A KINDLE CONFESSION + WHAT I AM READING

If you have spent any time here you may have deduced that I am a bit quirky, or as my Latin mother would say, "Ju aaard (rolled 'r') so corky".  Yes, I am both quirky & corky I suppose. My latest quirk has involved my bibliophilia and gadget obsession. Last Christmas my husband gifted me a Kindle Fire and I promptly developed my newest quirk/cork. On said Kindle I can download the first few chapters of a book I may be interested in, this is enough to usually entice a potential buyer to go to the check-out to continue reading the full tome. In my unique case I have developed a mini compulsion with reading the first few chapters of oh, about 100 (or a 1,000) or more books.  That's what I have been doing every evening for the better part of a year-- reading chapters of multiple books. It's an enjoyable pastime and it's free, so I have continued this pursuit with gusto. When my husband borrowed my Kindle for a flight cross country he was  insensed to discover my peccadillo.  He would start to delve into what he thought was going to be a thrilling read only to find that my Kindle was loaded with these teaser chapters, which prompted him to ask, "What is wrong with you?" Last night after I confessed my obsession to one of my all time favorite people, I realized how insane it seemed, not the act mind you, but my palpable excitement at describing the sheer joy I get from this weird 'thrill'. I think I scared her with my over the top enthusiasm. I hung up and decided to finally download some books come bed time, full versions, I did after all have a gift certificate from last Christmas that I was hoarding. I chose non-fiction because I find reality/life infinitely more interesting, but I do believe The Night Circus will be the next fiction book I read. The books that I will be reading well into the new year will be The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson. If you listen to This American Life the name may be familiar to you. Mr. Ronson is smart + funny, I like that in an author. Moon Walking With Einstein is the type of title that compels you to read on, that's just creative genius, right?  The book is about a subject that I have great interest in--memory. The subtitle is 'The Art and Science of Remembering Everything'. It's a serious goal of mine for 2013 to become a mental athlete, since physical athlete hasn't panned out thus far. I found Pigeons by Andrew D. Blechman from Jules's book club pin board. I am an animal lover and I have always had a lot of respect for pigeons, they aren't as 'rat with wings' as you may think, they are actually surprisingly interesting. I think this will be a good read. Lastly, (and I can't wait to start this one) is Agent ZigZag by Ben Mcintyre.  I am a little in love with Mr. Mcintyre, loved The Napoleon of Crime and all the other teaser chapters I have read from his extensive output.  I am sure this book will be a hum dinger of a story it has already been optioned to be made into a movie.

So, this my friends, I do believe is my last post for 2012. I am saddened to say farewell (albeit temporary), but I have to finish up the much needed overhaul of the blog re-design and that means I will have to shut this space down for a wee bit. I am getting very excited for you to come visit my new 'home' on the web!  I'll still be around the usual places like Pinterest +Instagram and I may even try my hand at that Tweeting bit you kids do. Don't fret you will still be able to find me blathering somewhere in the ether!

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HAND LETTERING LOVE::OBLIQUE PEN & PENCIL

It seems impossible that I have not only been practicing my lettering, but trying out new techniques.  I decided awhile back that no matter how busy I got that I was going to make time to practice.  I can't just will myself to become better at this discipline, I need to put the time in.  Last week I decided to take a lesson to learn how to use an oblique pen.  Why?  I read that it will assist with angle, which is an important detail in calligraphy, this tricky angle quotient.  What did I learn?  I learned that I am horrible with the slant, just horrible, a lot of new students are. Like thousands before me, I destroyed my tines, but eventually can see how this odd looking instrument can assist in creating beautiful thin hairlines and a uniform look to my lettering (something that has alluded me for months).  The teacher suggested I buy an oblique pencil which I have since ordered.  It's supposedly a great tool to practice your pointed pen work. I have been practicing using these free Dr. Joe Vitolo videos (excellent to see how to create your letters) and using these free guidelines (the largest version under the Copperplate/Engrosser's Script Instruction ).  I have been using the Canson Pro marker paper, it's nice and smooth and I can slip the guidelines under the paper and see them clearly. My traditional calligraphy is pretty rank (it might make your eyes bleed), but I am going to just keep practicing and see where it takes me.  My goal is by this time next year to have legible letters/words to show you in the Copperplate style. It is going to take a lot more practice!  Let me know if you have any questions about any of the above, I am happy to try to answer them.

