cupcakes and conclusions - a list

• I think I might have said this before, but I'm sure it's worth saying again. I'm trying to do too much. So much so that I'm overwhelmed and I'm barely doing any of it. It's a problem.
• I was thinking it'd be awesome if I could take 6 months off and dedicate that time to making quilts for 100 Quilts, 100 Kids. I did some simple calculations and I'd need $5K plus the cost of quilting materials.
• I'm gonna go buy a couple of lottery tickets. (My efforts to buy a lottery ticket keep getting thwarted by a) my memory and b) closed locations.)
• Indianapolis doesn't have a fancy donut shop. I'm super craving a coconut creme donut from Firecakes in Chicago.
• I'm also craving a cheeseburger and chocolate cake.
• I'm baffled by this plane disappearing. I don't really talk about current events much here, but I hope they find some answers soon.
• Yesterday I laid down without setting an alarm and ended up missing my Trade School Class. I felt like a dick for missing it.
• Almost 3 weeks later and I still haven't finished unpacking my apartment. I haven't done my taxes yet either. Procrastinator.
• Ferrero Rocher Chocolate Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting!!! I gets down in the kitchen every once in awhile. I don't normally care for buttercream frosting, but this stuff is delicious. 
• A friend asked me if I preferred baking over cooking. They're equal in my book. Cook, baking, quilting, crocheting. They're all creative things. They all make me happy. I'd rather be doing any of those things than going to work any day.
• I REALLY need to make it a reality that those things are my life and not just something I do when I'm not working to pay the bills.
• Received my first wedding invitation for the year.
• I feel like everyone I know is in a relations, getting engaged, getting married or having a baby. And then there's me.
• I want a kitten and a puppy and to live in a house.
• Listing is easier than blogging these days. I remember when that's all I used to do was list. Then Twitter was created.
• "Everything is AWESOME!"
• Okay, I need to go make/eat some real food before I overdose on sugar and cupcakes.

reading - Reached by Ally Condie This post brought to you in part by:

crafty mother fucker - a glasses display and quilt holder

If you follow me on instagram then you've probably already seen one of my latest crafty projects. I've had these idea floating around in my head for some time, but kept putting it off. Then the other day I was in my kitchen irritated about not having space for some of my smaller appliances so I got online and started looking up how to make a kitchen cart and pricing wood.

Pricing wood reminded me that I wanted to make a rack for my glasses and then I had to make a trip to Lowe's. I love this little rack. I don't have to open up every glasses case to find the pair of glasses that I want to wear. They're all on display and easy to choose from.


I'm not finished with this piece yet though. I think I want to stain it an espresso color and maybe secure the  sides with nails. I had a couple people mention that I need to list these on etsy and I just might. The nice thing is that you can either hand it on the wall like a picture frame or just lean it against the wall.


The other project I worked on I found while looking for plans to make an end table. The original piece was used to hold up kids art. I looked at it and realized that it'd be perfect for holding up my quilts when I need to photograph them. Much nicer than having to use tape. I painted my strip of wood a dark teal and then glued on some clothes pins. I attached it to my wall with poster tape since I'm not sure what these walls are made of.  I think I might make a smaller version for my kitchen. It could also be used to hold towels in your bathroom or scarves and other light clothing items.

I'm still working on plans for my kitchen cart. I know I can a metal or plastic one for about $20, but I'd really like one made out of wood that I can customize. I already have plans for my end table/printer holder, but I have to work on the numbers since the plans I found are shorter than what I need.

I'm really enjoying working with wood. I wish I had a garage so that I can buy some wood working tools and have a space that I don't have to vacuum and clean up right away when I'm working. Also, I want a tiny house. Random.

reading - Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia This post brought to you in part by:  

*channels Tim the Tool Man Taylor*

I woke up a couple of  Tuesdays ago and spent just about all day on the IKEA, Home Depot and Lowe's websites. I don't even know why I decided to check out IKEA. I just got up out of bed and logged on and started checking out bookshelves and other random things.

I love the EXPEDIT cubby shelves. I want them all. I just don't want to pay the price for them. While I was checking out the many varieties of the EXPEDIT shelves I thought, I bet these are super easy to make and off to Google I went. I stumbled across the Ana White website and she has all kinds of plans for furniture.

