Mermaids Closet

I'm Alive!

2012-02-01T02:57:00.005-06:00

Hello my dear followers, I would like to drop a little note to say that I have not forgotten about you or given up on my little space here. I'd like to let you know in a nutshell what I have been up to, and my plans for the near future that will include regular posting and inspiration as you have enjoyed before.

The move to California has been a journey of great measures for Phil and I. It was the best decision we have ever made as a couple, and I think even as individuals. We are so at home, and feeling that we have a new lease on life. We spent months sacrificing and saving, and now we are here with heels deep in the soil, without looking back. There are about 1 million things I would love to update you about, but it will take time to catch you up. So at the moment I will tell you the most important thing...

About a week and a half ago I severely sprained by knee and ankle. When I have heard of someone spraining something in the past, I hardly batted an eye at it. I remember the injury healing quickly, and I got the feeling it wasn't that big of a deal. But after my episode, let me tell you a bad sprain really IS more painful then a break. How did it happen you ask? There are a few factors.

It was the evening of the much planned for 5th anniversary party for my sister Hannah and her husband Jeff. Everyone's squished into our place in gowns and tuxes, dancing to Daft Punk and all of a sudden I step wrong, hear a pop and collapse. First response: EMBARRASSMENT! You know that one person at a wedding who wipes out, and you just think, dear goodness I am glad that wasn't me- and deep in the recesses of your mind you know one day it will happen to you. Well, what a great night for it to happen to me, when I'm hosting a party for my one and only sister.

That aside, everyone was extremely cool and supportive about it. I managed to flee to the bedroom, cry it out with Phil and call a nurse just to make sure. As I layed out on the bed and pushed back, my knee went out of place and in Hannah's words, it was the most disturbing thing she had ever seen. LOL! It sure felt awesome. NOT REALLY!! After resting, redoing my makeup with the help of friends and gathering my wits about me, I headed back out to the party. To my deep and overwhelming pleasure everyone was dancing, mingling and having as great of a time as I was hoping.

My leg incident didn't seem to overshadow or effect the party as I had worried it would. And though everyone checked up on me via msgs and texts days after, they raved that it was the best party they'd been to. More importantly Hannah and Jeff gave us a card that expressed the deepest of love and gratitude for the night- and that is really what made it all okay.

The day of the party I was entertaining guests from out of town, cooking 4 pots of pasta, getting ready to the 9's and all without an ounce of food in my system. That was the biggest mistake I made. Running on empty, I downed a glass of wine and headed to the dance floor. It was only a matter of time before I wiped out I think. Nevertheless, I managed to dance on one leg to many o' songs and even slow danced with my sis and the love of my life. It really was a magical night.

Our good friend Jessica who is an epic photographer took pics all night, which I will definitely show you once she shares them. Everyone looked so beautiful and special. 5 years is big these days, and I feel we gave love the attention it deserved.

Since the party I've been on the couch with leg on pillows, in comfy's watching tv and enjoying some special attention from friends who stop by to hang out with me. Tori even arranged for meals for two weeks for Phil and I, made by our good friends in the congregation. I can't tell you how helpful everyone has been. I have been praying lots and allowing myself the help we need. It is hard, you know- to let people help you and see you in a vulnerable state. But it really does strengthen friendships to see eachother in less then perfect circumstance. So I am focusing on the positives.

To be honest I cry a little bit each day, as I feel helpless and guilty since Phil has to do everything for me. I'm on crutches and greatly limited in movement. Sometimes I'll bend my knee too sharply and it feels like I have ripped the ligament all over again. There are ups and downs, but mostly ups. With good friends and prayer you can get through anything. I know that a sprain isn't even close to cancer, or a broken bone, the loss of a loved one, etc. But with each hardship comes it's heavy load and we must give ourselves the attention we deserve.

Facing an injury throws off your regular abilities, schedule, habits and overall vibe of the household. I'm admitting that it's very hard to handle. That is why I am extremely and utterly thankful that my husband is such a sweet man. He remains chipper, comforting me in the most discerning way, even if I'm defensive and sad. In sickness and in health, right? He is my rock, and without him I'm not sure how I would be doing right now.

Slowly my leg will heal, and I will ignore worries of lasting issues with my knee. What's the point? I am taking some natural remedies along with my pain medication such as Arnica in the homeopathic remedy form and also Traumeel, which is a topical lotion. The day after I used the natural products I woke up with alot less pain, swelling and bruising. Nothing like nature for the soul!

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So with this injury, the big move, and the winding down of planning a huge party and entertaining many guests in the past few months I look forward to a few months of rest. There is a time and a place for dancing, laughing, celebrating, and then a time to turn inward and toward eachother in a more relaxed and stable way. That is what I crave at the moment. I am happy to just be.

In the spring I feel that I will start to feel inspired, as I am getting a small itch to create now. Home decor has come together in a way that I am content for a while, before starting on the bedroom and guest room. I am keeping my eye simple, and with that maybe I will feel the motivation to make again. I have so many creative friends, how could I not? It is such a huge chunk of my soul, to create.

I battle with the search for my niche, and yet somehow deep down I know I cannot stick to one. Without sounding like a bragging idiot, I must say that I have inside me many different dimensions. All of them must be attended to in order for me to feel peaceful and free. When I try to hush one of them, I feel panicked and uninspired. It is difficult. I would almost rather be 2 or 3 dimensional- which is a feasible amount to work with. But I have many more, and I think I just have to cater to all of them to feel good.

That being said, Blueberryshoes will have to be an all encompassing shop. I will never just sell one thing. When you walk into Anthropologie there are many different things to buy, of all different styles. It stands out because of just that. It isn't like your average brick and mortar shop that sells just clothing, or just housewares. Blueberryshoes will be sort of like that. Instead of trying to release lines of just one thing, I will add what I make when I want to. I'm not going to overthink anything, but instead share what I create in the hopes that maybe even just one other person in the world will love it enough to press BUY.

That's enough for me. For one person to love something I have made. I want to incorporate more of my illustrations. My dream has been to make zines. I think I will make that happen. Recipes, poems, sketches, dreams, and things given to me by friends will go into them. I have such a love of zines and I think a few people will feel the same.

I would like to make some wall hangings with simple sayings on them. These are things I look for myself on Etsy. Sort of country/farmhouse styled signage. I made one in my bathroom that says, "a calm sea does not make a skilled sailor". Stuff like that. Also I enjoy doing silhouettes. They would look cute on bedside tables. I'd like to make things with natural treasures. Maybe stick mobiles. shell jewelry. Are you getting my drift? It's all over the map. But I feel that if I photograph everything in a similar fashion, the shop will be almost like a curiosity shop. Once you're in, you wanna see everything. Almost like it's a museum.

I'm pretty sure this is the longest post I have ever written. If you have read it, I thank you for your patience!! I appreciate each and everyone of you who follow me here. I really can't tell you how much. To know you are being heard by like minded individuals. Isn't that why we live? To be understood, to understand.

Much love to you tonight
I look forward to keeping in touch more regularly my dear friends.

Fall Treasuries

2011-11-04T15:36:00.002-05:00

If you're looking for fall goodies on Etsy but don't know where to start, Treasuries are a good place to browse! Hundreds are made a day by your fellow Etsy sellers and you can search according to tag. I just held a Team Challenge over at the Indie Free Spirits team to create treasuries that remind them of Fall. Here was my favorite of all, by my talented friend...

By BailyBelle!

I'm loving her new jewelry featuring raw stones and lots of chain. Me and Vanessa met up in Minnesota last winter and it was a magical day! We drank coffee and sewed. She wrapped strips of magazine paper into rosettes which she made into earrings. Such good memories! If you can meet up with Etsy friends somehow, DO it! Etsy is an amazing community and it's up to you to make the meetups happen. Nothing like creating, gossiping about Etsy news and connecting with those I guess you could call your fellow employees!

source

Browse treasuries here
Browse my treasuries here

To gain more hits on your treasuries and up the chance of it making the front page, share your curation on Facebook, Twitter your blog and add tags that fall under "Today's Trending Tags" which are located on the right top corner of the Treasury page.

Have fun!

Babies, Friends and Crafts

2011-10-28T13:40:00.004-05:00

Life is so busy no matter what. Even when a close friend has a new baby, time passes and things get in the way before I can meet him! Finally I was able to hold and cuddle the bundle that is Westin, at a cute little brunch at Danna's. Danna's place is a constantly changing palette of charming vintage flare. Check it out...

Note: all pics were taken on my iphone and posted via Instagram. Every one of my friends has it and posts all day-it's such an amazing way to keep in close touch with your pals. My username is Blueberryshoes, in case you wanna add me :)

Danna and friends...Best decor ever? Whenever I asked her about what inspired the colors on her walls, she said she wanted them to look like "soap"...

Danna loves thrifting as much as me and everything she owns is from a yard sale, or thrift shop. You can say we hit it off instantly when we met ;)

Here's me and Westin. Not gonna lie, both Hannah and I teared up when we saw him for the first time. Holding him was best case scenario!!!!! The cheese platter beside me was what I brought, as a gluten free snack. The table was filled with amazingly delicious treats including donuts which I always crave. I'm proud to say I was strong and didn't give in.

Laurel, looking beautiful as ever. Would you ever guess she was just pregnant?! I love her style, so floral and soft. Her eyes are breathtaking too! She's a quiet, sweet and always smiling friend - one of the best mommy's I've ever met.

Here's Hannah's turn with Westin. I cannot WAIT till she has kids! I wanna be an auntie! And she would be the best mother I could imagine.

There's Westin's big brother and epic little human being, Gavin. I have never ever met a smarter, more intuitive and sharp child in my life. He will grow up to be a very special person and I will kill any girl that is an idiot and tries to hurt him! He's everyone's favorite kid!

Nadine shaking a donut to grab Klara's attention for a pic ;)

Ming's epic tights!

Sunlight, friendship, coffee, baby

Here's an amazing Farmgirl meets Navajo dress Ming gave me that afternoon. It fits like a glove, and oh it's comfortable! She found it at a yard sale on the way to Yosemite. I love dresses with a magical story...

This afternoon Hannah, Tori and I will be meeting up to craft for a bit. I have been so uninspired to get into any craft lately, seeing I'm working 3 days a week (babysitting Ann) and just run off my feet with cooking, baking, being a wife, getting to meetings and out in service. All of it is so beautiful and lovely. But it is time that I get back to my passion of creating. It's not something I can force, however I can usher it in by creating my workspace. I need shelves for organizing my endless supplies and a desk to work on. In time I want a sewing machine as well. I want to make clothes.

Today though, I will work on drawings in a new earthy, handmade paper notebook I just found at Goodwill. I'd like to create a coffee table book to flip through. That will be laid back and fun.
What do you have planned this weekend?

Next month is our anniversary. We have to hunker down and make a plan. We know we'd like a little getaway, and what better time is there for a magical escapade then fall in California?

Mom and Dad's 30th Anniversary Chicken Dinner

2011-10-26T01:02:00.016-05:00

Mom and Dad were up from Vegas this past weekend for a very special event. We celebrated their 30 year anniversary! I made a full blown chicken dinner, we played Balderdash for hours and just spent quality time together. I'll tell you all about it. First though, Mom took these pictures of Hannah and I before we sat down to dinner as the chickens baked in the oven. We realized we didn't have many pics of the two of us together, and so we took a slew. It was a magical time of day, and our outfits for the night were perfect for the shoot...

Mom has been an amazing photographer since I can remember. Friends are confused when they see pictures of us as little girls because the quality of the photos look modern, as opposed to the average grainyness that 90s film produced. I remember her in an oversized sweater, broom skirt and docs on the beaches of Normandy as we skipped along the cold and haunting shoreline. Stopping on the roadside to capture a shot of fluffy horses on the dirt roads. Always with a camera around her neck. I outta scan some of the pics from those days and show you. She took all of these pics...

They're all taken in our backyard. Also if you can kind of notice my hair is more of an auburn then the black it has been for about a year. I just got it done. My goal is to go back to my natural color which is a dark blonde with natural lighter highlights around the crown. From months of dying it black on my own, I will need to go in stages. So it just so happens my auburn goes perfectly with the season and it was a delightful surprise ;) Now Hannah and I look a little more like sisters!

My shirt is from Kohls and skirt from H&M, and no I'm not wearing tights- I'm THAT pale. Gotta say I'm a fan of pale though. It's so very classic. Hannah's dress is from H&M as well, and her belt is new but I forget where she said she got it. Her ballet slippers are actually those little slippers you buy at the drug store after a night of clubbing in heels ;) Her dress looks SO Virgin Suicides without the belt. I love when she wears a waistless dress- it makes her look just like a doll.

Soon it was time to head back in and finish up dinner. You know how full blown chicken dinners are an all day deal - and I loved every minute of it. A chicken dinner with all the fixings just represents family and celebration perfectly, and thus I knew I had to make it! Here's what I made for all 6 of us:

-2 Roasted Chickens. Free range, organic, locally raised.
-Gluten free gravy
-Gluten free stuffing
-Creamed corn
-Organic baked maple-walnut carrots (sugar free)
-Organic mashed potatoes

Organic Roasted Chicken: The chicken was cleaned, dried and then hand covered with butter, salt and pepper. I made sure to add butter to the inside of the skin right against the breasts as well. I am not a fan of handling raw meat, but it's just one of those things that must be done. Mom recently said that after watching Alien for the first time, she was unable to handle a raw chicken for almost a year. ( remember when that THING comes out of the guy's stomach and "runs" across the floor!? )

I broiled the 2 chickens side by side in a casserole dish, to crisp the skin for a good 15 minutes. Then I turned down the temp to 375 and baked till ready-about 2 hrs or more. You know chicken is ready when you pierce the thing and the juices run clear, as opposed to pink. Once they're done, cover them with foil, turn off the oven and leave it to rest in there for a good 20 minutes.

Gluten Free Gravy: So simple! Remove the chickens from the drippings and pick out any chicken pieces that have fallen in. Don't bother straining, all the little crispy bits will make the gravy even better. Create a paste to thicken the gravy by mixing in tsp by tsp of Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Flour Mix with a whisk until thick. It acts just like normal flour!

Then mom gave me an amazing tip: Add water from the boiling potatoes to stretch the gravy! It actually doubled the amount. And you and I both know, there can never be enough gravy! Let me tell you, even though I used the GF flour mix, it tasted EXACTLY the same as every other epic gravy I have had! And it was velvety, rich, THICK.

Gluten Free Stuffing: Honestly, my favorite part of a chicken dinner is the stuffing. I adore the plain old Stove Top box mix! I knew there was no way I was going to miss out on this KEY element of the evening, and so I made it gluten free. I searched in Sprouts for a GF mix but had no luck. And so I looked online at your basic stuffing recipes. By the way, in Canada we call it stuffing, not dressing-just in case you were wondering what on earth I was talking about!

The only thing I changed from a non GF recipe was the type of bread I used. Instead of white bread, I used Udi's Gluten Free White Bread. I can't recommend a better kind of bread if you are craving the look and taste of white. It acts just like it. I let the whole loaf thaw out on a plate and then hand ripped every slice into small pieces. Then I sauteed onion, garlic, fresh parsley, salt and pepper in olive oil and butter until translucent. To that I threw in the bread and a bowl of a bit of milk and an egg. I stirred it around till it seemed good and moist, then added to the cavity of the chickens. It was just the right amount!

When I tasted the stuffing, I cannot tell you how delicious it came out! It was a hit, and there was no way I could tell it was GF. If you wanted to make it without chicken, you could simply bake it in a casserole and it will act the same!

Organic baked maple-walnut carrots: These are so easy it's crazy. First only buy organic big carrots, they taste better. Wash em with mild soap, pass on peeling them. Stay closest to nature. Chop the carrots into sticks and throw into a baking dish. Then pour over them some olive oil, chucks of butter, salt, garlic powder and a sprinkle of Truvia and organic, raw walnuts. Cover with foil. Pierce little holes in the foil and bake for about half an hour or until they are el dente.

When they are done, pour a little bit of maple syrup over the lot and mix up. I am sugar free so I used and recommend Nature's Hollow Sugar Free Maple Flavored Syrup. To DIE for. Sweetened with Xylitol which is a super healthy alternative to sugar. Carrots are so good when sweetened slightly. This is also a really good way to get your kids to eat veg!

Organic Mashed Potatoes: Once again super easy. Pick organic potatoes and wash with mild soap. Don't peel. The peel is the healthiest part of the potato and I love seeing the bits of color throughout the mixture.

Throw chunked potatoes into the water that just covers them in a large pot. Bring to boil and lower heat to medium and cook until they are easy to break apart. Keep at least a cup of the broth aside for the gravy before straining. Mash the potatoes and throw in a half cup of butter, lots of salt, pepper and garlic powder. A little bit of parsley as well. Then add heavy whipping cream till it's thick and rich. Mix with wooden spoon and THATS IT!

For creamed corn, stick with the canned kind. Don't mess with a good thing ;) For dessert I made my Gluten Free Apple Crisp which was served with Organic Vanilla Ice cream.

Gluten Free Apple Crisp
7 Organic green apples peeled and chopped into small chunks
1/2 cup of Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Flour
1 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Oats
1/4 cup Xylitol and a few tsp of Truvia
1/2 cup Butter

Throw the apple chunks into a baking dish. Mix the rest of the ingredients in a separate bowl with your hands, then crumble ontop of the apples. Bake at 350 for half an hour or until the apples are just mushy and the crumble is browned. Serve with Ice cream!

This apple crisp is better than any non GF version I have ever tasted. You won't believe it!! You're family will be addicted. There is no sugar in the crumble, only the natural sugar in the apples, and no wheat either. Your tummy will thank you.

We finished off the night with tea and Balderdash, which left us sleepily laughing our heads off into the night. So many memories were made and I am so happy I could share it all with you :)

What recipe are you gonna try?

Stevie Nicks Concert at Mountain Winery

2011-10-24T21:13:00.005-05:00

This concert was one that you just know deep down, will be one of the best of your entire life. Stevie Nicks is my favorite singer of all time, and though I have seen Fleetwood Mac quite a few years ago- this was just so different. Stevie is why I love Fleetwood Mac, and seeing just her on the stage was magic I can't describe. As soon as I heard she was coming to Mountain Winery I just about passed out. It is the most beautiful venue I have ever seen! Ontop of all of this, Hannah and Tori were there to share the evening with me.

