Picture from Nerd Girl Problems
Are you nodding your (see example of correct use of the word) head or thinking I, and all those people who wrote these, are just a little crazy?
Saturday, March 31, 2012
The life of a self-proclaimed nerd
There's quite a few I can relate to, so I decided to share (click photo or HERE for more):
Are you nodding your (see example of correct use of the word) head or thinking I, and all those people who wrote these, are just a little crazy?
Are you nodding your (see example of correct use of the word) head or thinking I, and all those people who wrote these, are just a little crazy?
Friday, March 30, 2012
Friday Inspiration
I believe my love for upcycling and using every day objects for unexpected purposes has become pretty clear by now. So, might as well just jump right into it!
Seriously, how adorable are these? I will definitely keep an eye out for a funky teapot or a few on my thrift store expeditions! This would work well with other kitchen containers as well...
Seriously, how adorable are these? I will definitely keep an eye out for a funky teapot or a few on my thrift store expeditions! This would work well with other kitchen containers as well...
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tortilla soup
So, not sure if you could've guessed from the shopping list, but I was making soup. And not just any kind of soup, but tortilla soup. It has a lot of the same ingredients you'd find if you were making tacos, or, in fact, tortillas. (I understand that 'tortilla' is usually a flatbread type food, but often, like in this case, understood to mean the dish)
I never was big on soups. They just weren't my thing. Then I married a Chinese man and ended up having soup a lot more often. It did take me quite a while to get used to it, but I do nowadays enjoy a variety of soups, such as Chinese hot and sour soup (it's like lemon, vinegar and chilli, which in my books equals salad dressing), French onion soup (hot melted cheese) and this tortilla soup.
Without further ado, here's what you need:
Chicken broth, can of diced tomatoes, can of corn, garlic, onion, chillies, avocado, lime, cilantro (or coriander), and tortilla chips. Additionally (not in the photo) meat of choice, I used chicken and grated cheese.
Start by cooking the meat. I sliced the chicken in to small pieces. Generally I use 1 chicken breast for two people. You could use any meat you want, or, if vegetarian/vegan is your thing, just skip the meat. It'll be great without it too. (also, obviously, use veggie broth instead of chicken) I fried the chicken (do this in the pot you plan on making the soup, no point to have extra dishes) and added a bit of salt and pepper. Once done, set the chicken aside to wait.
Then cook the chopped onion until soft. Couple of minutes should do. Throw in garlic, cook a little longer.
Add broth and tomatoes. I used the whole thing of broth and half the tomatoes. That's 4 cups of broth and maybe 1 cup of tomato. This is not a science! If you like a lot of liquid in the soup, add more broth. Dig more tomatoes? add the entire can! Ultimately, the good thing here is that if you added too much tomato, you can always add water. If you think there's too much liquid, don't worry. There's a ton of stuff going into it soon.
Bring the mix to a boil, reduce the heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes. While that's happening start prepping the other ingredients. Chop up the chilli and cilantro (one chilli and about a handful of cilantro). Cut the Avocado into cubes (or smaller pieces, who cares what shape they are)
After 10 minutes, throw in the Chilli, can of corn and the cilantro. Give it few minutes and add the chicken.
Soup is done!
Additional step to look extra fancy-pants: Assembly!
In a bowl put in some corn/tortilla chips and some crated cheese. Ladle the soup on top (yeah, on the chips and cheese. Trust me!). Put in some avocado chunks and a few leaves of cilantro. Serve with a lime wedge or a few.
I never was big on soups. They just weren't my thing. Then I married a Chinese man and ended up having soup a lot more often. It did take me quite a while to get used to it, but I do nowadays enjoy a variety of soups, such as Chinese hot and sour soup (it's like lemon, vinegar and chilli, which in my books equals salad dressing), French onion soup (hot melted cheese) and this tortilla soup.
Without further ado, here's what you need:
Chicken broth, can of diced tomatoes, can of corn, garlic, onion, chillies, avocado, lime, cilantro (or coriander), and tortilla chips. Additionally (not in the photo) meat of choice, I used chicken and grated cheese.
Start by cooking the meat. I sliced the chicken in to small pieces. Generally I use 1 chicken breast for two people. You could use any meat you want, or, if vegetarian/vegan is your thing, just skip the meat. It'll be great without it too. (also, obviously, use veggie broth instead of chicken) I fried the chicken (do this in the pot you plan on making the soup, no point to have extra dishes) and added a bit of salt and pepper. Once done, set the chicken aside to wait.
Then cook the chopped onion until soft. Couple of minutes should do. Throw in garlic, cook a little longer.
Add broth and tomatoes. I used the whole thing of broth and half the tomatoes. That's 4 cups of broth and maybe 1 cup of tomato. This is not a science! If you like a lot of liquid in the soup, add more broth. Dig more tomatoes? add the entire can! Ultimately, the good thing here is that if you added too much tomato, you can always add water. If you think there's too much liquid, don't worry. There's a ton of stuff going into it soon.
