Posts Tagged ‘summer’
Mixed prints, and double stripes.
I’ve never been too great at the whole pattern mixing thing. But, it is totally one of my most favorite trends. So, I was excited to take this opportunity to challenge myself.
I didn’t get too crazy. I would have like to try a bit more. As it turns out, I just don’t have a lot of patterns in my closet! I never realized jut how plain I really am. Also, trying to put patterns and prints together is totally a complex puzzle. And I LOVE it. Anyhow, this is what I came up with. It’s not as mixxxy as it could be, but I reallllly love this outfit!
striped tee: H&M
sheer top: something from TJ maxx
scarf: Forever 21
skirt: Target
flats: Urban
clutch: Krust.
Can’t wait to check out everyone else’s posts. I Love EBEW.
Week(s) in iPhone #14
Some photos from over the last two weeks, about.
I painted my nails a lot! Thank you, Pinterest for the constant inspiration! I worked on drawing up NEW bag designs (which I am SOOO excited for), with the help from my nephew. Keep an eye out! Seriously. Emily and I put some fun colors in our hair. I made new hang tags for bags heading out. I worked on an order for some Bridesmaids!!!! I ate leftover BDay ice cream (note: I need to go back to Hagen-Dazs for more). I put my feet in the sprinklers while babysitting. I watched on while my AMAZING brother replaced my squeaking brake pads, so I could drive safely to Lake Tahoe! Oh, and then I went to LAKE TAHOE!
I spent 2 quick days in beautiful Incline Village with Lisa and her family. I had my own bedroom and got to breath the fresh mountain air and sit by the lake for a nice quick, cheap vacation. Just what I needed right now. I wish I could have stayed longer. But, there’s always next time. I hope :)
I got back home late Tuesday night last week, and have been so busy since! Working on getting out bag orders! and lot’s of babysitting. I’m trying to make all the money I can right since I am moving in TWO WEEKS!!!! More on that later…. 
Oh hey, how about some links!
Have you seen this outfit post from Elsie! My heart was pounding so fast when I checked my reader and saw that <333
I really want this dress, but in another color… Thinking about recreating my own!
Totally want to do this zig-zag shorts DIY, minus the studs.
I very much NEED to replicate my sewing machine with Legos. I think my family will agree.
All In A Golden Afternoon.
I am getting ready to revamp the blog and the shop… I have new bags to list and I just want to revamp the blog a bit, I always do!
I will be moving in the next month or so… I have not started packing at all! While I am excited to move (back to San Mateo where my family is) I, of course am a little anxious for all the work it entails, and the possibility of having to out my shop on vacation for a few days until I get set up again. But, I am ready to get out of Sunnyvale. Ready to be closer to my Dad, Brother, Sister in Law, Niece, Nephews, Aunt, and my close friends. I am ready to move into a bigger space with my Sister, and to create a new work space and get a bit of a fresh start.
Today, I put together bag orders and ran a few much needed errands. Shopped for Fabric, and wedding gifts, and made a post office trip. I sent a doily clutch to Paris, France. It felt a little exciting. Maybe one of my clutches will encounter the Eiffel Tower?!?! My bags travel more than I do. Brave little bags, they are…
As I was out, I saw this lovely flowered archway and had to stop for photos! Even though my outfit is nothing to be photographed really. But, I do love it. This shorts have made the way in to my summer essentials. I got these at the Abercrombie outlet last summer for a camping trip. (I didn’t really much in the way of shorts last summer. This year it’s a whole new story. I live in shorts.) I didn’t end up wearing the darn shorts on the camping trip, because I wore one pair on the first day and realized how silly it was to switch shorts while camping. I wasn’t showering so why change shorts? Anyway, I remembered I had them and broke them out last week, and have worn them probably 5 out of 7 days so far. I fixate on things…
Little bread-and-butterflies kiss the tulips, and the sun is like a toy balloon. There are get up in the morning glories, in the golden afternoon. There are dizzy daffodils on the hillside, strings of violets are all in tune, Tiger lilies love the dandy lions, in the golden afternoon, the golden afternoon. There are dog and caterpillars and a copper centipede, where the lazy daisies love the very peaceful life they lead… You can learn a lot of things from the flowers, for especially in the month of June. There’s a wealth of happiness and romance, all in the golden afternoon. … All in the golden afternoon, the golden afternoon… You can learn a lot of things from the flowers, for especially in the month of June. There’s a wealth of happiness and romance, oh…the golden afternoon!
