"Sense"-ational Sundays...

Our senses tell a story. I've committed to recording my 5 senses for the past week - every week - as an exercise to explore my sensory world. I challenge you to do the same. If you choose to do so, just blog your 5 senses every Sunday & let me know - I'd love to read along!

I SEE: A new photography set up

Isn't it beautiful? I am so geekin' excited about our new Christmas present {Matt & I got it for eachother}, I can hardly contain myself!!! It's a 30 inch light tent and it's revolutionizing what I can do with product photography over here! Whoohoo - happy dance-happy dance-happy dance! There are no calm & mature words - I'm still too excited!

I HEAR: Cranium - Turbo edition
So much fun {although I think I was hearing the timer go off in my sleep}! We played Christmas eve - teams. Aunt Carol & I won, although it was a hoot watching Matt & Meg do charades and seeing Amy & her dad play with their "extra" - one of Amy's battle buddies on speaker phone. I think we were over there til about 1...we haven't stayed up that late on Christmas eve in a while!

I TASTE: Wee ham sandwiches
I did these for Matt's family reunion & for my inlaws Christmas day. So simple & so scrumptious - I'm still craving more! Hawaiian rolls, Inglehoffer stoneground mustard & shaved ham. It's amazing how much of a mustard junkie I've become after discovering I liked it a few months ago...

I TOUCH: GreenCards



We're working on all kinds of paper items for TheBookie, which we plan to launch on New Year's Eve. One of the projects are these little upcycled notecard sets - we're calling them "GreenCards" (green for the recycling aspect). Matt's absolutely addicted to making them & I love them because I always have or make cards and need envelopes!

I SMELL: Choya Plum Wine with Ume Fruit
My aunt's birthday is Christmas day & I discovered this year that she really likes Plum wine {specifically a bottle of Kinsen I had in my fridge}. She had said, after she tasted it, that she would love a bottle for her birthday {how on earth I remembered I couldn't tell you}. Well, of course, they were sold out when I tried to hunt it down, but they tipped me off to the umeshu (the plum wine with ume) & I got that instead. She cracked into it on Christmas eve & gave me a taste.

I like them both, although they are very different. The Kinsen is very full and almond-y. It is one of the favorites of the plums I've tried. The Choya is more citric (because of the pickled Ume floating in it) and lighter. The aroma on both is utterly intoxicating. I love Japanese plum wines...they are so aromatic and complex. You should really try either of these if you haven't had them before.

Shop Etsy Saturdays: ManHandled

I believe in Etsy and in the spirit of independent craftsters everywhere. I love to buy handmade and unique items for myself, my home and as gifts. As someone who sells on etsy as well as shops there, I have found hundreds of talented craftsters and amazing creations while I have been online.

ManHandled
Is this cheating? Gosh, I hope not...I chose to highlight one of our own shops today because we're running a great special for our "Facebook Friends" and I wanted to extend it to all of my blog readers...We're offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $10 {we'll reimburse you} for the rest of 2008!!!! That's good for INTERNATIONAL orders too - so enjoy!

Click here to join our Facebook group to receive regular updates & get more special offers!

Here's a new button set we just posted today. ***I love it*** This is the "She's Crafty" version. We also have the buttons to convert it to "He's Crafty" if you want...

On My Desk Thursdays...the Merry Christmas edition

Inspired by one of my favorite sites, On My Desk, I have decided to share a photo of whatever is on my desk {whether it's art in progress or a gigantic mess} every Thursday. This week it's...not really on my desk - because I'm not "working" at my desk today. I'm "working" in my kitchen. So today it's "On My Kitchen Counter", featuring HOW TO MAKE FAT BALLS. Big thanks to Pam for sharing the recipe with me - they were a huge hit with my family last night & I made these this morning for Matt's family...

Step 1: Put chocolate chip cookie dough in a mini muffin tin & unwrap a bunch of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups {I used the bells since they were taller}.

Step 2: Bake cookie dough @ 350 for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Squish in peanut butter cups while it's hot.
Step 4: Finish baking 3-5 minutes.


So, what's on your desk? Post a link & let me know if you're playing along - I'd love to look at your desk too! Or just hop on and say hi. I know you're reading. :)

...and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

"Sense"-ational Sundays...

Our senses tell a story. I've committed to recording my 5 senses for the past week - every week - as an exercise to explore my sensory world. I challenge you to do the same. If you choose to do so, just blog your 5 senses every Sunday & let me know - I'd love to read along!