Bring the mix to a boil, reduce the heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes. While that's happening start prepping the other ingredients. Chop up the chilli and cilantro (one chilli and about a handful of cilantro). Cut the Avocado into cubes (or smaller pieces, who cares what shape they are)
After 10 minutes, throw in the Chilli, can of corn and the cilantro. Give it few minutes and add the chicken.
Soup is done!
Additional step to look extra fancy-pants: Assembly!
In a bowl put in some corn/tortilla chips and some crated cheese. Ladle the soup on top (yeah, on the chips and cheese. Trust me!). Put in some avocado chunks and a few leaves of cilantro. Serve with a lime wedge or a few.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Creativity drain
Not sure what's going on, but I feel absolutely drained of creativity today. It's almost noon and the only thing I've managed to create today is a shopping list. Which, for the lack of anything better, will get to be the picture of the day.
Good news is that today's my turn to cook. Yes, we take turns. And by "turns" I mean, I cook dinner once a week and sometimes fix breakfast/lunch/whatever when it's easy (a.k.a. leftovers or when we went to Chinatown and bought some baked goods). I do naturally feed myself everyday, but putting together some kinda of salads (throw veggies together, pour dressing over it) hardly counts as "cooking'.
Anyhow, all this is to say that I am actually attempting to put together an entire meal, not just sauces or side dishes. If all goes well, I'll post another recipe that is super easy but make you look much, much better than you (and by "you" I just mean me) actually are.
Fantabulous!
Now, the sucky part is I that I do have to actually go to the grocery store.
Good news is that today's my turn to cook. Yes, we take turns. And by "turns" I mean, I cook dinner once a week and sometimes fix breakfast/lunch/whatever when it's easy (a.k.a. leftovers or when we went to Chinatown and bought some baked goods). I do naturally feed myself everyday, but putting together some kinda of salads (throw veggies together, pour dressing over it) hardly counts as "cooking'.
Anyhow, all this is to say that I am actually attempting to put together an entire meal, not just sauces or side dishes. If all goes well, I'll post another recipe that is super easy but make you look much, much better than you (and by "you" I just mean me) actually are.
Fantabulous!
Now, the sucky part is I that I do have to actually go to the grocery store.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Great white
Ok, let me clarify. You can find tons of white t-shirts, most stores carry them. But a GREAT white (insert 'Jaws' intro here) T-shirt... That's the holy grail of.... T-shirts. Fine, I know I'm sounding overly dramatic here, but I'm really having a tough time with this one. I've tried a number of different ones, some very inexpensive, others a tad more pricey, but I've yet to find that specific style or brand I can count on.
Photo from Chictopia
The problem for me is usually a combination of lenght and thickness of the material. I'm relatively tall, so a lot of them end up being too short. Another issue tends to be the material. White t-shirt (or white *anything* for that matter) can be a disaster waiting to happen. I need a shirt that's thick enough so I don't have to worry if anything underneath is showing through.
I know this is a long ramble about something really basic. Is this just an issue for me? Any suggestions for places to find great T-shirts?
Monday, March 26, 2012
Clothes pins
I couldn't sleep last night and ended getting up at 2am. I just had way too many ideas going around in my head, so I actually got up to write a to do list for today. I've started working on it, but the list turned out to be two pages long... No wonder I had trouble falling asleep.
The first thing on the list was to make more of these guys:
The list is long, so I need to get back to it. I do think I should start doing this more often though. Writing a list before going to bed, not getting up at 2am.
Do you have any good tricks for keeping to do lists and an uncluttered mind?
The first thing on the list was to make more of these guys:
The list is long, so I need to get back to it. I do think I should start doing this more often though. Writing a list before going to bed, not getting up at 2am.
Do you have any good tricks for keeping to do lists and an uncluttered mind?
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Eat or be eaten
It was a lazy day in the vast savannah, until, unexpectedly the ferocious hunter, George hears the tell-tale sound of his sworn enemy... The Vacuum has returned!
All he can do is to resume position to defend the fort and his little buddy and wait for the imminent attack.
(in other words it's been a pretty lazy day)
All he can do is to resume position to defend the fort and his little buddy and wait for the imminent attack.
(in other words it's been a pretty lazy day)
Saturday, March 24, 2012
DIY - mini noticeboard
Today's DIY is (as they have been up to this point anyway) fairly simple, yet functional and fun.
I bought some picture frames from my usual charity shop some months ago, with the intention to use them as price lists for the craft fair. I did use them, but now they've been laying around waiting for the next one. I also bought twice as many as I needed. So, I finally realized what I need to use them for. Small notice boards. I have a ton of small things lying around my craft area and already have a large notice board full of things. Sometimes I would just like to put up a postcard I've received or a few paper scraps. So, a perfect DIY project.