I went through a bunch of her plans and everything looked pretty simple. I then logged into the Lowe's website to price wood and then Home Depot to compare prices. Next thing you know I've got a little drawing with calculations and prices.

The day after Halloween I headed Home Depot and picked up a 2 x 12 x 8 and had them cut it down to the pieces I needed and Saturday morning I made the end table/book shelf thing above. While putting it together I broke one of my drill bits, learned that a 2 x 12 is not really a 2 x 12, wood is heavy and that an emory board will work as sand paper in a pinch (I swear I have sand paper in my apartment somewhere. I just don't know where I put it).

I'm not sure if I'll stain my little project, but if I do I'll be staining it with tea or coffee. No need for all those crazy chemicals since I'll be doing it inside. I've already got plans for a kitchen cart and a larger bookshelf. I just need to save up for some more wood.

I totally want to just build myself a new desk and a dresser. Another "craft" to become obsessed with. Oops!

reading - Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry This post brought to you in part by:

I bought a washing machine...

A couple of buckets and plunger. You weren't expecting that picture were you.

I've been trying to figure out an alternative to the laundry room in my building for awhile now. Those machines down there are not only expensive, but at this point not working either. I've got clothes to wash and don't really want to lug laundry on the bus to the laundromat. No, not going to do it.

Awhile back my friend mentioned she got a portable washing machine. I was like...portable washing machine? They make those? Yup. Mini washing machines you can hook up to your sink. I thought about saving up to get one of those, but I get distracted to easily by other things I want and my friend has been having issues with hers.

Then we were at The Container Store the other day and they had the Laundry Pod (an oversized salad spinner) and I thought that might be a decent option. I looked it up and still kind of pricey. The reviews weren't that great either. While I was looking into the Laundry Pod, the Rapid Washer also came up on my search. The Rapid Washer looks like a plunger. And at $20, I thought that was pretty reasonable. I read a lot of the reviews and people were pretty happy with it. I mentioned it to my friend and she said she used that method before she bought the portable washer. I asked her where she got hers  and she said, oh I just used a brand new toilet plunger. She'd done some research and said it was the same thing, just cheaper.

Yup, much cheaper. A cheap plunger is $5. My two buckets were $3 each. New washing machine plus tax, $12. And I get an upper body work out for free. FREE! Ha!

The plunger method is supposed to be easier on your clothes than a washing machine AND since you're washing the clothes yourself you can see if all the laundry soap has washed out of your clothing. Apparently unless you run an extra rinse cycle the laundry soap might not all be washed out of your clothing. The plunger method works by sucking the water through your clothing. It's easier on your clothing than the agitation from a washing machine. When you dump the water you can see how much dirt was in the water.  And rinse as many times as you like buy plunging, wringing and dumping.

I've done two loads so far. I fill up the bucket with warm water and laundry soap (just a table spoon will do) and let my clothes (about 4 - 5 pieces) soak for a bit and then plunge. I do this in the tub...because I'm messy. I wring out the clothes and stick them in another bucket with cold water to rinse and plunge. I repeat this process until I'm satisfied with what color the water is when I wring out the clothes and dump the water. You're looking for clear water, but if you're washing red or blue, the water may have a tint no matter how many times you do a rinse.

I'm hanging my clothes for now. Larger items I may still use the dryers downstairs unless I can figure out a way to turn a tub, laundry basket, fan/hair dryer and crank into a tumble dryer. My hands are kind of red and soar from the wrining, but I'm okay with that. I just need to make sure I moisturize them. It beats dealing with the laundry room. I've got a ton of clothes to wash and will be washing a couple loads a night for a few nights until it's all done now that I don't have to worry about the laundry room being open and functioning and making sure I have quarters. Hopefully soon I'll have nice strong arm muscles and a strong back.

reading - *gasp* I didn't read anything but blogs today! This post brought to you in part by:

it's a full time job

I posted that yesterday afternoon. It's true, it is my full time job. I'm either crafting, tweeting about the shop, projects and what not, looking for supplies or something. Even though I'm not getting paid for ALL the work I'm doing, it makes me happy. I'm doing something for myself. I'm working on achieving one of my dreams.Crafting makes me happy and I'm glad that I'm able to make it work for me.