I SEE: Redneck Santa
Yes, that means we made the pilgrimage up to Bonham to the Adams family reunion. Redneck Santa is an EXPERIENCE, let me tell you. There are so many things I could say...but I know some little eyes read my blog - so I'll leave it at you just had to be there! Let your imagination run wild - it's worth an entire Foxworthy routine, trust me!

I HEAR: the Adams boys watching football
My father-in-law, Matt & new brother-in-law Tammy's David (I have 2 brothers in law named David now) watched the cowboy game in my living room Saturday night. Matt & David had kicked back quite a few and it was...well, it was really vocal.

I TASTE: Fudge

Thanks to Pam & Aunt Mary I indulged with fudge twice this week! It's so sinfully Christmas-y & delicious!

I TOUCH: Luxe-urious Journals

Every year all my nieces & nephews get journals & a little something from Aunt Emily & Uncle Matt. This year I made them all from Luxe products & loved the gorgeous results...

I SMELL: Chicken Wings
I got a great deal on wings at the grocery store & tried my bbq chicken drumstick recipe with wings instead. It was a total knockout! So if you missed it before - mix bbq sauce with peach preserves & yellow mustard and throw in a BIG package of chicken wings & set the crock pot on low for all day. They will be scrumptious and your house will smell amazing!

Shop Etsy Saturdays: Jenmaestre's Pencils

I believe in Etsy and in the spirit of independent craftsters everywhere. I love to buy handmade and unique items for myself, my home and as gifts. As someone who sells on etsy as well as shops there, I have found hundreds of talented craftsters and amazing creations while I have been online.

Jenmaestre's Pencils
Every once in a while I run across something on etsy that bends my brain. This is one of those shops. Her art is created completely out of colored pencils. From abstract urchin sculptures to cross cut pencil jewelery - this is a shop you have to see to beleive! *enjoy*

On My Desk Thursdays...

Inspired by one of my favorite sites, On My Desk, I have decided to share a photo of whatever is on my desk {whether it's art in progress or a gigantic mess} every Thursday. This week it's...

...well, it's not technically MY desk. But it is a work surface in my home. This is a card table shot of Matt's projects! Matt confiscated my spiral binder the day I brought it home & he's been obsessed ever since. He's done a couple of dozen as gifts and for our etsy shop, but "now he's serious". After Christmas we're opening another etsy shop called "The Bookie" (www.TheBookie.etsy.com) - which will feature Matt's spirals, other altered books, greeting cards, alterable gaming pieces & miscellaneous paper creations (ooooh - paper project kits too!). ManHandled will be exclusively devoted to our buttons, button accessories, magnets & cool gift wrapping options for them. Have I mentioned lately how much I love my crafty stud of a husband????

So, what's on your desk? Post a link & let me know if you're playing along - I'd love to look at your desk too! Or just hop on and say hi. I know you're reading. :)

Holiday Heros: Bacon Cups & Italian Cheese Spread

As the holidays are going into full swing, I have been thinking "what do I bring to so-and-so's" and having friends talking about what they're making for the holidays as well. I always get asked for the same 2 recipes every year so I thought I'd do the preemptive strike and share them on my blog. Enjoy!

Bacon Cups a.k.a. Bacon Bundles
These are so amazing - there are no words. You will be the rock star of the party guaranteed. I make a big batch - this makes 48 - 60. Trust me, you'll run out. You can make the filling ahead & refrigerate it (my favorite way to do it) or make them all the day before & reheat.

• 1 package of lower sodium bacon, browned & crumbled (can sub peppered bacon)
• 1 or 2 yellow onions (depending on size), chopped & sauteed until caramelized
• 6-8 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1/2 bag finely shredded yellow mixed cheese
• 1/2 bag finely shredded mozzarella cheese
• dried basil
• mayonnaise
• 3-4 cans refrigerated flaky layer biscuits (it never hurts to have extra biscuits - but I usu. only need the 3 cans)

Combine cooked bacon and onions (cooled) with tomatoes & cheese. Shake a bunch of basil onto the pile. Add enough mayo to bind the mixture together into a gigantic gooey mess (you won't "taste" the mayo - the eggs in it will turn it into an eggless-tasting mini quiche).