What you'll need is frame(s), cork board, craft knife, pencil and glue. I used my hot glue gun, but any strong glue should work. (Also, I doubt you actually need the step by step instructions with photos, but since I took the photos I wanted to use them!)
First mark the size and then cut the cork board to fit the frame you're using. Like mentioned, I used thrifted frames I found a while ago. I love the chipped paint and the fact that they are all the same frame but in 6 different colours. The interesting thing about the frames was that each had a collage made out of magazine clippings... Very... interesting work.
Double-check the size before gluing and then glue the cork on the frame. (The double-check part is mainly for me. I assume you probably can measure and cut properly. Let's just say I've learned the value of double-checking the hard way)
You're done!
I'll make a few more and group them together. This definitely goes to good use, I have so many little paper scraps and pictures I can now display. I'll post some photos once they are finished and in use.
I bought some picture frames from my usual charity shop some months ago, with the intention to use them as price lists for the craft fair. I did use them, but now they've been laying around waiting for the next one. I also bought twice as many as I needed. So, I finally realized what I need to use them for. Small notice boards. I have a ton of small things lying around my craft area and already have a large notice board full of things. Sometimes I would just like to put up a postcard I've received or a few paper scraps. So, a perfect DIY project.
What you'll need is frame(s), cork board, craft knife, pencil and glue. I used my hot glue gun, but any strong glue should work. (Also, I doubt you actually need the step by step instructions with photos, but since I took the photos I wanted to use them!)
I'll make a few more and group them together. This definitely goes to good use, I have so many little paper scraps and pictures I can now display. I'll post some photos once they are finished and in use.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Friday Inspiration
So, are you annoyed already by me telling you how wonderful the weather is? (My apologies especially to my lovely Finnish readers!) Sorry about that, but it is pretty phenomenal.
Anyhow, because of the weather, I'm thinking about spending time outside. Now, as mentioned before, I'm not a natur-y type of a person. In fact, I might even be described as anti-nature. To the point where at this stage in my life I'm perfectly happy with a concrete backyard (ok, we don't even have a backyard, it's a shared courtyard) We do have a small outdoor space in the back, just big enough for a few chairs and a barbecue. I'm now thinking of how to snazz it up a bit (snazz - totally a word)
Ours is not this nice, but MAN! seriously, how incredible would this kinda set up be?
I should think about some type of a lighting system. I dig these ones.
Do you have an outdoor space? If so, have you snazzied it up?
Anyhow, because of the weather, I'm thinking about spending time outside. Now, as mentioned before, I'm not a natur-y type of a person. In fact, I might even be described as anti-nature. To the point where at this stage in my life I'm perfectly happy with a concrete backyard (ok, we don't even have a backyard, it's a shared courtyard) We do have a small outdoor space in the back, just big enough for a few chairs and a barbecue. I'm now thinking of how to snazz it up a bit (snazz - totally a word)
Photo from Skeppsholmen, found via Paikka Maailmassa
I should think about some type of a lighting system. I dig these ones.
Do you have an outdoor space? If so, have you snazzied it up?
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Experiments
So, I've been thinking about trying a few DIY projects. Here's a sneak peek of one of them
If you never again hear anything about this one, then be kind and don't ask. It meant it went horribly wrong. It possibly included explosions. (OK, not really, but at least like a gallon of glue)
If you never again hear anything about this one, then be kind and don't ask. It meant it went horribly wrong. It possibly included explosions. (OK, not really, but at least like a gallon of glue)
Correction to the below
Ok, I get it. Eating right and exercising does make you feel better. Yes, yes... I get it. I'm just in pain right now.
The weather here has been incredible, which means it's time to go jogging. I get the point and really, really want to like it. But, right now I'm in pain and my knees sound like... actually, I have no idea what they sound like. I would imagine in general your knees shouldn't sound like anything. (I would also imagine trying to open a 100 year old door with rusted hinges might sound like my knees. )
So, this means I have learned to NOT go jogging three days in a row, even if you're not running far.
I have also come to the realization that even though I am generally a patient person, waiting for results of exercising and/or eating healthy does not fall within the category of things to wait patiently for.
And finally, I should maybe re-think the thought process on running. To me, if you don't feel like dying after a jog means you're doing it wrong.
Conclusion: I should start eating more ice-cream!
The weather here has been incredible, which means it's time to go jogging. I get the point and really, really want to like it. But, right now I'm in pain and my knees sound like... actually, I have no idea what they sound like. I would imagine in general your knees shouldn't sound like anything. (I would also imagine trying to open a 100 year old door with rusted hinges might sound like my knees. )
Unrelated picture is not completely unrelated today, I sometimes go running around here.
So, this means I have learned to NOT go jogging three days in a row, even if you're not running far.
I have also come to the realization that even though I am generally a patient person, waiting for results of exercising and/or eating healthy does not fall within the category of things to wait patiently for.
And finally, I should maybe re-think the thought process on running. To me, if you don't feel like dying after a jog means you're doing it wrong.