The concert was pushed to the next day because of rain, and when we finally drove up the winding mountains and saw this sign it hit us. WE WERE GOING TO SEE STEVIE! We showed up super early and had to get in a car line to get in the gate. Then we stood in line for a bit and finally, we were in. The Winery itself is breathtaking, and it was good and cold up there. Perfect :) We grabbed dinner and sat at one of the restaurants and took it all in over a bottle of Zin...

Sometimes the light in California shines down in an almost iridescent way. Glowing, cool and electric. As the sun set, it blessed us through the mist...the moon was on it's way.

Half of the fun of going to concerts has always been dressing the part. Committing to the look. Hannah bought this antique top hat off of me, which I found thrifting and rocked it like a true Lily.

Here is a new friend we made, who was parked just infront of us in the line to get in. She came alone and reminded us all of Stevie. A true hippie with an adventurous spark! We drank wine, talked about her groupie days and bonded with Stevie conversation. It is a known fact that Stevie fan are some of the most dedicated, and the majority are all alike. We hit it off instantly, and I wasn't surprised one bit.

As with all concerts we attend, we took a million pictures to remember how we felt that day. Here are some I'd love to share with you...

My outfit is thrifted, boots from Etsy ;)

THE best venue I could imagine..

The whole place felt like an enchanted castle.

Here we are sitting up in the bleachers, on blankets and getting excited!

After the opening act we grab warm drinks and head back. Excitement builds and then all of a sudden, there she is. I start crying of course...

But before long I'm dancing my butt off in the chilly mountains, as my dreams come true...

Oh was she perfect. The night ended all too soon, and I could've stood and listened to her stories and songs into the morning. But it really was perfect and I couldn't have imagined it being any better. My favorite songs that she sang were Edge of 17, Gold Dust Woman, Rhiannon and when she closed with Love Is. Effortless and full of passion, she captured all of us. What a night! What a memory.

Someone in the front captured Love Is from this night... here it is! I was crying..

I will be keeping my eye on Mountain Winery for concerts in the future. I would die to see Tori Amos there!

Stevie Nicks Preview!

2011-10-12T02:00:00.001-05:00

I have been so busy with life lately, but I wanted to drop a lil post of a preview pic of the Stevie Nicks concert last week! I'll tell you all about it soon!!!!

Carrot Mupcakes - Gluten and Sugar Free

2011-09-22T17:21:00.009-05:00

Somedays I wake up and just know that all plans will go to the wind because I'm inspired. I am thankful I can live that way, and that I have a husband who expects only what I can give. Plus, when I'm inspired lately it's to bake, and well- no husband is gonna be upset about that ;) Today I did some googling for the regulars, gluten free. I was in the mood to make muffins because my cookie sheet was left at Hannah's. I bought a truckload of green apples at Sprouts because they are my favorite fruit for fall and they just looked so pretty. One even had a leaf still attached.

So I made Apple Cinnamon Muffins, which I wasn't huge on, but they are a healthy midday snack. Using coconut flour and eggs as a base can be tricky and I'm still getting the hang of it. Afterward I looked in my fridge and the carrots got my wheels turning. Only thing is I don't have a food processor so I had to hand grate mini carrots. 2 cups worth! It was enjoyable in a weird way. Like hand whipping cream is enjoyable, because it hurts your arm after 20 minutes and it feels good to get back to basics, without the aid of a plug.

I like the pain because it reminds me of peasants making do and not knowing any different. If I lived in a part of the world that had no electricity, I would prefer that. I'm not just trying to sound woodland nymphy- I really mean it. We have camped, roughed it as a family from a young age and I have a taste for it. In fact, I love it. I view camping in trailers as cheating. I like a thin nylon tent, firepit and cast iron pan. It feels good to go without and survive. If you have grown up pampered, roughing it just the recipe to throw you into reality and give you perspective.

I digress. I ended up making a good batch of what I like to call Carrot Mupcakes with Cream Cheese Topping. Mupcakes: muffin and cupcake in one. I can't help but think of Muppets. But it's just a cute and memorable word that describes these little morsels perfectly. They are not too sweet, but rather softly sweet and tangy. Rich in a way that one fills you up. I really think you outta try baking them. They take a little time, but like I said - baking is a labor of love, and sometimes you just have to commit to experience the satisfaction of it all.

Ingredients
6 eggs
1/2 cup Butter, melted
1/2 cup Xylitol
8 packets Truvia
1 tbls Vanilla
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup coconut flour
2 cup carrots, shredded
Handful of walnut chunks

Makes 12

Cream Cheese Icing
1/2 package Philadelphia Cream Cheese
One freshly squeezed lemon, juiced
1/8 cup Whipping Cream
1/8 cup Whole milk
4 packets Truvia
1 tbls Xylitol
(Wisk until it has icing consistency then chill till Mupcakes are ready)

Liners or no liners
You can either bake these puppies straight in the muffin pan or into cute liners. I went with straight in the pan because I had no liners at the moment. I generously greased the tin with coconut oil, and the Mupcakes popped right out after baking. However I really think they would be more cupcakey IN a liner.

Directions
Mix everything together with a wisk, and when you add the carrot, replace with a wooden spoon. Pour 1/4 cup into each tin and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Pop out and cool, then spread on the icing and chill again. They are best slightly cold. Serve ;)

These Mupcakes are actually very healthy and would be a great mid-morning snack between meals. The coconut flour, eggs and lack of sugar will be a good choice to level out bloodsugar levels as opposed to a treat from a coffee shop which will give you an instant headache and sore tummy. It is worth the extra effort to make treats like these Carrot Mupcakes. You and your family won't notice the difference between your creations and those bought at a store. Serve them pretty and everyone will be smiling ;)

Gluten Free - Eating Out

2011-09-15T13:10:00.009-05:00

Eating out is one of my favorite things to do with Phil and our friends. Up until a week ago, I would sometimes get a dish that had a part with wheat in it. Rarely pasta, or anything that is completely all wheat based, but sometimes a little bit- Like Chili's Quesadilla Explosion Salad comes with the quesadilla's and I would eat those. Or I would eat the croutons on my Caesar Salad, the breadcrumbs on my stuffed mushrooms. I viewed eating this much of wheat as a treat, and though I would experience some itching on my arms later that night, it wasn't bad enough to alarm me.

Since my allergic episode, I have been off gluten entirely. I feel great, and honestly I don't miss it. I have stocked the house with great alternatives, and have been doing research on local restaurants that cater to Gluten Free eating. In general, you can never go wrong with a salad sans croutons. Bring your own gluten free dressing and say that you are allergic to gluten. They won't mind that you brought it in because of health reasons. I love a good cob salad, with ranch. Most dressings do have wheat so be careful of that.

I love Annie's Naturals for gluten free dressings! They also have gluten free mac and cheese that Ann tried and was kid approved. She's super picky, so for sure your kids will love it!

Never be too shy to ask if the restaurant has any gluten free options. Usually they don't but sometimes they will surprise you. Also if they go into the back and ask, they will come back with a list of dishes on the menu that have no wheat in them at all.

Restaurants That Cater to Gluten Free Eating

BJ's has gluten free pizza that I am obsessed with! It has a thin crunchy crust with rosemary aftertones, a tangy tomato sauce and great, fresh toppings to choose from. I get pepperoni, green peppers and mushrooms. The pizza is the size of a dinner plate, and will fill you up if you only have it and no appetizer. They don't have the best Caesar salad, so I would say go for a garden salad if you need to get your blood sugar leveled out while waiting for your dinner.

BJ's has alot of gluten free options actually! Check out their spreadsheet menu here. Note that some BJ's deliver! You can also order online and pick up. This would really be a good idea if everyone is ordering pizza, and you don't want to feel left out :) If you never told anyone that these pizzas were GF, they would NEVER know!

Here is a list of other restaurants in the Bay area that have a gluten free menu:

P.F. Chang's China Bistro
Chipotle (they have gluten free tortilla options!)
Amici's East Coast Pizzaria

Buca Di Beppo
California Pizza Kitchen
Chilis
Maggiano's Little Italy
Olive Garden
Outback SteakHouse
Romano's Macaroni Grill

To see a list of Gluten Free restaurants where you live check out this Gluten Free Registry
There's no need to be discouraged about your dietary needs. It seems that the food industry is keeping up and now most chains are catering to us. Plan ahead, do research and you'll see that you'll never feel left out!

Magical Weekend & Going Completely Gluten Free

2011-09-12T15:12:00.010-05:00

I hope your weekend was magical :) Ours seemed to fly by, but it was a special one. Saturday night Phil and I had a date night at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants up the road, El Caminito. Mexican is all I really want to eat since we have moved here! I am always in the mood for it, and there are always gluten free options. We flirted and giggled and I was reminded of how blessed we are to have found each other. Every day we grow closer, and every day I can't imagine it getting better...

Our 4th anniversary lands on November 10th, and we have decided to do a weekend at the Pelican Inn :D I couldn't be more excited! The Inn resides on a secret off-road near Muir Woods, and feels as though it has been there for centuries. When we came to visit California before we moved here, we stopped at the Inn for dinner with Hannah and Jeph after our hike at Muir Woods. It was the most magical Inn I have ever been to. The food, lifechanging! Here are pics from our visit there...

Check out the rooms here - so haunting and romantic! Im torn on which room to choose, but I'm thinking room 6. Muir Beach is a 10 minute walk from the Inn, and in November it will be perfectly overcast and cold :D We love that. The Inn has a fireplace, and I'm thinking it would be amazing to bring our books and sit there to read together in warm cozy clothes. I can't wait to have their shepherd's pie again!

Thrifting
Yesterday after lunch with the Saucidos at Elephant Bar, Phil and Carlos went golfing and Danna, me and Owie went thrifting. We caught up on the way there while sipping our Starbucks and getting excited to hunt. Danna suggested we try a new thrift place I hadn't seen yet called Savers. IT'S AMAZING. I found so many good things at good prices and I'll be going back for sure. It reminded me of Value Village in Canada, which I blew my entire paychecks on from the moment I started working. Big, cheap and a little grungy. Just the way I love a thrift store to be.

They had a really good array of dresses, which is always where I head to first in a thrift store. I found 3, 2 of which are floral and boho-maiden'y and the third will be perfect for the Stevie Nicks concert. I think it might fit hannah, but we'll see. She's about as small as a baby. I also found a great pair of stiletto leather boots that would look great with black tights and a flowy Stevie dress for fall. The boots were only $11, which is a steal! Also, found baking stuff which I have been needing badly. I can never have enough. I grabbed a mini cheesecake pan, muffin pan and a pretty vintage platter. I still need more baking dishes, bundts and cookie sheets.

After our delicious afternoon, we met up with Tori and John for dinner at a cute little Taqueria in Sunnyvale called Tu Mero Mole. I would go again, though I have my heart set on a few other Mexican places in town. The inside was bright multicolored walls, mostly orange and turquoise, and very clean. The Spanish channel on, and friendly staff, good food- it was nice. Kitschy in a way. It's always such an amazing time with Tori and John. I miss Canadian culture so much sometimes, and when I am with them, I feel that I'm home. We all grew up together in Canada, and it's pretty cool that we live in the same town years later.

After dinner we headed to Borders to grab some books while they are still open. They're closing for good 2 days from now, which is extremely depressing. But, on the up side I walked out with 4 new books for $7! EXCITE! It was a really sweet weekend indeed. What were you up to?

Going completely Gluten Free
I've left Friday's happening for last. Friday I babysat Ann and we watched our cute movies and I got us some treats. As you know, I only eat a little bit of sugar and wheat as a treat on the weekends, whereas all week I'll mostly go without. I don't have sugar or wheat anything in the house, but we do eat out and it is then that I cheat sometimes. This past week though, I didn't cheat at all. I had absolutely no wheat at all. So here it is, Friday night and after dinner I took out Drumsticks for dessert. I told myself only to have one (I don't like sweets in large quantities but with drumsticks I always want 2!) and I did. It was delicious, of course and everything seemed fine.

A few hours pass and then I know something is wrong. My arms always itch when I eat wheat, but not to the point they were this time. Along with the deep muscle itch and tingling prickle, were shooting itches on my back, legs, neck and weirdest of all- scalp. Mostly on the right side, just a little farther back from where the hairline starts. Dear god, did it itch. Now it gets a little gross, but I want to tell you so that you understand how bad this allergy is. Little sore spots rose on the scalp and as I itched they became raw. At least 5 spots arose and they tingled mockingly. Even today after 2 days of no wheat afterward, spots have arose on the left side of my scalp.

My whole body was in a state of agony, to the point that even when I went to bed I tossed and turned and couldn't bare it any more. Finally at 3 am I jumped in the shower and made the water as hot as possible. This worked wonderfully. I stayed in for about a half hour soothing my weakened soul. After I knew I was ready to get out I turned the water to cold to numb the skin and close the pores. I was still somewhat itchy, but alot less. I probably slept about an hour or so that night. I usually sleep like a log, but not after this episode.

Researching
I did some research the next day about wheat allergies and the experience I had the night before. As I guessed, it was all true. Hives, itch, eczema and ultimately Anaphylaxis. When you hear of someone deathly allergic to peanuts, that's what anaphylactic shock is. Blood pressure drops, a sudden release of chemicals, including histamines, from cells in the blood and the body's tissues.

These chemicals dilate the blood vessels, and they cause the blood vessels to leak fluid, leading to hives and swelling, especially around the face and throat. The chemicals also act on the lungs, causing an asthmatic reaction -- that is, causing the lung's airways to constrict, thus making breathing very difficult. Being this allergic to something sends your body into emergency mode and sometimes it can be life-threatening. I didn't experience any trouble breathing, so I knew it wasn't 911 worthy.

Conclusions
I have come to the conclusion that the less I eat wheat and sugar, the more I react to it. This tells me that the more I eat those things, the higher tolerance my body has to have. But why put my system through that. This is what causes insulin resistance, and life-threatening allergic reactions- that constant push to ignore symptoms. Well, it was quite a scare and I think it was just what I needed to make the big decision...

I will be completely gluten free! No more treats, no more just this once, no more excuses. My body is threatened when I eat gluten, and thus I must stop. And so, with all the more vigor, my hunt for alternatives moves forward. I will not live a life where I am constantly teased to give into wheat. Instead I will have alternatives around for weak moments, for weekends, for parties and days I just want to order pizza or eat a drumstick again.

( Feel free to save this image and post it on your own blog :) I made it this aft! )

We both know that I don't need any more carbs in my life, but the fact is I will have days where I will have cravings or feel left out because everyone is indulging around me. In humility I admit that I will need healthy treats around for days like that, so that I DO NOT eat wheat instead. I am weak when it comes to good food. Cooking it, baking it, working with ingredients, tasting it, eating it, sharing it- food is a passion of mine. So I will channel my creativity in a way that I never want wheat again, because simply- the alternative versions I make or find will be better.

Speaking of...Check out GlutenFreeIsLife's Gluten Free Drumstick recipe!!

I want to make these, but with vanilla ice cream chilled, then dipped in chocolate, then peanuts. Oh and somehow I have to create or find a healthy version of caramel for the middle ;) Take that, Allergy!

Do you have allergies to certain foods? How do you deal with them?

Sponsor Love: JezzyBelles

2011-09-10T02:27:00.014-05:00

Be sure to checkout the giveaway and coupon code at the end of this interview ;)

-Name, Etsy Shop: Deborah Mooney, Jezzy Belle's Vintage

-Location: Just outside of Seattle, Washington

-What you do: Curator of fine, fancy and delightfully trashy vintage goods. Mother of one obnoxiously bright five year old and wife to James.

-5 words your friends would use to describe you:
tacky, sarcastic, momma-y, funny and strong

-What is your inner world like?
I live in my head, way too much sometimes. I love to invent stories behind the clothes and shoes and other vintage goodies that are starting to overtake our apartment. I'm easily distracted and a chronic overthinker.

-What are your favorite mediums to work with when crafting?
I'm a knitting fiend, who finally undertook the painful process of culling my yarn stash. I adore feathers and jewels and sequins and when the time and finances allow again you'll start to see some of that in the shop. I love making incredibly elaborate burlesque-ready hair pieces and then just wearing them out just because you can.

-What is secret ingredient needs to be apparent when you are choosing your vintage?
I know a lot of vintage purveyors talk about combing the racks but I don't do a whole lot of that. I scan, almost like a speed reader. It's gotta be something that catches my eye in the half second, and I almost never double check a rack. (Frankly I've usually got my five year old with me and she's only capable of being patient for so long.)

I want items that want to be seen, if that makes any sense. And that doesn't always mean they're flashy: sometimes an item is just so incredibly well made that the utter simplicity of it begs for your attention. (See my obsession with vintage Coach bags.)

-Do you go into a "zone" when you thrift?
I absolutely do! Like I said, I scan the racks and I'm barely looking. Sometimes my hand will go out and run across things as I walk past and it's often the feel of something rather than the look of it that demands my attention. I can walk in to a store, spend thirty minutes and walk out with hundreds of dollars worth of vintage.

-What inspires your shop's taste?
A perfect stranger told me once that I looked like someone who enjoyed being looked at. I don't think it was meant as a compliment, but I decided to take it and turn it into a sort of motto.

TOP 5's

-5 Favorite bands/singers:
Robyn, David Bowie, Nina Simone, The Doors and Lady Gaga

-5 Favorite books:
Dubliners, The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag, Breakfast of Champions, In the Woods, The Magicians (Hey, I was just a little too old for Harry Potter.)

-5 Favorite films:
Desperado (Can I say that more than once? I just love stylish, tongue in cheek action movies.), In the Mood for Love, Blade Runner, Run Lola Run (that one hit my life at JUST the right time to make a huge impact. I still want Lola's hair.) and Alien (Ripley is still one of the best badass women in film.)

-5 Favorite meals:
I'm a Southern girl at heart, so fried chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits and greens would be tops. Second would be a big steaming bowl of tom kha gai all on its own, third would be tacos al pastor with a ton of beans and rice and some avocado on the side. Fourth would be chilaquiles. Last but not least would be a big bowl of bun from this little Vietnamese joint in the next town over. I try the bun everywhere else I go and theirs is the best I've come across.

-5 Favorite animals:
Cats of all kinds. Then I'd say rats because I love how freakin' smart they are. Baboons, leopards and birds of paradise.

-Are you the only creative one in your family or circle of friends? If so, how do you stay true to yourself?
My mother was always sort of crafty, and my dad was a huge reader so even though they never entirely understood my creative pursuits, they were always fairly supportive of them. My friends really run the gamut from super rational science types to incredibly creative so I often feel sort of middling around them haha!