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SNAP JUDGEMENT PODCAST

After working my way through all the 'This American Life' archives, I found myself in my usual predicament of nothing to listen to.  I briefly considered taking up a language or three, there are some pretty swell language podcasts that may end up on regular rotation at the studio. 'Un espresso, por favore, grazie'.  Italian would be high on my list, although it might be more pragmatic to learn Spanish as that is my mother's native tongue and her English has been suspect for my entire existence. Case in point, she has emphatically stated after eating a large meal that she ate 'like a bottomless pig'. I actually think her version of the popular euphemism is better, so I use it often, feel free to crib it too.

Anyway, I found Snap Judgement the other day and it filled the empty hole in my heart (and head) that was there due to 'This American Life' aural withdrawals.  It is in the same vein as T.A.L. so if you are a T.A.L. addict like myself you will find yourself in familiar territory. Start with the 'Found' episode as that is the one that got me hooked and the story about what spectacular event happened to the guy at the pool party will certainly BLOW.YOUR.MIND.  Now for the negs of the podcast, the host Glynn Washington, great voice, obviously a talented guy and good storyteller, but he is almost a caricature of a DJ, it's a little cheesy, as is the music.  I love music and I consider my taste in music to be above average (I am sure I will regret writing that one day), the music on this show makes no sense with the content, there's a disconnect.  If you can get past the 70's late night DJ vibe (think 'Play Misty for Me', but not as cool) then you are in for some great tales.  If you take a listen let me know your thoughts. Am I off base?  Are my assessments accurate? Did you love the 'Found' episode?

P.S. Forgive me for not getting up my usual Pinterest Curator series, it's just they take a bit of time and right now I am borrowing it (time that is) so I need to wait to the new year, but I have my eye on several new prospects to introduce you to!

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PIECE OF CAKE MAKE-UP

I love beauty products so much, like I would marry them if I could.  I started off my once illustrious career in PR/Branding in the cosmetic industry so I know the ins & outs and can speak of quality products with authority (I also am a beauty big mouth so let me have at it).  Above is my new beauty/make-up regime, these are the products I have been using everyday so I won't scare my husband or the neighbors--it has been working.  I recently ran out of my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, it's pretty spendy so I thought I would try a drugstore option that has been getting rave reviews--Garnier BB Cream. I have mentioned BB creams prior (I am a fan), I liked the Smashbox offering but I am in between shades right now so its been benched for the season. My skin is dry, so if you have oily skin this BB cream may not be for you,  it has a very emollient texture, in fact I put it on in the morning without putting on any other moisturizer. BB Creams are different from a foundation or a tinted moisturizer (sort of in between in texture/consistency) so getting the feel for how much to apply may be a bit tricky at first, use a light hand and build. I am using the Light/Medium, it looks much darker right out of the tube (the very large tube), but it's deceiving, it matches my skin quite well. It's sheer but has good coverage. I have been using the Neutrogena Night Retinol cream and have been having good results with it lightening the hyper-pigmentation on my cheeks, I don't think I would have been able to get away without concealer if this was a couple months prior, but today I am happy to say I just use the BB Cream (great because I have been both lazy & busy). Like a regular moisturizer you are going to want the product to 'set' before applying the rest of your make-up. I usually put it on and then make my coffee and come back to finish the rest. I have been foregoing the mascara--shocker and just curling my lashes, it's easy and makes me look more awake than I feel. I think most women could use a little blush, it's the easiest way to get an 'insta-pretty' look, it's also the most wrongly applied cosmetic or the one one that women skip all together, gah!  My motto?  'No one blushes mauve' so stay away from colors that look dusty, browny pink, they aren't usually flattering. Tarte makes the best sheer cheek stains that will make you look like you have naturally rosy cheeks (this product will last you forever too). The best way that I have found to apply is with a brush. I learned that trick after seeing this gorgeous make-over and this video, I couldn't replicate her results with that type of brush but was able to do so with the foundation brush shown above.  With the brush you get sheer, luminous natural looking rosy cheeks. Lastly I swipe Burt's Bee's Honeysuckle over my lips, it's a sheer nude lip tint, it feels nice and moisturizing without the stickiness of a gloss or lipstick. Altogether I take about 4 minutes tops (maybe) to look natural and like myself but without scaring anyone. If you have any questions ask them in the comments I am happy to answer them!