Conclusion: I should start eating more ice-cream!
Complaint
Dear whoever-said-that-eating-right-and-exercise-makes-you-feel-better,
You suck!
That is all!
You suck!
That is all!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
First look at the Montreal spring
I really like taking photos, but I don't carry my camera around very often. The weather was so beautiful yesterday that I actually came back home, after already heading out, to take the camera with me.
Look how beautiful blue the sky is. So happy spring is here. Now just keeping my fingers crossed that we won't get any more snow.
Great artwork
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Trying new things
Sometimes it takes me a little while (OK, who am I kidding... A LONG time) to actually try something I've been thinking about. I'm talking about clothes and outfits here, but this applies to a lot of aspects of my life. I get these ideas from everywhere, something that instantly clicks in my head as "Yeah, that would totally work". But... it takes me a while to put these ideas to practice.
I have the excuse to not try it, if there's something I need to get to make it work. A color, type of garment, anything... But every now and then there's an idea that I actually have everything I need already to make it happen. And still... I just don't.
I'm taking small steps towards putting all these ideas to use, I guess I need to learn more patience. Just a random thought for today. Am I alone stuck in what's safe?
Photo from The Sartorialist
I'm taking small steps towards putting all these ideas to use, I guess I need to learn more patience. Just a random thought for today. Am I alone stuck in what's safe?
Monday, March 19, 2012
Where was I?
That's more of a rhetorical question than an actual location. Did I mention already how difficult it is to write a comprehensive introduction? I always read that when checking new blogs, but it's hard to write. I think I've already written several and didn't really like any. So far the current one if the best, but still a little odd. See exhibit A in the about me section.
Anyhow, it's totally spring over here. Apparently it'll get to +20 degrees in the next few days. I've already been outside with just a t-shirt (to be clear, I also wore pants and shoes. This "just a t-shirt" thing was meant to indicate the absence of a coat or a jacket).
So, any signs of spring for you yet?
Unrelated picture is unrelated.
Anyhow, it's totally spring over here. Apparently it'll get to +20 degrees in the next few days. I've already been outside with just a t-shirt (to be clear, I also wore pants and shoes. This "just a t-shirt" thing was meant to indicate the absence of a coat or a jacket).
So, any signs of spring for you yet?
Saturday, March 17, 2012
St. Patrick and something about snakes
Happy St. Patrik's day everybody! When I tried to think of a picture to add to this post, only one thing came to mind. Here's a logo of one of my favourite bands, Flogging Molly.
Have a wonderful day everyone!
So, do you celebrate st. Patrick's?
Photo from Flogging Molly
So, do you celebrate st. Patrick's?
Friday, March 16, 2012
Friday Inspiration
I am, once again, a tad early. This week I've been thinking about easter eggs. It's actually not that far away. I've been trying to think of a different way to decorate them.
These are gorgeous. And definitely a bit out of my league... Well, I'll just need to come up with something.
Do you decorate easter eggs?
Photo from here
Photo from here
These are gorgeous. And definitely a bit out of my league... Well, I'll just need to come up with something.
Do you decorate easter eggs?
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Time for a change
You might have noticed already, but I've been working on a new layout for my blog and shops as well. This is an ongoing process. I have to say I'm much happier with the new look already, it's starting to look more like I've been envisioning it.
For comparison, I added a screen cap of the previous layout, mainly so I can feel good about myself for getting closer to what I imagined this to be.
I will be working this as I go along, there's plenty more to be done still.
So, what do you think so far?
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
DIY sun dried tomatoes
Hello again boys and girls and welcome back to the Hipstercurious kitchen. Today we'll again make something that does not even remotely resemble a meal, just like last time. I figure if I keep this up, maybe in 6 months I could put together an entire meal...
Anyhow, I found really tasty cherry tomatoes in my regular grocery store and I wanted to make something super tasty out of them. As you might have noticed by now, my cooking generally consists of condiments (also sauces and side dishes).
If you like sun dried tomatoes, you're going to love these! It's not hard making them, but it does take a while in the oven. It's worth it though. I used this recipe from Smitten Kitchen as a guideline (recipes are guidelines, right? no point of following them exactly, right?)
So, you'll need tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
Cut the tomatoes in half. It actually makes sense to cut them crosswise, this exposes more of the liquidy inside to the heat and I find they turn out more even. But honestly, if you're as scatterbrained and/or lazy as me, then it's not really such a big deal. Half is half.
I threw mine in a bowl and poured in some olive oil. Mix them up and lay them out on the baking sheet with some gloves of garlic. Sprinkle with salt. Here you could put other spices too, herbs, maybe some pepper. I'm actually thinking about trying this with some chilli at some point. Generally though, these don't really need much spices in my opinion, a bit of salt is enough.