My husband is the most supportive creature on the planet and makes sure to give me the time and space that I need to nurture that part of myself. I will admit though to often falling into the mommy trap of spending all my time and energy working on other people and then feeling burt out and left out. I'm working on that though.

-How has your childhood and experience effected your love of vintage?
I grew up broke. Not like living on the streets poor, if there were ever serious concerns about getting food on the table they did a good job of keeping it from us. But there wasn't a lot left over for things like new clothes and keeping up with trends. I learned early to pick out the best stuff from the thrift store racks and do my best to fit in. In the process of combing the racks I would obviously run across a lot of old stuff and it started calling to me from a fairly young age.

Just ask my mother about that pair of godawful neon yellow polyester pants I was obsessed with my junior year of high school. After my daughter was born I was still quite young. I was only 22 but struggling with this idea of who I was now that I was a mother. I felt like I needed to "grow up" a little stylistically. That resulted in a really awkward and uncomfortable period where I grew out my hair and wore a lot of really plain clothing. I was playing at what I thought being a grownup meant. But I still couldn't pass up those beautiful vintage items, so I basically turned into a collector. I couldn't bear the idea of these heartbreakingly beautiful things going home with someone else!

I eventually started wearing them but the urge to collect really couldn't be overcome. The idea to start the shop was an easy progression, and as I'm a stay at home mom with some chronic health issues it's a really good way for me to bring in a little money and have a lot of fun doing it!

-Tell us something about you that not many people would know off the bat:
People always seem surprised when they find out I'm from the Southern US, much less when I try to explain just what a redneck I was! (And my dear rednecks, don't think I'm using that in a negative manner. I love you all, you're my people.) I had one hell of a mullet in first or second grade, let me tell you. And I lived in small towns pretty much my entire life. I grew up around people who had to work really hard to get whatever little they had in their lives and I find it incredibly inspiring. And hell, I never quite grew out of thinking that Dolly Parton was the epitome of (tacky) glamour!

-Closing thoughts:
One thing I hope comes across in this interview and in the things that I offer for sale in my store is just how much this means to me. This is the first thing in a long time that I've done entirely for me, not to please or to care for anyone else. I offer items that I think have a particular glory, things with memories and stories and sparkle. I want to imagine each and every one of my customers, all shapes sizes and ages putting on my things or setting them on a shelf and loving them. Our modern society is a throwaway kind of culture and I want to do a little part to run against that current.

Be sure to leave a comment with your email address to enter the draw for JezzyBelle's giveaway! Winner will be announced October 1st, via draw.

Check out this beautiful vintage Blueberry Blue Shift and Matching Jacket! Description and sizing: The Olympic Hotel Seattle is the former name of the Four Seasons Seattle. This shift and matching double breasted coat were made for their dress shop and are in absolutely amazing condition. There doesn't appear to be a single seam out of place! It appears to be made out of a lovely navy blue wool crepe.

Measurements Laid Flat

Bust 20 inches

Waist 18 inches

Hips 21 inches

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COUPON CODE
Would you like to grab something you love right within JezzyBelle's shop?
Be sure to use special MermaidsCloset coupon code: MERMAID at checkout!
Go shopping here

(links)
Follow the shop on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jezzy_belles
My personal blog: http://www.fancynopants.com
And obviously, the shop: http://jezzybelles.etsy.com

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Family Weekend

2011-09-09T14:06:00.004-05:00

This past weekend, mom and dad flew down from Las Vegas for a long weekend trip. We ate good food, reminisced about our childhood memories and took a magical road trip! When they arrived, I put out a little feast including my latest Lemon Lavender Loaf, which they were freaking out about. I always cherish their taste, as they seem to be my biggest fans :) Food is has always been a big way I show them and my friends love.

For the lunch I put out:

-Red Rose Tea - a Canadian blend that our family has loved from the beginning.
-Brie and medium cheddar cheese
-Applegate Organic Genoa Salami - gluten free, fairly treated
-Celery with Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch
-Blue Diamond Almond Nut Thins- my favorite gluten free crackers to date!
-Lemon Lavender Loaf - my own recipe, gluten and sugar free

The boys golfed throughout the weekend with Dad, and it has become a new love for them. We have a little 9 hole course just up the road and it's the cheapest to play in town. I support the sport because it is a peaceful, outdoor, and calming hobby. Men need things like that in their life. Plus it's always had a good vibe in my books, seeing Dad used to have the golf channel on all the time at our old place while he worked on the computer. It's a comforting thing to me.

We did a late night dinner at Hannah and Jeph's later the next night. Phil bought a little keg and we fired up the bbq. I took charge of dinner and made:

-Bacon wrapped water chestnuts, with fig glaze
-Hamburgers (none of us eat buns)
-Chicken with a simple bbq sauce
-Salad with lots of avocado, cucumber and tomato
-Earlier that afternoon a made up a new bundt cake I call, Coconut Orange Cake w Cream Cheese Topping. I will have to post a recipe for it. Gluten and sugar free of course!

The recipe for the Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts is simple:

-Cut lower sodium bacon strips in half, so they aren't so long.
-Wrap the half piece of bacon around the water chestnut in a way that it will stand itself up when set down onto a cookie sheet.
-Slip a toothpick into the bacon and water chestnut to keep it snug.
-Set onto a greased cooking sheet and make sure they don't touch. You want them to bake with enough of air around them.
-Make as many as you can, as they go FAST
-Mix fig jam, a few drops of hot sauce, a few drops of Worchestire sauce and a little bit of water together for the glaze. Use a brush to lather the bundles. Continue you put layer over layer over them throughout their baking process.
-Bake them at 375 for about half an hour. At the end if you want them good and crispy, bring up the temperature and watch them.
-Serve with a new batch of the glaze for dipping, and you're set!

Me and Hannah, besties forever!!

The next day we wanted to do a good full roadtrip to Big Basin but we got a bit of a late start, seeing we took an amazing lunch at Fiesta and the day was getting on. Instead we did a full circle drive up to Half-Moon Bay and up to Santa Cruz for dinner. On the way we stopped at a lighthouse that was beautifully haunting. It overlooked cliffs and ocean. A place I would die to live. One thing I love about Phil is not only that he is Irish, but that he loves overcast seas just as much as I. We always feel so close when we are in a place that feels cold and medieval.

Later we all did dinner on the Pier in Santa Cruz. On our walk back to the car, a couple was being married on the night-beach with candles around them. It was so amazing! Even better, there were probably about 10 people there in all. Romantic muchhh?

It was a sweet weekend of family time. Next time Mom and Dad come to visit we will be celebrating their 30th anniversary. It is so amazing that they have made it this far, through it all. It is a blessing to still be altogether, as I know that is a rare thing these days.

What should I make them for a special dinner?

Stevie Nicks On Tour!

2011-09-08T01:08:00.007-05:00

I haven't been this excited for a VERY LONG TIME!! Stevie Nicks is coming to Saratoga Mountain Winery Oct 5th! This is literally the most magical venue I have ever seen! It is so medieval'esque and I can't imagine seeing Stevie anywhere better. It is outdoor and golden as the sun sets. It is located smack dab in the middle of a mountain about 20 minutes from our house. I just bought two tickets for me and Hannah, and I have 2 other girls thinking about joining :D

I am SO excited to put together the most perfect outfit. I am trying to figure out if I'd like to go for the hippie-gold-dust-woman feel, or the black-widow look. I have been looking on etsy for inspiration, so I'll just have to go thrifting and see what I discover! One thing is for certain, I will need a shawl with fringe. I have one, it's ivory. But I would love a gold and pink thread one. Silky with velvet florals. This shop is full of them...GirlOnAVine

Earlier today I bought these, and they may be handy for the date! Thank you SilkWormVintage! Although I would love to wear authentic Stevie platforms, I'm not sure that would be a good idea for the general admission area. I want to be able to twirl and dance free, and these heels are the perfect height for that :) I adore the shade of gray that these boots own! SilkWormVintage gave them the name "Mountain Ash", and I find that a perfect way to explain them! In Stevie's words, "I wear boots all summer long"...

Here is a treasury I have curated featuring Stevie Nicks inspiration to get my outfit gears in motion. So many great shops featured!

Interested in going to see Stevie in your hometown? Here are her tour dates, and boy is she still going strong at 62! Dates here

In a recent interview she said this...

“Probably the most exciting part of my life is ahead of me. I want to write a screenplay for a movie for Rhiannon (based on the hit 1976 Fleetwood Mac song.) That story is from the Welch Maginogi (Medieval prose tales) and it is a huge, beautiful, crazy story and a big thick book,” she said. “I’ve been trying to do it since 1978 but I never have the time so I look forward to the time when my life starts to wind down. Maybe the next 25 years will be the best 25 years. I’m not afraid of getting old.”

EXCITING MUCH? Also in news, Lindsey Buckingham is going back on tour as well. Sept 6th he released his album, The Seeds We Sow. I have yet to hear it and I can't wait to! He also has talked about going on tour with just Stevie in time. Now wouldn't that be a show!

source

Do you think you'll be seeing her in concert this year?

Pyramid Earrings by OpulentOddities

2011-09-01T21:00:00.003-05:00

I wanted to show off my epic OpulentOddities earrings! I am obsessed with pyramids right now, and the lovely Jordan sent them to me as a gift. I heart her ;)

Wear what makes you magical ;)
Check out her shop here

All pics taken by me via Instagram. My username is "blueberryshoes", follow me and i'll follow back ;)

Sponsor Love: France of AtomicStitches

2011-09-01T02:43:00.014-05:00

-Name, Etsy Shop: France Weaver, Atomic Stitches
-Location: SF Bay Area

-What you do:
I'm a freelance costume and clothing artist and seamstress and an avid thrifter.
I’m a wife, a free bird, and a stay-at-home Mom. I’m very whimsical and sometimes a little creepy in my style. I live for photo shoots, where my dreams becomes reality. Every day can be an adventure to a new place and/or time!

-5 words your friends would use to describe you: Happy, Friendly, Creative, Free, Positive.

-What is your inner world like? Magical~Happy

-What are your favorite mediums to work with? Anything and everything! I can pick up an item and turn it into something new. Everything has potential.

-What is a secret ingredient you throw into everything you make? Whimsical and sometimes creepy! Like in a photo shoot, I will take a pretty girl in a pretty dress but put her in an old creepy setting with my own, unique props.

-Do you go into a "zone" when you create? LOL, yes. When the creative juices are flowing I get into my groove and I wont stop until I have to.

-Where do you go or look to for your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from all things whimsical under the sun, under the moon and everywhere in between. Sometimes creepy, sometimes romantic. All things inspired by fantasy and fairytale, love, nature, history and everything in between.

TOP 5's

-5 Favorite bands/singers:
Music is my life. It’s my therapy. I can’t pick just 5 but if I must here they are:

~John Lennon/The Beatles stole my heart at a very young age.
~My favorite band to see live is Ghostland Observatory!! Their music touches me like no other and I will just dance the night away!!!!
~Pink Floyd may be favorite of them all. Pink Floyd has always been there to get me through the ups and downs of life.
~Sarah McLachlan has also helped me through life.
~Band Of Skulls

-5 Favorite books: I don't have much time to read anymore but I'm always collecting them.

-5 Favorite films: Amelie! Wrist Cutters, A Love Story, Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus, The Jacket and The Pianist just to name a few.

-5 Favorite meals: Mmmm! I love food. I love a good handmade deep dish pizza, a fat Dragon Roll….there are just so many flavors that I love! From Greek food to Indian food to goat cheese, basil, tomatoes, garlic (lots of it) watermelon with fresh mint and pop corn with fresh lemons squeezed all over the top! Yum!

-5 Favorite animals: My dog, Sgt. Pepper. Birds, I love to hear them sing. Cats, I love their independence. And horses, I used to ride when I was a kid.

-Are you the only creative one in your family or circle of friends? If so, how do you stay true to yourself?
Oh no my family is filled with creative people. My Grandmothers were quilters, my Mom Is a professional seamstress, my Sister also sews and creates. My Husband is an amazing cook and gardener and my mother-in-law is the jack of all trades! She can do anything and everything creative! My friends are all creative in their own way, we even have girls night at my house where we drink wine and create.

-How often do you go into creative mode? I think I'm always in a creative mode lol my mind never stops! But Music Always helps the mood.

-How has your childhood and experience affected your work?
Aww, I grew up in a loving home filled with animals: birds, cats chicken, rabbits, dogs horses and even a pet squirrel! My Mom was a stay-at-home mom who sewed all the time and always had crafts ready for us to make. She would always take me to the thrift stores where my true love for vintage and thrifting was born. I made my own clothes in high school and they were funky. I have always gotten compliments for my unique style in both clothing and my home, which makes me proud and happy.

-Do you have plans for your creations in the future? My future will always be creative. Wholesaling is not for me. I need to be free and create as I please. I’d die if I had to make the same thing over and over again.

-Tell us something about you that not many people would know off the bat:
I have 4 amazing kids, ages 19, 15, 14 and 7. I was a young mom. =)
My Daughter, Skylee, 19 is pretty creative too!
My 15 year-old Son Jordan also has a creative side, he molds tiny clay figures every day. And my other two boys Kennen & Josiah are pretty neat too! I teach my children to live life and explore and be free, to be themselves.

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I love AtomicStitches perfect harmony of sweet and creepy, don't you? You have to follow her, as I am constantly inspired by her work! Since we are living in the same area, I'm sure I will meet France at an upcoming show ;) Here are all her links, so you can follow her too! Note- France adores custom orders for costumes of any type! Keep her in mind next time you wanna pull off a whimsical outfit!

ATOMICSTITCHES

Shop
Facebook
Twitter
Flickr

(All pictures taken by France)

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If you are interested in sponsoring MermaidsCloset for the month of September, push the button below for details..

Lemon Lavender Loaf - Gluten & Sugar Free

2011-08-31T18:29:00.011-05:00

Lately I have been craving lemon desserts, namely lemon squares. They are made with white flour and sugar. Not gonna happen. I did some searching for something sweet and lemony. I always end up going back to E lanaspantry for the foundations of my recipes. She got me onto making my almond flour bread, which is now a staple in our house. I have taken her basic recipe for lemon poppyseed muffins and made it my own.

Today I have created a dessert that is fit for a Queen. It is so very tea party! I've called it Hollie May's Lemon Lavender Loaf. The icing is what makes this baby special. I have a thing for cream cheese icing on fruit and vegetable cakes. It has that little bit of sour you crave with the soft sweetness of carrots, apples, lemon.

The thing I love about this recipe is that the base is made of raw coconut flour, eggs and grapeseed oil. There is no wheat or grain of any sort, and no sugar to boot. It is a diabetic's dream come true! I am getting the hang of these new ingredients, and today I really discovered how much I adore coconut flour. The lavender was picked fresh from my garden, which only adds to the whimsy. Find a friend who grows it and pick it from them. The lavender is very faint in flavor, and though it sounds a bit odd, coupled with lemon-you'll just have to trust me on this one!

Lemon Lavender Loaf
I baked this cake in a mini loaf pan. You could also make cupcakes! The batter will seem a little wet, but don't worry it will turn out good and spongey! The baking soda helps it rise. Double the recipe if you have a family. The loaf is very light and tasty and will not last long!

Loaf Ingredients
1/4 cup Coconut Flour
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1/4 tsp Baking Soda
3 Eggs
1/4 cup Xylitol
6 Packets Truvia
1/4 cup Grapeseed Oil
2 tbls Fresh Lemon Zest
2 tbls Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
2 tbls Chopped Walnuts
1 tbls Fresh Picked Lavender

Cream Cheese Icing
-1/2 cup Philadelphia Cream Cheese
-3 tbls Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
-1/8 cup Whole Milk
-4 packets Truvia
-1 tbls Xylitol

Directions
-Preheat oven to 350
-Generously butter inside of a mini loaf pan
-Mix all the dry ingredients
-Mix all the wet ingredients
-Mix dry and wet together and throw in the lavender and walnuts.
-Pour batter into pan and bake for 25 minutes. Check on the loaf and see if a toothpick comes out clean. If not, cook for another 5-10 minutes until sides are slightly brown and pulling away from the edge. If you push your finger on the top and it bounces back slightly, it's ready.
-Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

Icing
-Use a fork at first to mix the cream cheese with the milk and lemon juice, then once it looks broken down a bit, use a wisk and whip it up. Add the sweeteners. Taste it and add what it needs. Throw in some lemon zest if you want to see specks of yellow in it.
-Spread the icing overtop of the loaf with a spoon and serve either warm, or cool the loaf in the fridge for an hour and then serve that way. Sprinkle one whole packet of Truvia ontop of the icing for texture and added sweetness.

Note: When cutting slices within the pan, notice that the loaf tends to stick. So cut around the edges with butter-knife and then take a spoon and pull underneath the bottom of each slice as removing so each piece comes out clean.

Serve 2 pieces on their side on a little dessert plate with a cup of tea :)

This is a perfect Indian summer dessert. Light, zesty and floral with tangy-fresh icing. I am going to crave this weekly... That won't be a problem, seeing coconut flour is a very healthy ingredient. With the 3 eggs binding the recipe together, you have great protein as well! This could even serve as a mid morning snack or in between meals to keep your blood-sugar levels even. The Xylitol is a great ingredient for Diabetics, as it's purpose is not only to sweeten foods in a natural way, but also regulates blood-sugar and has been a staple in their diets for years!

I hope you love this recipe and share it with your friends - it is a NO guilt dessert and it's about time the world sees you can have delicious flavor and texture without the tummy ache after!

Do you think you'll make it?

OpulentOddities Shop Credit Winner

2011-08-30T14:02:00.002-05:00

Congratulations Super Robot Girl! You have won $40 credit at my lovely Sponsor's shop, OpulentOddities!!!! I will be emailing you with the details. Thank you to all who commented and entered the draw!!

OpulentOddities Shop

My Fall Fashion Palette

2011-08-26T01:50:00.008-05:00

After a full week of babysitting sweet Ann, I decided to treat myself to a little shopping tonight. It was time for getting out and getting some much needed fall fashion needs! I went straight to Kohls...have I told you I love it there? I always thought it was an old lady store until my mom told me about it and brought me. I fell in love! I saved over $100 tonight and if I go back within a week (WHICH I WILL) I have $20 credit! Yeah, it's the best place ever.