I’m on that different type of high.
July is my favorite. I LOVE celebrating the 4th, then my Birthday! And Strangers , the Car show I am selling my bags at for the first time is the weekend after. AND THEN… A trip to Lake Tahoe late in the month! It’s been too long. I am feeling great about this month. Yesterday, while driving “Blazin’” by Nicki Minaj and Kanye West came on my iPod and is now set as the theme song for the month. Because, I am Blazin’, plain and simple.
And although I am working through most of THIS weekend (and next), I am also kicking back a bit and even pampering. Because, a girl has got to be allowed pamper herself a bit in the days before her Birthday, right? So, I am. I got a pedicure yesterday afternoon just before meeting up with a customer about some bag orders and then rushing off to babysit for the evening. And even after babysitting, I came home and cut and prepared some fabric a bit so I can work today (and maybe take a little break to sit by the pool a bit). Since I know I will be taking most of tomorrow off, I really want to get some time in and get these bags ready for the vendor booth next Sunday!
The beginning of my week was mostly spent indoors sewing. It even RAINED here, which actually made for a perfect day of staying holed up inside to sew. But, the rain did go away! And, Summer weather is here. I got out of the house later in the week and was warm enough to rock a mini and a tank. Sometimes, you just gotta. Like when you are driving around running errands in a black car. So hot.
Tank: Old Navy.
Shirt: Dockers, Urban Renewal via Urban Outfitters.
Flats: Urban Outfitters.
Belt: H&M.
Clutch: Krust. Enter to win one, HERE.
My Birthday is coming up this week as well, on Thursday (7/7!) and I still have not really planned anything… I sort of fail at organization of these things. I really LOVE any excuse to get people together and celebrate something, but there is some sort of disconnect with me in ever really planning anything. I am thinking Sushi and sake bombs at this really cool Japanese restaurant. It’s super fun for Birthdays. OR something simple like Olive Garden, because it’s more universal and I’m sure everyone likes it. I wish I had more space, a maid or time to clean, I’d invite everyone over for champagne and microwaveable appetizers. Because, I do not cook. Sounds like a good Birthday. Maybe, next year. Although for 30, I might need to go big! But this year, I want low key. I want champagne, some good food, my friends and family, and to work and sleep so I can be ready to sell some bags! Maybe, I’ll party it up next week if I get the itch to make up for it.
If you haven’t yet, check out HollyDolly’s current GIVEAWAY!!!!
ALSO, you guys. I got my Birthday gift from my Brother and Sister in Law a week early! CHECK THIS OUT.
MY button on quite possibly my most favorite blog ever. http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/ Elsie is an absolute idol and hero of mine. I am inspired and even motivated by her and all the Red Velvet girls quite a lot. Seeing their success in doing what they truly love, makes me want to work harder every day.
What I <3 Wednesday.
Pinterest really is one of the most inspiring (and ironically, time consuming) websites ever. A lot of the time I find that inspiring sayings and words are some of my favorite pins. I Love a little daily motivation or re affirmation of some sort. Of just something that makes me smile and think, “yup!” So, today I thought I’d share a few of my very favorite photos of inspiring, motivational and just happy words and sayings. I really want to get some fun prints of some of these. TO be able to see them in my home everyday would be lovely.
images: Live what you love. Pressure. Little things. Goodbye, hello. All you need is tea. The best.
” The Pressure is good for you” is so true. I have always been the kind of person who works better under some sort of pressure, or excitement. I used to work in a busy retail store, and my favorite nights were the nights we stayed in the store until 4 am making sure everything was folded perfectly. I find that I tend to really work well under pressure for whatever reason…
I have always been a firm believer in really paying attention to the little things. One of my most prized fortune cookie fortunes that I keep on my dresser reads “The greatest things are made of little things”. It’s so true and really makes me smile. The little things are what really matters.