You have to have the flaky layered ones so you can split them apart. Separate each biscuit into 3 layers. Press them into a mini muffin pan to create a "crust". Use two teaspoons to add the sticky filling (one to scoop & one to scrape). Bake them according to the package directions for the biscuits.

Honestly, I add more cheese - (like the whole bags) but I am a cheesy girl. You can sub just about anything in this recipe, or leave out tomatoes or onions if you don't like them.

Italian Cheese Spread
We can thank my stepsister for this bit of deliciousness...It's not "cheap", but it is so good and you can make 2 spreads for 2 different parties, so I think that makes it totally worth it! It freezes and thaws flawlessly and is perfect to have on hand for people who drop by. If you have advance notice, put it in the fridge the night before. If you need it in a hurry - heat it in the microwave - it gets all melty, yum. It is at its best at room temperature.

• 1 package of cream cheese
• 1 container of feta cheese
• 8+ slices of round mozzarella or provolone cheese from the deli
• 1 small jar of basil pesto
• 1 small jar of sun dried tomato pesto
• LOTS of Ritz chips!

Bring the cream cheese & feta to room temperature. Thoroughly combine with a fork. Find a bowl roughly the circumference of your round sliced cheese. pour a TINY bit of oil from either pesto in the bottom of the bowl so it doesn't stick. Add a thin layer of the feta mixture to the bottom of the bowl and spread it thin & even. Add a thin layer of basil pesto (no more than a small spoonful - it's powerful) and a thin layer of tomato pesto on top of it. They will swirl into each other - that's OK. Add a slice of your round cheese on top of it. Repeat the layers like that as if you were building a little lasagna out of cheese.

You should build two at once so one's not gigantic and the other minuscule. Be sure you have a bowl with a tight fitting lid for the one you freeze for best results. There are disposable containers that are a perfect fit.

It's best if you leave it in the bowl for serving. Not only does the oil in the pesto make the layers want to fall into slippery collapse, it will run all over the place & not be very pretty.

Trust me, get 2 bags of Ritz chips for each dip you make. They put a lot of air in there...and you should have a small knife or spreader available (or 2 spreaders - people don't like taking turns with this one). If it's the first time you serve it at your house - you might want to wait to freeze your back up. You might need it!

So - happy partying. Let me know if you try either of these or have had them before. If any of you have tasted either of these from me, let the world know your honest opinion. If you have put your own spin on either of these post that too. What's your "holiday hero" food?

What is pizza salad??? Seroiusly?

Another question from the comments inspired this post. Pizza salad is a favorite chopped salad in our house. Chop, add & combine everything on this list:

• lettuce
• green onions
• tomatoes
• mushrooms
• banana peppers
• mozzarella cheese
• pepperoni
• parmesan
• big buttery garlic croutons
  
• italian dressing
  
• you can add anything else you like or have on hand - provolone, salami, green or red peppers, red onion, anchovies, black olives, artichoke hearts, capers, sun dried tomatoes, chopped basil - just think of your favorite pizza toppings!

Serve with garlic bread & enjoy!

How-TUESdays from Etsy

Did you know Etsy has "How TUESdays?" Every week they have a project. I loved the video so much today I wanted to share it. Here is a link to the instructions and the pattern.

My top ten things to do with green onions...

OK - Kandice asked in a comment, so I thought I would clear this up since green onions are so very fab. Here's what I like to do:

1. Use them in salads - this week in my pizza salad.
2. On baked potatoes.
3. Floated on soups.
4. Mixed with cooked frozen peas & ramen noodles. {the best!}
5. Dipped in a 2/3 pepper-1/3 salt mixture & eaten as is.
6. Battered & fried or baked with ranch dressing.
7. In fried rice.
8. Grilled. {yummo}
9. With scrambled eggs.
10. Grow more green onions. I store them upright in a glass of water & snip off the top for salads & baked potatoes. They keep growing in your fridge!

How do you like your green onions?

"Sense"-ational Sundays...

Our senses tell a story. I've committed to recording my 5 senses for the past week - every week - as an exercise to explore my sensory world. I challenge you to do the same. If you choose to do so, just blog your 5 senses every Sunday & let me know - I'd love to read along!

I SEE: Amy & Haley in a FABULOUS Christmas Program
Niece Amy invited us to a "Christmas program" at her church via the chat feature on Facebook. Of course I said yes, but didn't write it down...luckily she called about an hour before the performance Saturday night & we made it. "Program" was an understatement. This was a full-blown extravaganza with full orchestra, 300+ choir and an hour & a half of entertainment...It was really neat to see Amy & Haley do their thing!



