Junk and Shiny Stuff

I'm giving in...for now

2011-04-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

"You can't cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water."

- Rabindranath Tagore

So I'm horrible at this. I haven't updated and I'm not sure the direction I want to go with this anyways. Just crafts, more personal, I'm not sure. Plus, I haven't really been focusing on The Monster and Me very much. So I'm giving in, caving, tapping out, for now at least. I hope to figure it out and come back around renewed, refreshed and hopefully more regular (and I'm not talking bowel movements here!). I feel like I need to get off the computer and do something. I'm starting to go out more, and I have a few projects in my head that I want to come to life and I always have this nagging guilt about this blog in the back of my mind, I thought I owed it to you three readers I have. Wish me luck! xox Me

Work it out...

2011-01-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

Lately I’ve been doing Crossfit, which is a type of work out program based on functional fitness. It’s movements that you need for life, squatting, lifting, pushing, pulling, etc. Basically it keeps you movin’ and shakin’ until you croak if you stick with it. I think I started in October but I didn’t really stick with it and I was on again off again but I’m back on the bandwagon as of January.
Crossfit and I have a love hate relationship. I love the variety and the idea of it, the core values and principles of what Crossfit is all about. I hate actually doing it though! It’s so hard sometimes to get my body to cooperate with what my mind is telling it to do.
I hate to run, I hate to breathe heavy, hell I just hate working out! I love what it can do for me and how happy I am when I complete a work-out though.
It’s hard and it hurts, sometimes I cry because believe me there IS crying in Crossfit and gasping for air like a fish out of water and puking, but I really feel that the reward outweighs the pain.
Occasionally I’ll be posting work outs or personal goals or more info for anyone interested. I’m trying to kick a nasty Zynga habit and replace it with more blogging and creation. Wish me luck!

xox
kb

Listen to the music...

2010-09-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

How could I forget about last.fm???

My friend Jodi introduced me to to last.fm, wow...5 or 6 years ago. It's been a long time. I was reading one of my blogs that I follow (Simple Mom, if you're interested) and Tsh mentioned that she listens to music while she blogs and linked to her last.fm profile. Whistles and alarms went off. I have one of those!!! So today I recovered my username and password (iamthehunter, also if you're interested) so that I too could listen to the awesomeness that is last.fm. Don't get me wrong, I love Pandora but what happens when I go over my monthly limit? Right?
So for those of you who don't know what last.fm is, they describe themselves as a recommendation system. You download the "scrobbler" (I love that word!) and listen to your music, on your itunes, on their site, wherever and it keeps track of what you like so that it can find new music that you might be interested in. It saves all of your songs into your library which you can play as whole.
Saving your library is a really neat feature because my profile still has all my old music on it, since I haven't logged on in a while, and I'm listening to stuff I forgot I loved. HA! Hooverphonic, mewithoutyou, Turbonegro! Awesome!!!
Last.fm is free, the scrobbler is free to download and I'm on a mission to find some new awesome music so it's hitting the spot right now. You should check it out.

(source: weheartit)

How do you listen to music?

xox
Me

It never gets easier...

2010-09-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

I've come to the conclusion that death never gets easier to deal with. It feels like just yesterday my Nana passed away and yesterday I lost my Grandpa. I don't remember what it's called but basically it was a scarring of the lungs that prevented him from getting enough oxygen. He was on 24/7 oxygen and then started to become confused easily and got exhausted very fast.
When I went home for my family reunion in July, he didn't know who I was when I first said Hi to him. That was so hard. I believe he is in a better place now. He passed at home, surrounded by his family and all of their love. Everyone is doing as well as can be expected. It wasn't sudden so I think it was easier for everyone to come to terms with it.

I feel like an asshole for being three thousand miles away. I also wanted to keep on floating on denial (my favorite river) and just thinking that he was going to get better. My optimism failed me. I'll be going home for the services next week. It's going to be tough.

Sorry for being a downer.

xox
Me

Poly problem...

2010-08-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

I've been sort of addicted to Polyvore lately. I kept saying I would never sign up even though other people were using it. It's cool and I love it, so I'm not sure why I kept telling myself I wouldn't sign up...maybe it was to save my obsessive self the extra time suck. Who knows. So here are some sets I've made.

Au Naturale by SwankDevotchka featuring Oliver Peoples sunglasses

Night and Day by SwankDevotchka featuring Wet Seal tops

Peacocky by SwankDevotchka featuring Catherine Malandrino dresses

So that's what I've got so far.