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MCRN BAR + CUSTOM STAMP

I don't usually get the pleasure of seeing where the stamps I make end up.  I assume they all go to good homes and are kept clean, happy and are honored to be of service to their new owners.  So, when I do get an email that proudly displays their new addition in its new habitat I am immensely proud like any Mama would be. Juley is the owner/brainchild behind the newly launched MCRN Bar, "an online, subscriptions-only baking company that delivers monthly Southern-inspired French macarons". Is that genius or what?  I think it's a sweet idea indeed.  I love the packaging and I am sure the macarons are every bit as delicious as they look, perfect timing to launch in time for holiday! Macrons seem to be the Blogista's dessert of choice so I am sure we will be seeing MCRN Bar all over the blogosphere soon; I will be delighted to know that Juley's new stamp will be working hard behind the scenes to ensure that her packages look that much prettier. Congrats + Big Thanks to Juley!

Okay, so what have I got baked up for you today?  I think you should have your own custom stamp with your own artwork on it, don't you?  Yes, I do believe that would be a grand idea!  To enter to win let me know if you won this prize what you would want your stamp to look like, what would you be putting on it? And why?  Would it be a logo? A Bookplate? Return address? Your childs artwork?  Your artwork? A fave quote?  Leave a comment below or re-pin, tweet, FB Like (or whatever it is FB'ers do).  I am going to make you work hard for this one as I need to get you in 'shape' for the next giveaway (a big one).  This prize is (as always) open worldwide, good luck!  I will announce the winner next Monday, December 17, 2012.

P.S. And the Winners are... Last week's winner is: Lois (she sent me a photo of what she wanted to do, now that's motivation). And because I can never make up my mind I am going to give prizes of the flags to Michaela, MellieMel, and so you don't think I am just picking people with 'M' names, Susan Hwang. Thank you all for playing!

 

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ANGELA LIGUORI D.I.Y. ALBUMS

I usually don't like to post a d.i.y. that I didn't create myself, but this one by Angela Ligouri (if you haven't seen it) is so simple + beautiful that I felt it warranted some attention.  This would be a perfect project for a gift (if you are stumped or stressed), it doesn't take a long time and most of the supplies are readily available at your local art store.  I always give gifts of photographs to people that are hard to shop for or have 'everything' already.  I take photos over the year and get massive complaints of never seeing the images and then I gift them on special occasions.  I don't like to frame, because I think that interior design decisions are best left to the individual, it's so personal and I would hate to get it wrong, but an album is a great way for the recipient to re-live the experience.  I love to see the wistful expressions that emerge, when they flip through the photos (a.k.a. memories).  It's such a thoughtful gift and if you make the album as well? Not only would it be that much more special, it will also keep you on a budget.  On Angela's album she featured some of her vintage stamps, but I do think the addition of (shameless plug here) a custom postmark stamp would be a nice touch too. This is a beautiful and easy project (Angela Ligouri herself assured me).  You can find it in the latest issue of Martha Stewart and can also find it on the Craft's Dept. blog.  Have fun!

Below I made a little list with links so it's easy for you to find the supplies for the project.

//SUPPLIES//:

Cardstock
Paper for the inside
Cutter or
Sharp Craft Knife (for cutting the sheets)
Awl
Waxed thread
Needle
Bone Folder
Glue Stick

//OPTIONAL //:

Vintage Postage Stamps 
Postmark Stamp
 

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AMY BORRELL

I love this piece by Illustrator Amy Borrell, the palette is exquisite but it's the lettering that had me at hello.  Look at that 'B', it's so cheerful and floaty, like a champagne bubble of 'B's.  It's apparent that she is loaded with both talent and keen wit and I think you should leave me now to pay her portfolio a visit as it will delight your eyeballs to no end. Visit Amy's site Cake with Giants or buy some of her amazing prints at her shop with the same sweet name!

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PRODUCT + BLOG PHOTOGRAPHY::LOW LIGHT? NO LIGHT? NO PROBLEM!

I have had a tidal wave of desperate emails recently that I wish I could answer one-by-one, but my time is limited at the moment because of holiday madness/goodness.  The pleas are about shooting products or images for their shops or blogs when the days are shorter and darker.  How? And please help are the cries.  I asked my co-professor Michelle P. if I could re-print this tutorial that we featured in our Food + Foto class, I hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions! And for the record all the recent D.I.Y. photos on the blog have been shot in the middle of the night!