I looked around for at least an hour and a half. Trying on batches of clothes at a time. I also like how they don't enforce the 3 items of clothing at a time in the change room, thing. That puts a damper on shopping, doesn't it? I came away with some great finds, including 3- yes 3 lacey knit vesty sweater thingies. They look very Stevie Nicks and transform a thrifted ankle length dress when you wear them. Throw on a belt and that's my favorite put-together style.

Also found an epic little navy dress that for some reason makes me look skinnier (how do they do that?) and it was regular $80 or something, and on sale for......$6. I'm sorry what?! Dream. Also found a good brown belt and some darling long earrings. They have a great jewelry section that I love. All messy and jumbled-I love messy. All while shopping I sipped on my Starbucks Iced Coffee, unsweetened with whole milk and light ice...and well, felt very happy. It's not everyday I go shopping and actually take home a good bag-full. I look forward to changing up my fall look!

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My inspiration for fall is varied. As you know, I am a perfect balance of soft girly florals and then dark haunting black. My choice of outfit always matches my mood, and I commit entirely to them. Now that I am in my late 20's, I do feel comfortable with the way I dress, though it is almost always different than the crowd. Though my style has gone through phases throughout my teen years, I always tend to go back to maiden'y grunge dresses and boots.

The one thing I wished I cared more about, was doing my hair. I always air dry it and put in a basic serum, but I think it's time I learn a few hairdos and pull out my dormant hair dryer. I am quite a hippie on many levels, but I really do think pushing myself to go that extra mile will be the cherry ontop. Hannah does her hair everyday, and she's always been the Beauty Queen. She can teach me ;)

Fall Fashion Inspiration:

Stevie Nicks. No surprise there. I realized the other day that she has never followed trends. When she was my age, Stevie pranced around the stage in platform boots, chiffon layered dresses and wrapped up in gold dust capes. Who else did that? That's the point. She was true to herself, always so magical and independent of all things mainstream. She always wore boots, including cowboy boots. I don't think I have ever seen her in heels.

Stevie has the dark/light style down. The opposite vibes and looks taking their own turns, but enchanting the world just the same. That is another way she inspires me. Her music is never too dark that it brings me down, because it always has that delicious lace around the edges. I hope very much that spending time with me feels like that. There is so much to say for leaving the mystery brooding beneath, while maintaining that confident and positive outlook that makes people around you smile. My worst nightmare is to be a drainer friend!

Back to style. Here are my visions...

Shabby Chic Maiden:

(shawl, necklace, earrings)

Feminine and light. Cream, soft pink, plum, small florals, brown and black boots, knit long vests, ankle length thrifted dresses. Long necklaces with simple stones, arrowhead, antler. Think: Medieval Peasant meets Shabby Chic meets Gypsy Bohemian dancing around a fire with flowers in her hair. I need to buy plum eye shadow and find a great matching nail polish. Organix Coconut Milk and Lotus body spray is perfect for this kind of day.

Native American Hippie:

(antler necklaces, horses, dress, Native)

Mysterious. Browns, burnt orange, earthy florals, brown and black boots, knit long vests, arrowhead and antler jewelry, knee length and ankle length thrifted dresses. Western and native overtones. Think: horses running across a plain. Brown smokey eye with blended black eye liner and lots of mascara. Blushed lips. Burts Bee's Rosemary Mint body wash.

Cute and About Town

(vest, shoes, dress, earrings)

Sexy and Cute. Perfect for date night. Throw on and wear. Works for day or night. Boho hippie but fitted and flattering. Navy floral knee length dresses, brown belt, brown wedges (must go thinner at the bottom of the heel) and I'm CONSIDERING cute moccasins! Long crystal necklace and earrings, chunky rings. Brown smokey eye. Maybe if the night is right, a cute boho hat! If I'm feeling extra granny'ish, a knit vest will be good. Navy is my favorite color this fall!

-Sister Of The Moon:

(earrings, horse, lace dress)

Dark and powerful. Black lace, raw gem and glass jewelry. Gold or silver accents. Black boots. Black leather belt, knit black vest. Iridescent dark blue-green smokey eye, blush lips: Think raven feathers and the skin of a black sweating horse at dusk. Gothic-Grunge and Victorian overtones. Long dragging thrifted dresses. Did I mention black lace? Pyramids. Obsession Night perfume.

What looks are envisioning for yourself this fall? I'd love to hear!

A cute few days

2011-08-23T15:27:00.005-05:00

This past weekend Mom and Dad came to town to help us get some goodies for our place. Things are slowly coming together and we're excited! It was so nice to spend time as a family :) Now that the live in Las Vegas they are an hour flight away! Many families live close by and take it for granted. It is even more special to us now because Hannah and I both started our marriages straight out of home, to a new home - with mom and dad miles away, where we could only visit via plane ride.

We enjoyed a nice breakfast together, hours at Ikea, and of course, decorating. Mom and Hannah together were genius. I am good at knowing what I want, but not so much good at placement or feeling sure about something. With their help my vision is coming alive.

This week I babysit Ann everyday until Friday. We will be doing crafts, watching girly movies and maybe going to see Smurfs! She really wants to see it ;) Here are the girls over crafting yesterday:

Hannah is creating a fall fashion inspiration book, where she looks through magazines and collages outfits... her fall palette is nude pink, black, cream, and white lace.

Here's Ann painting little bobble headed pups!

Afterward we started watching The Beautiful People, which is perfectly corny and girly for nights in with Ann, and even Hannah got into it ;) We ate 85% chocolate dipped in all natural peanut butter (Ann's first taste!) and gasped through the shockingly dramatic parts. It's been a cute few days ;)

What are you up to this week?

Juicing and Supplements

2011-08-17T17:05:00.009-05:00

I scoured Craigslist for a juicer so I wouldn't have to spend $100 on the new one I found at Target. Found one for $50 and they even personally delivered it to me! Jack Lalane's Power Juicer is the name. I got to use it for the first time this afternoon for a lunch juice. It was actually quite exciting!! I knew to put in the Kale first, according to the Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead documentary.

So I threw in chopped pieces of kale up until the whole head was in there. WOW that color! Like dark evergreen dripping out of the spout-so gorgeous. The kale doesn't go as far as you'd like, but it's thick and concentrated! I like that color going inside my body :) Next I chopped up a green apple (lowest in sugar of all apples), a small plum (it was on the verge of getting too squishy) and some watermelon chunks (how could I ever eat a whole watermelon). I squirmed and took a step back when I realized that oh yes, there is a pit in a plum and you can't get all excited and throw it in as a whole fruit...

Disaster averted, all went smoothly! I braced for my first drink...the smell-very green! First sip, Oh! Pretty good! The kale gave the drink a bitter dirt edge which I have to admit I liked. I have fantasies of eating soil and eating wood.The other fruits gave way for some great sweetness to mask it though. It made enough for 2 glasses. I'll give the other one to Phil tonight when he gets home. He'll like it before he goes for his run in the park.

This is so weird but about 3 minutes after I drank the whole thing my sinus opened up. I had no idea it was blocked. Also, my eyes became clear and my brain, bright! Almost like a raw produce high! Enjoyable :) Then I turned on a cheesy exercise video which I can stream via Netflix to our tv and did a few minutes of movement. Look at that, a chain reaction of a healthy juice onto feeling great and even working out. It's been a good day so far!

Also I have started taking supplements. I have done weeks of research looking for what I would need to aid the weak points of my body. Depression, borderline Insulin Resistance, sensitivity to the sun, lack of energy. I looked up natural remedies and basics for depression, seeing that is a brain disease that effects everything else. I have already changed my diet to cut out sugar, gluten and complex carbs. I am upping raw veg and fruit via juicing and I am hoping this will work along with everything and provide priceless nutrients I just need anyways.

I wanted to get all natural vitamins, but they just happen to cost a bit more. So when I went to Safeway I saw that all the vitamins were B1G1, so how could I say no?! I spent a good half hour looking at all of them, searching for the sugar and gluten free options, along with the best combined deals. Nature's Bounty had all of that good stuff! Here's what I got:

here's me so happy in the cool, shady Muir Woods ;)

Vitamin D - I am extremely sensitive to the sun. It's just one of those annoying things I've always had to deal it. When I take a step into it I get an instant headache and feel like I'm going to pass out. I carry my lacy parasol everywhere, but it gets old when you just wanna go for a normal walk and have hands free.

I have heard that Vitamin D will help with my sun issues and provide me with the nutrients I am shielding from myself. It also helps with immune functions, modulation of cell growth, strengthening of bone density, fighting many diseases but in my case diabetes. I am taking 2000 mg a day. They are super small easy-to-swallow pills.

Calcium Magnesium & Zinc -
calcium: It is the most abundant nutrient in our bodies, making up 99% of what is found in teeth, bones, blood, body tissues, nerve cells and other fluids that account for the rest. It also plays a role in blood clotting, muscle contractions and in heart function. It's an important one for sure!

Magnesium:
Magnesium is involved in 300 biochemical reactions in your body. It works with calcium to help maintain strong, healthy bones and supports the immune system. This mineral also plays a role in muscle and nerve function, and most importantly for me- blood sugar and blood pressure regulation and energy metabolism.

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Zinc:
Zinc is found in enzymes that pass on genetic information, metabolize food and regulate blood pressure and reproduction. It's also found in enzymes that control appetite and others that help wound healing. It's super important to take zinc if you're pregnant. Though I don't plan on babies for a while ;)

Fish Oil - I think Fish Oil is kind of an obvious, well known great supplement to take. It especially interests me because I am not a fan of fish or meat in general. I would rather eat a carrot. I don't mind shrimp, but they are bottom feeders and far from healthy. You can't get the special nutrients derived from fish if you just aren't eating it. Next best thing though, are fish oil vitamins. I got the odorless variety, to avoid fishy aftertaste and burps. Sorry, gross I know but has to be said.

Fish oil effects brain function, like the deepest parts. It can combat Depression, Alzheimer's, Schizophrenia, and so many more brain diseases by cleaning out unwanted plaque buildup. There is an endless list of how it will help your body if you take it. Here are a few: heart problems, inflammation, arthritis, anti-aging, better site, mental health.

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The Asian part of the world has it right. Fish makes up the majority of their protein. They also drink tea constantly. They live longer than most of us and they are still bright and functioning right before they die. It's an inspiration to me.

B12 and other B's -
B12- Is needed to convert carbohydrates into glucose in the body, thus leading to energy production and a decrease in fatigue and lethargy in the body. It helps in healthy regulation of the nervous system, reducing depression, stress, and brain shrinkage. Protects against heart disease by curbing and improving unhealthy cholesterol levels, protecting against stroke, and high blood pressure. Essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It helps in cell reproduction and constant renewal of the skin. helps protect against cancers including breast, colon, lung, and prostrate cancer.

I got a droplet form which you can drip under your tongue up to four times a day! It will give you great energy and is great to combat low feelings and depression! The rest of the B's are as essential!

Now I just need Vitamin E, C and Niacin. Niacin has the power to basically cure depression. I'd like to see how that goes! The flushes don't make me excited, since I hate feeling hot or flushed but it's worth it! Skip the anti-flush types. Don't tamper with your bodies way of using it!

Do you take supplements? Have you found they help your overall health?

The Power of Cauliflower

2011-08-16T03:06:00.004-05:00

Cauliflower is easily one of my favorite vegetables ever. Just look at it. Cauliflower couldn't resemble a brain ANY more. Growing up, I always thought that cauliflower was a starchy, carb filled vegetable, like a potato. I had this feeling that both were white, and thus cauliflower was to be a treat. Boy was I wrong. Since I have come to love it so, I wanted to check up on what nutrients I'm taking in with every bite. I like to know what's happening in my body once I've swallowed a certain food. Especially healthy food! Here are some cool facts about cauliflower:

source

-One cup of raw cauliflower contains 94% of the daily value for vitamin C. WHAT? Astounding. Ingesting cauliflower's alot like eating an orange! It's also a major source of antioxidants, which tend to fight Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. Have brain fog? Eat a few chunks of cauliflower!

-Along with Vitamin C, cauliflower contains a crazy amount of nutrients, such as Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin K!

-It’s an anti-inflammatory vegetable and provides a good source of protein, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc. Supplements are great, but the REAL thing is even better. Supplements should live up to their name, and well, supplement your healthy meals. Eat with purpose, and choose whole foods, veg and fruit that make your body run like a well oiled machine!

-Do not overcook your cauliflower. In fact, under-cook it so it's just slightly soft. Not only will the extra crunch fill you up faster, but you will kill off less of the nutrients- a sad side effect of cooking vegetables. Best case scenario, eat it raw. Dip it in a good dressing and there you have it-a great snack!

-Cauliflower is full of fiber, and aids in cleaning out your digestive tract without the harsh outcomes. It is a great vegetable for people who suffer from Crohn's Disease, IBS, Insulin Resistance and even Type 2 Diabetes! The last two diseases are what caught my eye!

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-Cauliflower is a part of the Cruciferous vegetable family! Other members of the family include broccoli, kale, cabbage and collards.

-A head of cauliflower is referred to as a "curd". The leaves and stem are also edible and perfect for making soup stocks. Try to include as much of the stems as you can when cutting and preparing cauliflower. Not only is this cost effective, but you will gain extra nutrients this way.

Why is the cauliflower white? The rubbery green leaves that circle around the base of the vegetable protect it from sunlight as it grows. This in turn impedes the development of chlorophyll. This is why your average cauliflower is white! However, I have seen purple, orange and light green varieties as well. I really enjoyed the orange colored kind- it was very sweet! I think cooking with the purple variety would be beautiful! I am challenging myself to try vegetables I have never seen before. It's fun!

-Create Grainless Cauliflower Rice as a low-carb substitute! Grate cauliflower into tiny little "rice" particles. You can also pulse chop them in a food processor. Put in microwave dish and cover, with no water or anything else in it. Microwave until it is el dente and serve! About 3-4 minutes. If you don't have a microwave (like me), just boil the cauliflower until it's slightly crunchy but just cooked. I'm going to make it tonight paired with Chicken Tikka Masala!

-Create Mashed Cauliflower! Skip the starchy, high-carb mashed potatoes and grab your cauliflower! Boil, mash, throw in butter, salt, pepper and some cheese and presto! Mashed cauliflower! The trick to creating delicious and satisfying alternatives is (A) creating a dish that LOOKS like the bad version, and (B) making it TASTE like it! In this case, you will probably come to like the mashed cauliflower MORE!

I bought 3 cauliflowers today at my local market. I won't be missing rice this week! What cauliflower dish will you be making this week?

2011-08-14T03:45:00.002-05:00

Check it out! I have created an About Me page! There it is on the sidebar under "Pages"...
Happy reading!

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Bodie Road Trip

2011-08-12T02:17:00.029-05:00

I don't even know where to start with this post...
I guess I will just say that this road trip Bodie was utterly life-changing.

I have grown up around a love of all things western. I feel it's in my blood to love it. The rich, rugged history, the music, the people. Moving to California has been overwhelmingly beautiful on so many levels. The sheer largeness of it's trees, waters and mountains. The culture, with it's appreciation for all things that matter. And of course, the history- with it's search for gold, for a new life, and in some cases a place to run away to and stay.

Well, we want to stay. And we want to explore every nook and cranny. Life has a way of pushing time past you, where days turn into weeks of getting stuff done that needs to be done, and forgetting to add the magic. Thankfully, we have made many friends already, some families who have grown up here for generations, and they have been introducing us to the secret spots that continue to move me. This time, a road trip to the old western ghost town of Bodie. Let me tell you all about it...

Hannah brought it up with me. A roadtrip to an old western town called Bodie was in order, and were we onboard? YES! One of our new friends has been going for years and he suggested we pile in and go. I loved that we all made it happen and that we can share the memory forever. It was me and Phil, Hannah and Jeph, Tom and our new friend, Jared. Jared was exceedingly generous on many levels which left us little to do in the way of planning. He booked the hotel, and did all of the driving. I'll never forget how sweet he was to all of us!

Saturday afternoon we pile into the truck, along with our overnight bags and snacks. Me and Hannah were in the very back and we were good, comfy and excited for the trip ahead! Along the way we looked out our windows and enjoyed the sensation of escaping, altogether. We played Animal-Vegetable-Mineral at one point and of course, enjoyed good old fashioned road trip conversation. After a few hours we stopped for dinner at an old bar in the middle of an extremely small town. The waiter teased Hannah, Jeph ordered frog legs for the first time and I enjoyed watching the randomly styled country folk walking in through the doors.

Back into the car, we're on the road again until we stop at our hotel. SUCH a cute hotel at that! Western vibe with a huge antler chandelier in the entrance. Our rooms were large and the beds, surprisingly comfortable! I slept like a log!

But wait! Before we went to bed we headed to the little town of Murphy to look around and hang out at the old bar for some live music and festive fun :D What an amazing little town! There were indie wine bars and shops and so much more that I would love to go back and see again! Murphy's Hotel was the name of the Saloon, and it was pretty cool! The actual bar has been there since 1865!

We enjoyed the taxidermy heads all over the walls, but especially the boar with the top hat, which will give me nightmares until I die...

Inside the hotel area, which acted as sort of an on-suite to the bar were a newly married couple- the bride still in her dress, along with their bridesmaids, all of them in flip-flops. We noticed that all the women at the bar were dolled up in their own ways, but all wearing flip-flops...it was kind of odd and cute at the same time! In the sitting area of the hotel there was a cabinet of historical curiosities. VERY cool! There's a part of it below on the left...

After a good night on the town we were ready to hit the sack. The next day would be a big one, and we were excited to sleep off the hours to get to it. Next morning we get on the road and grab snacks and unattractive yet necessary sunglasses for the day. After driving a few hours we stopped for breakfast at a super cute country restaurant up in the trees. The food was great and we enjoyed sitting outside taking in the fresh mountain air as we sipped our coffees and crunched our toast...

There's Hannah in the middle wearing a pair of Blueberryshoes feather earrings ;) There's my number one boy on the left and my second boy on the right...

Back on the road with full tummies! Things are getting bigger around us-trees, the appearance of mountains and glassy lakes! My favorite part of the whole trip is next. Alpine Lake:

Alpine is the most applicable name you could give that lake. It is literally up on the mountain where the air is silky cool and the water sparkles iridescent. So untouched, so magical and guess what? YOU CAN CAMP THERE. That is next on our agenda: camp at Alpine. I want to live there actually. It's so far from everything, and doesn't that add to the allure...