Offline I've been slowly bringing my quilt stuff in so that I can work on it.I'm trying to work on my list of stuff to accomplish before my birthday since it seems to be fast approaching! We're about to go out of town for a little mini-vacay to a freezing lake (The last time we went it was freezing. I loved it though) and then our friends are getting married this weekend. So excited!!!! Pictures of our adventures to come.

xox
Me

I may be the only one...

2010-08-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

I started tanning yesterday because I'm in my friend's wedding in a few weeks and I was as I was getting ready, I had a thought. I think that I'm probably the only one who puts sunscreen on before going tanning. HA! I don't put it all over. I just protect my investments. You know, my tattoos. Okay, and I put it on my face. I'm afraid of being a leatha-face when I get older. :o)

In other news, I've finished another book on my quest to conquer 26 before 26. Hooray! Plus, a co-worker's wife invited me to a crafting for the cause type of get together and we're going to be making quilts for project Linus! Sooo, not only a good cause but another one off my list! This is the super simple quilt I'm going to t.r.y. to make.

Link here.

Progress pics later.

xox
Me

7 Things...

2010-07-30T21:14:00.000-07:00

Jaymi Pop had a post with seven random things, and she said she wasn't nominating anyone because she's too shy...so I sort of nominated myself. This is an easy one to get me back into posting since July was our "unofficial holiday". It was busy and we just needed a break. The shop will be open again soon and The Monster and Me will be updated regularly again too.

So let's see, where should I begin...

1. I'd rather eat room temperature pizza, seriously, not hot, not cold, just regular room temperature.
2. I started selling Avon. Trust me, it's random.
3. Irregular noises bother me soooo much. If you were to drag your nails on a chalkboard, I think I would do better than if you dropped a basketball. (Not only is that random, it's down right weird!)
4. I have really cute aquatic stickers on my laptop (there's a fish and a crab and a seahorse, hahaha, I sound like a 5 year old)
5. I love cereal so much, I could live on it alone for the rest of my life!
6. I am currently watching my lover customize a go kart on ModNation Racers.
7. I am green with envy of all the girls I know named Jaimie or Jaymi that are preggo. Congrats girls!

xox
Me

Seriously, anyone?

2010-07-02T11:59:00.001-07:00

Can someone please explain to me why I want a baby so badly?

Wow!

2010-06-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

So I've been a terrible blogger lately. Sorry! I don't know what my problem is besides an unhealthy addiction to Farmville. I realized today why I love it so much, not only does it make me feel connected to my roots even though I am so far away (I grew up on a goat farm in Maryland)in some loose animated way but also it makes me forget all the stupid BS that's going on in my life.
Let's see what's been going on...
Went to the Etsy craft party on Friday the 18th. Uhhh, it was interesting, to put it mildly. We couldn't really find it and drove around the park. The second time we realized there was a fight happening in the middle of the street. We stopped to help because, I don't care what happens or who is wrong, 12 people do not need to beat on one person.
The party was fun and the food was good. It was a little too chilly to craft but we got to hang with some of our favorite crafty gals, Deanna, Jaymi and Amy, and we meet some new people too. Then we went to Joe's Crab Shack for a night cap with Deanna. Good times.
I've been getting some more orders on Etsy for chalkboards and those need to be made. Just so everyone knows, The Love bought the first round of supplies for the chalkboards and he is the only one who can cut a straight line so he cuts them for me. Just so we're clear, because he always fusses at me when I saw "me" when it should be "we" (or "him"!).
I got a lot of requests for the recipe for my step-mom's cashew brittle, everyone loved it! I was so happy, because it was a last minute decision and went over so sooo well. Hooray! Recipe to follow! Promise!
I think that's it for now really. I feel like this was really long winded. Sorry!

I'll leave you all with a ridiculous product shot of one of my pincushion flower rings. :o)

xox
Me

One down, only like 24 to go...

2010-05-31T22:09:00.000-07:00

Hooray! I sold a chalkboard through our Etsy shop!!!! I am so excited and this totally takes another item off my 26 before 26 list. *Phew* I was getting worried. I really felt like I wasn't getting anything done, not so much now. Hmmm...what else can I accomplish???
I was going to post a recipe on here for..uh, something...but now my mind has totally gone blank. Dangit! I promise, as soon as I remember, I'll post.

xox
Me

Knee deep...

2010-05-24T20:17:00.001-07:00

Sorry guys, I've been knee deep in Memoirs Of A Geisha. It was so good. I saw the movie and I remember loving it but now that I've read the book, I want to see it again because now I can't remember it.
So I've been reading a lot lately because I have one of those "26 before 26" lists. I've been seeing them everywhere in blog land and I wanted to make one for myself so that I can have a sense of direction when I get lost in day to day life.
I wish I was as cool as Lovelorn Unicorn, and had my list on my sidebar so that you could check out my progress, buuuuut I'm kind of lazy right now. :o) Please forgive me.