And, my love for tea had to make it’s way in. One day when I was a young teenager, experiencing new uncomfortable changes. I was having a really crummy moment, and had gotten all worked up about something. I remember my Father coming to my room and telling me he was going to make me some tea. He said something along the lines of that he always made my Mom tea when she was having a bad day, and that a cup of tea can fix just about anything. It always stuck with me. And, it is another strong belief of mine. When some days feel so dark and gloomy, I get my tea and relax, and smile and remember that. And the warm socks definitely help, especially when they are brand new!
Summer breeze.
Okay, seriously. I LOVE this tote. I carried for this time last week, and now I use it for everything. I have been using it a bit as my 2nd bag too… I’m a bit of a bag lady. Since I live about a 25 minute drive from where my friends and family live and my babysitting job, I like to bring extra “stuff” along for the ride. Some tennis shoes, a clean shirt, my laptop in case I can work, my big camera in case I see my niece and nephews. I am always kicking myself when I don’t have something. And I tend to get uncomfortable about it. It’s an issue I have. So, lately I’ve been carrying a 2nd bag for my extras. And this one has been super handy.
This day, however, was one of the days I carried it as my only purse. It was great. My sister and I took a trip to Target for groceries and other essentials. I felt almost like I was on vacation. I don’t wear shorts this short much as of lately anymore. I braved it after some tanning though. But, I felt like I belonged closer to the beach or maybe in TAHOE! (Soon enough). It was a nice summertime outfit.
Tank: Urban Outfitters
Shorts: Old Navy Men’s clearance jeans, cut off by me.
Tote: Krust.
I know I say it a lot, but I really just cannot believe how fast time is flying by.
I am anxious, however, for Monday morning to get here. I’m ready to start the week! I have a lot to work on here over the next couple days, and even on my babysitting days. Just have a lot to continue to prepare before the vendor event, while also keeping up on orders. I cannot wait for it to be all ready to go! So, I’m ready for Monday.
I did take some time this weekend to relax. I got to see the new Pirates of The Caribbean movie with my Dad. Took a quick trip to San Francisco with Emily for an eventful shopping trip. I Love any outing with Emily. We always seem to have fun doing the most mundane errands. I did a little organizing around my bedroom. I looked at a potential new home (CROSS YOUR FINGERS), that could be pretty great for my sister and I. And I celebrated a friends birthday with my pals complete with wine, Chicago style pizza, macaroons, cake and ice cream. Perfect ending to the weekend.
Now, I attempt sleep and wait for morning to get here!
Let’s admire the pattern forming.
The weather has been amazing here! I have been getting a lot of work done but still making sure I get out and enjoy the weather plenty. I spent a few hours Tuesday out by the pool with Lisa (don’t be too jelly, I may not have a pool after August, so I’m really taking advantage this Summer). This week is going by quick, on top of filling bag orders, sitting by the pool and taking extra babysitting hours, It feels like it’s just about over already. The days, weeks, and months are going by really fast right now. I’m not sure I like it. This is an exciting time in my life and I really want to soak it all in. I also want to accomplish a lot before the Summer is over and I’m starting to feel overwhelmed with the time flying by! I need to really buckle down to be sure I get it all done, and still try to enjoy myself in the meantime. Shouldn’t be too hard. But it is, after all, called WORK for a reason.
These pictures are from Monday afternoon actually. I made a quick trip to the post office. The usual. I had never really carried the Tan doily clutch, so I thought I’d rock it. I kept my outfit pretty neutral. I’m not very ballsy when it comes to fashion. I wish I was sometimes. But, at the end of the day, I do really love my browns, tans, greys, and blacks.
Tank: Forever 21
Denim cut offs: Old Navy Diva skinnies cut at the knee.
Boots: Urban Renewal
Doily Clutch: Krust.
check out the new additions and updates in My Shop. A couple new bags. You have to check out the Doily clutch in TEAL! It really is gorgeous!!!
Hope everyone is having a FANTASTIC week! Happy Thursday.
Week in iPhone #12
More like WEAK in iPhone or RANDOM photo post. I don’t have a lot to show as far as what’s on my iPhone.
It was a busy week. But, I did use the Canon to document some stuff.
I worked pretty hard all week. Finished my 16 bag order and delivered them all!!!! WEEEEEEEEE! More on that later.
But, after I delivered on Friday, I really enjoyed the weekend! I spent time with my niece and nephews. I spent time with my family and friends! I went to the county fair and watched The Godfather in it’s entirety for the first time.