It was hard to leave, but there was so much more to see. Back in the truck and Jared warns us that we are going to freak out when we see this NEXT lake. And yes, we freaked out. I have never seen a lake that crystal clean in my entire life. Directly from the snow covered mountains, the water is made up of perfectly fresh water that pulls at your heartstrings to look at.

It is the most delicious water I have ever tasted! There's Jeph taking a sip. He agrees ;)

Also, super hard to leave that spot. I wanted to swim big-time. Back on the road and just as the alpine terrain reaches it's epic peak, the topography drastically changes face, and all of a sudden as if by magic, you're in high desert...

Now our western thoughts and creative wheels are in motion. We had been planning out a photoshoot for a week, and we dressed to play the part of members of Bodie. The terrain was pulling us in, closer and closer until....

We were there!

And now comes the photography...
The parasol was a gift from Hannah! It is a gift I use almost everytime I go outside. It prevents sunburns and filters my vitamin D. Oh and did I mention, it's beautiful?

J.W. Waterhouse's "The Magic Circle" was in mind when I took that shot...

Fresh sagebrush was everywhere. I had to pick some...

My sister Hannah: best friend, model and muse...
She found her Gunne Sax gown on Etsy!

I love Hannah's hair back in these ones, it's so Puritan looking!

Hannah, Jeph and Tom

Everything on the grounds have been untouched, including the insides of the homes. I was amazed to find out that all workers live on site, inside a few of the actual dwellings! The mountain'y old man working at the gift shop stays all through the winter!

The schoolhouse!

Many tourists stopped to take pics of our shoot, and interestingly enough we bumped into a photographer duo who shoot for book covers. The lady in the picture has done over 50 book covers and her friend, over a hundred. We all signed releases and they took shots. Who knows, maybe one of us will end up on a cover one day ;P

One of the most amazing things about Bodie was sharing it with Hannah. She is my little pet and I love her so.

After a good, full, long day of beauty and excitement we jumped in the car for the ride home. After stopping once for a Mexican dinner in our dusty outfits, we spent the rest of the trip listening to Johnny Cash and looking out at the stars. Sundown was breathtaking, with golden light shooting and setting across the mountains. There's nothing quite like being out in the middle of the mountains with people you love. This experience will forever be cherished, and I'm so glad I could share it with you!

Sagebrush Orphan Chicken and Dumplings

2011-08-10T20:19:00.007-05:00

I was on the plane up to Mom and Dad's when they were living in Minnesota this past winter. Mom had earlier shipped me a care package containing various cuteness and much to my intrigue, a Louis L'amour novel. That was the beginning of my love for his westerns. I forget the name of the L'amour novel I was reading on the plane but in a nutshell, it featured a young woman who's husband had just passed, who bravely and defiantly takes over his place at a dangerous country train station stop. You read about her making meals for groups of travelers, some of them seedy, and yet she never backs down. She was a very powerful woman, she inspired me.

Later in the book a young boy pops up who's parents had died when he was young. He is referred to as a "Sagebrush Orphan"- and it stuck with me. Like a sad folk song you hear around a fire. The woman adopts him as her own. During our roadtrip to South Dakota sagebrush covered the plains in that magical shade of green-blue. I imagined how the Sioux would have cooked with it often, back in the day. It moved me to think that the flavor that I experience on my tongue when I use sage, is the same flavor that blessed their own palettes as well. The history of food is one of those things that holds a magic and leaves me dreaming.

This recipe is inspired by the Sagebrush Orphan. It is a very basic, traditional recipe which I have put my own spin on. It is gluten free and perfect for the night you are craving a good heavy flavored, comfort meal. I found the basic recipe for the dumplings at this Paleolithic blog. The stew recipe is one I adapted from my Mother's. She is a genius cook! Nothing beats white flour dumplings, however this almond flour based version is pretty damn good! Next I will try making the dumpling recipe with coconut flour- I'm kicking myself for not grabbing the bag of it when I saw it at Sprouts last night...

Dumplings
2 cups almond meal or flour
2 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp Truvia

-Mix together and chill in freezer for half hour up to an hour, or in fridge for a few hours
-Once chilled, separate the dough into 1/2 inch balls on a plate. They don't have to look perfect, and it's okay if they touch on the plate.
-Put back in the fridge, uncovered until ready for use.

Chicken Stew
Water, as broth base (about 8 cups)
4 chicken breasts cleaned and chunked
2 carrots chopped
1/4 cauliflower chunked
Handful of mushrooms chunked
1 cup whipping cream
2 tbls dried parsley
4 tbls garlic powder
2 tbls dried sage
Salt and pepper
Dash cayenne

-Fill a pot with about 8-10 cups of water. Enough that it will cover the chicken and veg once poured in. Bring to boil.
-Drop in cleaned and chunked chicken. I prefer breasts, but legs and wings would be great too!
-Add carrots and make sure they are under the broth.
-Add spices and cream
-Simmer at medium heat for 7 minutes until chicken is half cooked through.
-Add vegetables and cook another 5 minutes.
-Bring out the dumplings and put them ontop of the just covered chicken and veg broth.
-Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until you test a dumpling and it's ready.
-If you like your chicken chunky, just serve at this point!

-If you like your chicken shredded, remove the dumplings into a bowl and then remove chicken and shred. Add back into the pot along with the dumplings. Serve.

It sounds harder than it is! It is a little time consuming, but an enjoyable experience nonetheless. It's a special meal full of TLC and your family will taste it and LOVE it!!

What dish sends you into nostalgia as you eat it?

No Guilt Flax Seed & Almond Meal Baked Bread Recipe

2011-08-10T15:20:00.007-05:00

With some good research all over the net, I got my courage up to experiment with some new ingredients this morning! I have been craving toast, bread, crackers for the past week, seeing I have gone grain free. Not only for weight loss reasons, but to give my body a break from starchy carbs. I am borderline insulin resistant and have an allergy to wheat, thus: gluten and sugar free. Once in a while I will have a treat, but not on a regular basis. With this goal strong in mind I must come up with alternatives so I never feel left out, or frustrated.

When I am invited to a cute event with stacks of cupcakes, brownies and sandwiches I will be the girl with the gluten free versions in hand, converting all attending onto a positive outlook of gluten free eating. It is powerful stuff, and I couldn't be more excited!

After different diets which yo-yo'd my weight, I have decided once and for all to eat right and exercise. I have done Weight Watchers, HCG Spray, Low Fat, South Beach, you name it. What I credit the Zola diet (HCG) with is the intense and detailed information on how to eat right. For the first time I realized that fat isn't what was making me fat, but rather starchy carbs and sugar. No wonder Weight Watchers didn't budge my weight. All I was eating were small portions of cereal, breads, WW desserts with sides of veg and fruit. I'm not here to bash diets, but rather saying that giving yourself the right education about what your body really needs and doesn't is the best thing you can do to get in shape.

This is a lifelong goal, not a month on, month off deal. It is realistic for my frame of mind, the way I think and the way I run. Slow and steady wins the race. At this point I will not be weighing myself every day. Maybe every week. Honestly fast weight loss is not what I desire. Acquiring energy and losing the headaches is number one. Weight loss will come when I have the motivation to get my butt off the computer and exercise. It will come.

With a passion for healing in heart, I look ahead with wooden spoon in hand, wiping the sweat of kitchen creativity off my brow! Along the way I will post recipes I concoct and thus inspire you to make healthy choices. Whether you are sick, overweight or perfectly healthy doesn't matter to me! It's the right little choices that add up and make us glow. I look forward to the journey, and I thank you for coming along ;)

This is a very earthy, healthy tasting bread that provides that bready flavor you crave. It's not like your average Wonder Bread by any means, but more like the way you imagine medieval bread tasting. REAL bread. It contains no grain whatsoever, and instead features seed and nut meal that will provide you with nutrients and energy throughout your day. The almond flour will stabilize blood sugar levels in your system while the eggs will provide some good protein and vigor. It takes 5 minutes to whip up and 20 minutes to bake. Sounds like a bunch of wins to me!

Ingredients
2/3 cup of flax seed meal
1/2 cup of almond meal
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 packet of Truvia
2 eggs beaten
3 tsp room temp butter

-Turn on oven to 350
-Grease mini bread pan or cookie sheet
-Mix dry ingredients in one bowl
-Whisk wet in another bowl
-Pour wet into dry and mix just until combined
-Scoop into mini bread pan or make into a circle and bake on cookie sheet
-Pat down the top to make it evenly spread out
-Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown ontop, and pulls away from the edges of the pan
-Slice right inside the pan or ontop of the cookie sheet

Serve hot, or toast slices after it has cooled down. As you can see in the picture above I had it with a high protein breakfast and it was delicious! I can imagine it would be great with peanut butter and sugar free jam, or maybe even cream cheese and jam! Just treat it like you would any kind of bread!

I hope you love this bread! If it's too earthy for you, don't be too sad. I will be creating lighter more fluffy breads which are coconut flour based. Coconut flour produces a white looking product which can fool your mind into thinking it's made of wheat! Soon enough I will experiment some more and create biscuits. I have had a mean craving for them!

What do you think of gluten free eating? Does it scare you or seem too daunting to give up wheat products? I'd love to hear how you feel about it!

Elana's Gluten Free Crackers

2011-08-09T14:49:00.003-05:00

Since I have been eating good (just over a week now) I have been craving CRUNCH immensely. I find that without it, I tend to feel frustrated. Raw veggies do have crunch but in a different way. Starch tends to have it's own version of crunch that curses us with deep, nostalgic cravings that will drive you nuts. So I've been looking for alternatives.

I am a creative person. I will not sit back in anguish when I adore baking and experimenting with natural ingredients. I WILL NOT! I don't believe that in order to eat right you have to hate your life. Food is a passion of mine and I'm not going to let my goals get the best of me. I want to show myself and the world that I can still love food and feel great at the same time!

I ADORE Elana's recipes, and here she is showing us how to make gluten free almond meal crackers. They are so easy to make it's stupid that I haven't made them yet. Hannah has bushes of fresh rosemary tumbling over the gardens infront of her apartment. I'll go and snag some this week and make the recipe so I can tell you if the crunch has satisfied me ;)

How to make Gluten Free Rosemary Crackers from Elana's Pantry on Vimeo.

The Tide

2011-08-05T02:55:00.004-05:00

the tide came in
along with the gold
the moon dripped in.
it washed up
with a beautiful vengeance
the kind
you hope for on cold nights.
gold gold gold
and black all over
wet earth, wet sea-
she always longed for ship.
the dream is her fortress
the vision is her orb of breath
in the darkness resides her light
and no one could steal
any of it from her.

Carousel

2011-08-04T15:53:00.014-05:00

My friend Tanya just posted this on her Facebook and I had to share! First off, I love Vanessa Carlton. She's magical, mysterious and close friends with Stevie Nicks. In fact Stevie says that she is pretty much passing the baton to her. Nuff said...

Adoring everything about this video and song!

Fashion inspiration from the video:

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I'm SOOO excited for fall!!!

Picnic At Hanging Rock

2011-08-02T12:54:00.005-05:00

Haunting, magical, sensual, disturbing, AMAZING!
Peter Weir, 1975
Reminds me of The Virgin Suicides, The Village and American Beauty.

Opening 20 minutes are my favorite moments. The early morning light coming in through the windows as the school girls with long hair and white gowns brush hair, do up corsets, wash faces in flower water, read poetry...

Things get dark, but in a way that is shrouded in light...

This film is good for a dark, rainy day when you want to open your mind and get inspired. Picnic At Hanging Rock has a cult following. What do you think of it?

Documentary: Fat Sick and Nearly Dead

2011-08-02T11:18:00.006-05:00

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead is about a wealthy investor who had suffered from obesity and a debilitating autoimmune disease which left him depending on steroid based drugs to get through his days. A life of rich foods had left him sick and he was in a dangerous place. After endless hospital visits, drug testing and frustration, Joe decides to take the advice of a naturally based Doctor who suggests a 60 day juice fast.

I'm not talking about Tropicana or V8. I'm talking about an armful of vegetables, herbs and fruits juiced down into a drink every meal, 4 times a day. Joe goes through the few days of withdrawal of living off of unhealthy food for the first few days, as he detoxifies and then almost like a miracle he gets into healthy mode.

The documentary follows Joe across America as he fasts this way for 60 days. Within a week his skin, eyes and energy look different! He stops and talks to people about diet, while facing his own food addictions in the land of plenty. You see him walking into a pizza joint in New York for instance, and the look on his face says, I'm gonna lose it!!! Yet he remains strong to the end!

Joe is super down to earth, has a great sense of humor and determination that has inspired so many people to jump on-board and heal. My favorite part of the doc is when Joe meets a trucker by chance one day. Phil weighed 429 lbs and had taken up a job that hides him from reality and his family because he was so ashamed of his health. I won't give too much away, but his story will amaze you! I had a soft spot for Phil, as you can just sense how sweet and lost his feels.

Juice fasting is one of the best ways to up your concentrated natural vitamin intake, heal disease and lose weight. Juice fasting can cure migraines, sleep troubles, toxic buildup, troubles with bowel and so much more. Think of how happy your body could be if it drank vegetables and fruit all day? No sugar, meat, grains. Not that meat is bad for you, but without it in your system you will be giving your digestive system a little break. It won't last forever, it's just a time of healing while ingesting only the healthiest fruits of the earth.

I am looking into getting a good juicer, and not a flimsy one. I have read that the premium juicers produce more juice so you aren't wasting your money on poorly juiced pulp. Speaking of the leftover pulp, I was wondering how I could reuse it. COMPOST! Know a gardener or Greenthumb in your neighborhood? If making soil isn't your cup of tea, why not donate your scraps to them!

I hope you get a chance to watch this doc! It's available on Netflix instantly and you will be inspired to say the least. Even if you are not sick or overweight, there are always little things that we struggle with in our imperfect bodies. Consider juicing for 10 days and see how you can reboot your system and heal! If you really wanna go all out, do it longer! Maybe you could even introduce juice as a meal replacement once a day? 50% of each meal should be raw if you are trying to attain optimum health. Would a concentrated veg and fruit juice not be the perfect way to make up for how much we eat cooked food? Think about it ;)

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Sponsor Love: Jordan of Opulent Oddities

2011-07-29T12:42:00.013-05:00

I would love to tell you about my new Sponsor, Jordan of Opulent Oddities! I first found her on Etsy a few yrs ago and was astounded by her dark, mysterious work. I was also impressed by the amount of her sales (over 2000). I SENSED that I would love whoever was behind the creation. A while later I end up meeting her at Stitch Rock, a local annual craft show in Florida! Her work was even better in person, and her personality- adorable! We connected right off, and POOF the rest is magical history!

At the end of the interview be sure to leave a comment for her Giveaway and take advantage of her Coupon Code as well! It's all about Opulent Oddities today!

INTERVIEW

-Name, Etsy Shop: I'm Jordan from opulentoddities.etsy.com

-Location: Deland, FL smack dab between Daytona Beach and Orlando.

-What you do: I salvage found objects and juxtapose them with natural objects to create awesome jewelry

-5 words your friends would use to describe you: confusing, artsy, emotional, hardworking, busy

-What is your inner world like? messy, chaotic. I find piece with creating jewelry.

-What are your favorite mediums to work with? found objects definitely. i also love the process of hand aging brass without chemicals.

-What is a secret ingredient you throw into everything you make? my neurosis. I'm extremely detail oriented. lol

-Do you go into a "zone" when you create? I wake up in the zone. I'm always ready to create something! whether its doodling in my notebooks that i have scattered all around my house for ideas or sitting down to complete a project for my business. I love making things and I'm always in that mindset.

-Where do you go or look to for your inspiration? I've recently found tumblr, and tumblr is an amazing source of visual information. its like reading a curated hyperactive magazine. I just love it.

TOP 5's

-5 Favorite bands/singers: tom waits, siouxsie and the banshees, velvet underground + nico, seventeen horsepower, laura viers.

-5 Favorite books: in the country of last things, the book of embraces*, the secret life of bees, frankenstein, blindness

-5 Favorite films: hardest category ever. i love movies more than any other media. lets see. 8 1/2, old boy, secretary, the cabinet of dr caligari, dead man

-5 Favorite meals: pasta served any way, pizza, chicken soft tacos, u-peel-em shrimp boiled in zataran's, cucumbers in any kinda vinegar

-5 Favorite animals: chihuahuas, the rest of the dogs, kitties, snakes, flies

-Are you the only creative one in your family or circle of friends? If so, how do you stay true to yourself? all the females in my family are creative. my twin sister screen prints and makes posters and t shirts for her boyfriend and friends bands. My sister nuno and wet and needle felts, as well as other fiber crafts, right now she is making a t shirt rag rug. my mom dabbles in many crafts and is a source of inspiration, always coming up with different clever ideas for us--if not executing them herself.

-How often do you go into creative mode? I try to create something everyday. because I run a business, this is not always possible, having to tend to creating listings, shipping, answering convos, networking etc. usually I create for at least 2-6 hours about 5 times a week.

-Do you have plans for your creations in the future? I'm going to stay focused on etsy, creating more pieces in limited run quantities and ooak (one of a kind) pieces.

-Tell us something about you that not many people would know off the bat: I'm going back to school and my etsy profits go toward paying my tuition/books/rent.

Aint she swell? I could gaze into her shop forever! Go ahead and enter her shop credit giveway by first, following MermaidsCloset and then commenting at the end of this post!

Winner will be drawn and announced August 19th!

Also! Take advantage of your exclusive MermaidsCloset Follower coupon code within OpulentOddities shop...

FOLLOW OPULENTODDITIES

Shop
Blog
Facebook
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Email:opulentoddities@gmail.com
to be added to the opulent oddities newsletter. (SECRET SALES!)

Go to OpulentOddities Shop Here

Remembering What's Important

2011-07-27T20:18:00.001-05:00

I wanted to write a little bit to encourage and motivate you all. As you have heard, the summer months are notorious for slow sales and this may be effecting your shops as I speak. Low activity could really get you down if you are spending $, energy and inspiration on new work and relisting old. Understandably you may feel invisible, ignored, frustrated.

I have some encouragement for you.

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There's an importance of understanding the waves in our lives. Waves flow toward you on the shore. They roll in tall and in between the two waves the sea lays low. The sea continues to wash up, but always at different heights. Life is the same. You will experience passion, exciting experiences, love and success in waves of high and low. There is nothing wrong with this, it is simply how the Universe works.