Then put them in the oven at 225 degrees (that's roughly 110 degrees celsius) for about 3 hours (yeah, that's why they take so long)
This is what they should look like. These are seriously amazing. No joke. Totally worth the time it takes in the oven. Please keep in mind that these shrink like nobody's business. Which basically means that the three boxes of tomatoes I bought to make them, ended up fitting a tiny glass jar. So make a lot at one go.
If you don't eat them all immediately then store them in a tightly sealed container with some olive oil. I added the roasted garlic in too for extra tastiness.
Word of warning: once you try these, the ones you usually get from the grocery store are no longer enough.
Anyhow, I found really tasty cherry tomatoes in my regular grocery store and I wanted to make something super tasty out of them. As you might have noticed by now, my cooking generally consists of condiments (also sauces and side dishes).
If you like sun dried tomatoes, you're going to love these! It's not hard making them, but it does take a while in the oven. It's worth it though. I used this recipe from Smitten Kitchen as a guideline (recipes are guidelines, right? no point of following them exactly, right?)
So, you'll need tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
Cut the tomatoes in half. It actually makes sense to cut them crosswise, this exposes more of the liquidy inside to the heat and I find they turn out more even. But honestly, if you're as scatterbrained and/or lazy as me, then it's not really such a big deal. Half is half.
I threw mine in a bowl and poured in some olive oil. Mix them up and lay them out on the baking sheet with some gloves of garlic. Sprinkle with salt. Here you could put other spices too, herbs, maybe some pepper. I'm actually thinking about trying this with some chilli at some point. Generally though, these don't really need much spices in my opinion, a bit of salt is enough.
Then put them in the oven at 225 degrees (that's roughly 110 degrees celsius) for about 3 hours (yeah, that's why they take so long)
This is what they should look like. These are seriously amazing. No joke. Totally worth the time it takes in the oven. Please keep in mind that these shrink like nobody's business. Which basically means that the three boxes of tomatoes I bought to make them, ended up fitting a tiny glass jar. So make a lot at one go.
If you don't eat them all immediately then store them in a tightly sealed container with some olive oil. I added the roasted garlic in too for extra tastiness.
Word of warning: once you try these, the ones you usually get from the grocery store are no longer enough.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Self evident post about tomatoes
A sneak peak to what I'm working on right now. Yes, that's right. 1 kg of tomatoes.
I guess it's needless to say I kinda like them.
I guess it's needless to say I kinda like them.
wedding Invites
I have a special treat for you today! I mentioned before that I've worked on some weddings, as well as having wonderful customers, but this time I actually have some photographic evidence.
The photos below are from the lovely Marlena. She's from Portugal and is getting married August this year. We worked together on some embellishments for the wedding invitations. She has a travel theme at her wedding with some vintage flair.
How great are these? I just love the invites. Vintage air mail, how could you not love it? I'm happy to see my handmade stamp stickers in action too. I love the stickers, but it's so rewarding to actually see them used by someone else.
Look at the back of the invites too. A custom stamp
Good job Marlena and thanks for letting me share the photos!
The photos below are from the lovely Marlena. She's from Portugal and is getting married August this year. We worked together on some embellishments for the wedding invitations. She has a travel theme at her wedding with some vintage flair.
How great are these? I just love the invites. Vintage air mail, how could you not love it? I'm happy to see my handmade stamp stickers in action too. I love the stickers, but it's so rewarding to actually see them used by someone else.
Look at the back of the invites too. A custom stamp
Good job Marlena and thanks for letting me share the photos!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Lovely Sunday
This week I've turned a year older (and wiser, right?), had some great meals and generally had some fun times. Oh! And it looks like spring. I am tentatively hopeful about this. Perhaps we've seen the last of the winter for now. I hope. I try not to get my hopes up too much, but it's looking really good. See:
I just have to go outside... Actually that's just an excuse. I am thinking about all the clothes I need and I saw a few nice things when I was waiting for my hair appointment. I really just want to go see if they are as nice on me as they were on the hanger (usually the answer to that is no). I also got a gift card from my in-laws for my birthday. I might have to go spend that...
On a side note... I am doing a lot of crafts and DIY type things. I know there's been a surge of clothes/fashion/accessories type posts recently, but there are a lot of other things going on too. Now, I've worked on some custom orders, which I really will keep between the customer and myself, but there's a few other things too. I've been testing the waters with some awesome paper tape and I've been testing out a lot of wedding related items. I promise there will be more on that soon.
Oh! Also a sneak peek of wedding invites from Portugal! One of my lovely customers sent me some photos, along with a permission to share the images of the invites with you.
How has your week been?
I just have to go outside... Actually that's just an excuse. I am thinking about all the clothes I need and I saw a few nice things when I was waiting for my hair appointment. I really just want to go see if they are as nice on me as they were on the hanger (usually the answer to that is no). I also got a gift card from my in-laws for my birthday. I might have to go spend that...