I'm getting closer to leaving the part time job. And posting this sentiment publicly and saying it out loud is helping me to get there. I'm working on not relying on the paycheck to make it easier for me to leave. The sooner the better. I know I'll have to work a lot harder once I leave the part time job. It'll be a different mindset once I'm not getting that paycheck anymore. I think I'll be A LOT happier though. A LOT.

I dread having to go to work a lot of the time now. I don't know if it's the holidays or what. The only thing that makes it bearable is when I work with people that I get along with and like. Really, I'd rather be home or somewhere cozy crafting. Soon.

In other news, I'm just about finished with all the orders I received during Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. I had a slight delay with getting supplies. I have to work on keeping supplies on hand. I think there are going to be a lot of changes in the new year. Anywho, let me get back to work. I have some orders that need to be shipped.

Don't forget to link up your goals for December with me for goals n' schtuff.

reading - A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin This post brought to you in part by:

small business saturday

Made a few changes. The sale started yesterday and will run until Monday evening. Come on and get your shop on using the code SBS20 and save 20% off your entire order (including custom orders) all weekend long. Tell your friends too. DO IT!

issaino.etsy.com

reading - A Feast of Crows by George R.R. Martin This post brought to you in part by:

small business saturday and where I'll be

I've got the next 2 days to finish up things for Handmade Promenade and I've got a full day of work today so when I get home from work today I'll be avoiding my computer and all your lovely blogs. It happens. I'm not nearly as for along that I wanted to be. Procrastinated a bit...no a bit...a lot.

Anywho, Small Business Saturday is this weekend and it'll be my last advertised sale I have this year. All orders are 20% off! Custom orders included. The catch is that you order has to be submitted and paid for by midnight PST on Saturday. I know there isn't a lot in the shop right now, but that's why I'm offering the discount on custom orders. And I love doing custom work. If you have any questions, please shoot me an email at issa.ino at gmail.com.

And if you haven't already, check out my post last week about the Winter Gift Exchange.

reading - A Feast of Crows by George R.R. Martin This post brought to you in part by:

tired and frustrated and angry too

This is not a post where I fish for compliments or ask for a handout. This is an honest post about the not so great side of life that I felt like I needed to talk about.

I try my best not to be negative or speak negativity into the Universe. I don't think it's helpful. I don't think it accomplishes much, except to breed more negativity. Lately though I've been struggling and have been unhappy and angry and super frustrated. It's been eating away at me. And I'm having a hard time being grateful. All my days start off as good days (if you wake up, it's a good day). Then the anger creeps in and I'm in a foul mood.

I don't too much talk about exactly where I work, but I work in retail. This means my schedule is never the same and I don't always have the same amount of hours every week. On slow days I could very well be sent home early. This can make making sure I have enough money to pay all my bills hard. And actually the last several months...I don't even know how I've been getting by. Right now my hours are between 10-15/week. About 10+ hours LESS than my coworkers.

I haven't talked to my manager about it. I know what she'll say. Hours are based on the needs of the store, blah, blah, blah. Hours I used to work have been given to coworkers. People who are ONLY available to work on the weekend get more hours than I do. I only end up working two days a week. I've felt for some time now that the manager is trying to get me to quit. There have been a few situations where things weren't handled the way they normally are and it's just making me more and more angry. My desire to just walk out and say fuck you has increased greatly. I like a lot of my coworkers though, so it's unlikely that I will.

Also, I don't have a back up plan. I have $3 in my savings account and barely make it living check to check right now. With my hours being cut so much I've gotten lucky these last couple of months. I've made sales or gotten some extra money just in time to pay my rent or other bills that were due. I've been absolutely grateful for that. It's stressful though, not knowing if you'll have enough.

I've been "homeless". And I put that in quotation marks because about 5 years ago I had no where to live. All my things were in storage and I was living on friends couches or spare bedrooms. I had no place that was my own. It was tough. I wasn't making enough money and I had a TON of bills I wasn't paying. I finally found a job that gave me more hours and through the kindness of a friend was able to move into the building I live in now. I don't want that to happen again though. I don't know where I'd be able to go if it were to happen again.

That's another reason why I don't think I'd just up and quit. While the dream is to run issa.ino:handmade full time, I'm scared. What if I don't make enough sales enough to take care of my bills? What happens then? How long until they would evict me from my apartment? Where would I live then? A lot of questions. So I stay at my job, where I'm unhappy and frustrated and don't feel like I'm being treated fairly.