I know a lot of you have asked about shooting at night and have been afraid of not having available light when you finally have a free moment to shoot. I am hoping this little behind the scenes opens a new shooting-op for you!  I used to be a natural light snob, but then I got a job where I worked from sun up to sun down (and then some). If I wanted to shoot (and I really, really did) I had to change this natural light only thought process and just embrace 'light' in all its many facets. That is why I saved up some extra dough and bought myself the Lowel Ego light set.  I did buy the set with two lights, but ended up giving one away (I still regret that decision).  This little light is perfect for tabletop photography and allows me to get beautiful natural looking light at any time of day. The samples below were shot in a complete black room, at night with only the above set up. The reflector set up above is not so much to add light to my set but to be able to manipulate the light within it.  I use the reflector to move where my highlight will be more pronounced or to cut down on a glare, etc.

50mm | f/ 4.5 | 1/160 | iso 400. Below in the first photograph you can see that my iso was set at 400, not too high and my aperture was not open too wide so I could ensure detail. Would you believe this was shot in the middle of the night?

Below silverware: 50mm | f/ 4 | 1/250 | iso 400. I wanted to show that with this set-up you can manipulate the light to increase the detail on your subject just by moving your reflector at different angles. This takes practice and I feel is just a creative decision so use this tip if you like, don't if it stresses you out.

 Below teacup: 50mm | f/10 | 1/60 | iso 800.  Here I wanted to show you that even in a blackened room with a dark subject + a dark background, very small aperture that with the Lowel Ego light you could get beautiful natural light results.

I hope that this post opens up more shooting options for you and you aren't a slave to the notion of only shooting in optimal lighting conditions during only certain times of the day. In my my photographic journey I have learned to embrace all sorts of lighting conditions and really enjoy the challenge of shooting in light that I would formerly not have looked at prior. Light from the television or a computer screen? Yes, I will use it to my advantage if I think I can get a certain mood/tone from that image. I think the goal for me is to feel confident that I can shoot in any light and not ever lose a memory that I want to capture + keep.

P.S. If you shoot with your Iphone/Cameraphone the Ego lights (or whatever light set-up you choose) are really helpful since most of those types of cameras have a hard time with lowlight situations and introduce a lot of noise or blur if there isn't enough light in the room.
 

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NEIMAN MARCUS + TARGET

Yesterday or was it the day before?  The days are all blending together, anyways, I watched as fashionista Andrea tweeted the launch of the 'legendary' partnership of Neiman Marcus + Target. She tweeted photos of the long, long lines that wrapped for what seemed like miles. She tweeted women in victory poses with the last Judith Leiber clutches in their uhm, clutches. She tried on cute sweatshirts and sequin tops and gave the play-by-play on fit.  It was all very exciting, like shopping with a bestie but not having to leave your home.  Today I did leave my home, to go to where else? Target.  Not, for the partnership, my brain is currently sieve like and not retaining much, so I forgot about it way before I arrived.  I had to go for the very exciting chore of buying laundry detergent--my life here is endlessly exciting.  Target is also my closest supermarket and even though it's nearly 20 miles round trip I had to go.  When I got there I rounded the corner and was standing in front of the display of NM goodies.  Can I tell you something?  No one had touched it!  It sat there pristine as I watched women and girls wearing tights instead of pants (for shame) walk by the display not even curious. Not even a side long glance, nada. It didn't look like my Target received everything that was available (there were no Oscar De La Renta dog bowls), but it had a lot. I am thinking of starting a side business of buying and re-selling the items, just kidding, kinda.  I feel so bad for the merchandise but secretly can't wait for no one to buy anything so it goes on sale and I can buy that cute blazer and the tray.  Have you seen the partnership in person?  What do you think?  It may be a little spendy for the average Target client, but for those that are familiar with the designers featured it feels like they are giving the products away, truly.