It is good to embrace the facts of life. Things can't be epic everyday. And hard times never last longer than you can handle. Going hand in hand with this view of the big picture, sales are the same. They fluctuate with the seasons and sometimes for reasons we could never pinpoint. One thing is for sure: When sales are good, enjoy it! List well, tag well, package well, and follow up lovingly on your customers. Times are tough and the fact that people are spending money at all continues to floor me. Show your supporters that they are cherished, and warmly welcomed back.

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When sales are low, fight the urge to throw your hands up in the air for good. It is the low part of the waves. Summer is the low part, but fall is on the way. Along with fall comes a yearning for change, for warmth, cozy new things, Halloween and in time, Christmas. If you would like, embrace the low tide with taking a little "vacation" from promoting and keeping things busy in the shop. Instead, take time to zone out from the electric world and immerse yourself in the real one. Create new things, maybe even just for your home, friends, family and not to sell.

Feed your soul with friends, beach days, sleeping in, planning adventures and finding peace in nature. Your shop is a small slice of your life. If you take anything away from this post it's that. Etsy is simply a SLICE of your life. Our brains can easily build shop success up slowly like bricks onto a growing pyramid. But we are in control of our thought process. Remember that Etsy has it's place and that life outside of it is where our happiness, confidence and inner strength should come from.

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In a nutshell, when things are slow throw yourself into creation without $ in the back of your mind. In a perfect world we would create without the idea of selling in the back of our mind. Conduct trades, in person and online. Host giveaways. Show your best generosity. And spend time with people you love, doing things you love. Don't sweat the small stuff and instead, dote on the big stuff. You will realize when you disconnect from the shop that you will feel free, with a fresh new perspective.

When things pick up, enjoy it with all the threads of your soul. Keep the momentum going by listing new things weekly and having sales to encourage return customers to make purchases.

Make it a goal to enjoy your magical life no matter how things go online. Get your feet and fingers in the dirt and grab onto something real. Remember the ocean with its beautiful waves, and embrace the highs and lows.

Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Chocolate Cake!

2011-07-27T16:09:00.007-05:00

Me and Hannah have been on the search for THE perfect chocolate cake that we have been dreaming of for, well our whole lives. Mom used to sing us this French Canadian song about gateaux chocolate when we were little and it stuck with me in a romantic way. Chocolate cake to me is dark dark chocolate, almost black when baked. Made with real cocoa of course and has a bittersweet frosting. Nothing about the cake should be cloying, but rather full flavored and softly sweet.

Well, my friends I HAVE FOUND IT!

Keeping on the lookout for gluten free versions of bad treats I like is one of those treasure hunts I love. Bob's Red Mill provides a bunch of mixes for gluten free lovers including pancake mix, cornbread mix (I made it and it's AMAZING), pizza dough mix, muffin mix and so many more. The packaging has indie appeal for some reason and I just enjoy looking at the cute smiling picture of Bob. I feel gratitude for his talents in creating such great concoctions. Better yet for creating the best Chocolate Cake mix I have ever found!!!

I have made the mix a few times now, and have experimented a bit. Here are my tips. Use whipping cream or half in half instead of milk, and instead of lemon juice I use orange juice (only because it's what I had in the house for company, I don't drink it myself because of the high natural sugar content). I melt the butter on low heat, as opposed to keeping it at room temp. I hand mix instead of machine mix. Trying to keep it slow food'ish and exercising my arm as opposed to depending on electricity. Bake in a large bundt pan as opposed to two square pans, for about 40 minutes. The cake turns out VELVETY if you apply all of these tips. If you follow the directions as they are noted on the back, it will turn out just as good though!!

Frosting
-Warm up 1/4 cup or so of cream
-Add in chunks of Green & Black's 85% Chocolate (expensive, but low in sugar and also DELISH)
-2 Packets of Truvia
-Half tsp. of butter
-Stir till it thickens and all melts together then put in the fridge to cool and thicken.
-In about half an hour the mixture should be spreadable! Slather it ontop of the warm freshly baked cake and serve!

I couldn't rave more about this cake! You would NEVER know it's gluten free and neither will your kids or company. It's perfect for chocolate cravings and is made with almond flour as a base, with other ingredients (all natural) thrown in. Almond flour has the ability to stabilize sugar highs and lows, so this cake is best case scenario even though it does have cane sugar in it.

I found the cake mix at Safeway, Sprouts, Whole Foods and I'm sure you could find it in yours as well. The mix costs around $5, which is more than your average mix. But keep in mind that it makes a BIG cake and contains all natural ingredients as opposed to high fructose corn syrup and white flour. It's a smart choice if you're going to treat yourself! If you really wanna go all out, make your own whipping cream based ice cream (sweetened with xylitol, stevia and vanilla) and serve with THAT!

Elana's Pantry

What is your favorite gluten free dessert recipe?
My favorite gluten free blog is Elana's Pantry. Check it out and DIE with love!

Best Friends Forever

2011-07-27T02:24:00.007-05:00

Though I love alone time with Kate Bush, a pencil and paper- I am such a social butterfly. I love my girlfriends with a deep love like underground torrents! Laughter, inside jokes, sparkly memories, warmth, hugs, photographs... my life is magical because of them. My two best friends: my sister Hannah and childhood friend Tori...

Hannah is my little sister by 3.5 yrs, and though we are opposite in many ways (she is very glamorous while I'm earthy, for instance) we have so much in common. We have the same humour, are moved by the same things, are equally passionate about our craft (hers is music, makeup and style) and have helped eachother through hard times side by side. We are RETARDED together and sometimes people stare in confusion and annoyance, but that makes it even better....

Tori! We have been friends for at least 10 or more years! We grew up together in Canada and when she got married she moved here to California. Turns out we end up in the same town this long later and are closer than ever. She and Hannah are a big part of why I was so excited to move. We are all in the same congregation which is amazing, and it means we get to see eachother that much more throughout the week. Tori is like a sister, and I love her as though we were related through blood ;)

Tori is spot on with our humour and never misses a beat. She remembers EVERYTHING about our childhood while it's a joke how little I remember. Hannah and Tori always laugh about memories while I laugh along, and then realize that I have no idea what I'm laughing at. Her positivity and strength are infectious, as is her understanding. She is a great listener and has done wonders for my heart through the rough patches. She is a great story teller and takes the stage with full out reenactments that leave everyone in stitches. She is so small and I always wanna squeeze her to death!

In the earlier yrs of our friendship we LIVED at Chapters which is like Borders here in the US. We loved East Side Marios and went every Sunday faithfully, we did beach roadtrips, camped out in the trailer in her driveway, jumped our heads off on her trampoline, did sleepovers, videotaped ourselves doing Kids Say The Dangiest(yes, dangiest) Things, cooking show and commercials. So many amazing memories! Now we are making more and our friendship is sweeter than ever :)

The three of us together is magical! Such familiarity and comfort coupled with the same sarcastic humour. True lifelong friends are a blessing!!

Tori and her husband John have THE CUTEST dog ever! Her name is Crumpet and I'm way too attached! She is the best cuddler! We are babysitting her when her mom and dad go away in a few weeks. I can't wait!

Basically my favorite picture of all time?!

Who are your best friends, and what traditions and special things do you do together?
Tomorrow I am having the girls over in their pjs for a cute breakfast just like old times!! I'll show you pics later ;)

Bon Iver

2011-07-19T16:45:00.004-05:00

Anyone else adore Bon Iver? I'm loving his new album! How could I not love a man who spend the months of winter in a cabin in the woods? Need I mention WISCONSIN? He recorded his first album there, during that period-while experiencing mono?! Every song has a different sound, but always sincere and tinged with that perfect amount of longing. You can grab the album at Starbucks, or anywhere for that matter. I've been listening to him on Youtube...

He is a brooding spirit, most obviously happiest away from it all. I would love to hang out.

LOVE?

Family Farming Love

2011-07-19T14:44:00.005-05:00

I have to share a VERY special blog with you: Farmama! I am deeply in love with family farming and everything that it represents. Hard work, handmade love, growth, happiness. I have dreams of living that life. One day I will! I wasn't cut out for urban/city life. Let me tell you, I am entirely a different person when my feet and hands are dirty with soil, and my hair is stringy from the wind.

Dream lives would be: Beekeeper, Maple Syrup Producer, Blueberry Picker, Shepherd.

Back to Farmama. I really can't explain how epic it is, so just check it out. Here are some pics to whet your appetite...

Check out Farmama here

Speaking of my passion for farming. I have to tell you about The Dirty Life. Best novel I've ever read. Written by Kristin Kimball about her complete life change from intellectual indie NY Writer to full on Farmer's Wife. Turns out her passion for writing paid off, as now she is sharing her epic story with the world. I found her book at the airport, and as soon as I saw the cover I fell in love.

You can buy the book ANYwhere now. I just found Kimball on Facebook too, here. It's pretty cool because she will post updates on the farm, what they're eating, etc. Amazing.

Look into both Farmama and The Dirty Life and have your eyes opened to the life all of our ancestors lived. One day we will all go back to basics. I am educating myself for then ;)

Jane Eyre - Charlotte Gainsbourg

2011-07-17T23:52:00.006-05:00

This afternoon I went thrifting for the many things still needed in our new home. I lucked out when I walked into our favorite Goodwill and found a coffee table, JUST in the right shade of wood I like. Round and large, perfect for the living room. I spend 15 minutes behind Goodwill with two of the loaders trying to fit into our Golf. We were about to give up when I thought to shove it through the passenger front door. It barely fit, but worked! Got home, gave it a cleaning and now it's perfect. Very farmhouse/western. I need me some antlers.

On the way home I grabbed a burrito from just one of my favorite local taqueria's, got home and cracked open a Zevia cola. Phil though sick in the morning, felt like getting out mid afternoon and has been spending the day with his friend. Although I love spending time with Phil, I do enjoy days of solitude where I can bask in the freedom of doing whatever I want. Though keeping constantly close to the one you love is important, it is also good to maintain a certain amount of independence, so as to not let go completely of who you are on your own. Once back together again, strength and love is renewed. It's a little trick that keep the flames alive in a marriage. Always have your own world, a little mystery. Something magical to bring to the table that is slightly unknown.

Netflix wasn't working for some reason so I browsed the available movies on Hulu. Jane Eyre fluffed my fancy, as I was just in the mood for a Gothic period piece. Something dark, deep, emotional. Something from another era. Lately I have been missing the cold cliffy sea. I need to escape there one day soon.

As the movie progressed I was drawn further and further in. I had no idea William Hurt was starring as the brooding Mr. Rochester, and I couldn't be more enthused. I have a LARGE crush on him. He was so much better than the new Mr. Rochester. But that's just my opinion. I didn't realize till the credits that Jane Eyre was played by Charlotte Gainsbourg! I was so amazed at her acting and I knew there was something magical about her. I was trying to figure out why I hadn't seen her in recent films, as she had a deep talent within her.

Now I get it! As soon as the film ended I put on my most medieval'ish slip and Youtube'd Charlotte Gainsbourg videos. Ahhhh the epic quality of everything that she is. She has a longing, a brooding spirit. Just what I love in a woman. Then she's got the lanky waif-like look that I adore with the almost stringy hair. Sighhh. So beautiful!

Afterward I did some Wiki'ing and was reminded of the fact that her parents are basically the coolest couple ever!? Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg! You can tell by looking at them, where she got her glorious eyes and pronounced nose. Needless to say, DEPTH.

I really recommend you watch this version of Jane Eyre when you're in the mood for it. Though I appreciated the cinematography of the newest version, I simply wasn't impressed by the spark between Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender. I couldn't feel it, I couldn't sense it like I did with Gainsbourg and Hurt. So, watch it. It has inspired me so much, and it will you too!

^taken with Instagram from my Iphone. My username: Blueberryshoes

What did you do today?

Magic In A Photograph

2011-07-16T16:07:00.014-05:00

I wanted to share some of my favorite etsy picks of the moment. I have chosen listings with epic photography emotion and quality. I am always drawn to pictures that continue to hold the burst of energy and passion of the moment the shot was taken. Women have such strong emotion and there's nothing more beautiful then seeing her " in it"...

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to see more and follow my favorite picks, check back on my treasuries weekly here

Sponsoring and Ad Space on MermaidsCloset

2011-07-15T12:41:00.013-05:00

Have you been thinking about sponsoring a blog you love? Are you taking steps to make your brand recognizable, so those within your blog circle remember and notice your craft more? Sponsoring is a fun way to broaden the horizons of your handmade business while also creating priceless friendships and connections worldwide! MermaidsCloset provides a variety of prices so everyone can join in the fun! Check out what sponsoring options MermaidsCloset provides for you:

Along with the Sponsorship ad spots (size and style of your choice), you will receive a specialized blog interview! I will feature lots of pictures of you, your work and also links and details that will give your brand well earned attention and love! Sponsorships are super duper easy to work out. Read on for all the details you'll need.

STATS
First and foremost, as you can see, MermaidsCloset has over 700 followers (at the time this article is written)
and receives anywhere from 65-100 hits a day. The number climbs monthly.

Ad Duration Options:
1 Week Long Ad Square - $12
1 Month Long Ads - $10-25
2 Month Long Ads - $20-45

Ad Size Options:

Third Square
(100 x 33)
0.7 x 2.2 inches

Half Square
(100 x 50)
1.1 x 2.2 inches

Square
(100 x 100)
2.2 x 2.2 inches

Your Options in Detail:

1 Week Long Ad Square: $12

The 1 Week Long Square Ad Box is a good way to dip your feet into sponsorship waters. Though you won't experience the reinforcement branding that a month's worth of ad time will provide, you will still enjoy some great attention and definitely make an impact on regular MermaidsCloset followers. This will lead to quick yet hard-to-pinpoint connections with new followers. I suggest a week long ad for those who are looking for a short burst of attention for an affordable deal. Duration: Ad runs from morning after your payment, for 7 days.

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1 Month Long Ads
Third square: $10
Half square: $15
Square: $25

The 1 Month Long Ad Box is your best bet for sponsorship. As MermaidsCloset Regulars check back daily and weekly at posts, they will see your ad box numerous times. With a beautiful, eye-popping ad box, there's no reason why followers wouldn't click on yours out of curiosity. Many followers are looking to find new blogs and shops that fluff their fancy. You'll be pleased to know that MermaidsCloset followers are very creative, open-minded Artists, Crafters and Writers, and they are always on the lookout for new, magical connections!

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2 Month Long Ads
Third square: $18
Half square: $28
Square: $48

The 2 Month Long Ad Box is a great choice for those who are looking for long-term pay-off. With the 2 Month Ad you are lengthening the time possible for branding impact. Your ad box will be linked to MermaidsCloset in Regulars' minds and viewed as special to the blog. "If the ad box is still here, it must mean that MermaidsCloset loves this brand!" Prices are set to work as an investment. Although more than 1 Month ads, they are less than double!

Juicy Details

Ad Spot Availability
Every month I will have a set amount of spots available for grabs. Ad spots will be worked out up to 3 weeks prior to the following month, when you will be featured. As soon as you know you would like a spot, email me and I'll reserve you a spot. Sponsorships will go fast, so if all are taken right away, MermaidsCloset will schedule your spot for the following month.

Spots Available Per Month:
5 Squares
5 Half Squares
5 Third Squares

Where will Ads Appear On Blog?
They will appear just beneath the "Get Healthy Articles" list of links on the sidebar. They will be placed in the order above: Squares, Half Squares and then Third Squares.

Custom Ad Design by MermaidsCloset
Are you nervous about creating your own ad, or maybe even unsure as to how to make one at all? No need to fret, I can make one for you! We will discuss through email, the type of ad you are envisioning and then I will get to work. I will provide you with 3 options to choose from, and then we will choose the final piece for feature. Once you have bought the design it's yours for the keeping as a picture file. You can then use it on your own blog, or even as a logo!
The cost of a custom ad is $10

The Kind of Sponsors MermaidsCloset Loves:
MermaidsCloset loves whimsical, handmade, vintage, gourmet and gluten free cooking, gardening, traveling, poetry, history, style and nature! If you have a beautiful blog, website or Etsy shop that fits in with the MermaidsCloset niche, get in touch! Whether or not your blog is the perfect fit at the moment, you will get a friendly and thankful email letting you know if we're a good match.

How Do I Figure Out Sizes of Ad Boxes?
Believe me, it took me a while to come up with the measurements! No need to worry, look at it this way: The Square is simply a perfect square. The Half Square is half the square. The Third Square is the square cut in three. The ad box does not have to be the perfect size, but should be the right measurements. In other words, if it is a large file, but fits the shape needed, the blog sidebar automatically re-sizes the file to fit right.

The sidebar is 2.2 inches wide. Make sure your fonts and colors are bright and clear so they stand out. If you have any trouble, I can help ;)

How To Order Your Ad Spot
Now for the fun part! It's time to get in touch with me and grab your spot. Here's 5 easy steps to get you where you wanna be:

1- Decide what size ad box you would like to choose (Square, Half Square or Third Square)

2- Decide how long you would like the ad to run (1 Week Square, 1 Month, 2 Months)

3- Design your ad box, or get me to design it for you (see Custom Ad Design above, for details)

4- Email me the ad box picture file at holliemaydunne@gmail.com.
Subject line: MermaidsCloset Ad Spot. I will get back to you within a week.

5- Along with the picture attachment fill out these questions and paste them within the text
field so I have all the instructions I need to get you up and running:

Full name:
Blog:
Etsy shop:
Twitter:
Facebook page:
Website (optional):
Where would you like your ad box to link to?

Desired ad duration (one week, month or two months):
Desired ad box size (square, half square or third square):
Would you like me to design your ad box?

Paypal email address for billing (confidential):
Questions:

That's it! If you have any questions regarding sponsoring MermaidsCloset
just email me at holliemaydunne@gmail.com

Crafty Love!
Hollie

Luluxo's Aprons & Hollie's Delectable Goat Cheese & Red Pepper Chicken Recipe

2011-07-14T14:55:00.005-05:00

I have never been so excited about a trade, ever! Look what I traded with my lovely friend Luluxo!

Look how hot she is?! Her work is amazing, I can't stop going back to her shop and drooling at not only her one of a kind pieces but also her poses and photography quality. SO inspiring.

Here it is on me...

This is what I made while wearing it!
Delectable Goat Cheese and Red Pepper Chicken with Brown Rice Pasta

It's my husband's current fav dish I make. It's super easy to make.