I HEAR: The IndieFrenzy Playlist
I created "work tunes" for our upcoming venture & have had them playing in the background whenever I'm working on the computer this week. Not only do I have several of my favorites - I threw in a some Neil Diamond especially for Ashley & Kate.

I TASTE: A Festival of Meat!

We went to a Christmas party at a Brazilian steakhouse Friday night...so scrumptious! Also had some wicked little Brazilian cocktails. There were so many unbelievable tastes that night I don't even know where to begin. Just go to Boi Na Braza...

I TOUCH: ENVELPOES!!!!

That is a LAUNDRY BASKET of orders this week's button sales! Thank God for Meg, who really saved us this weekend by helping us out! If not for her we would still be going...

I SMELL: Green Onions

We had an "off week" from the coop after Thanksgiving & last week we didn't have a ton of stuff that excited me. But the nice thing about taking turns at the farmer's market is that some weeks you get a box full of things you *adore* {except broccoli}. This week I did the happy dance because we got green peppers, green onions {so happy to get THREE beautiful, fragrant bunches!}, spinach, carrots, apples, oranges, pears, blackberries & blueberries. We're giving the broccoli away...because it smells like - well, broccoli.

Shop Etsy Saturdays: From Cup Cozies to Cupcakes

I believe in Etsy and in the spirit of independent craftsters everywhere. I love to buy handmade and unique items for myself, my home and as gifts. As someone who sells on etsy as well as shops there, I have found hundreds of talented craftsters and amazing creations while I have been online.

I am a cup cozy person. I bought my first {and second} eco friendly, reusable cup cozies a little over a year ago now and I absolutely love them! Or, rather, I did until I lost them recently. I hope someone found them & gave them a new, happy home. Regardless, I've been prowling etsy for their replacement & I found so many cute ones I wanted to share my favorites. Who knows? I might make one myself! {but, I'm betting I'll end up with one of these from etsy...}

The Caffeine Love Tattoo by 60Bugs

Java by PillowHead
Technically, this isn't my favorite...they can do one up for you that says "geek" in black & white - but they're out...



And, just in time for Christmas {but totally unrelated}...

I wanted to share this AWESOME deal I ran across. I'm itching to get one for myself!

THE 85 PIECE RETRO CUPCAKE KIT from Layer Cake Shop
can you believe *all that* only $12?


Happy indie shopping & have a great weekend!

Unbeatable savings...

So the virtual warehouse sale rocks on at Luxe & we put together the deal of the year...

This is the ultimate scrapbook kit. I've been packing them non stop & am amazed at the value. Not only is this something for your wishlist, this would be a great gift to give to s friend {or split up and give to several!}. We have other kits ranging from $10 and up as well as amazing deals on individual products. Check it out & have a creative weekend!

Tis the Season to be NICE!!!

Jen tagged with her holiday questionnaire. I was reading it thinking, "hm, I really want to do this" and then I saw she tagged me! Sweet! So holly jolly & enjoy! I'll save Jen's inspirational link for another day...