26 before 26

1. Complete a Toy Society drop
2. Ride a friggin' horse while I'm in CA
3. Swim in the Pacific
4. Get a new tattoo
5. Make at least one friend
in California
6. Go on a real vacation with The Love
7. ~~Get a booth at the harvest festival~~
Even though I didn't do the harvest festival, we've done 2 craft shows
8. ~~Sell stuff on etsy/ebay~~
9. Have a real photo shoot
10. Actually finish my photo 365
11. Get in shape (not round!)
12. Chop off all my hair or Don't get it cut at all
13. Sew an item of clothing for myself
14. Get another fur baby
15. Play with clay
16. Learn a new skill
17. Design and order at least one fabric from Spoonflower
18. Visit one of the places listed in my planner
19. Finish one house project from start to finish (like, one whole room)
20. Read at least 26 new books
21. Attempt to make a quilt
22. Make one dish from each of my cookbooks (that is a lot!)
23. Get something published
24. Go skydiving
25. Buy a hoodie from Mungo Crafts on etsy
26. Get my passport

xox
Me

Oh Martha, how I love thee...

2010-05-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

Have any of you figured out that I just looove Martha? Well in case you didn’t know, I do! She’s definitely an idol of mine and I don’t care what anyone says (that includes you Monster!) I think she’s a fantastic self made woman. This morning The Love and I had some time to kill before I went to work so we stopped off at Home Depot. We picked up some more plants for the garden, some herbs and a freesia!!! They smell so unbelievably good it isn’t even funny. My aunt Leah wears that scent and it always smelled so good, but then you smell the real deal and it BLOWS YOUR MIND! Seriously! This is the color I got.

I’m not sure what the deal was when we were trying to check out but the cashier was trying to leave, I think, and she was talking to another employee about some blocks that a customer purchased and this went on for like 5 minuets until we just gave up and went alllll the way to the other side of the store (stupid self checkout was closer…but we had plants! Self checkout doesn’t work for plants!) As we walked to the other side we had to pass the paint section and I couldn’t help but drool over the new Martha paints even though they replaced my beloved Ralph Lauren paints. I was sooo excited when I saw that they had the color card they kept showing off on her show and it has EVERY color in her palette on it. Awesome reference. I can’t wait to paint something now. *insert maniacal laughter here*

Key points in the video:
2:30 for the super awesome rainbow cake that I will be making, for sure!
4:41 Martha in the Home Depot "Do it herself" workshop demo featuring her new paint line
7:12 FINALLY! This is where Martha and editorial director Kevin Sharkey talk about her new paint line, all the amazing colors and show off that sweet sweet color card I keep talking about!

Heavy as a rock...

2010-04-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

So I wanted my next post to be about the Spring Market and how much fun it was but there’s just been a lot of stuff going on. Instead I have a question.
Have you ever felt helpless? Not like globally, with starving babies in Africa and orphans around the world and all the wars. This is closer to home. A friend, a family member, a loved one or partner. This is how I’ve been feeling (more and more) for a while now. It’s not just one person in my life that I can’t help or fix their problems, it’s two. Two major ones really, because I worry about all my friends and family but most of them are tough and can take care of themselves. One of them is 3,000 miles away and it kills me that I can’t be there to help. Even though I’ve been reassured by many people that there would be nothing I could do if I was there. But, there’s only so much phone calls and text messages can do. I would feel better if I was there or if they were here. Somewhere in my brain it makes sense for me to be near that person, to be able to give a hug or hang out to take their mind off it. Ugh. Here are some visuals to further explain my feelings.

(all images via weheartit)

Thanks for listening.

xox

Obsessed!

2010-04-14T14:44:00.001-07:00

Go check out a post about my favorite author on the Monster and Me blog!

xox
Me

The joys of shopping...

2010-03-31T15:54:00.000-07:00

Ugh, I can’t tell if I’m sick or just allergy ridden, which does not excuse my lack of posts. Sorry. I really wanted to tell you guys about all the great places we went, two (I think) Saturdays ago.