On another note, I have been listening to a podcast on my drives to Target (I go a few times a week or else I wouldn't see anyone other than my husband, it's nice to be around people). The podcast is different than what I usually listen to, the host is very stiff + robotic (no disrespect), but if you can get past that it's not a bad listen while doing errands.  It's called Skeptoid and the host debunks myths (I suppose like Mythbusters, but I have never seen that show, so maybe I am all wrong). I have listened to the episodes on the Flat Earth Society, anyone that believes this is endlessly fascinating to me, because it 's surreal. The Betz Mystery, which I felt the host loosened up on a tad, I almost thought the argument was going to be for alien artifact, but he swooped in and set the record straight, phew.  I also listened to the one on the Bermuda Triangle and how it got started which I had no idea was such a relatively recent myth.  Again, the host isn't much on personality (no hyperbole from this guy), but I believe he's completely into his debunking (he's available for live debunking events if you have the desire + means).  If I did have the means I would totally hire him to be the entertainment at my event, why not?  What it didn't rate on the scintillating scale it would more than make up for in originality.  Alas, I have no events to go to at the moment nor have any intention of throwing one, but if you do hire him, please invite me.

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KRAFT FLAG GIFT TAGS + MINI GARLAND D.I.Y.

The other night when I was wrapping gifts I was thinking wouldn't it be so cute (I'm all about cute), to have some kraft flag gift tags? (say that 5 time fast).  I happen to be the owner of a ton (no exaggeration) of chipboard, because as you know I love me some industrial. I started to tinker, as I have a black belt in tinkering and my flags were terribly wonky at first, then I tinkered some more and had my light bulb moment and created my template. After that I was churning out chipboard flags like my own little factory.  I even got my husband in on the action.  I like working with my hands and I LOVE problem solving, it's the way my brain works give me a problem (albeit nothing of the arithmetic variety) and I am a happy camper; thus, my little flag factory was born. My brain started firing off, the way it does, in 40 different directions and I knew what potential these had for crafting goodness.  Just so you know, I am not a great traditional gift wrapper, do not give me a piece of wrapping paper because your gift will look like it was run over by an eighteen wheeler.  I like simple + easy.  If I can do this you can surely surpass my efforts, so without further ado here are some ideas to use these new flags in your future gifting endeavors!

I cut the notched part of my flag tag off, punched some holes + used the new mini alphabet set (san serif) to create this garland.  I want to try the mini Circus alphabet set and do some embossing next time.  The best (and my most favorite) part of stamping is that I can use any color + stamp on something this tiny.  Don't worry, you won't ruin the other part of your tag that is remaining, just punch a hole on either side, run some twine through and you have a very cool + modern tag for your gift!

Once you get started it's hard to stop making these mini garlands. The chipboard takes paint very well, I used both spray paint & Martha Stewart paint with equally good results. I used double-sided tape and Elmer's glue with the glitter (the cutest tiny sequin-esque glitter you ever did see). It was all pretty effortless, I didn't even measure, just cut wherever longer, shorter, etc. I am going with a little imperfection is charming, right?

For this Monday morn giveaway I will be bestowing one lucky + creative individual with a set of the new chipboard flags, a mini alphabet stamp set + twine.  Just pin this, or tweet it, or leave a comment, bonus if you think you have some more creative ideas up your sleeve and want to photograph! I will announce a winner next Monday December 10, 2012.  Good luck!

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CLAY TAG D.I.Y. RESOURCE

I have been slammed with the holiday rush (hooray!), but I took a few minutes yesterday to photograph some of the clay tags I made the other night. I had so much fun! It was easier than I anticipated as I have never used clay in a project before and wasn't sure what to expect.  I tried a few different ideas I had been toying with using the Besotted Brand stamps. One was creating a faux wax seal, I think it came out better than I envisioned (disclosure, I actually didn't think it would turn out at all). I also used the banner stamp that I customized; it reads 'handmade with love'. This was an easy one, I just stamped it on a rolled out piece of clay and cut out with a sharp Exacto knife using the stamp border as my guide. Last one I made was using the vintage postmark stamp, I love how much detail I got out of it.  I used air dry clay, mini cookie cutters for the circles and a nail to create the holes for stringing.  It took me about 20 minutes start to finish + clean-up. I let the tags dry overnight and then used an Emory board (for your nails) to smooth out rough spots (easier for me to use than sand paper on these small objects).  I was really happy with the results and have been thinking of a ton of other ideas. The clay dries hard, but not as hard as a kiln fired object, so it is still relatively delicate in my opinion, but it does have a nice raw ceramic feel to it. Below is my supply list and clay tutorial resources.