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay,here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Tag as many people as you want to....Tis the Season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Plain brown white or kraft paper. Then I paint & draw on it with sharpies. My uncle wraps everything in tin foil & my dad uses black trash bags. Probably why ended up such a gift wrap overachiever.
2. Real tree or Artificial? I'm *SO* allergic! So I went the other way & chose a retro '50's style kitchy white mini tree.
3. When do you put up the tree? um...I mean to right after Thanksgiving. But I have done the 24 hour tree before & at the rate I'm going that's how it will be this year.
4. When do you take the tree down? somewhere between the weekend after Christmas & New Year's Eve.
5. Do you like eggnog? lactose intolerant - but just found out I ADORE Soy Nog!!!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? gosh...I got a turntable & speakers in the 6th grade along with 4 albums...Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Scheherazade by Rimsky Korsakov, Whale songs & ABBA. Three of those are still some of my absolute favorites. Whale song still scares me a little.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Usually my dad - but we've all committed to a no gift - spend time with each other holiday this year & we're really relaxed.
8. Easiest person to buy for? Meg & Amy. It's hard NOT to buy for them year round I know them so well.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Three that are all very special. One is a folksy Italian imported one my mom picked out {it even includes the village idiot at the birth along with a bunch of other "non traditional" characters}. Another is from Mexico, that I bought my mom when we were in San Antonio for our honeymoon. The entire nativity is in a tipped over teacup and is surrounded by beautiful, bright flowers. The other is in a straw ornament I've had since childhood. It's always the first ornament on the tree & I always center it over a bulb so it looks like light is shining in on the baby Jesus.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards. I wish...I have good intentions, but never get them mailed in time. Instead I've made everyone in our families personalized ornaments every year for the last 4 years.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? vibrating hair brush...I'm not kidding. And I'm so sorry if you read my blog. I love you & it was a long time ago. I'm sure it was fabulous. I just didn't "get it".
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? not quite a movie, but Charlie Brown's Christmas Special is a MUST every year.
13. When do you start shopping? When I buy I tend to shop year round, but then tell people or give them stuff early anyway. I get really serious Dec 1. nothing like pressure.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Hot chocolate mix - once. Desperate times called for desperate measures & I needed an "instant" gift.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? pigs in a blanket Christmas morning with a cup of coffee
16 color lights on tree? white but {grew up with flashing multis}
17. Favorite Christmas song? Santa Baby {I'm a jazz vixen at heart!}
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? HOME
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? um...Rudolph, Dancer, Donner, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Stupid {hey, it rhymes & somebody taught it to me that way and I always derail there...}
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas eve. Christmas day has always been awkward for my family. Not only is it a family birthday & my grandfather died {at home, with me there} on Christmas morning when I was growing up. It's never been the same.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? people who forget to be Christian at Christmas
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I used to want a themed tree, but am so attached to our handmade history I wouldn't change a thing. I make and add one purchased ornament every year. My tree has every ornament going back 37 Christmas-es to my first, which was a little wooden figure of a boy on a rocking horse which was rescued from the mobile over my crib {and yes - I am so old I had a wooden mobile, next question}.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? ROCK ON...this is how you do it: WingStop {lemon pepper, garlic parmesan, regular & plain}, a massive veggie tray with ranch, my Italian cheese dip with ritz chips {a post in itself}, pea salad, pickled okra, black olives {gross}, mixed nuts, m&m's and angel food cake with berries. And yes, we're probably weirdos. And yes, it's divine.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? my family to be healthy enough to spend the holiday together.

Okay... I'm tagging so get to blogging: Angie, Debby, Kate & Ashley and anyone else who wants to play and post a link here....and Merry Christmas!

On My Desk Thursdays...

Inspired by one of my favorite sites, On My Desk, I have decided to share a photo of whatever is on my desk {whether it's art in progress or a gigantic mess} every Thursday. This week it's...

Pocky & a printout. Pocky is an amazing chocolate dipped crispy cookie stick...they're addictive. As for the handout - SO MUCH FUN! I found a "How To" section on etsy with free project downloads. They had a printable pattern for making play food out of felt. I can't wait to try them! I've bought several felt food patterns this year {from cupcakes to sushi} and it was a real treat to find so many good patterns for free!

*CLICK HERE for the FAVORITE FELT SWEETS pattern*

So, what's on your desk? Post a link & let me know if you're playing along - I'd love to look at your desk too! Or just hop on and say hi. I know you're reading. :)

Realizations & Beginnings...

A lot has happened in the last few months of my life that I've endeavored to keep "under the blog radar". First, we've faced major health scares and issues with both my & Matt's parents. Also, my computer died, which left me technologically disabled for a period of time. These seemingly unrelated disasters occurred at the same time, but it made other areas of my life quickly snap into focus.

• I want to spend more time with my friends and my family
• "My passion" is online marketing initiatives, trend watching and the independent artist communities that are growing globally through the web.

So I'm making some changes...

• I will be shifting to part time as a marketing contractor for Luxe. I love Luxe, the Luxe Girls and all things Luxe-urious, but my new plans don't have room for a full time job. I will be transitioning to part time after the end of this year.
• I will be available to do marketing consulting to other scrapbook companies, other craft & hobby companies and independent scrapbook stores. I will be posting more details on this later. In the meantime, email emilyadamsonfire@gmail.com if you are interested.
• I will be able to concentrate more on ManHandled, my husband's etsy shop, and will have time to launch other handmade shops we have in development as well.
• Also, I am starting a new venture with a couple of old friends. I have been kicking this idea around for a while now, and finally, it's time. Along with Kate Lynch and Ashley Smith, we are proud to announce...