We had a girls outing to Sac which consisted of getting doughnuts and fruit at Safeway, shopping at Crimson and Clover, the antiques store on J street and of course checking out Ms. Cluck’s Indie Sacramento show at The California Museum on O street.
We started out at Indie Sac hoping to score a free swag bag as one of the fifty first patrons through the door, SCORE! One mission down. The event was awesome, and jam packed with crafty goodness. I was dumbfounded by all of the talent in that lobby. I only walked out of there with, like, everyone’s business card, and two wooden rings from Haworth Handmade. They are so simple and so so pretty.

I got one with a heart burned into it and as we left the show I got down on one knee and asked The Monster to be my crafting partner. She thinks I’m a huge dork (which I am) but it made her and her mom and sister laugh a lot. Which is always a good thing.
After that we swung by the antique store on J st, which was kind of a bust because those ladies know what is going on and price accordingly. I did however leave with a mushroom shaped salt (or pepper, there was only one!) shaker. It was sort of a boring tan color so I got out my glossy yellow paint when I got home and gave the lil’ guy a makeover, a la Me.

I do believe the doughnuts and fruit from Safeway was next on our little adventure, we’re all trying to watch our figures so it was only one doughnut (Sprinkles!!!) and some blackberries that were supa ( a new phrase from my sis-tor) yummy and tart!

The best best part was Crimson and Clover because almost as soon as we walked in I saw a pair of brown salt water sandals for $10 and they were MY SIZE!!! Which also happens to be a ten, and let me tell you, trying to find amazing shoes in my giant size is not a very easy task. I sort of overlooked them because I was like “those will end up being an 8 or a 7 if I pick them up.” So of course everyone had to point them out to me until I did pick them up. Good thing or else I would have walked out of there without those amazing shoes. Alright, enough yapping here are some more pictures.

xox
Me

What's in your wallet...

2010-03-16T05:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this isn't really what's in my wallet, so much as it is what is in my purse. I saw this over on Liz Franco's site the other day and thought I would do it too. Really, it just gave me a reason to switch my purse. The one I was just using had a hole in one of the pockets so that all my pens/pencils/lip stuff/keys migrated to the inside lining of my purse. I feel better now that I cleaned that baby out. I had a lot of crap in there.
Here it goes,

This is cleaned out, haha!

Kindle (owl thing in the back) Currently reading Half Broke Horses. Just finished Hotel on the corner of Bitter and Sweet. So so good!
My Blackburrrry
Headband from Monster
Tissues (for my many issues)
2 pairs of sunglasses, neither of which I wore yesterday, those were a completely different pair from the thrift store.
Badge for work
Headphones
Flower shaped highlighter, which could be one of my favorite purse possessions.
Address book
Coin purse
House/work keys
Pens, pencils and an Xacto knife (??)
Ipod
Hand sanitizer
Stub from Avatar 3D IMAX
Business card holder
Camera, in its case
Mini lighter
Wallet
Tax bill for the house
Planner
Idea book
Retractable measuring tape

Geez, I do carry a lot of crap in my friggin' purse!
Do you want to know which purse I'll be sporting now? Yeah, I know you're curious.

"That's right lil' Timmy, they're hugging." Hahaha, humping panda tote by Enjoi. I can't wait to wear this out in public. Mwa-hahaha.

xox
Me

Handy pom pom tutorial (No gadget required!)

2010-02-18T20:34:00.000-08:00

So I've noticed that most tutorials for pom poms involve a pom pom making gadget. This one does not. I thought everyone knew how to do this because I think I learned it in elementary school, until The Monster and I were talking about a style school project. She said she had to go get a pom pom maker so she could make some for a project she was working on. I rolled my eyes and asked "You don't know how to make one with your hand?" She said no and then I felt bad for acting like a pom pom snob. :o)
So here is my very first tutorial and I hope it helps the rest of you non-gadget having crafters like myself.

Numero uno, gather the tools you will need for this project. Your yarn, a pair of scissors and your hands.
Start by cutting a piece of yarn six inches long. Set this aside for now.

Hold the yarn securely against your index finger with your thumb. I use my dominant hand as the wrap-pee (it’s a word!) and my left hand as the wrapper. You can try it either way and just switch if one way doesn’t work for you.
Start to wrap the yarn down your hand and back around your fingers. Don’t do this too tight or else you won’t be able to get your fingers out! Been there, done that!
For this tutorial, which yielded a pom pom about 1 inch in diameter, use three fingers as in the pictures.
To make a larger pom pom you can use your palm or your fingers leaving space in between them when wrapping.

Continue wrapping yarn the yarn until you have a pretty good amount of yarn built up. The more yarn you use the fuller or fluffier it will be

I probably did somewhere between 50-65 passes, or 10 Mississippi’s ( 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, etc.) making this pom pom

Here is where things can differ. My yarn sort of stuck together in a clump after I pulled it off my fingers, so I was able to lay it down on the extra piece that was cut at the beginning. If your yarn doesn’t cooperate then you can feed the cut piece under your bunch of yarn and tie it before taking it off.