::SUPPLIES USED::

Air Dry Clay

Mini round cookie cutter

Exacto knife (you could use a disposable butter knife)

Nail

Faux wax seal stamp

Banner stamp

Vintage Postmark stamp

There are a plethora of great clay tutorials/resources but these are the ones that I felt explained the process well enough so I was able to have a modicum of success.

::CLAY TUTORIALS::

Urban Comfort Clay Bowls Tutorial

Creature Comforts Star Garland Tutorial

ReFreshRestyle Clay Tags Tutorial

Post Road Vintage D.I.Y. Clay Tags Tutorial (she even makes her own clay!)

You also don't need to stamp on them prior if you don't want, just make any shape flat surface (circle, square, oval, etc.), let dry and then ink + stamp on the smooth surface, the clay takes the stamp impression very well.  Let me know if you have any questions!

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LETTERING LOVE::CHARLOTTE FARMER

I may be illustrator Charlotte Farmer's biggest fan. I have gone so far as emailed her and enthusiastically told her as much and then I sent her a parcel of my undying affection for her lettering/talent. Good thing for me she didn't think it was weird, or at the very least she was kind enough to allow me to be a fanatic. I love lettering that looks effortless; from my practice I know it isn't easy to get the perfect amount of messy + quirky and of course legibility when lettering so what she is able to do just amazes me. It's also all Charlotte, so original. It's no wonder that she has been tapped to work with so many covetable brands.  So today I leave you to explore her portfolio, it's filled with quirky creative goodness.  See you tomorrow!

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THE TRUTH PODCAST

If you haven't gathered I have been a tiny bit busy.  I am so busy thanks to all of you, I can barely think let alone come in here and pull together a dazzling post, so forgive me for not having some of your favorite features up, but I will get back to 'normal' soon (maybe even better than normal).  I am in the middle of the re-design of this here blog and we are on tweaking detail. I am unfortunately a little picky so I am sure I am driving my coder + friend Lindsay completely over the edge.  Lindsay is a very kind and patient individual, I think any other person would have dumped me already.  I can't wait until we can launch it!  In all this busyness which is my current life I have been blowing through podcasts.  I have no more This American Life, RadioLab, The Moth, The Dinner Party, etc. to listen to.  I was on a mad hunt for an aural fix and saw 'The Truth' advertised but wasn't sure if it was for me, it was fiction and I prefer to stay in reality, it's always so much more interesting, no?  I did think their tagline was cheeky--'the truth is fiction' and liked the description which included this-'we make short films without pictures'.  Again, I blew right through every episode in a few hours of hard labor (I am currently my own shipping department, social media expert, brander, accountant, designer, CEO and receptionist).  I liked some more than others, one of my favorites was the oddly sweet 'Eat Cake'; I thought it was charming in a very Rom Con way.  I also liked 'Human Intelligence', which again I found sweet + charming.  I liked that it felt a bit nostalgic, although I am not sure you can be nostalgic about an era you weren't privy to, but I like to think that this was the way past generations were entertained by stories told over the air waves.  It was fun while it lasted and if you are working from home or your cubicle and can't find anything to listen to then might I suggest The Truth?

P.S. Gosh, I totally forgot to announce a winner for the Striped Bow stamp, I chose 3 this time because I can never make up my mind. So here we go--Jill Lauck, Anya Adores and Leslie Vidal. Thank you all for playing!

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KAUFMAN MERCANTILE

While I was putting together this post I kept thinking, 'beautiful & useful'.  It's the most apt description for the mecca which is Kaufman Mercantile. The site is vintage general store come to life (and accessibility) for those of us not able to time travel.  I can pretty much say with confidence, even though I am a minimalist that I could take up hoarding when it comes to KM.  This canvas carry-all bag has my name all over it, no?  I was going to do a gift guide with other shops showcased, but it felt unfair to not focus on this one for today.  As you can see from the sampling above the offerings are as diverse as they are appealing--beautiful + useful. I chose items that are under $50, but still had impact. Flower seed bombs? For $50 you could create a pack of 5. What are they? They are brilliant, is what they are, you toss the seed 'bombs' into abandoned lots and come spring it explodes with wildflowers, flipping delightful if you ask me.  I am a fan of industrial and even though the wall-mounted school house soap is $55, I figured you could forgive my misleading you price wise, it's so worth the extra 5 bucks, right?   I know a lot of people don't care for soap bars, but this is a nice design that keeps the soap from getting all goopy and it looks cool to boot. A great gift for the Francophile in your life.  I am a bit of a Francophile (and Anglophile) and the Botot all natural mouthwash is another little gift that anyone that loves beauty products, labels and French royalty will enjoy.  It's a bit quirky, I do admit that but I love it and it stays in the round up (besides I love that pop of color).  It's definitely not a product that you would buy yourself, it feels a little bit decadent.  Speaking of pop, this has clove in it so use a little on a cotton ball and pat on your lips, it will give you a similar pouty effect to 'Lip Venom'.  I don't know any baseball fans, but this baseball is just too good not to share, it would be great for a nursery of a new baby boy, it's just such a looker.  I shan't keep you much longer, you must go visit my new favorite shop!

