching.

Check out the store!

Soap Winner

2009-09-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry I am super late, had an injury, then vacation, then school. I have been harried. BUT
THE
WINNER
IS
theriveriseverywhere

Congrats you get a soap!

JULY giveaway

2009-07-01T20:04:00.001-07:00

HeathensHearth on etsy has made a soap in my(stores) image! So you want one don't you, of course it is HOT.

SO I am giving one away this month!

Way to get an entry/or entries

*Visit shop and leave a comment on this blog with your favorite item!
*Blog about this giveaway
*Twitter this giveaway!
MAKE sure to leave a comment with what you did and links!

At the end of July I will pick a name and you will get a free bar of this awesome soap, and some goodies from me as well!

Recent Purchases and Cool Etsy People

2009-06-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

This is the coolest, you can get a pet sampler box from PetsJubilee. Inside is tons of stuff from doggie and kittie treats, toys, pet tags, stickers, lots of pet related items. I love spoiling my Penny with this!
Is this not the coolest art? Available in print or original form from Vireo, it is titled vanity. I love the green and pink combination and purchased this print for my bathroom, I think it will look great!
Moonstruckmagic is a super cool seller of soaps and bath goodies. She sells super fun soaps like the moon above, my best friend is totally into celestial and will love this for her upcoming birthday!
This is a super cool necklace called BAM CARTOON BUBBLE NECKLACE. I am always on the lookout for new funky necklaces that will be attention grabbers. Theriveriseverywhere sells lots of great necklaces. I cannot wait to see what she has new in her store!

June Blogger Feature

2009-06-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

Since I was may feature I know how fun it is to get reviewed on others blogs. So here is my June feature on LazyTcrochet.etsy.com There are some really cute colors and amazing prices! She really puts effort and love into her creations.

I'm Tricia or LazyT.
I love working with yarn, especially hand-spun wool and cotton when I can and bringing affordable, handmade items to the marketplace. I create modern and original designs as well as traditional, old-world styles in knit and crochet. I particularly enjoy custom orders. Please take a moment and visit my Sold Items section and see some past favorites!

Visit my blog at http://lazytcrochet.blogspot.com/

I am a soap

2009-05-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

One of my great friends on etsy Misty/Amy HeathensHearth makes superb soaps and bath items. They currently have an etsy artist inspired soap line and guess who is a soap?????!!!!!!
ME aka CREATEaTHOUGHT (my shop)
It is inspired by one of my favorite rings!This is the soap description!
Inspired by her "Imagine the stars ring", this natural glycerin soap with natural goat's milk stars, scented in Scottish Heather, is a darn near perfect representation of the fun and sassy CREATEaTHOUGHT!

As she says, "Life is too short to have boring things in your life" so make sure you grab one of these fun soaps!

This listing is for one (1) 5 ounce bar.

Check out CREATEaTHOUGHT at http://www.createathought.etsy.com!

Ingredients (Goat's Milk): Ingredients: Sodium Cocoate (Coconut Oil), Sodium Palmate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Water, Goat Milk, Sorbitol, Sorbitan Oleate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Titanium Dioxide, Fragrance Oil.

Ingredients (Glycerin): Sodium Cocoate, Sodium Palmate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Water, Sorbitol, Sorbitan Oleate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Fragrance Oil, Color.

NUMMY! I think there is going to be some soap giveaways in the future!

Summer

2009-05-18T20:53:00.000-07:00

Only the best BEST best season of the entire year!
And the best thing about summer, is that there is time to create new art for my shop.
I am soon to upload new mini journals, rings, and cards. Hopefully going to be able to paint some things too, but not sure any of them will be for sale.
Besides creating I hope to be moving into my own house shortly that has a lot of room, and an upstairs bedroom. I will have an upstairs art room! So cool and so much freedom and room to create all the messes I can handle!

I miss you quite terribly

2009-04-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

Wow I cannot believe it took me so long to finish a painting I started in November. Here is the blog post about it, http://createathoughtetsy.blogspot.com/2008/11/painting-in-progress.html
and here are pictures of the finished piece!Please tell me what you think!