Tie the extra piece TIGHTLY around the center of your yarn.

Flip over and tie again. Make sure it’s good and secure.

Hold your yarn poof by the tail you have just created.

Slide your scissors inside the loops on either side of the tied center section and begin to cut the loops open.

Do this on both sides.

You will end up with a crazy spidery mop type thing.

Keep holding the tail and start to trim the ends. I highly recommend doing this over a trash can or a file folder so that you funnel all that fuzz into the trash later.

As you trim you will notice that your “pom pom to be” will start to look fuller and more like an actual pom pom.

After a pretty decent hair cut you will end up with a pom pom made by your own tow hands! You can use the tail to help you attach the pom pom or cut it off flush with the rest of the yarn. Viola!

Feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions. Feedback is always appreciated!

xox

For the record...

2010-02-06T17:50:00.000-08:00

I love sleep. In fact, I REALLY love sleep. I think I'm going to give it up though. Not completely, that would be just plain crazy!

The Love gets up at 4am for his job and I may start getting up with him. I think it could really benefit me. There is just so much that I can get done in those early morning hours. I want to make him breakfast so he stops leaving the house hungry and eating off the roach coach (blech!). I could blog in the morning and get some housework done. I could even work out! (We all know summer is around the corner.)
When I get home from work sometimes I just want to veg. I don't feel like doing the dishes or folding laundry. In the morning though there is nothing else for me to do until I have to leave, right? Who's with me? Maybe I'm just crazy and this is a pipe dream.
Now, if only I can stay away from the siren song of sleep.

(all pictures via weheartit)

xox
Me

A new discovery...

2010-01-16T20:38:00.000-08:00

I recently discovered a really great vehicle for my photo 365. I think that that was another reason why I wasn't into this idea in the first place, what would I do with a year's worth of random photos, and where would I put them? I have found the answer and it is ShutterCal! I really recommend it. You post a photo a day to your calendar and if you want you can purchase prints of a month or two, or the whole year and it can be stored in this super cute shoebox that they designed. I think I just may be in love. <3

You can check out my photo 365 on my ShutterCal here.

xox
Me

Photo 365

2010-01-12T11:51:00.000-08:00

(weheartit)

I feel like everyone and their mom is doing a photo 365 project in 2010. At first it was only a few and I thought it was a neat concept, now it's as if it's the latest fad. I'm not sure if I feel left out or glad to not be doing something everyone else is doing.
If I start now am I jumping on the bandwagon too late? Am I just a follower? Maybe more people doing it has given me confidence to do one on my own. If they can all do it, then I can surely do it.
I think I'm going to do it. Not the self portrait 365 but picture a day 365. When I get more exciting stuff on my flickr I'll add a link.

xox
Me

Birthday tattoo!

2010-01-09T21:04:00.000-08:00

This is just a quick post before I put up my other post...that doesn't really make any sense. Oh well. I got a new tattoo for my birthday from The Love and I just had to show it off because I love it so so soooo much! Most people won't understand. Only my family truly understands my love of Mushrooms.

The more sane explanation is..In German culture the red mushrooms with the white spots are considered to be good luck. My great grandmother's last name was Heinz. How's that for German? :o)
The artist that did it, is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! Both myself and The Love highly recommend her. Jennifer Leonardi of Leonardi Tattoo.

Style School!

2010-01-09T20:53:00.000-08:00

Hooray hooray! I am so excited. I saw that Elsie and Leigh Ann were doing a class together and I thought to myself "I've got to get in on that!". The Monster had taken the Autumn class and loved it and she showed me some stuff she made and I was hooked.
So, I have a terrible memory and I had kind of forgotten about it, until they announced they were keeping the registration open to allow for more people to join, I singed up immediately, so I wouldn't forget again. The blog already has hecka stuff on it, and it is super inspiring. I really admire these girls and what they have made for themselves.
Check them out sometime. Leigh Ann's blog is Freckled Nest and Elsie's blog is A beautiful mess.
I'm not sure how I found out about them. I think The Monster, but they have been so inspiring to me and they are definitely a daily read.
Thanks girls for being who you are! You are amazing.

Christmas recap...