IndieFrenzy will be a micro-marketing consulting collective for crafsters selling on etsy, ebay and on their own websites with services and tools to help them increase their traffic and sales. We are so excited to be helping independent artists in a market that's more locally focused, globally friendly and uniquely original. IndieFrenzy is handmade marketing for a handmade world.

If you're already on Facebook or Myspace JOIN FOR MORE INFO:
Facebook - become friends with Indie Frenzy
Facebook - join the group IndieFrenzy
MySpace - be our friend www.myspace.com/indiefrenzy

Or you can visit our site www.indiefrenzy.com
Or email us at info@indiefrenzy.com

If you remember the names...YES, the "3 Amigos" from the original Magic Scraps have reunited. Back in the day, Kate & I worked for Ashley creating, educating, marketing, & selling Magic Scraps. I wanted to do a mini recap of what we've been up to so you can catch you up...

Before: Ashley has always been an innovator. She started Magic Scraps back in 2001 and was ultimately responsible for all their innovative ideas until she sold the company in 2004.
Since: Ashley has built PolkaDotPotato.com, a digital scrapbook company that bridges the gap between traditional and digital scrapbookers and brings local stores, manufacturers and digi scrappers together in a unique online community. Ashley has also done web design for several major companies as well as an array of independent artists. In her "spare time" she is also the creator of Dream In Color Creations, and sells at local craft shows.

Before: Kate designed products for Magic Scraps, traveled to and ran booths at over 100 consumer events across the country and ran their kit club.
Since: Kate has been working in the corporate sector. She has a high position in a credit card processing firm and has become well versed in credit card regulations and how transactions process online. Kate still fuels her creative side with web design work...and she's in the midst of getting her first novel published, while working on her second.

Before: I ran education for Magic Scraps, and tested marketing techniques and monitored consumer habits first hand, as I taught craftsters at conventions all over the world. Through Magic Scraps I got the opportunity to appear on the DIY Network and contribute to several books & magazines.
Since: After that, I launched my own product line with Imagination Project {Circus Rose} before joining Luxe as their Marketing Director in 2007. In the last few years I have learned web design, designed everything from flyers to catalogs, launched multiple online stores, gotten heavy marketing experience and joined the Indie Craft movement. I am an avid trend watcher and still dedicate a lot of my time to research and forecasting.

Combined we have over 30 years in craft & hobby businesses, having worked for large corporations, mid level companies, as consultants or as entrepreneurs. We have conceptualized, sourced, produced, packaged, marketed and sold products on every level from etsy to Target. We are all indie craftsters at heart and want to empower artists everywhere!

Well, now...THAT'S a post! I'm really excited about what the future holds...

"Sense"-ational Sundays...

Our senses tell a story. I've committed to recording my 5 senses for the past week - every week - as an exercise to explore my sensory world. I challenge you to do the same. If you choose to do so, just blog your 5 senses every Sunday & let me know - I'd love to read along!

I SEE: *NEW* Twilight Buttons!




We've gotten SO MANY requests for new Twilight buttons to our shop I created 20 new images this weekend. We've also goal-ed ourselves to do 3 sets per book in the series {a small, medium & mega set}. Right now we have the Twilight set, Bella's Choice and The Dazzling Collection. We will have Jacob & wolf pins as soon as I put together the New Moon sets...

I HEAR: Mad World & Way to Normal...

Mad World by Gary Jules {the version from my beloved Donnie Darko} has been stuck in my head {as well as Marie Digby's version of Umbrella - ever since Andy switched it to "Angela-ela-ela-hey-hey-hey-hey" and sang it on the office a couple of weeks ago}. Also Meg {rock star} loaned me her new cd, Way to Normal. I've been particularly rocking out to The Frown Song, You Don't Know Me, Hiroshima & Effington. Also - I've been playing Rockin' the Suburbs...well, a lot.

I TASTE: Bulgogi

I went to lunch Saturday with my aunt & uncle and Meg-o and they introduced me to this too-good-to-be-real Korean restaurant that's so ridiculously close to my house I could walk. Unbelievably good, good, good! I can't wait to go back again sometime soon with Matt...

I TOUCH: ETSY ORDERS!!!

Those are the empty envelopes from this week...we made over 350 buttons in the evenings and over the course of the week BROKE and FIXED our button maker {thank heavens!}.