On a side note... I am doing a lot of crafts and DIY type things. I know there's been a surge of clothes/fashion/accessories type posts recently, but there are a lot of other things going on too. Now, I've worked on some custom orders, which I really will keep between the customer and myself, but there's a few other things too. I've been testing the waters with some awesome paper tape and I've been testing out a lot of wedding related items. I promise there will be more on that soon.
Oh! Also a sneak peek of wedding invites from Portugal! One of my lovely customers sent me some photos, along with a permission to share the images of the invites with you.
How has your week been?
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Purse shopping in Hawaii
I was thinking about purses today (mainly how I should clean mine out of all that extra crap that's in them) and decided I should share an interesting story with you.
This story takes place in Honolulu, Hawaii. Chris and I were there about a year and a half ago for our honeymoon. I wasn't planning on doing all that much shopping, but figured I could treat myself to a pair of nice shoes. Now, Honolulu is a paradise not just from weather/scenery perspective, but if you're into shopping, you're in for a treat. There's luxury brands everywhere. Seriously, they are everywhere.
So, after walking around a bit, I realized that instead of a pair of shoes I should actually invest in a purse. It's something I have with me every time I leave the house and I carry a lot of stuff with me. I should just invest in a good, sturdy leather purse that will last me a long time. So, that's what I decide on and start keeping an eye out for a good one.
I decided that the purse should be tan or brown, medium sized and leather. (Yeah, that only restricts to selection to 15,000 or so). I am a huge fan of vintage, and I plan on using this purse for a long time, so I wanted a classic shape, perhaps with some old time-y flair to it. I walk around (We actually only used one day for shopping, this is to clarify before you think I spent the entire honeymoon in shops) and look for this purse. I find a few I like, but still want to walk around and compare what's out there. While I do this, I see an ad for Ralph Lauren. In this ad (which I couldn't find online) there's a woman with a purse in her hand. It looked really funky and I realized that I didn't even think to go into Ralph Lauren, I had no idea he makes purses that are that nice. So, why not drop by and see what they have?
I go in and walk around, I saw a few nice purses, but nothing that I really loved. And then, I see the same purse from the ad! Well, I wasn't actually thinking they'd have that exact one, but since it's here, let me try it out. It's this one:
It's called "Ricky", Photo from Ralph Lauren
Now, the alarm should have gone off in my head, when I see the purse is in a glass cabinet. However, no alarms go off. The lady working in the shop asks if I want to try it out. I say yes and she opens the case with a key (still no alarms). I'm carrying it around, checking out the size, rummaging through it and kinda like it. So, I ask (all casually) how much it is. And I receive the answer...
$17,000 USD
I look at the purse and laugh. I tell the lady that I am on my honeymoon and I did plan on splurging, but not like this. I give the purse back and leave.
No moral to this story. Just thought I'd share.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Friday Inspiration
We got a 3 hour power outage today. While I was waiting for the power to come back on, I was thinking about things that inspire me. I have to admit, I've been in a cranky mood today and didn't really feel very inspired. However, as it seems to happen, Chris found something perfect for today's post. He didn't do this on purpose, I'm sure, but it was just very appropriate.
Things organized neatly! How great is this? I've mentioned this before, but the only way to organize things is colour-coded. And if I'd have the space (and time and energy), I'm pretty sure I would organize everything that way.
This is not to say that I would be even able to organize everything like this, but I have to say I do love looking at these. For some people serene views are a still lake on a summer morning or a view from the mountain top. I don't really do natur-y things, but this works for me!
Ah, the tranquility!
So, what's your go to peaceful view?
Photo through Things organized neatly, originally from This is Colossal
Photo through Things organized neatly, originally from Derek Holston
This is not to say that I would be even able to organize everything like this, but I have to say I do love looking at these. For some people serene views are a still lake on a summer morning or a view from the mountain top. I don't really do natur-y things, but this works for me!
Photo through Things organized neatly
So, what's your go to peaceful view?
Thursday, March 8, 2012
What to wear and more importantly, who to talk to about it?
Since my last Friday Inspiration post, I haven't stopped thinking about clothes. On the contrary, I've been thinking about clothes even more. And not just clothes, about the dreaded F-word (not THAT F-word silly, the other one. Fashion). I do think it's the imminent return of spring that's filling my head with all this, but I can't help it. Soon, I can wear other things than just winter stuff. My poor shoes have been neglected for months now.
This is going to be a long rant, so more under the cut. If you're not interested in a lot of clothes talk, skip the post.
This is going to be a long rant, so more under the cut. If you're not interested in a lot of clothes talk, skip the post.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
It's like Christmas, in March!
I did open my birthday presents and look at all the things I got! I've been good, obviously.
I got two books, "Good Omens" by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman and "Talleta tähtihetket" by Catherine Rein Carlson and Turid Eide. I've actually wanted to read Good Omens for a long time, so I'm very excited about this. The second one is a crafts book, which you can't have too many of.