2009-12-30T23:07:00.000-08:00

So, Sandy claws came my way and brought me some goodies. Well, he did, and My Love and my mom and dad and The Monster.
Here's a run down of the awesome-ness.
Santa brought me a Kindle! Woot! Oh yes! I am so friggin' excited, and I've already finished a book. I told The Love I'm faster reading with a kindle because I don't have to waste time turning pages. :o)

My mom and dad got me a Cricut/YourStory (among other things) combo pack, IN BLUE!!! Hooray!

My brother and sister got me a Lomography Fisheye camera (in purple!) from Urban. It's pretty friggin' sweet. In this picture it is sitting next to my Fuji Instax camera. I'm starting to develop quite a collection.

The Love got me a screen printing kit, which I've always wanted and even though it seems complicated in the directions, I can't wait to get a little messy and make something truly fantastic.

I also got an Ebelskiever pan and a Danish recipe book from him, although I tend to think this was more a present to himself because he's the one who will really benefit from it the most. ;o)

The Monster helped pick some presents for me from The Love's Mom.
The crafty side of things was a new Martha (Oh, we're tight!) glue gun and bone folder ("It's a good thing!")

annnnd a Crop-o-dile BIG bite! Oh this baby is gonna do some damage!!!

The Monster was my secret Santa, which could not have been more perfect but one of the highlights of her gift extravaganza she showered on me was my Jellyfish paperweight and this super shiny skull!

Those are the things that I took pictures of and actually think will help me create, on top of that I got some fabric, a scrub pattern, new scrapbook paper, an optical illusion coloring book, A bug's life on blu ray, a Clutch (best band ever!) CD that I was missing from their discography, and little big planet which I cannot get enough of!!!!
Thanks everyone, this is going to keep me busy for a long time! Love you!

Happy crafting and a happy New Year!!!
xox
Me

Am I the only one?

2009-12-16T14:20:00.000-08:00

Seriously, am I the only one that thinks these cookies sound friggin' delicious???? Well, besides the Noble Pig, which is where I saw this recipe, and if you're not on her mailing list you should be! Her recies are amazing and I'm not a wine drinker but she's going through the process of starting her own vineyard and she has some great insight on wine.

Maple Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Adapted from Susan Russo via One for the Table

5 strips maple smoked bacon (8 strips if you want extra to sprinkle on the cookie)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
3/4 teaspoon maple extract
2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain on a paper-towel lined plate and chop finely.

In a medium bowl whisk flour, baking soda and salt.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars; about three minutes. Add egg and maple extract and beat until just blended. Add the dry ingredients; beat until just incorporated and the flour is dissolved. Stir in the chocolate chips, walnuts and bacon.

Drop one large Tablespoon of cookie dough 2-3 inches apart. Make sure you only do about 6 cookies on a sheet. If they spread and touch each other, you will have a mess. Bake 10-12 minutes in a 350 degree oven only until the edges are brown and slightly soft in the center. Let them finish cooking out of the oven, on the pan. The edges will get too dark if you leave them in the oven. Transfer to a wire rack and let completely cool.

*Also, I made 3 extra pieces of bacon so I would have enough to sprinkle on the top of the cookie dough. I also pressed in some extra chocolate chips too. This is completely optional.

And I'm back!

2009-12-08T15:16:00.001-08:00

I'm back from my trip home. Actually I got back on the 2nd just in time for my birthday which was quite nice. I even had a surprise My Little Pony party at my house given by The Monster. It was really a surprise, which hasn't happened in a long time. It's just not easy to hide a bunch of cars at my Grandparent's house. I plan on posting pictures but I seem to be focused on all things Christmas and I keep shirking all my other responsibilities soooo, with that said, I'm not sure when I'll get to it.
I also want to talk about the awesomeness that is stone paper by Oxford. It is amazing, really!

I am planning on cutting out a few of these babies tonight to add to my pile of floss. Be sure to check them out.

xox
Me

Away, away...

2009-11-20T13:07:00.000-08:00

I am going here.

More specifically, home. I'm going back to Maryland for the Thanksgiving holiday and plan on seeing lots of people. Even my GrammyShell from Florida will be in town. I am so excited, and a little sad because The Love can't come with me. He's staying here to work because the money is good right now. Although I do get the window seat all to myself since he isn't coming. :o)

If there is anything awesome to post I will, if not you'll here from me after Dec. 1.

xox
Me

Movin' on up!

2009-11-10T12:58:00.002-08:00

So to those of you who saw this blog before it was entitled "The Monster and Me" which was a super secret squirrel surprise for the Monster. Now, the cat is out of the bag and she's on board. This will continue to be my personal blog and you can check out our little joint venture here!

Enjoy!

xox
Me

The cat is out of the bag...