I've made a few attempts to find a new job. But I don't know what I want to do and that's a big battle. I don't want to end up in another job where I'm unhappy. And I'd prefer not to switch into another retail position. But it doesn't seem like there is much else out there that I'm qualified for. I have a degree, but no real experience with my degree. I'd love to just cook meals for busy people or craft all day. I just want to work for myself. I'm happiest when I'm crafting and cooking and baking. I think I could be quite successful at it...but I'm letting fear live here.

So yeah, I'm stuck right now. I don't know what to do. I'm tired of worrying. I'm tired of being angry and frustrated about what's going on at work. And I don't want to cry anymore about having to deal with certain people at work.

I'm glad to have gotten that out of my system. I haven't really talked to much in depth to anyone about this. I tend to keep certain things private. But there have been a few angry tweets lately.

Okay, this is funny because as I was writing this a friend and fellow entrepreneur sent me to this site. I asked the Universe for sign earlier about quitting. I think this is the sign. I just need to follow through. So freaked out. I'll keep you folks updated.

reading - A Feast of Crows by George R.R. Martin
This post brought to you in part by:

Handmade Promenade, I GOT IN!!!

Not much going on over here lately. My tummy has been hurting for the last few days and it's starting to feel better. I really hope it's on the mend. I don't want to have to see a doc and I want to be able to partake in whatever I decide to do for my birthday. I've been sleeping A LOT. I think it has mostly to do with my tummy. It's easier to ignore the pain when you're asleep.

Some good news, I got the shop into this years Handmade Promenade Holiday Pop Up Shop. I hadn't planned on vending anywhere for the holidays this year, but when I got the email to apply...I couldn't ignore it. I applied, stalked my email and was accepted a day later. Yay! I'm pretty much starting from scratch with my product inventory for the pop up shop.

Last year I sent in mostly crochet goods (animal hats and fingerless gloves) and greeting cards. This year I'm planning to add cowls, zipper pouches, little zipper wallets, card holders, bow ties, hair bows and maybe some quilted pillow covers. That's a huge order. I thought the more variety in the items I send over, the more likely I am to make a sale. I've got a lot of work ahead of me over the next month. I'm pretty excited.

In other news, I've got 3 more books to read in order to meet on of my Octobeard goals, along with learning to make fly ly (fried rice) and creating a visions board. I've got a week. Think it's possible? Oh and they FINALLY patched the hole in my ceiling. It looks like they had to make the hole bigger in order to fix it. Like 3 times bigger. I'm just glad it's fixed. It was starting to bug me.

One last thing, if you follow read my posts via Google Reader or Bloglovin, can you see my signature and an ad banner at the bottom of my post? I'm trying to figure some things out. I'm thinking I may have to start inputing the info manually instead of in the code I have it in now. Thanks.

Don't forget to check out my birthday giveaway!   finished - A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
reading - Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah

a facebook page, a hole and some pretty cool shit

First, the blog now has a facebook page. Evani of Simply Evani really is one of my stalkers (joke). She found it before I even posted about it. She found it a couple of hours after I created it. *cue eerie music* But anywho, go like it if you like. I got a message that said I need 30 likes and then there are special features or something. And then there would also be more than just me and her liking the page.

Second, here's a photo of the big hole in my ceiling that happened Saturday while I was napping and woke me up. They haven't fixed it yet. They did feel the need to tell me what was going on, but I decided to call and they said the need to wait and hear back from a contractor. Who knows how long it's going to be? At least it's not leaking or anything. I do keep thinking that a squirrel is going to jump out and I've started to make sure I'm fully clothed when I'm in my living room and closing the door when I shower. 

That hole is the motivation I need to move out of this building. I've mentioned the bat incident, which wasn't so bad, but I also have horrible neighbors who slam doors, scream and yell, smoke in the hall way, blast their music with their doors open and other things that drive me nuts. I've even witnessed a few drug deals (at least I'm pretty sure that's what they were). Also, in June, my neighbor two doors down was stabbed to death in his apartment, rolled up in a carpet and left there. Yeah. I need to move. My friends all feel the same way.