I also got a keychain and a coin purse which will both be put to good use. The coin purse/pouch is a perfect size. I tend to carry around a lot of crap in my purse, so I'll definitely put this to good use in keeping small items that I have with me, but tend to lose in the depths of my humongous purse on daily basis. (My purse is pretty massive, "humongous" is not an overstatement)
I also got a ton of candy. I'm quite excited about this! There's some Finnish candy you can't really get here, so I'm always excited to try out some new salmiakki and the latest "Finnish confectionary abomination combination" as Susanne so eloquently put it. (She often sends me the latest new weird Finnish chocolates, so I can keep up to date what's going on in the world of candy. Which I really appreciate! Thanks Susanne!)
The colourful rolls on the left are prayer flags from Nepal. They are very pretty, so I think I'll hang them up in my crafts area once they straighten out a bit.
I've also got a ton of lovely messages from people, so it's been a good day! Now, let's see how to hair turns out!
I got two books, "Good Omens" by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman and "Talleta tähtihetket" by Catherine Rein Carlson and Turid Eide. I've actually wanted to read Good Omens for a long time, so I'm very excited about this. The second one is a crafts book, which you can't have too many of.
I also got a keychain and a coin purse which will both be put to good use. The coin purse/pouch is a perfect size. I tend to carry around a lot of crap in my purse, so I'll definitely put this to good use in keeping small items that I have with me, but tend to lose in the depths of my humongous purse on daily basis. (My purse is pretty massive, "humongous" is not an overstatement)
I also got a ton of candy. I'm quite excited about this! There's some Finnish candy you can't really get here, so I'm always excited to try out some new salmiakki and the latest "Finnish confectionary abomination combination" as Susanne so eloquently put it. (She often sends me the latest new weird Finnish chocolates, so I can keep up to date what's going on in the world of candy. Which I really appreciate! Thanks Susanne!)
The colourful rolls on the left are prayer flags from Nepal. They are very pretty, so I think I'll hang them up in my crafts area once they straighten out a bit.
I've also got a ton of lovely messages from people, so it's been a good day! Now, let's see how to hair turns out!
Party like it's your birthday
And so I plan on spending this day. I am 32 today! And still, I don't have a crisis about my age. I didn't get that when I turned 30 and I don't plan on starting now.
I received some packages in the mail and I was very good about waiting until today to open them. So, my morning started with a cup of coffee and these:
I don't actually celebrate my birthdays very often, so the title is a bit misleading. But I do plan on getting a long overdue haircut today. That'll be my present for myself. I get to go see my favourite stylist Dan (he's the only person I trust to fix my hair) and perhaps I'll also walk around downtown. I do need a pair of shoes (shocker! But I actually need a pair that lighter than winter boots but that I can wear while there's still some remnants of snow on the ground).
Today's also supposed to be the warmest day of the year so far, so I'm quite happy to just walk around town, enjoying the nice day. Perhaps I'll even wear a lighter coat... Yeah, I know! I'm quite wild and crazy!
So, do you celebrate your birthdays? And how do you do it?
I received some packages in the mail and I was very good about waiting until today to open them. So, my morning started with a cup of coffee and these:
I don't actually celebrate my birthdays very often, so the title is a bit misleading. But I do plan on getting a long overdue haircut today. That'll be my present for myself. I get to go see my favourite stylist Dan (he's the only person I trust to fix my hair) and perhaps I'll also walk around downtown. I do need a pair of shoes (shocker! But I actually need a pair that lighter than winter boots but that I can wear while there's still some remnants of snow on the ground).
Today's also supposed to be the warmest day of the year so far, so I'm quite happy to just walk around town, enjoying the nice day. Perhaps I'll even wear a lighter coat... Yeah, I know! I'm quite wild and crazy!
So, do you celebrate your birthdays? And how do you do it?
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
Random thoughts on random things
I've been thinking about a lot of things recently. This is surely not a shock to anyone who knows me. I have a tendency to over-think things. I've been mainly writing about crafting and my Etsy shops, which are things I do consistently and daily. I make stuff and I work on my shops.
I really enjoy writing this blog. Even more so than I thought. Somehow though, I've felt I should keep things focused on one topic, mainly because that's what you're "supposed to do". But the more I think about it, the more I realize that I do have a lot of other things on my mind at all times. You've already seen it with my recent ventures into fashion. I feel like I'm giving off a very one sided view of myself. I don't really aspire to pour all my heart and soul into the interwebs, nor do I seek to really to become someone else.
I guess all this is me trying to reflect on the new years resolutions I made the beginning of the year. We're already in March and I am still thinking about the things I decided I would focus on this year. I've written about it before, but the "stressing less" part is still fresh on my mind. I need still work on that. I need to stop thinking about what I should be doing and just do stuff instead. Does that make sense?
I know I'm kinda scatter-brained at times, but I can't change that. Perhaps I should just embrace it. Just like with this post. I'm not really sure what the point is. Perhaps it's just me justifying to myself that it's ok to be random at times.
