Happy New Year!!

I hope you all have a happy, fun, and safe New Year! Be careful! :)


Don't forget about my Orglamix giveaway, posted below. Start your New Year off by winning fabulous mineral makeup!

How refreshingly NEW!

So, what's a good way to procrastinate doing my schoolwork?

If you guessed updating my blog layout, you'd be correct! I know it's very naughty of me, but I couldn't resist. I thought the old one wasn't cutting it for the theme and purpose of my blog. I think this is much better. I'm aware it may appear wonky in other browsers, but hey, I'm no bloggin' whiz. I used to be a layout whiz, back in the days of yore as a bored 15-year-old internet addict, but no longer.

Please, let me know what you think! I'm so happy to have a 3-column design instead of just two, leaves lots of room for links (advertising? *wink*) and more!

OH! I've already passed 100 followers, hooray!! As promised, a big giveaway is coming up. I won't spoil everything, but I'll just say that there is more than one Etsian involved. ;) Keep a look out shortly.

3 years. <3

Patrick and I on my 18th birthday, 2007

Today marks the 3-year anniversary for my sweetheart and me. I can't believe it! Time goes by so quickly when you're in love. ;)

To celebrate, we're... relaxing. Exciting, yes? A nice little movie night with snacks as we cuddle on the couch (or the floor, depending on which system we use).

In high school I never thought I'd meet the "someone just for me" until after college. I wasn't really bothered, and my self-esteem was pretty low. However, my senior year brought me Patrick, who just happens to be the brother of my best friend. Coincidences are spooky sometimes!

Our love is only growing stronger. We have our ups and downs, but we accept each other completely with warm hearts and loving kisses.

Ah, sorry for the sap. May you enjoy your love, be it of friends, family... or that someone just for you. :)

Friday Featurette and Halloween!

Hey everyone, sorry it has been so long. The internet going on and off doesn't help a blogger, that's for sure! Here's a quick featurette of a journal-maker (I'm obsessed, remember?) and some Halloween photos!

This week's featurette goes to BlueToad. The name itself is pretty cool. This store specializes in journals with beautiful OOAK covers for very reasonable pricing. Usually handmade journals, even of small sizes, can be expensive. Also, some ACEOs are available. Here is the shop description:

Entwined Journal, $14

"Welcome to Blue Toad, a collective world of the creative mind, a place that will take you on a creative journey offering a variety of items to meet your whim and bring a smile.

BlueToad, a part of Tremundo, was the featured artisan on HGTV. Additional information on our shop profile and more creative collection at tremundo.etsy.com and visit us online at tremundo.com"

Peaceful Moments on Pale Blue Journal, $14

I'm definitely hearting this shop and keeping a close eye on it for the holidays. Several of these designs relate to this fall season, so they'd make perfect fall gifts for writers and sketchers alike. I'm so glad I found it! :)

Okay, so Halloween was a blast. Lots of good food, good costumes, and good dancing. Saturday night was the main one where I took the most pictures. Sunday was more of a nerd party, not so much dancing, but still fun.

1) Merrilee and I dancing away! 2) Merrilee, the artist hippie; Drew, the boy wizard; me, the pirate lass! 3) Cupcakes!!! 4) The nightlight set up (featuring glow-in-the-dark splatter paintings). 5) My pirate outfit. Yar!

Friday Featurette.

This week's featurette goes to DarriellesClayArt at Etsy. I've recently become a little obsessed with functional ceramic pieces, most especially mugs. My friend Merrilee is currently in a wheel-throwing class and she gave me one of her cups... it rocks my world. :)

Misty Blue Green Mug, $18

Darrielle's pieces, functional or decorative, are very well-crafted and feature lovely colors. This Misty blue mug is one of my favorites! And, considering the nature of these items, they are reasonably priced. Here is her store description:

I describe myself as a wheel throwing, hand building, mud slinging, slab rolling crazy lady who lives, breaths, and sleeps to play in clay every day. I use stoneware and porcelain clay and I make my own glazes... Life is good... :)
.....Darrielle Straughan.....

Nested Heart Bowls Royal Blue, $24

Her account has been up since January of this year, and she's gotten a good amount of sales and positive feedback. These would be perfect gifts for the holidays, or any upcoming weddings. Her store contains cups, bowls, vases, spoons and spoon holders, yarn holders, jewelry, and much more. I know I'll be keeping an eye out. ;)

Halloween is upon us! I can't wait to celebrate. I haven't done so in several years! Will be visiting a few parties with costumes ready, I hope to post pictures! What will you do for Halloween? Trick or treat, party, or just stay home?

Be safe!