2009-11-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

lright Monster. Here it is, It's been a secret this whole time. It's not as awesome is it could be if I had the internet at home but I've been slowly building it up. Let me know what you think of the name. You don't have to use it but it's an idea.

xox
Me

Spooky and cute? Yesssss!

2009-10-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

o I've found this super cute (FREE!) pattern on Heather Bailey's blog, and I've already raided my sock drawer to make this adorable Betty Boo sock doll. She's a bat, of course I would make her!!!! Also, since I'm using a pair of my socks, that means I'm making two! I'll be sure to post some pics when I'm done. Go check it out and Heather is doing this cute series called "Trick or Eat", it's like a scavanger hunt through blogs with a bunch of yummy recipes and cute crafts. Hooray for Halloween!!!!
Oh one more thing, I just got a card in the mail from my GrammyShell and it reads..."Did you hear about the ghost who got to close to the bonfire?"
"He burned his little halloweenie!"
I love my family!

xox
Me

Pretty pretty!

2009-10-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

as anyone heard of this before? It's freakin' awesome! The Daily Drop Cap. It makes me happy looking at all the different styles, and very inspiring. I found out about it on "How about Orange?". They are created by typographer and illustrator Jessica Hische. Definitely worth a look-see-loo.

xox
Me

I just want to be done!

2009-10-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention that I have too much stuff. No, really, I didn't know. I realized this as I was trying to cram everything into my Croffice (pronounced Craw-fus). This isn't just a closet or a corner mind you, but an entire room.
I have so much that I want to do, but can't until this room is done. I just want to sew and sew. I had my sewing machine serviced over a month ago and it is still in the plastic that they gave it back to me in. *sigh*
Here are some pictures (finally!) although it doesn't even look close to this anymore. This is "The desk 1.0". The love had just installed it after completing the paint job and I was using it as a craft space.

This is "The desk 1.5", this was after the decision was made that we needed a spot for the computer, and my crafting would be put in the closet so we could shut the doors to hide the mess. :o)

This is the closet after that decision.

These were the bookcases which have been moved and incorporated into "Desk 2.0". That is not even 1/16 of my stuff!

Here is "The desk 2.0" finally, after the love changed his mind, what seemed like, fifteen times. It's taking up one wall so that we have the other wall for a fold out workspace for The Monster when she comes over to craft. The other wall has a window on it, so there isn't much we can do with it.

I swear, better more awesome-ly stuff filled pictures to come.

Help me organize will you?

xox
Me

She just might know...

2009-07-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

So last night I mentioned something to the Monster about already having a user name on Etsy, because we've been throwing around the idea of opening a bakery/craft store. She already created an account on Etsy and told me that I could list stuff if I wanted. Really I don't have anything good yet, so that's a no go for right now. I tried to make her guess the name and she's only one word short right now. (I know, I'm evil, what can I say!) I wanted it to be a surprise though and there really isn't anything spectacular to show yet. We've both joined Swapbot, which is fun, like really fun and I'm starting to get into ATC's. At first I didn't get the concept, but once I read the actual back story on Artist Trading Cards, I really enjoy them. I've made a few now for some swaps. If you haven't been to Swapbot yet, you should check it out. It definitely keeps me occupied. So I've been doing pretty well now that I've been making things. The Croffice is coming along pretty well, it's different than the last craft room. The last one was like a bright confection with clutter, this one is going to be more organized and old looking. I'm really excited! I'll be sure to post some pics when it's finally done.

xox
Me

And here is my blog, still with nothing to show.

2009-05-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

Ughhhh, we have no computer. This is killing me. I want to post things of all the stuff I've done as far as household projects go but alas, no way of doing that. In fact right now, I'm sneaking a quick entry in at work. I'm trying to clean out my croffice (You know! Craft + Office = Croffice!) as best I can. Now here's for the crappy news...even crappier than not having a computer or a dedicated space to create...The Monster. Is. MOVING!!! *Sigh* The first of June and she's out of the house and into her own world. Sad but true. I guess I'll have to use the phone more or something, although e-mailing while we're at work always works out well for us. *Shrug*
I promise to have something really worthwhile on here soon, promise, promise, promise!

xox
Me

Whoa, it's been a loooong time...

2008-10-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here's the thing...we.are.moving. Currently we are what the Love refers to as "Homeless". We've moved from the house we were living in and are staying with family for about two weeks until our house closes. The Monster isn't even in the same house as us, and that's weird. No one to bug when I'm bored, or beat up, or bounce ideas off of. We've been very busy, anyone who has been through buying a house can relate I'm sure. Soon though, there will be posts and pictures to enjoy.
On the crafty side of things...Puppy ate my first finished creation. Back to the drawing board. Dang! *Snaps fingers*

xox
Me

Don't spill the beans...