So...all extra monies this month (save for maybe a new pair of TOMS for myself for my birthday) is going towards my moving fund. No extra snacks, no fast food, no new clothes or fabric. With that I'm trying to get a bunch of stuff listed in my etsy shop. And I'll be going through my things as I'm packing to find things I can sell. I've got a lot of stamp sets and cardstock I could part with and don't really want to move.

I listed this beauty today. Ain't she pretty. Don't you wish you had one. 

In this color or maybe in another color. Yeah you do.

You can find some of these lovely card holders and zipper wallets listed too.

So yeah, go ahead and spread the news. I will love you long time and even invite you over for dinner at my new place after I get all settled in. (Yes, I still plan to move out of state, but I believe it'll take me at least a year to save up enough to move. And I really do need to get out of my current apartment first and get some other things figured out.)

[insert title referencing fall here]

I dropped a box full of these and other goodies off for homespun today. Yay! I need more yarn now. My stash has pretty much been depleted. I'm almost considering buying some neon yarn, but how much longer will the trend last?. I'm glad the weather is cooling down so these are now weather appropriate it. Unless you live somewhere where it doesn't really get cold.

Any suggestions on colors for fall and winter?

Also, after seeing this gif for too long I don't think I ever want to make a gif again. I thought this would be fun, but um...no.

heeeeey, pretty lady!

I listed these pretty ladies on etsy this weekend. I just wanted to share that with y'alls. And yes I really say y'alls. I don't know what I say it that way, but I do. I see that smirk on your face, stop making fun of me.

Also, I the 5k yesterday was AWESOME!!! I'll post more about it later...with pictures.

random shhhh...hey, how's it going?

Just some stuff I felt like posting. You can like it or lump it. Also, I love lamp. That is all.

Need to end that summer fling?

I was having fun one day while making cards and came up with this. I thought it was fun. Good for some friendly ribbing to say hello or kicking someone to the curb in a kind and thoughtful way. Ha!

One of a few of my favorite photos that I took about 4 or 5 years ago. It was raining when I met up with my friend so we caught a late brunch to wait out the rain. He said I needed to be reading for anything though. I said, I was gonna make it stop raining so that we could do this shoot (this was right after I'd first read The Secret and a couple of other books on the same subject). Shortly after we finished eating it stopped raining.

We went to take some photos and I saw this lovely still puddle in the middle of the parking lot and it had to be done. He was a tad bit hesitant and then I repeated him and said, hey, you gotta be ready for anything and this photo was born. Unfortunately the original is sitting on my MacBook that was stolen a few years back. :(

In other news, I've gotten quite a few ad swaps sitting in my inbox. I'm surprised so many people have wanted to swap. I haven't approved all of them though, because some of them are from blogs that don't really seem to fit with me. I even received a paid ad from an e-cigarette company. I don't smoke and don't condone smoking so I rejected. I would've made a couple of bucks, but I just couldn't get behind it.

Lastly, be mindful of your thoughts and your words. They are powerful. I asked the Universe for some financial support the other day and I got it. Sooner than I expected and just what I needed. I think this is why I don't stress too much when I don't get many hours at work. I know that the Universe is going to take care of me if I ask and my intentions are good.

crafty and I know it

*does pelvic thrust and shuffle through post*

I don't really share a lot of my crafty goodness here on this blog, because I'm sharing most of it over on my other blog. But I thought today I'd drop in and share some of the things I've finished in the past week. 

The two pouches were for my friend Telissa, that's Melissa with a T. I think we're friends because our names are so similar. Maybe. I don't know. Anyway, she told me she was looking for something to hold a bunch of lipgloss in, but still wanted to be able to root around inside to find just the right color. Fat mouth zipper pouch. It was my first time making something like that and my second time working with a zipper. It turned out pretty nice I think. I almost wanted to keep it for myself. 

Telissa also loves Hello Kitty and I had some HK fabric left over and wanted to try out some quilting on the pouch so I made her a mini pouch too. The pouch actually matches a card holder that I'd made her too. I also filled the pouch with a couple of other HK goodies. (I like putting packages together for people and spoiling them.)

The necklace was something I just wanted to try out. I'm not big on neon, but wanted to add a little bit to my wardrobe and thought a necklace would be easiest. I pulled out my drill and paints and got to work. The necklace was fun to make and I'm thinking I may make some earrings for a friend or another necklace in different colors for myself. 