April Etsyblogger Feature

2009-04-13T18:19:00.000-07:00

TwoZanyZebras is April's featured EtsyBlogger! She creates a lot of colorful and neat items for your children! I particularly love this panda onsie. A lot of her designs are unique and quirky!
For a peek into her zany world check out her blog at: http://www.twozanyzebras.blogspot.com

Green is super COOL

2009-04-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

What is green in your shop? Etsybloggers Carnival for this month!
April 22nd is earth day, so why not get somethings on etsy that are green or eco friendly?!!!

This is a friend journal, green and made from upcycled thick chipboard!
Two green rings made from Vintage buttons! Very unique and one of a kind!
Upcycled file folder journal, very eco friendly, reuses nice office file folders, and vintage ribbon and lots of green embellishments!
And a lovely magnetic frame to spice up your fridge. The beads are actually from a designer bracelet that my boyfriend broke (I got it in NYC no less) and I couldn't let the beautiful beads go to waste!I have a lot of things in my store that used to be one thing and now are another, I make a lot of journals with thick study chipboard that comes in packaging, I use vintage buttons and beads that have been donated to me by people. I try to be as green as possible, and you can support that!

Coolest necklace

2009-03-29T19:40:00.000-07:00

I wore this necklace on my birthday last week. I got a lot of compliments and comments. I am awesome so it was appropriate. Check out iamsnizzle

Spring has sprung

2009-03-18T21:31:00.000-07:00

Can you feel it? In the air in the air? Yes that is right March 21st (my birthday conceitedly) is the first day of spring! I have already tasted the wet earthiness that accompanies the winter thaw. I have smelled the fresh wet earth and heard the birds chirp.
I also have some rings in my store that are springalicious! Plus I am having free shipping for spring! What are some of the best things about spring?

My birthday DUH
Warm weather
No more socks, winter coats, gloves etc....
Wearing cute clothes
Light at night

What are some of your favorite things about spring?

If you love lip balm

2009-03-04T10:57:00.000-08:00

I just had to review this. It is amazing. I love lip balm, and lip balm with color is AWESOME!
This is Kiss Me Mint Tint - Sheer Lip Balm Tint by Body Language Soaps. It moisturizes, tingles, and has a nice tint color!

Come Kiss Me Baby!!!

The same conditioning from our traditional lip balms, now with a sheer natural looking color that enhances the natural beauty and color of your lips.

Red Tint with Cool Undertones

I bought the five pack sampler and I am so glad I did. I love this tint and I am sure you would to! Try it out if you love having a just kissed look!

EtsyBlogger Feature February

2009-02-25T08:44:00.001-08:00

For the month of Feb us etsybloggers are featuring DonnaPool!

Think of my shop as a place where you can find something traditional...with a twist! All my soft toys and Christmas ornaments are very child-safe and every stitch is made by hand (I don't use a sewing machine).

I used to love looking through old Life and Look magazines my parents and grandparents had saved and I've collected old photography magazines for years. I make my vintage buttons out of recycled images from those because they're like preserving tiny bits of history...a fascinating little peek into the past.

Check out this shop and look at the goodies below!
Aren't these buttons super cool? I think so!

Awesome etsy items

2009-02-18T15:19:00.001-08:00

These items make me very inspired, and yes a little jealous. Because I wish that I had thought of them first, but I digress because these items are sooooooo cool!

Funky Junq is cool upcycled stuff created with recycled/repurposed aluminum cans and other stuff.

Help save the planet with this fun eco friendly NECKLACE.

INCLUDES 24" BALL CHAIN

Aluminum is washed and backed with foam so no worries of sharp edges.

Check out FunkyRecycling and find something you love to wear! Just don't buy that one, I want it!

Valentines

2009-02-13T08:45:00.000-08:00

I am a hopeless romantic. So I have high expectations for Valentines Day. Granted my expectations never are met, it is still nice to think about it....
Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day is an occasion celebrated on February 14 by many people throughout the world. In the West, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presentin g flowers, or offering confectionery. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

I think that Valentines has become somewhat commercialized. In my opinion I want your time not your gifts.