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MASKCARA.COM

What if one of the prettiest girls you have ever seen was willing to let you in on all her secrets on how she achieved said prettiness, you'd be open to learning, no?  What if she went beyond just her secrets and revealed some of the secrets of famous beauties too?  What if that girl had an enthusiasm that was contagious and was able to teach you in a way that insured that you would have success? Are you all ears now?  Yeah, me too. I came across Cara above when someone pinned her '4 minute Mommy make-up'.  I am not a mommy but I could use a quickie makeover. I ended up spending about 4 hours on her site. I watched every video and made a mental shopping list of beauty finds that I might need.  I loved that she was willing to show herself completely bare faced sans make-up and we the viewer could watch the transformation unfold before our eyes (pure magic). I also love that she's a little goofy. Cara comes off as very genuine, I honestly felt like she wanted me to be pretty too and I am down, I want to be pretty!  Who doesn't?  I think I was most excited about the hair tutorials, I am coo coo for long soft waves and my only regret is I didn't find Cara sooner, I would have loved to have worn my hair like that for my elopement.  Even if Cara's exact look is not what you would do, I think that her tips + tricks are solid and easy to replicate which means you can dial it down a notch or two if you feel a less make-up look suits you better. The tutorial on highlighting and contouring is such an eye opener or what Cara says 'sets us mere mortals apart from the Stars', I am paraphrasing but that was the gist, after you watch her I believe that she will help us non-stars cross that line. I think this is as good a Monday tip as any I can give you. I hope you will find at least one tutorial that will make you happy that I introduced you to her and hopefully you will find more, enjoy!

P.S. Go to her site when you have time, not at work because you most likely will want to spend some extended time there and may also get an incredible urge to go out and get some of her suggested products pronto and well, if you are at work it might be a little tough, just sayin'...

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ABE THE BABE:: LINCOLN THE MOVIE REVIEW

This is a confession, a deep dark secret I have kept to my lonesome for a very long time.  I am going to reveal some of my childhood crushes. Once, I do, I just know that I may be getting a long sideways glance from you all, but I also know that all of you have had at least one weird crush in your lifetime that you probably would never divulge to anyone unless you were either extremely intoxicated or under complete duress. So, first off I had a crush on Lurch from the Addams family.  He didn't have much of a personality, but he was always well dressed and polite.  On the complete opposite side of the spectrum Moe from the Three Stooges also made my tiny heart flutter, there was one thing that bothered me--I thought he could be a little nicer. Since childhood has not a lot to do with rationality and possibilities are endless I also had a crush on a cartoon--Speed Racer. The best part was his girlfriend had a name as close to mine as I had ever heard (up to that point)--Trixie.  It was a stretch, but I felt that we were meant for each other.  Lastly, I had/have a super crush on Abe 'the babe' Lincoln. Like.For.Ever.  Abe wasn't just a pretty face, oh, no, he was incredibly intelligent and so very interesting. Even now, in the 21st century he comes in third, as the most written about person in history, Jesus is first (is that a given?) and  I can't remember who is second. I was so excited to go see the new Lincoln movie, it was boring as all get out, but my heart warmed to the idea that there may be a whole new generation of little girls that will develop crushes on Honest Abe. Seriously, Daniel Day Lewis as Lincoln?  Need I say more?

Okay, one more thing, the best Abe Lincoln quote ever, via my bestie--Pinterest, here it is, enjoy!