And lastly the arm band for my phone. I REALLY needed something for my phone when I run in the morning. I started putting my phone in my bra, but that doesn't work when you're boobs are bouncing up and down and then I put it in my pocket, but the buttons kept getting mashed and random things would come through my earbuds and distract me. I was thinking about making a fanny pack, but came across the idea for this first. It's perfect. Snug on my arm and it holds my idea. Now all I need is something for my keys.

I've got a bunch of stuff in progress that you can see over here. I don't know. Maybe I'll start sharing some of my crafty goodness here. What do you think? Have you been up to anything crafty today?

it's business...it's business time!

I never have business cards on me. This is no bueno. My wallet is a business card case, but with my ID, bus pass, debit card and sometimes cash I feel like I don't have space in it for business cards. So I end up not having any on me when someone happens to ask about my work.

Welp, no more excuses. I had today off and wanted to get some sewing done. I found a tutorial for this little cutie online earlier this week and thought I'd give it a shot. And BAM! I made two in less than an hour. Cute ay? It probably holds about 25 business cards.

I ended up giving the blue one away on Instagram. I'm thinking about making a few extra for Sew Loco to see how well they do. I mean, who wouldn't want a cute little business card holder like this? Heck you could use it to hold other things too. Bus passes, your ID, extra cash, gum.

I had something else to say, but now I can't remember. Maybe it'll come to me later.  I put in my resume to a local bake shop today. They make the best cupcakes and I just recently in the last year discovered my love for baking and cooking and I thought why not. I've been looking to change my work situation to something that suits me better and I think this could be a step in the right direction. We'll see.

Sew Loco

Other than working and getting into fights, this is what I've been up to...kinda. I don't post much about the business or crafty side of things here, because I prefer to post about them here. It's like I have an alter ego or something. But not really, just not as cool. Whatevs.

I'll be slinging my wares at Sew Loco (a fashion show of local designers put on by de Gud Life) on August 4th. I'm a procrastinator and sort of just started on working on things. Thankfully I don't have a ton to make because I have a lot of stock that I'd started working on at the beginning of the year because I wanted to be ready for the holiday season this year. I usually stick to selling hats, but I'll be debuting a cowl that I'd worked on last year that I originally just made for myself.

It seems a little odd to be slinging hats and cowls right now because it's so hot out, but fall is just right around the corner (and I can't wait). If you'd like to check out some of the fun things I make check out my etsy shop. I thinking I might also make some bow ties and zipper pouches and bring those along as well. I mean why not.

mill-ay-walk-ay

That's where I'm headed today. For work. I may have mentioned that in a previous post. I'd go back and check but that seems like extra work that I don't really feel like doing right now because I still need to pack, wash dished, clean up and some other stuff I'm probably forgetting about. You'll miss me right?

This past weekend was pretty awesome. Especially have such a long work week. Pride, the INDIEana Handicraft Exchange and the Talbott Street Art Fair had my day packed and full of sun. I've got some pretty rad tan lines now. *sarcasm* I so love the sun though. I hung around and home on Sunday to recover from such a busy Saturday.

I'm trying to figure out what to do with my craft business blog. I just started sewing and quilting and at the moment have no plans to add it to my business so I'm not sure I want to blog about those things there. I can't decide what to do. I did create a blog just in case I decide to move those things. I also created a blog for my photography, but haven't had any time to add anything to it. When I get back from out of town I'll add it to my to do list.

Anywho, don't miss me too much. And pop on over to my other blog and see what kind of crafty goodness I've been up to.

I'm crafty and you know it. *does pelvic thrust through blog post*

mr. telephone man

Yay!!!  I have a new (to me) phone. Or a replacement. It's whatever. I don't remember if I mentioned this previously, but the screen on my TOUCH screen phone was starting to go out. When typing I couldn't use the p, q, shift and back space. Anything in the corners didn't work either. PAIN. IN. THE. ASS. I wanted to throw my phone at the wall. That wouldn't have been a good idea though. I'm pretty sure tantrums aren't covered in the insurance.