INGREDIENTS
-4 Chicken Breasts
-1 Onion, Chopped
-1 Red Pepper, Chunked
-1 Zucchini, Thickly Sliced
-Handful of Chunked Mushrooms
-Handful of Goat Cheese
-Handful of Feta
-1/2 Cup of Whipping Cream or Half and Half
-Olive Oil
-Garlic Powder
-Sea Salt, Fresh Cracked Pepper
-Cayenne, Parsley Flakes
-Cast Iron Pan

DIRECTIONS
-Wash and dry (with paper towel) the chicken breasts
-Heat cast iron with plenty of olive oil. Once hot, add breasts.
-Add onion, then salt, pepper, cayenne, parsley, garlic powder.
-Stir the onions around the chicken occasionally, and flip the chicken once crispy brown.
-Now add the spices on the other side of the chicken.
-Cook for about 10 minutes.
-Add veggies with more olive oil, add more spices.
-Stir every 3 minutes.
-Now add the cheeses and stir. Then the cream.
-Turn down heat to low-medium and simmer until the veggies and chicken are done.
-At the end turn off the heat and let sit for 5 minutes. The chicken will absorb the juices and everything will rest deliciously.
-Top with a shredded italian mix cheese and serve.
-If you wanna treat yourself serve the mixture over Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta!

TIPS:
-Exchange veggies to your liking. Add broccoli, garlic, leeks, whatever you want!

-If you can't find goat cheese, just feta will taste almost identical.

-Remember that whole cream and cheeses are much healthier than low fat. They are closer to nature and less tampered with. This is a no guilt meal! Add in some chicken thighs and legs for added nutrition. This meal is just as good without the Brown Rice Pasta. A good substitute would be either spaghetti squash or cauliflower!

Enjoy!

The Wonders of Sand

2011-07-11T12:39:00.004-05:00

Sand has always intrigued me. Knowing how many particles there are and wondering how long they have been here humbles me. Thanks to a friend who posted this article on Facebook, I discovered these pictures of sand. Under a microscope, you discover that sand particles are like like snowflakes, where no two specks are the same. Just look at the colors, the details! Creation continues to baffle me...

We will never run out of things in nature to discover!
Read the article here

My Favorite Thing on Etsy YET!

2011-07-05T14:37:00.003-05:00

Just found this through via Etsy Finds. My mind is blown!
By Kabloom09

"Throw it grow it"....

GENIUS FLOWER POWEERRRR!

Juicy Juicy

2011-06-30T22:48:00.001-05:00

Just listed these babies in the shop! Bringing back some vintage!!!
See them here

We've been thrifting a ton to fill up our new place. We are being VERY good and bi-passing the stuff we really want, to save up for the stuff we need. Like a couch, desk, bed, etc. We're living like newlyweds with just the bare essentials. I scour Craigslist constantly. We WILL find what we are looking for, just trying to be patient ;)

What have you found thrifting that you LOVE recently??

Magical Adventures

2011-06-28T13:37:00.007-05:00

I thought that the easiest way to tell you all about my adventures thus far in our new home, would be to SHOW you. Things have been so magical. On levels I wasn't sure were possible! I am thankful every day that we sacrificed so much to get here, a handful of States over, from Florida to California. It's been a struggle to say the least. But now we are here and basking in the joy. Right now I'm typing up this post on a cozy chair I picked up free on the side of a road, and the breeze of a cool summer day is pouring through the windows and open front door. Now for pics!

Greyhound Rock Beach

This was our day at Greyhound Rock Beach! My first taste of shelling since my tropical escapades back in the day of cruises with the family. Shards and pieces of abalone shells were scattered all along the beach and I couldn't say there's anything funner than that sort of treasure hunt!

A bunch of us carpooled, got a little lost on the way, but finally arrived and trekked down the super steep pathway down the mountain to the sea. There a huge rock cliff just off the coast sits, looking mysterious and beautiful. Kelp was visible from offshore, tossing about in the waves. I grabbed a beached up piece of it and was very surprised by the texture! It felt man-made. So strong, almost plastic-like. Not too slimy, like I imagined it! Kelp is such an amazing plant, one that grows super fast and provides food and shelter for many organisms.

A few of the boys brought their huge shovels and dug a hole in the sand about 6 feet deep. Apparently, it's fun! The kids loved it and were jumping in, and then the big boys would throw them up gently so they plopped back onto the sand. A few of us played catch, but mostly we shelled and just took in the beauty.

Afterward we headed into Santa Cruz for dinner. Truly a magical town, I must say. Hippies everywhere and endless cafes and shops to discover. Surf boards, VW busses, and bare feet- I can't wait to go back. Right below the huge pier was a platform with sealions resting their eyes and big-chubby bodies outside the water. I had never seen them in real life before, and I was astonished at how much personality they have! And SO cute!! I could've watched them all day!

Just afterward we had dinner right on the pier and overlooked the ocean as we ate our clam chowder. Tired beachy friends smiling and making memories. Then a dark drive home with the sounds of college radio featuring Elliott Smith charmed us just before we hit the sack. Such a sweet memory...

The Lace Museum

One day me and Danna were out gallivanting in Sunnyvale and then it hit her, THE LACE MUSEUM! Located in a humble strip mall, The Lace Museum was like a little secret crafty world where doilies, old ladies and well, lace of all sorts reside. There were so many crooks and crannies featuring amazing lace work, I could never show you it all. But it was inspiring to say the least.

From lace art made of hair, to frames showing examples of nature's version of lace, to rows of lacing tools that boggled my mind- the place really opened my eyes up to just how detailed this artwork is. I always have a hard time spending money on vintage pieces of lace to craft with. But now I will have more appreciation when the prices aren't as low as I'd hoped for. They had a bin in the back where you could fill a bag for $2 though! Yeah, I cleaned it out ;) My favorite part was the spider web, resembling nature's lace...

Summer Love

I feel like for the first time in a very long time, I can truly enjoy summer for the magical season it is. Florida in the summer is much like living in a sauna. The weather there limits your activity outside which really puts a damper on adventures! Here it is just the perfect amount of hot and sun where it pulls you outside and into the pool! Hannah and Jeph live literally 30 seconds away from our apartment and they have an amazing pool, which I have a feeling we will be spending alot of time in ;)

The other day I ran over and we dipped in an out. I brought some homemade peach and green iced tea with chunks of orange in it. I don't own a water bottle of any sort, so I grabbed my Ball Jars and filled two of them. They worked really well, and I can't think of a more earth-friendly way to bring drinks on the go!

Also, it is so special to be with my sister again. Though we are opposites in many ways, we are so similar in others. Especially similar in the important ways. Our views on things, our desires, the way we love life and always strive to be positive, good people. Plus she is creative like me, and open minded. This is what makes our friendship and sisterhood a constant stream of magic :)

Knitting/Crochet Party

I can honestly say that this party was one of the most memorable days of my life. Since I have moved here I have been blessed in meeting such special, inspiring and adorable people. This has happened through friends of friends, and also the fact that being one of Jehovah's Witnesses provides you with an instant community wherever you go in the world.

The first congregation meeting we attended, we were flooded with hugs and welcomes and of course connections to new and beautiful friends. It is a blessing and I couldn't imagine how hard it would be to move to a new State and not have that support!

Ming is one friend I have met through other friends in our own congregation. She is so beautiful, it's almost scary! Her style is 50's housewife meets mod Barbie, meets Glamour Girl! She's always in seafoam greens, peaches, pinks and has her hair done to the nines. She is mother to the sweetest little baby girl named Klara and I just can't get enough of her!!

Her husband's name is Friso and he is alot like a giant teddy bear! Tall, Dutch, sweet and strong. They helped me pick up a table and chairs for our place- one made of solid wood with a good thick base. Thinking I had to help him carry it into the car, I was shocked when he picked it up with one arm as though it were a toothpic! I'll never forget it.

Ming, Klara and I have started to get together on Saturdays as both our husbands work that day. We go yard sale'ing, thrifting, driving into the mountains, chit chatting, crafting, and of course In and Out Burgering!

This past Saturday she picked me up for a Knitting Party! This would be my first crafty event since moving here and I was quite raring to go :D It was to take place at her sister in laws house on the side of a mountain. Her name is Zusje, which is pronounced Seuce. She is very Dutch, very Viking, very Mountain Woman. Her and her husband share a few acres with their extended family and well, it was overwhelmingly magical.

Below are shots from inside their home, with Zusje's paintings and the large one with the horse is by her mother, who is supposed to be just like Zusje, but the mother of it all. I cannot wait to meet her. Everyone has been telling me that we are meant for each other! I can tell that Zusje and her siblings grew up in the most free spirited way. The way you don't see often. Zusje's children are free just like her. Running around laughing, but taking an interest and just truly happy and inspired. I can't think of a more perfect way for children to grow up. On a mountain.

This was the back yard. A colorful hammock, clothes hanging on the line between trees and a view of the other mountains around. It took at least a half hour to get to their place, winding through slim roads walled in by century old trees and history. The quality of life, astounding.
It made me wonder why we live in a city, when we are meant for the woods.

There's Ming, then Zusje, the Viking Hippie who is always holding a baby and smiling. At one point she was holding two babies at once on her long legs as she sat relaxed and easy. Some women are just made to be mothers. She is one of them. Sunkissed by the mountain sun, a life of nature and happiness- I cannot wait to spend time we her family again.

Check out Klara's smile!!!! So innocent, juicy, perfect! She is such a joy to be around and I love squeezing her squishy little cheeks and legs! Ming is such an amazing mother- always so patient and calm and loving with her. Such an example. She makes having a baby seem alot less overwhelming. And if it happened to happen to us, I would have a perfect friend to give me all the advice I'd need ;) p.s. we're not planning on having any! But sometimes things happen...

Thrifting has been fabulous. And I have yet to discover the wonders of estate saling here. Apparently it's perfection. One of these Saturdays we have to get on that. In the first pic below is an outfit I found for 9.99 at Goodwill. It was basically Stevie Nicks! I freaked out and it just happened to fit like a glove! The pic over, I found an antique top hat at the same Goodwill! Authentic, rabbit hair, perfect shape. I plan to do a photoshoot or two with it then sell it :)

Next is the pic of Danna, who has become my dearest close friend. We are like twins in many ways and end up spending days together, even if we are just running around town, hanging out at home, or going shopping. Her boys are so perfect and I love spending time with them and her hubby as well, whom she lovingly calls "Sancho". Right now they are on a 15 yr anniversary getaway in the desert. Something they truly deserve.

The next pic over is me ready for a congregation meeting. I'm wearing a dress Danna gave me that also fits like a glove. It was found estate sale'ing and has the perfect 50's feel. I'm in love!

Here is a day I spend with Danna and her sister Laurel, whom I adore just as much! She is so beautiful it's breathtaking! She's preggers with her second boy and we can't wait to meet him. She is such a calm, loving and sweet mother to her son, Gavin-whom is basically the most beautiful boy I have ever met in my life. SO smart, and so sparkly. You would die if you met him. Her husband is a sweetheart as well. He helps Laurel with their amazing garden and well, helped make another epic baby!

here's Gavin.. this is in Danna's backyard ;)

We crafted this day, and just relaxingly spent time together. I worked on some herb satchels for the summer line. The first pic is of Danna, Laurel and their other sister slathering on coconut oil! All of them raving over my suggestion to use it as a skin healer :) I was so happy!

I have been adoring my kitchen as a creative and entertaining space. It has just the farmhouse feel I desire and I couldn't be happier to cook every day in it. I have a limited amount of cookwear which makes for some simple and interesting meals. Just the way I like it best! I did pack all my teacups and teapots from my years of collecting, and the white dishes we just bought from Ikea. The rest I have been buying at thrift stores. It is so fun to start over.

Slowly but surely we are filling our house with second hand and affordable furnishings. In the meantime it's quite empty, but still sweet. We want to love what we buy, and we don't want to buy much new. So it's a waiting game. I search craigslist and we thrift and yard sale. It's really fun :)

Life here has transformed my outlook, and I am so much less depressed. I do have depression and that is something that never goes away. But I feel lighthearted, positive and happy. This is all I ever wanted. To feel like I found a place to reside that motivates me to be better. This, California has done for me. I am thankful everyday and as new and more amazing people and experiences grace our lives, I know for certain this move was the best thing we have ever done.

What have you been up to? I have missed being in touch with you all!!!

California For Life

2011-06-06T20:55:00.010-05:00

SO excited to tell you everything! We are here, in California and have found a perfect townhouse, are making amazing friends and discovering cute thrift shops and starting fresh in the best way possible. Here are some pics to show you what we've been up to!

A few days after we arrived we headed to San Francisco for a girly meetup with some of my besties from Canada... Here's me and my sis on the bus together together after months apart...

Crown & Crumpet!! The best tea house on earth! New dress from Target ;)

All of my favorite Faeries..

If you ever come to San Francisco, you HAVE to hit up Crown & Crumpet!!

Our favorite tea is the Marie Antoinette and Paris. We get the tier lunch, where the crumpets and jam are epic beyond all life.

Here are pics of our place! It's on the SAME street as my sister's place! Like 4 houses up! It's a townhouse, 2 bedroom with a roomy kitchen and walk in pantry. We're in love with it. It's a dream come true!

It has the perfect amount of farmhouse feel with secret garden on the side :D A little balcony area for me to start a container garden, and our bedroom looks out into an epic walkway that makes me dreammm...also the second bedroom will be home for my crafting! Another dream come true :)

We are still without furniture, so I made a cutsie romantic dinner on a quilt on the kitchen floor.
Goat cheese veggies and chicken, plums, vanilla candle from Ikea and hens and chickens cutting from my greenthumb friend, Danna ;)

You wouldn't believe how cheap the produce is here. I'm still in shock. Danna and her sister Laurel have lived here since they were born-they're super crafty, creative, full of beautiful hilarity and adorable life. You would love them. They have the cutest juicy kidlings, and they love going on thrifting, beach and crafty adventures just like me. New sisters to the soul. Such a blessing to have met them :D You'll hear ALOT about them in the future :D

1st pic: There's Danna rollerskating around her living room to burn energy
2nd pic: Her dreamy living room
3rd pic: Us playing with resin and molds
4th pic: Ming and her baby Klara :) Also an AMAZING new friend!!!

They introduced me to THE MOST AMAZING local produce shop called Philippe's up the road. For this week's menu here's what I bought: 2 lbs of potatoes, 3 red peppers, garlic, 3 apples, 2 bananas, 6 zucchini, 8 carrots, squash, 5 avocados, 4 tomatoes for $10!!!!! I AM NOT JOKING. It will make cooking and baking so much cheaper than I expected. So excited to experiment with almond and coconut flours. I can't wait to entertain again, and just enjoy life like I always hoped to.

So much more to share with you very soon!
What have you been up to lately? I miss you all!!!

Inner Worlds

2011-05-20T12:13:00.003-05:00

Never stop daydreaming and expanding your inner worlds. There is the place where invention and creativity bloom and spread like a wondrous, haunting fog. That is your secret sanctuary. Within the globe of this place is where you play with ideas, dreams, music and stretch reality in beautiful ways. There you are 100% you, with no one to judge. This is the place where an artist's creations grow, and then are born outside, through use of hands, voice and materials.

This place keeps you mysterious from the inside out- It is a place that inspires what you wear, what you make, how you live, what you talk about, where you want to go. This place is your imagination! Although we are taught to stop daydreaming as we get older, we must recognize that there should be no guilt involved with it. Our brain is the most powerful and limitless thing in the universe and who is anyone to tell you that it cannot play?

Maintain your youth, that sparkle in your eye, the curiosity. FEED your soul with beautiful, mysterious and innocent things and throw yourself into nature. Skip through the tall grass, take off your shoes and stand in the sea, take home a handful of stones, close your eyes and listen to each and every bird's voice, dance around the fire, sing to the woods, be free! It is your magical life that you will live, and no one can tell you otherwise ;) Fling yourself into the beauty around you until the two worlds melt into one.

Clemmy's Sugar Free Ice Cream

2011-05-16T19:48:00.008-05:00

I'm always on the lookout for sugar free and gluten free treats for the moments I crave something BAD! It's good to have alternatives to choose from in those moments, especially when Mother Nature does her rounds on us ladies ;) Today I spent a good 10 minutes looking for a sugar free ice cream at Whole Foods. I try really hard not to buy anything with sucralose, or chemically altered sweetener stuff. I stick to xylitol which is a healthy choice in small amounts. Xylitol is even healthy for your teeth! Keep it away from dogs though, it is lethal to them.

Back to ice creams. There are SO MANY to choose from, but very few that focus on sugar free. There's lots of dairy free, but I like my milk. Rice milk ice cream, too carby. So sugar free is for me. Then I noticed Clemmy's! "Sugar Free" in big letters along the rim of the lid and on the cover. I'm hooked in like a fish hooked on a pink sparkling lure. I read the ingredients and feel a breath of relief: Xylitol! Just cracked open the bucket and gave it a taste- WOW! SO GOOD!! I chose chocolate chip, and it's so similar to other regular ice creams I have tasted. No aftertaste and a great texture. I HIGHLY recommend this stuff!!

I checked up their Facebook page and liked them OF course! And they're website is so pro and awesome. I love the story behind Clemmy's too, oh it's cute! "Clemmy" is Jon Gordon's (the maker's) marmalade cat! Apparently he sat patiently beside his owner while he experimented with ingredients till the perfect concoction was found :D Like me, Jon was looking for a healthy alternative to sugary ice creams. No need to go without when you can create a better version!

Flavors: Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Coffee, Toasted Almond, Butter Pecan, Orange Creme, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip! I found Clemmy's at Whole Foods, and it seems they aren't too hard to find.

Oh, best part! They have a $1 coupon so you can try it! :D You know I love them coupons ;) Get yours by clicking on the pic below...

You gotta try this stuff, cause who needs sugar in their bodies? It slows you down, gives you headaches, hangs a cloud over your head and makes you chubby! Have alternatives like Clemmy's around and you'll be that much happier for making a great choice!

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ANTM Love

2011-05-16T12:35:00.002-05:00

If you didn't know, I am an America's Next Top Model lover! However I have been turned off the show for a few years until this one! When I was living at home, every week we would have a girls night centering around ANTM and we were stuck to it like glue. Slowly though, the shows seemed to bore me with the model selections.

This season, when I saw the lineup on models I saw a handful of girls that MOVED me! Beauty, depth, and intrigue. I'm SO excited that my 3 favorite girls were the top 3! Hannah, Brittani and Molly-all such beauties! I was sad to see Hannah go this past week, cause she's just so sweet-and those blue eyes! But I think the decision was right. Hannah is fragile emotionally, and the job of a model is to be tough.