To juice up this post, I thought I’d include a few photos I took at the fair with my real camera!
We had so much fun! As we always do. The county fair has become a tradition. We go with my Father EVERY year. This year was exceptionally fun. I feel like the fair was just set up really well this year, and felt almost cleaner than usual. I dunno, how to explain it. But, it was pretty great. We rode rides, took my nephew Hudson on a ride. We ate delicious, huge corn dogs! and soft serve ice cream dipped in chocolate.
We met up with friends! Family friends! I can say that now, right? My Brother had worked with the father of this family for YEARS, I can’t even say when they became friends but is has been some time. They now each run their own plumbing companies, and live about a block away from each other. His wife, Laurette and my Sister in law have also been great friends for some time now too. And, I have recently wedged my way into their family friend dynamic and become regular part time nanny/babysitter to their 3 children. So, we got to meet up with them, and it was really fun to all hang out together. I got a little sappy when my Dad was holding the little 1 year old boy that I watch every week, while we were all on a ride. It was just fun to all be together. I really love moments like that. When 2 of your normally separate worlds collide. It’s pretty warm and fuzzy.
Also notable… I held a SCORPION at the fair. And thankfully Laurette, captured it.
It took some coaxing… Like, the handler telling me that these guys are basically the wimpiest of all scorpions and that if and when they do sting it’s less painful than a bee sting. Not sure how it worked. Because thinking about it, a bee sting still totally freaks me out! And I usually hate anything bug like and creepy crawly. But, it worked. I had fun. I was nervous at first, but I think by the end of it I had a fondness for that creepy thing. I think I sort of want one now….
Clearer skies call for a quick break.
Been pretty darn busy over here! My 16 bag order just got bumped to 17 today. and I am chugging along quite nicely, and the completed stack of bags is sooooo nice to look at. Usually as soon as a bag is done, I send it out. It’s nice to kind of watch these hang around a bit. To revel in my hard work a little longer. I have 10 bags completed (and have filled a few Etsy order in between), and fabric prepped and construction begun on a few others. I’m hoping tomorrow I am able to be super productive and bang a good chunk of whats left out. Especially since I will be off babysitting Thursday and Friday.
Yesterday and Today were LONG working days. But, I did manage to escape for an hour today to enjoy the sunshine (finally) since I had to run to the post office to get a bag out and make a quick supply trip to pick up some more fabric.
I was excited to finally carry the Grey ruffle clutch I had made 2 weeks ago. It’s a light grey canvas with a charcoal gray sateen cotton ruffle. I love it. I made this one a bit smaller than the other ruffle clutches. However, this is the new regular size for this particular bag style. I will make it larger for anyone who prefers the larger version. This just seems more practical for this fold over flap style. All dimensions have been updated on all listings in My Etsy shop.
See the clutch in the shop, HERE.
P.S. I’m slowly working on reworking my blog layout. So, sorry if it ever looks crazy. Let me know if you find any bugs!
A very special order.
I’m trying to catch up on some posts here, forgive me.
This was a custom order request I received in the last week of April. I talked back and forth with a lovely Bride via Etsy regarding an order of 5 doily doily clutches for her Bridesmaids! I about died when I received her first message. I was ECSTATIC, to say the least. I boasted about the project to everyone. The Bride requested smaller versions of my Doily clutch in tan. She also asked if they could have a rounded flap as opposed to the triangle envelope flap. These are the finished results!
They are off now, soon to be fulfilling their Wedding day essential, holding duties. This was such a special order for me to fill. I LOVE weddings. The idea of planning and dressing and decorating sounds wayyyy too fun, and amazing. And the idea of standing up in front of the people you trust and love most and vow to work and love together with your best friend, forever. It all just makes my heart all pitter-pattery. I was HONORED, to say the least, to contribute something to someone’s most special of days.
The idea of filling an order of multiple items, for multiple people really made me feel like I’ve made it in a way. lol I don’t know. Processing an order like this really solidified things for me even more so. I am inspired and motivated. It was a hint that I am going in the right direction. And I begin next week with 2, yes TWO single orders containing multiple bags! One order of 3 clutches as end of the year teacher gifts!!! (So cool) And 4 totes for a special Birthday family vacation weekend. Such exciting stuff. eeeee!