My replacement arrived on Thursday. I was coming home and saw UPS down the street and thought I hope they don't have my package on the truck still and Yay! they didn't, they'd left it in the leasing office. I pretty much lost all my text messages. *sad* And I'm working on adding back most of the apps I had. But now it seems this replacement phone is acting wonky. I'm not digging it. Not cool dude. NOT. COOL. We shall see. I may be making another trip back to the repair center this week. These issues are making me want an iPhone and I can get a decent deal on the iPhone. It might happen.

mmmmm...Nutella

I love Nutella and lately I've been eating it frozen. It's like a chocolate bar on a stick. The only thing is you have to remember not to stick the spoon directly in your mouth straight from the freezer. Not unless you're okay with reenacting the frozen tongue scene from A Christmas Story. I learned my lesson the hard way.

Amy Winehouse came up on my iPod the other day and it just sort of hit me that she's dead. It seems weird. She was young. And then all these other musicians that are passing. There's a big ol' party going on somewhere right now and these folks are jamming. #random

I had a pretty good mail week this week. Birchbox AND a consignment check. Consignment checks always make for good mail days as I never expect them. Extra money in my pocket for bills and things. I'ma have to hit up an ATM today or tomorrow and get some cash...this after depositing a shit ton of cash on Monday. Should've held on to some of it. Oh well.

As for my Birchbox, I feel like that sucker took FOREVER to get here. I usually get mine pretty quick, but this month it took a little longer. I think they're getting pretty busy over there now that so many people have signed up. I think I heard at one point they weren't allowing any new members. I love them. I might make a separate post to share my box with y'alls.

*deep heavy sigh* I thought I'd figured out a way to get ScruffyNerdy from sticking his hands in my face by tweeting him that if he did it again we went together. It didn't work. I'm not even sure why he does it. It drives me nutty though and one of these days I might actually punch him in the chest. He'll be gone soon though, so hopefully it won't come to that.

Have you guys seen this DIY yet? OMG! I have to do this and soon. It's from the HGTV blog. I can't wait to try it out.

I'll leave y'alls with that. I'm off this weekend and I have to make the most of it and I've got a bunch to do as well. See y'alls tomorrow for five awesome things.

Mr. Telephone Man - New Edition

winner, winner, chicken dinner

awwww yeah...look at that folks, you get TWO posts today. that's unheard of around these parts. okay I'll stop being a weirdo.

I just wanted to pop through and brag about winning the my girl thursday x nerdJERK giveaway. Check out that crafty awesome prize package and it's headed MY way. I can't wait. And while you're checking out the my girl thursday blog, why don't you pop over to the nerdJERK blog too, so much crafty goodness. I love the video game inspired amigurumi. When I got the email that I'd won, I was giddy. Who doesn't love winning schtuff. Sadly, I also forgot I'd entered the giveaway and not because I enter a lot of giveaways, but because I just have a bad memory sometimes. Yeah, it happens.

Here's a photo of the handsome Rasul that I took a few weeks ago. I'm getting back into the photography groove. This shoot was fun, we had to race the sun for some of the shots though because he got back from work later than expected. I think we're gonna schedule to shoot again in the next month or so. I love capturing a natural smile.

These right here are my work pants. When I was in the bathroom at work two weeks ago at the end of my shift, my zipper broke. These pants were less than a month old and unfortunately I couldn't find the receipt to take them back. So I did the next best thing and got out the Velcro and stapler...and unfortunately that wasn't the best solution. This Velcro really isn't meant for clothing and not strong enough. But for now I'm going with it. At work the fly is cover by my shirt and apron so I'm not too concerned with a permanent fixture right now. Also, I'm kind lazy.

This post was kinda random, I know. I'm like that sometimes. I'm gonna be a blamer for a bout 30 seconds and blame it on the Canadian geese that have taken up residence in the side yard of the building next door. Them suckers are always squawking at all hours of the morning right outside my window. No clue why they've decided to make that their current home. I wanna shoot them all and feed them to the homeless.

Alright, well have a good day!!!

They Really Like Me

Rec'd news today that Simple Scrapbooks would like to pick up a layout I submitted about a month ago. I'd post the layout, but I can't until it's been published which won't be until next year. It felt good to get that email today. I hadn't scrapbooked in a few months and had lost my mojo. I saw a call for layouts about relationships and had the perfect picture in mind. Of course my layout wasn't picked for that call, but it was picked none the less.

Other than that, nothing new going on here. It's Classic weekend and I'm avoiding the downtown area so no weekend movie for me. I'll have to save it for Monday or Tuesday since I need to return what I thought were the perfect shoes.