What I love about etsy/handmade part two

2009-01-19T09:53:00.000-08:00

HOME DECOR! You really can get some neat things on etsy that are cute for the home. I am stocking up, I need stuff when I have my own place for decor, and craft room inspiration!

I got this Candle/votive holder in teal saying create! My motto from Babbittdesigns

Ice cold beer magnet and bear sign for James from Signs Coffee and Wine wooden signs for me from CountryWorkshop
AND I want these save power decals for my new apartment from LanaKole

2009 store goals

2009-01-14T21:43:00.000-08:00

2009 brings year two of my etsy shop. I have some big goals for this year!
I want to be over 100 sales by my one year anniversary in February and I am three away from that goal.
I want to be more on making and listing and having better pictures.
I am also going to advertise for the first time on majaba.org, I got a really sweet ad from an etsy graphic designer and I hope to get a lot of sales!

Main Goals

Better pictures
More advertising
New art and ideas
Bring in sales

What I love about etsy/handmade part ONE

2009-01-01T10:45:00.000-08:00

SOAP
I am a handmade soap fiend. I was happy to get and give a lot of handmade soap this Holiday season!

Shower Gel by NemesisProductions for my DADDY
Clean Cotton Soap by HeathensHearth that is in my soap drawer
Blue Denim Soap for James by LilyPondSoaps
Coffee Soap from PaganCeller that is so awesome and exfoliating and smells great!
If you like Pina Coladas, then you should try this from SudsNSuch

AND my favorite non etsy soap store is actually a brick and mortar and online. I got James three bars, myself two bars, three handmade chapsticks (which are amazing) and two stress relief lotions, and there is free shipping on orders over 35.00 NOT BAD AT ALL
thanks SunRise Soap Company in Missouri!
http://www.sunrisesoap.com/

Have you?

2008-12-31T06:33:00.000-08:00

Bold the ones you have done.
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris (Paris Las Vegas LOL)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Been to the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen pyramids of an ancient civilization
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Visited the Caribbean
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Been to a World Series game
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten sushi
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (published a poem)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

My best seller

2008-12-30T16:04:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend James said something to me once, "find what your niche is and that will lead to your riches"
He said this in regard to my etsy shop and my products.
Well little did I know that a fart would be my niche. This button ABOVE was my best seller this Christmas holiday. People loved it, and it really surprised me. Not only did I sell my stock I had to print the images and make a whole new batch.
While it didn't lead to my riches per say it did pad my paypal account and helped pay for James/family Christmas Presents from etsy. It also helped me get to (almost 100) sales.

So enjoy your fart buttons people! And ... you can always come back for more farts!

Fudgey Goodness

2008-12-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

I made this today and I was suspecting it wouldn't set up but it looks like it is going to turn out. HURRAY for fattening up for the holidays, I mean fattening myself up more than I already am... sigh

I LIKE SOAP

2008-12-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

Etsy soap is so my vice, Like really I am a collector and user of etsy soaps, and I got a ton of soaps for James for Christmas too.
SO SpottedCowSoaps on etsy is someone I think you should check out!
She has a lot more than soaps too, Loofahs, Bath fizzles, lotions, Massage oils, and scrubbies for shower fun!

All soaps are manufactured with Fragrance & Essential Oils that are phthalate free.
have been formulating and selling homemade natural soaps for over 8 years.
Spotted Cow Soaps also creates hand crochet bath accessories, gifty items and more. All lovingly created in rural Vermont home!

Christmas Traditions

2008-12-19T07:55:00.000-08:00

As I sit here at work during the biggest blizzard of the year I decided to blog my carnival for December.
Traditions, every family has them, some are better than others!
TRADITIONS

.	1. the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, esp. by word of mouth or by practice: a story that has come down to us by popular tradition.

2.	something that is handed down: the traditions of the Eskimos.

3.	a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting: The rebellious students wanted to break with tradition.

4.	a continuing pattern of culture beliefs or practices.

5.	a customary or characteristic method or manner: The winner took a victory lap in the usual track tradition.