Umm... I have no idea where I'm going with this...
Anyhow, that's really what I'm thinking at this particular point in time. I'm going to go and make something. I have a really cool idea to try out. If it works out, I'll post another tutorial soon. If it doesn't work out, then, well... I might post it anyway and share a good laugh with you guys. (I know you're out there, I can see the views)
Have good weekend!
I really enjoy writing this blog. Even more so than I thought. Somehow though, I've felt I should keep things focused on one topic, mainly because that's what you're "supposed to do". But the more I think about it, the more I realize that I do have a lot of other things on my mind at all times. You've already seen it with my recent ventures into fashion. I feel like I'm giving off a very one sided view of myself. I don't really aspire to pour all my heart and soul into the interwebs, nor do I seek to really to become someone else.
I guess all this is me trying to reflect on the new years resolutions I made the beginning of the year. We're already in March and I am still thinking about the things I decided I would focus on this year. I've written about it before, but the "stressing less" part is still fresh on my mind. I need still work on that. I need to stop thinking about what I should be doing and just do stuff instead. Does that make sense?
Photo from Amazon
I know I'm kinda scatter-brained at times, but I can't change that. Perhaps I should just embrace it. Just like with this post. I'm not really sure what the point is. Perhaps it's just me justifying to myself that it's ok to be random at times.
Umm... I have no idea where I'm going with this...
Anyhow, that's really what I'm thinking at this particular point in time. I'm going to go and make something. I have a really cool idea to try out. If it works out, I'll post another tutorial soon. If it doesn't work out, then, well... I might post it anyway and share a good laugh with you guys. (I know you're out there, I can see the views)
Have good weekend!
Friday Inspiration
I've been thinking about clothes a lot recently. I think it was the Vintage Mart sale that really got me into the mood. I've always liked clothes and fashion, but not necessarily shopping so much (except for shoes). The dream would be to have a personal shopper who would just do the leg work for me... And since I'm in dreamland, I would like to have a personal shopper who would try on the clothes for me and then they would just appear in my closet.
Don't get me wrong though, I love going through racks of vintage clothes and trying to find the treasures from the trash. I really like that part. I just don't like the putting a million things on part. I've also found that many vintage pieces are smaller sizes. Being over 170cm tall (that's 5.7 feet I guess) most things are way too short, not to mention being... well, curvy, which doesn't really help fitting into these things either.
I'm not only dressing in vintage through. Quite the opposite actually, I find it would look way too costume-like if I were to dress head to toe in vintage. I do follow what's going on in the fashion world somewhat regularly and do get a lot of inspiration from there as well (oh, if I only had the budget to match my dreamland personal shopper/clothes-tryer-on-er <-- totally a word).
After all that forewarning, today's inspiration comes from Burberry (yeah, I know, pretty far from my usual Friday inspiration posts). There's something about this look that caught my eye. I think it's the fact that, from the waist down, I would love to own this outfit. The top is a bit too out there for me personally, but it's not often I see something I would love to own (and would want to wear) straight off the runway. And to be honest, I do love the jacket too. And the gloves. I have no idea what the top looks like, but I'm pretty sure I'd love that too.
So, it's clothes I've been thinking about besides crafts (I never stop thinking about crafts). I know myself well enough to know (and be able to warn you in advance) as the spring starts drawing closer, I get more and more into clothes. I know it'll spill over here too, I can't help it.
So, that's my inspiration for this Friday. Anyone else thinking of spring yet?
Don't get me wrong though, I love going through racks of vintage clothes and trying to find the treasures from the trash. I really like that part. I just don't like the putting a million things on part. I've also found that many vintage pieces are smaller sizes. Being over 170cm tall (that's 5.7 feet I guess) most things are way too short, not to mention being... well, curvy, which doesn't really help fitting into these things either.
I'm not only dressing in vintage through. Quite the opposite actually, I find it would look way too costume-like if I were to dress head to toe in vintage. I do follow what's going on in the fashion world somewhat regularly and do get a lot of inspiration from there as well (oh, if I only had the budget to match my dreamland personal shopper/clothes-tryer-on-er <-- totally a word).
Photo from the Sartorialist
After all that forewarning, today's inspiration comes from Burberry (yeah, I know, pretty far from my usual Friday inspiration posts). There's something about this look that caught my eye. I think it's the fact that, from the waist down, I would love to own this outfit. The top is a bit too out there for me personally, but it's not often I see something I would love to own (and would want to wear) straight off the runway. And to be honest, I do love the jacket too. And the gloves. I have no idea what the top looks like, but I'm pretty sure I'd love that too.
So, it's clothes I've been thinking about besides crafts (I never stop thinking about crafts). I know myself well enough to know (and be able to warn you in advance) as the spring starts drawing closer, I get more and more into clothes. I know it'll spill over here too, I can't help it.
So, that's my inspiration for this Friday. Anyone else thinking of spring yet?
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