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THANK YOU FROM ME + GEORGE

I hope all that celebrated had a happy Thanksgiving, for those that didn't I hope it was a beautiful Thursday!  I was thankful for a lot of things yesterday, but what I was most thankful for was seeing this little face under the table at Thanksgiving dinner.  Yes, her tongue sticks out like that, she has teethe so the vet says it's just a tick. It always makes me laugh when she sits there with her little pink tongue hanging out, "Please, please, please drop something, anything," it demands. When she bats those eyelashes at you it is near impossible to resist, try as I might I found myself 'accidentally' dropping some of our feast down to her grateful little self.  I am so happy she is back to 'normal', physically; mentally she may always be a bit off (like me).  I know these Thanksgiving's with her are numbered, it's life, but I am so thankful that she was with me yesterday and will be sitting at my feet today.  Your well wishes for her speedy recovery were so appreciated, thank you from both of us.

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BESOTTED BRAND HOLIDAY CONCIERGE SERVICES

Are you on the Besotted Brand mailing list?  You aren't? Your email is stuffed to the gills?  I get it, I do. I don't email that often, pinky promise. I refrain, even though I would love to email you more, (I think I have a tinge of stalker in my veins) but I  control my impulses well.  I always do super deals (twice I have offered 50% off the entire shop!) I know I Besotted over killed this here blog this week, forgive me, I am on a holiday high.  I wanted to wait but the rest of the world wouldn't allow it, so I am caving in and totally getting into the spirit.  

Last year I launched  a Holiday Concierge service as an after thought, it was something that I wished other retailers had, but didn't so I figured I would just put it out there for you, it was a huge hit!  The idea is I will wrap any of your purchases you desire in either kraft paper or round kraft boxes (depending on size of item) add natural twine and some glitter silver bells (tres chic), I will also send directly to your recipient so you don't have to (in the States you will even receive a tracking # so you know when it gets delivered).  The best part is I will type a personalized note or tag for you, it's effortless gifting!  I have also been putting together a ton of custom sets for the wood printers tray, you tell me your budget and we work together to fill it with items within your budget.  It's such an amazing gift, it's really useful and your recipient can paint it or stain it, etc.  I use these to house my stamps, plus I have one on my desk for pencils, paper clips, labels, nibs, twine etc.  The boxes are nice and slim so they don't take up much room and they stack well.  If your New Year's resolution is to get organized this is a good start--hint, hint. Okay, enough, I will lay off the shop for a bit, thank you for indulging me!

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THE WORLDS CUTEST STAMP!

Are you dying?  Have I completely killed you with the cuteness that is this stamp set?  This is the 'signature' of a very sweet little girl named Coco. This dear girl believes she is a kitty and is completely and utterly obsessed with them, so much so that she adds ears & whiskers to one of her 'o's'.   My friend T. requested it and had Coco's mother scan her signature hi-res for me.  I knew as soon as I saw it that it would translate well, it's such a special gift, what little girl wouldn't want this?  I have to find a pink stamp pad as I don't have one in the shop, but once I do this will be sent off to little Coco to enjoy. 

Almost, Thanksgiving here in the states.  I am working on my gratitude list for tomorrow, do you ever do that?  It's a nice little tradition, I highly suggest it.

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SNOWY OWL GICLEE

Are you feeling just as frantic as I am?  I am seriously in a tizzy.  My in-laws are coming to town for the holiday which will be our first time hosting Thanksgiving. My husband is the most amazing cook so I am just on cleaning + decorating duty. The problem is I am certifiably insane when it comes to cleaning. Yesterday I was cleaning and my husband asked what I was doing and I told him I was 'pre-cleaning', he just nodded his head and left me to my insanity.  I will probably stop working a couple hours early to re-clean everything I cleaned yesterday. I know it doesn't make sense, it's just how I am. In the midst of my hyper-obsessiveness I did receive a very happy email; Erica sent me a snap of my snowy owl giclee 'in situ' (that's editorial speak for in the wild/room/what not). I LOVE seeing the owl in it's new home, so pretty against all the white and organic elements. Maybe it's because I am just nosy, naturally curious, but I love getting a peek into other people's homes, don't you?  I am going to pop back in later today because I have to show-off the world's cutest stamp set, it wasn't my idea, it was my smart + pretty friend T. (not me), she's obviously a genius.  It's such a thoughtful sweet concept, that yes, I wished I came up with but lucky for us we can copy her.  See you back here soon!

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