I SMELL: Red Wine

I spent a some soul-nourishing hours with Ashley & Kate this week. Before long, Ashley poured us all a glass of red {or maybe 2, or maybe that's just because I "did her the favor" of drinking her glass when she got up to chase after a little one - lol. No seriously, I'm not a lush, it's just with the careening kiddos, it almost spilled a dozen times - so my best solution on the spur of the moment was to eliminate the potential for disaster by eliminating the wine itself.}. I've only recently started appreciating reds {thanks to Jen & Pam steering me towards some good ones to start with}. So far, from what I've tried, my favorite has been a Pinot Noir called Wild Horse. It's kind of weird smelling & drinking reds after being anti-red for so long. I prefer cherry and peppery overtones - so if any of you have any red recommendations for me, I'd love to hear them!

Shop Etsy Saturdays: Celebrating GEEKERY

I believe in Etsy and in the spirit of independent craftsters everywhere. I love to buy handmade and unique items for myself, my home and as gifts. As someone who sells on etsy as well as shops there, I have found hundreds of talented craftsters and amazing creations while I have been online.

This week I'm going to deviate a little from my usual one-shop recommendation and direct you to two of my current favorite daily spots on on Etsy.

First: GEEKERY

"Geekery" is a category of products on etsy. It's the home of an eclectic mix of products from home decor built out of recycled computer parts to gaming goodies turned into jewelery to...well - you never know! Anyway, it's nerd nirvana & a fun area to browse through.

• To go there go to the home page of etsy.com.
• In the gray sidebar on the left side, look under categories and select "Geekery".
• This will take you to a chronological browser of the most recently listed items in that category.
• You can also click on the "Geekery Showcase" along the top of that page to go to a "featurette" of some really cool highlighted shop. {And we're *really excited* to be one of the Geekery Showcase shops today & this coming Monday, so please check it out while it's up!}
  

Second: The GEEK CHIC Guide

Etsy recently improved their browsers {AGAIN - I swear, this has the smartest, sexiest search engine on the planet!} and overhauled their gift guides - including "Geek Chic"!

• To get there go back to the home page of etsy.com.
• Directly beneath the orange home button in the top left corner and above the category section is a box that says "Gift Guides" - click on the words.
• You might have to roll around in the gift guides for a while...my current other favorites to check often are: Stocking Stuffers, Modern Design, Steampunk & Noir, Environmentally Friendly, Woodland & Feathers and last, but not least, GEEK CHIC.
• I digress...these selections are handpicked by etsy staff members and constantly amaze me!
  

I am awed - daily - at all the wonderful products I am finding from indie craftsters. Carve out some time to look around on etsy this weekend, I'm sure you'll find something you'll adore! Wishing you a geek-taculous weekend!!!

On My Desk Thursdays...

Inspired by one of my favorite sites, On My Desk, I have decided to share a photo of whatever is on my desk {whether it's art in progress or a gigantic mess} every Thursday. This week it's...

"The morning view of my desk at Luxe". I realized a few minutes ago it was Thursday & snapped this quick pic. There's the NYC mouse pad I painted a few months ago, along with my glasses (I just popped in my contacts), a cherry coke zero, my keys & my Office Space inspired red stapler. I love my red stapler. Now I have to get back to work...

So, what's on your desk? Post a link & let me know if you're playing along - I'd love to look at your desk too! Or just hop on and say hi. I know you're reading. :)

Shop Crop Suey!!!

I've met a lot of really great people through etsy...and one I might never have found otherwise was this really fun & unusual scrapbook kit club out of Canada - Crop Suey. Every kit has a combination of mainstream and custom, handmade items she finds on etsy! Here is one of her current kits I adore:



Not only is this kit a double dose of quirky-adorable, they featured Matt's science fiction buttons! A HUGE thanks to Crop Suey for including our buttons in their kit!

Another chance to WIN...

*NOT HERE*
over on the Luxe blog!!!

I missed another day of blogging yesterday...so we had to do another Lazy Blogger award! This one was particularly cool - Jen found a small stash of Luxe exclusive, employee only shirts & she's letting me give them away! So we're giving this one away today...it's so comfy & wonderful!

This is one of our exclusive Simply Luxe long sleeve tshirts (in XL). So go to the Luxe blog and comment on the Lazy Blogger post with your name & your favorite Luxe product (or collection) to enter to win! We'll name a winner this Friday. Good luck!!!