Well we have a lot of traditions, see if you share any:

Mom and I bake cookies, puppychow, fudge, and many other things of the food nature. Usually I end up eatting a lot of sugar cookie dough and making a dough ball.
Put up the tree with all the ornaments we have collected over the years, and all our knick knacks, mom's barbie ornaments
Candy Canes everywhere, on the tree in hot chocolate, YUM
James and I Christmas Eve Anniversary (five years this year) trying to find a restaurant that is open later than 6pm!
Kurt and I always making small snow hills and sledding down them
Princess having to have a path shoveled in the yard for her because she was teeny tiny
Playing moms old Christmas records

Traditions, some last and some fade, some change and some stay the same forever.

Do you like goodies for Christmas?

2008-11-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

It is Christmas time again. MY MOST FAVORITE TIME OF THE YEAR. Over the past few months I have collected goodies from lots of ETSY sellers and have made a lot too! Well I want to give you a nice Christmas gift. This is a lot of gifts and samples and stocking stuffers that you can keep for yourself or give for extra Christmas gifts!

ALL you have to do is purchase something from my store between now and DEC 15th. On Dec 16th I will have a name drawn and the gift(s) will be sent out to be received in time for Christmas.

This includes a bunch of everything soaps, magnets, journals, cards, buttons, ATCs... etc
JUST A LOT

Soap for your teeth

2008-11-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

I am not one to buy the same thing twice on etsy. I will buy from the same people but I like to try different products. This all changed one night in chat.
Someone said I just ordered some Soap For Your Teeth, Soap For Your Teeth what is that I said? And thus began my research into this wonderful product.The maker is BeautifulSoaps on etsy. She has created a product that is pretty amazing. She offers sample sizes which I RECOMMEND because I was skeptical and now I am a believer. Samples are a way to try the product without committing to a large size.
So I got my sample size. Hmm I thought as a try it, it does have a different taste. The one thing I noticed right away was the feeling on my teeth. It feel shiny and smooth. It takes a lot longer for plaque to build up (or teeth fuzzes).
I HAD A FEW QUESTIONS FOR THE SOAP MAKER:

So what really made you start thinking hmmm I can make soap for teeth?
I probably would have never even have given it a thought if it hadn’t been for a custom special request. My first thought was ‘how weird’ but then as I researched it I realized the information I was finding really made sense. I have already been trying to get rid of using chemicals to clean with and wash my hair and body with so this seemed natural to me. I had already done some reading on the negative effects of fluoride so I didn’t have to be sold on that aspect.

What was your honest to goodness first reaction when you tried it?
Hmm, this isn’t that bad! I love minty fresh bursts of life when I brush my teeth and this didn’t give me that, but what it did give me was VERY clean teeth and a different kind of freshness. I wanted that mint taste so I popped a piece of Trident and my teeth were so clean and uncoated with glycerin that the gum was sticking to my teeth. I guess that’s when I really realized that not only did my teeth not only feel cleaner but they were cleaner.

It seems like all you have gotten is positive feedback, has there been any negative remarks regarding this product that has helped you make this into a better product, or is it the exact same recipe since day one?

Mostly I have gotten positive feedback, which I’m very thankful for. I’ve had some people tell me that they weren’t crazy about the taste at first, but gave it a little more time and ended up really liking it. I know that not everyone is going to like it. I think that’s okay. We’re not robots or clones right? Individuality makes the world go round. I’m not the first one to come up with this concept. There are other Etsy sellers, individuals and companies that have handmade tooth soap available. You can use any basic handmade soap to brush your teeth with and get the same effect. I have put a lot of thought, research and love into the ingredients. I know it isn’t going to taste like commercial toothpaste, but I wanted to give it some sort of flavor advantage too. I’ve pretty much used the same recipe since the beginning, but I have tweaked it a bit and I’ll probably continue to experiment.

Does it do anything extra that toothpaste just doesn't do? What doesn't it do that toothpaste does?

Well, it doesn’t give you that knock-me-out mint rush that I had come to know and love. But it also isn’t poisoning you with fluoride and preventing your teeth from naturally re-enameling themselves, the way nature intended. Sorry if I seem a bit cynical, but I think it’s wrong to strip out the natural good in products and replace them with cheaper alternatives that are harmful. It’s almost as if they just don’t care… but that’s another discussion.