2008-07-31T19:59:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you, reading this, are smart enough to figure out where I got the name "The Monster & Me".
I'm sort of trying to be secretive about this whole process, until I get it 'going' a little more and then I want to let the Monster in on it. That way, it's more of a surprise. However, the Love seems to have his own ideas. We were out over the weekend and as we're walking into the pet store to buy some chow for the puppies, he says "Have you told her about your blog yet?". Just like that! What?!?! Are you crazy, saying the "B" word in front of her....geez! I was so shocked and cut him eyes so hard, I think somewhere something might have melted. Needless to say, mum was the word after that. He was going to blow it, the whole kit and kaboodle. So I guess she forgot about it and didn't really ask too many more questions. *Phew* Thank goodness.
I guess you've got to be careful who you tell stuff to these days. ;o)

xox
Me

Blue goo...

2008-07-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday we took the boat out to a new place. It's a lot different then where we usually go, even down to the color of the water. As others went out on the water later in the day, I opted to hang back and walk around, take a few pictures. Okay, 'a few pictures' means I took a TON of pictures as I always do. The landscape there was amazing. I think it had to do with the water being so low this year. It leaves more earth exposed and you can see the repercussions of what being underwater for so long does to things. The dirt, the rocks, trees and plants, it was like finding new and alien things. I think that was the best part of the day, just wondering around and exploring. I've included some eye candy so that you too can view this awe inspiring sight. Nature just amazes me. I've been thinking about doing some sort of summer project, and this just adds more proverbial fuel to the fire.

When we got home and had washed off it was time to lather on the aloe. Not just any aloe mind you, the lidocaine and menthol enhanced aloe, the blue kind. That slightly sticky goo brought relief to myself and the Love, he was really red. I was only roughly rouge. :o)
I started a pot of French onion soup for tonight's dinner. I still can't get the onion smell off the tips of my fingers. The Monster says her clothes still smell funky, and she wasn't even in the kitchen. Whoops!
After we ate it tonight for dinner the Love and I decided that there is still something missing. I'll have to try adding more seasoning next time in order to truly perfect the recipe. On a side note I think I could make a meal just out of baguette with melted gruyère cheese on top. Deeee-licious.

xox
Me

Blogging, Huh?

2008-07-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

So lately I've been perusing through the internet finding myself reading blogs from other artsy chicks, not exactly intentionally. I recently found Etsy. Combing through pages upon pages of inspiration and "Oh my god I have to have it!"s, I read profiles and twinge a slight green color from the envy. These lovelies are doing this for a living! Or at least for sanity. I've been reading profiles which lead me to friends of the artist, and then into countless blogs and then, like Alice into the rabbit hole, this magical and swirling colorful world that I long to be in.
Okay, okay, so I'm already sort of in it, but not making it as widely known. I recall having conversations with the Monster about opening a shop up. One with a bakery case filled with sweet sugared treats. A space brimming with funky stuff and anything we felt like making at the time. This is what I want to do 'when I grow up'.

Perhaps I should start with a little back story?
It all started once I fell in love with a boy. You see, I'm originally from Maryland, and growing up I had always been one of those "One day I'm gonna leave this one horse town" sort of people. Enter said boy, and two months after dating and, something like, two months (maybe?) of planning, I found myself here, in California. I sometimes think I'm still getting used to it...but that's another story. Once I moved out here I started to sort of, well, cook. I had made maybe one real attempt at a dinner in my life before moving and let me tell you, not. delicious.
So into the kitchen and into the fire I guess. I got a bug and I got it real bad. Somehow cooking turned into baking and then scrapbooking. I know, not a very normal transition. I suppose others had caught on because for Valentine's Day, the Love, along with help from the Monster, created a euphoric space for creativity for my present. It seems the kitchen table had been sort of overtaken and well....it's hard to have family dinners around glue and soldering irons. :o)
I have always wanted to 'make things', sometimes I tried, but things never really panned out. Now I'm more focused and all of this blog reading and shades of chartreuse that I've found coloring my mood have led me here. This is where I am, The Monster and Me. I want to make things for a living, things that not only make me happy by creating them but others happy by having these baubles in their lives.
I haven't exactly worked out all the details, or found my niche yet, and I'm not sure if I ever will. I like a lot of things, and they seem to like me because I find inspiration and run with it whenever I can.

Come along for my journey will you?

xox
Me