Have you talked to a dentist about this product? If so what did they say?

I haven’t personally talked to a dentist about it yet. My husband and I have only been using this for a little over 4 months now. Well, since I first got the request to make an alternative for toothpaste. I am very anxious to hear what a dentist would have to say though. Very good question and I’ve got it at the top of my to-do list now. There’s a lot of information available about creating your own natural hygiene/cleaning products. My advice is research, research, research! You’ll find something you love and a lot of times it will work better and be more cost effective in the long run.
______________________________________________
The ingredients include:
Saponified Olive Oil
Peppermint EO
Spearmint EO
Cinnamon EO
Anise EO
Orange EO
Lemon EO
HERE IS SOME AWESOME FEEDBACK SHE HAS BEEN GETTING

This stuff is WONDERFUL! Normally by mid morning I feel like I need to re-brush and I haven't even eaten anything - but with this stuff, I don't feel slimy even by the evening!! It wonderful!
very nice! I'm a Soap For Your Teeth convert!
Love it! Love the size and it makes me feel good knowing I'm being better to my teeth. :)
I really like this!! Thanks for the safe alternative to toothpaste...will be getting more:)
I waited to review this one until I had a chance to try it a few times. The taste of this one is the best flavor of any Soap for teeth I have tried. Yum! A lip balm in this same flavor would be delish! Can't beat the convenient packaging, too. So far, it's also the only tooth soap that doesn't give me chapped lips. I think you have a winner here! :-)
I like the way that it makes my teeth feel nice and clean. It seems like it will last me quite awhile. The "soapy" taste takes a little getting used to, but it's not bad at all. I taste the freshness of the oils more than I taste the soap.
Glad I could try the sample, now I know I want to get a big one soon!

I am actually going to the dentist in two weeks and I cannot wait to hear what he has to say about my clean teeth and this product I found in the handmade world.
I am truly a Soap For Your Teeth convert I love it!

I really suggest you at least try a sample for yourself, after all life is about experiencing something new!

Week of Journals! Legacy

2008-11-16T17:23:00.001-08:00

My first new journals for the WEEK OF NEW JOURNALS
Legacy

Writing is a way to leave your legacy behind. It is a way to get out things onto paper that make you, well YOU!

This journal is funky and functional with front and back covers made of sturdy thick recycled chipboard.
The front cover is jagged for a rough original look.
The inside is filled with over 60 blank unlined pages made from recycled computer paper.
It is bound with silver wire.
The front is painted black and decoupaged with a huge funky flower and embellishment and the word legacy with moon embellishments.
This journal is one of a kind and could be the holder of your written legacy.
5 by 4.5 inches

Do ya like free stuff?

2008-11-14T15:13:00.000-08:00

I know I do
I like to give it too!

FREEBS WEEKEND

I have making stuff like crazy so I am passing it on to you
Free rings
journals
buttons
for free this weekend with any purchase
Just specify what you want for free in the notes to seller!
A GREAT WAY TO GET HOLIDAY GIFTS and a lil something for you!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
CREATEaTHOUGHT

Painting in Progress

2008-11-07T17:26:00.000-08:00

November EtsyBlogger Team Carnival is work in progress. Well my current work in progress is a large oil painting on thick stretched canvas that will be going up in my shop after it is done and dried and exactly how I am seeing it in my mind. Right now it looks very orange but in fact it is going to be very hazed with gray. It is actually going to be a bright/dark painting and a sad but hopeful theme. I have also written a nice poem to go with.
I am having trouble with a title, I am thinking the descent of depression..... time will tell!

Mama's Magic Studio ~ Where Handmade Magic Happens

2008-10-31T10:41:00.001-07:00

Octobers Etsy Blogger Feature is

Mama's Magic Studio ~ Where Handmade Magic Happens

I am a domestic goddess, an aspiring children's book author, a proud SAHM and maker of beautiful things, including Baby Friendly Beads (available at my other etsy shop: http://bfbeads.etsy.com)