(Molly and Hannah)

Now it's Brittani and Molly, my two fav! How could I choose. I have a feeling it will be Brittani that wins, but it's a toss up at this point since Molly's been winning best pics and all. I can't help but root for Brittani because she's so down to earth (she loves crafts!) and sweet. I want it for both of them for different reasons. Molly struggles with insecurities because she was adopted and is open about her pain, anger and depression. I wonder if the high fashion lifestyle will make her even more insecure about her past. With Brittani, she is from a trailer park and grew up teased because her mother had emotional problems. She is a tough cookie and though she tends to cry on sets, it strikes me that she has less DEEP issues than Molly.

(Brittani)

Brittani has so much to gain in her life and it seems the model life would be perfect for her. She doesn't seem needy for a boyfriend, her family or home. Then again neither does Molly. This Wednesday is the finale and I will be happy for either one of them when they win. Whoever does, the other will still get tons of work because they are BOTH fabulous. It's nice to actually be INTO this season- the show really inspires me with the fashion, photography and vision. Tyra is mental, but that kind of makes it more entertaining ;)

(Molly)

The above shot is my fav of the season yet! Molly's blonde hair with the seafoam green and gold wedding dress, against the overcast Moroccan backdrop- WOW! Phil traveled to Morocco, so it was interesting to see the market place where he had been. I am in love with the spices, the tents, the colors. I love learning about different cultures and traditions of far away lands. What would life be without travel? Until we can do more of it, I love to read books and documentaries about places I would love to see. Like Ireland and Scotland!

Have you been into this season of ANTM and noticed that it's alot better than the seasons before? Also, where would you love to travel to?

Confessions of a Juicy Girl and her Goals

2011-05-14T22:11:00.005-05:00

I wanted to update you on my diet, as I posted about it throughout the year. I will be totally honest, as I always am with you all.

I gave the Zola diet (which is now called Plan Z Works) a full year to help me shed the weight I've carried for a few years. I lost up to 35 lbs on it, and yet continued to yo-yo. Let me say, my Father has lost all of his weight on this diet and he looks and feels amazing! I have nothing against the diet itself and I have seen it work for friends and family, but for a few reasons, I have come to the conclusion that it is not right for my body's make up.

Plan Z Works really did teach me so much about nutrition, and opened my eyes up to the reality of how horrible starch and sugar are for us. It taught me how healthy fats are good for you, which is the opposite of what most diets tell you. That it is grain and sugar that makes us fat!

Midway through my last 40 day losing phase I got a VERY bad flu. Not realizing how serious it was, I got sicker and sicker. Soon I couldn't walk at all. My eyes were basically dead and I was pale as a ghost. I went into my Chinese Dr. and told him everything. Though he recognized that the HCG spray is homeopathic, he said that I had to up my calorie intake immediately, and that it was obvious with the state of my kidneys, that this diet was too hard on my body. For a full month I layed in bed, and for weeks after that I couldn't stand up straight.

He said that yes, he has seen the diet work for his friends too, but that it is a regiment for a robust body type. Since I have depression and my kidneys are already weak, the lack of nutrition for 40 days straight every few months, was a shock to my system. The flu was my body's way of saying, "enough". I have gained some of the weight back as a result of being BAD and not being as careful about what I eat. I would like to blame my less than perfect living conditions, depression and many other things for slipping. But I won't. The fact is I am off track, I have a plan to get back on it.

I have meditated, daydreamed, researched and finally come up with a plan. with all of the things I have learned about health, my body type and weight loss I feel I have a great project as a goal. Once we have moved and I feel settled, it will roll into motion.

Lifestyle Plan

1-I will cut out grain and sugar from my meals, except for a treat once a week. My body works like a charm without these foods inside it. Once the cravings are gone from having them constantly (about 2 wks), I should be turned off from them a bit more, and less emotionally needy for them.

2-I will not count calories, but instead eat healthy portions and not till I am full, but just content.

3-I will eat all whole fats (cheese, milk, cream, yogurt, oils, nuts, avocados, etc) and no low fat. All in moderation. Never too much of anything.

4-I will eat lean protein like chicken and fish, and incorporate salmon. Beans and peanut butter in moderation.

5-I will eat 2 low-sugar fruits a day and lots of vegetables, especially dark green and purple. No corn, bananas or potatoes.

6-I will eat every few hours, 3 meals and 2 snacks in between to keep my blood sugar stable. I will try not to eat after 6pm. If I must, a fruit will do.

7-I will drink plenty of water. At least 2 liters a day.

8-I will incorporate green, chamomile and hibiscus tea into my daily routine. Fresh lemon and lime in my water as well.

9-I will look into some essential vitamins. For depression, anxiety, lack of energy and anemia.

10-Most importantly, I will exercise. This is something I have totally been out of touch with here in Florida because of the heat and my distaste for gyms. I will find a few great exercise dvds, starting with pilates and yoga. Then I will look into a dancing dvd of some sort for more intensity. I will buy a few small weights, a bike and a cute exercise outfit. Me and Phil will take up 15 minute walks after dinner, and maybe I will take a pilates class if I can find an affordable one.

I have faith that with these 10 steps, I will slowly but surely get healthier and healthier. Instead of weighing myself every day I will judge weight loss by how clothes fit, how I look in the mirror. I will weigh myself every week out of curiosity, and to see how I am doing. I will start out slow with the exercise and slowly work the intensity up. Most of all I want to enjoy all of this because it will be my lifestyle forever!

With the almost complete lack of sugar and starch in my system, I will be reversing my borderline insulin resistance and be bringing my body into a state of refreshment. Real food, movement, positivity. Since I adore cooking, baking and discovering alternative recipes of deliciousness I am excited for the opportunity to be creative! Just think I will be able to have cheesecake, ice cream, black bean pasta, grain free pizza, pies, etc the list goes on! And I will share all of it with you guys :)

It has been quite a struggle to realize I spent a year trying to lose weight and yet it didn't work out just how I thought. On the other hand, I see it in a positive light because now more than ever, I have the education I need-and in turn I am on the path to healing.

Art Rock/ Moving to Cali!

2011-05-09T13:28:00.008-05:00

Art Rock Setup! My last show in Florida went out with a cute little bang...
Me and Sherry, with our weapons of mass construction ;)

My Setup

This whole basket sold to one lady! I was glad to see all the goodies go ;) So much amazing stuff that I just never got around to using will now be USED and created with. Great feeling!

A pic of Amanda (my booth buddy) and Amy setting up. Turns out Amanda was spreading the help to all friends- she's so nice ;)

Amy's adorable artwork

I was so glad to see Little Red go to Sherry!! Look at her outfit btw!

Look how cute my daisy crown looks on this little cupcake!

After a good long show, we went out to Cheesecake Factory for a girly fun dinner- so much laughter and juicy craft gossip ;) City Place in West Palm Beach is posh to say the least. We took a stop here in Anthropologie where I spent most of time passed out on an uber comfy leather chair ;)

DESSERT! What was this place called again? I died.

It was a special day celebrating all the wonder of my crafting adventures in Florida with such talented girls. Bittersweet for sure. My shop is now closed temporarily for our move to California on the 24th. It is coming up so fast and packing is going well! We sold everything we owned for the most part, before we moved in with family to save. So really it's my craft stuff, Phil's music stuff, his work tools and clothing.

I have a few great things I wanna get rid of for a simple donation. Hoping next week the girls will come by and grab all they want. It would hurt to throw it all out. Next week I'm sure we'll do a last minute lunch with the most of us, ONE last time. We also talked about doing an annual meetup somewhere altogether. A crafty getaway in a hotel where we just veg, craft, pig out and catch up. I think it would be amazing ;)

Moving is something I always embrace. We did it so much growing up for Dad's work in radio, and it was hard. But when I look back I realize how amazing it was for our perspective as children. And now I have a thirst for horizons. My parents are gypsies, moving here and there every few years. They just moved to Vegas, because, well-why not! Dad got a great job managing a few talk stations for CBS. Mom's always loved the desert and they were tired of the long Minnesotan winters. I'm looking forward to going to visit them!! They aren't on the main stretch with the glitter and gambling, but more on the outskirts with a view of the mountains. They will be an hour flight away from us!

I feel as though the few years I have been here in Florida, that I have sort of left pieces of myself behind, as this state just couldn't feed my soul what it really needed. I am not a tropical type, but more of a deep, cool forest girl. Now I feel as though I am going home, and I will finally be able to live to the fullest. Close to my best friend and sister, the woods and healthy enviroment. I will be revisiting all of my creations with a new eye. There will be alot less cute, and much more mysterious work leveling out. I am excited and contented knowing everything is coming together.

I am also very excited to jump into a whole new craft scene. Many of whom I have met through my Etsy team, Indie Free Spirits. The team is only ONE member away from 500! What an amazing group of talent! There's really so much to look forward to! I will take many pictures and tag you along with me throughout our new life and I can't wait!!

Odd Duck 2011

2011-05-02T12:42:00.015-05:00

After a nice little vaca I'm back in the saddle and ready to tell you all about my last show, Odd Duck, put on by the Hollywood Craft Mafia! It was a sparkling blast and here are some pics of the enchanting day :)

The theme of my booth was inspired by Stevie Nicks bedroom. Dusty pinks, glowing light and spots of fancy and mystery. I took one of my crafty friend's booths by mistake and ended up by the epic piano. I felt bad, but wow...lucked out..

My outfit was found thrifting and cost me $4.99 ! It is actually a shirt and a skirt, but with the belt, looks more like a medieval dress. I got so many compliments on it, and I am certain it is the best thrifty find I have ever made! The table scape-all of it thrifted as well.

Tablescaping..

My favorite part of doing shows is seeing all of my crafty friends under one roof! Here's me and Rachel, the coolest hippie chick you could ever meet ;)

Her twin, Jessica!

Amanda! We were right beside eachother and by the end of the day were laughing at every non funny thing on earth, deliriously in the heat.

OpulentOddities! That's who I got my rose head thingy from ;)

Smokin hot-cute CabFayre

My favorite part of the day...Brittany's booth!!!! Be Kind Eat Sweets, vegan cupcakes and treats from heaven itself. That's her cute hubbie beside her, they were a great team. I would never have known that this was Brittany's first show ever. LOOK AT THE BOOTH.

It was sooo hard to pick what I wanted! I finally chose the peanut butter chocolate vegan cupcake. LIFECHANGING!

Here's what I'm wearing in the pic above. Made it the day before the show.

Look at those sparks fly ;) SO proud of Brittany for pulling off such an amazing little bakery stand. She's moving to Orlando and there's talk that she may open up a real brick and mortar bakery!!! OMG IMAGINE? DO IT BRIT!

Here are some little fairies who love their new blueberries :D

And the fashionistas were piling in! Check out this girly with her handmade Smiths shirt!? WANT.

This was my fav girl of the day. Check out her amazing skin and hair!!!

Here's LeeLee with her pvc bow ;)

it was SUCH a fun day!!! Thanks to all who came out to support ;) This coming Saturday is Art Rock, my very last show in South Florida before we move to California on the 24th. Be sure to come out and give me a hug and send off-can't wait to see you!!

These original pencil drawings on wood will be for sale :D

Do you have a craft show coming up soon?

Congrats to Giveaway Winner!

2011-04-21T10:50:00.001-05:00

Congrats to HumanDoll, you have won the giveaway :D !!!!
For everyone else to entered, thank you so much!
Keep your eyes peeled for my next one ;)
Hugs
Hollie

Connect With Your Crafty Community

2011-04-18T09:03:00.001-05:00

Do you ever feel that you are the only one in your circle of friends who loves to be making things constantly? It can be a lonely creative road if this is so. Most of my life I was a lone Crafter and never even realized that it was sort of a sad thing. I did enjoy my alone time, however I did always feel like something special was missing.

When I moved to Florida and got married, I recognized that I could make a little bit of money doing what I loved. A friend introduced me to Etsy, and that is where I discovered my niche! As I know you all have as well. Such a rich community here! I got into the chats, virtual labs and ultimately teams where I have made priceless friendships and connections. This was the beginning of something grand.

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GETTING INVOLVED LOCALLY
At first the thought of craft shows seemed SCARY! Seeing that I tend to be shy, I felt overwhelmed with the thought of vending. I know alot of you are shy as well! It seems to go part and parcel with artistic makeups. However, the more I researched and the more I pondered on craft shows, the more excited I got about them! I think that the more you immerse yourself in something foreign, the less foreign it becomes.

I was looking up craft show displays on Flickr, and reading up on them in the forums on a daily basis. The excitement was building. Finally, I looked up "craft shows" on Craigslist, and there I found an ad for "Looking for Vendors For an Indie Craft Bazaar". BINGO! Turns out the coordinator is now my amazing friend Amanda of http://Goldenswear.etsy.com , and we are super tight ever since :) That first show was a super win, and from then on I was hooked!

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DE-MYSTIFYING
I can't even count how many I have done now, and each time I vend, I have a ball! It's just getting over that first time! Attending and vending craft shows is KEY to connecting with your local crafting community. I can't tell you how worth it is to force yourself into the scene. There will be some who may make you feel intimidated, but have no fear! Usually the most talented folks are the sweetest and most down to earth.

Remember that each human on this planet is equal. We all have different talents, and sometimes we feel inadequate because we compare ourselves to others. Try however, to look at everyone as they are: right on your level- You will feel so much more relaxed in this frame of mind. Embrace different kinds of creativity and connect with artists of all types!

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WHERE TO START
I say to start with researching for local indie events. If you are far from any kind of creative hub, commit yourself to traveling. Spending a little on gas is worth it for your soul! Check Craigslist, Google, and best of all Etsy! Apply for your local Etsy Team. Open your eyes to flyers at your local cafe's, record stores and independent shops. If you see someone creative, say hello and give them your business card, and mention that you're looking to connect with the creative community. You start with opening your mind and heart to the world and the rest is history!

If you don't quite feel ready for a craft show yet, no need to worry! There are other ways you can connect. Simply ATTEND craft shows. Take your time going to each booth, and bring a wad of biz cards. Smile, look your best and introduce yourself to every vendor. It sounds daunting but you will see that once you walk into the magical show that you'll be running off excitement and it will motivate you! Remember to take an interest and take everyone else's biz cards, so you can take the step of friending or liking them on Facebook, and from then on keep in touch.

MAKING IT HAPPEN
Throw crafting picnics and/or parties. With the more people you meet in the community, you will see that they are also looking to spend time with crafty friends. Anyone creative is looking for ways to make connections and just be in creative scenarios! Usually not so much other than the odd craft show will be happening in cities. I found this unsatisfactory! I didn't want to always think of crafting as a money-maker. I wanted craftyness for fun!

So I started hosting crafting parties and boy are they awesome! I host one every month and change up the attendees so everyone has a chance to join in the fun. I blog about the parties and the energy and fun permeates other Crafters' minds! And THIS is what I love. I want more and more friends connecting to create. And you can make it all happen! It is so easy to host a little party with the help of a few friends. Easier yet, a picnic! All you have to do is organize a time and place. You have it in you, I promise!

HELPFUL HOW TO'S:

How To Throw a Crafty Potluck:
http://mermaidscloset.blogspot.com/2010/09/crafty-potluck.html

How To Throw a Crafty Picnic:
http://mermaidscloset.blogspot.com/2010/12/crafty-picnic.html

The Ultimate Craft Show Guide:
http://mermaidscloset.blogspot.com/2010/04/craft-show-tips-all-you-need-to-know.html

Making Local Connections:
http://mermaidscloset.blogspot.com/2010/10/make-local-connections.html

Promoting Your Shop In Person:
http://mermaidscloset.blogspot.com/2010/06/promote-your-etsy-shop-in-person.html

I hope I've gotten the wheels in your heads turning! Jump onboard the good ship creativity and see how your crafty life will blossom!

Magical

2011-04-16T07:29:00.012-05:00

Might be my favorite video EVER?! The Pierces are a sister duo and grew up alot like me and my sis. Introduced to music since birth, encouraged to sing and harmonize with a musical father and mother. Love the blood-relation sound of their voices together. They're SO gorgeous!

And have you seen THIS YET?! I really can't explain how excited I am for this album...

In Your Dreams out May 3rd!

Oh the excitement, the mystery and LOVE!

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Here is a pic of me from last night! I found an epic long black dress thrifting a few wks ago and finally edited it to fit yesterday afternoon. After I washed it and dried it, it fit like a glove. Nothing excites me more than a long black dress! You can kind of see, I cut myself some bangs as well :)

Do you have anything magical planned this weekend?

Bookish

2011-04-16T06:11:00.004-05:00

Books hold cities, planets, inventions, love and mystery- how could we live without them? I want piles and piles around me on a rainy, brooding day. I love to talk books, I like just staring at a shelf of them with their titles sideways and waiting. A curious human can never have enough books in their life, would you not agree? Here are some epic pics where books make an appearance:)

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(just got mine in the mail yesterday!)

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GENIUS

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Great idea!

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LOVE. Reminds me of Tesla.

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Couldn't agree more! Definitely a need for our apt.

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A few of my favorite books:
Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
Pleasures Of The Damned - Charles Bukowski
Chrysalids and Day of the Triffids - John Wyndham
Outlander - Diana Gabaldon
A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius - Dave Eggers
Catcher In The Rye - J.D. Salinger
honest Lee - Steve Liddell

My favorite themes are sci-fi, medieval, raw autobiographical, western and fantasy.
What are 5 of your favorite books?

Gluten and Sugar Free Awesomeness

2011-04-14T01:55:00.008-05:00

I am coming across some epic healthy food options for us gluten and sugar free eaters :D Do let me share ;)

OMG how have I not made this yet? Raw "Tapioca" Pudding via one of my fav healthy blogs, Elanas Pantry

Also check out her gluten free crackers! Every family needs those kicking around.

And these UNBELIEVABLE Coconut Cupcakes with Key Lime frosting

Don't get me started on the gluten free Carrot Cake!?

Also found this puppy tonight, via Lexi's Kitchen Blog: Organic Black Bean Spaghetti! GENIUS!? Made of simply black beans and water. Talk about a healthy alternative to wheat spaghetti or WHAT? Though I do love the Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta, it IS high in carbs and is made from grain. Thus not so good for weight loss. Beans you might say are also carby. But beans are NOT a grain, and a little bit here and there will not make you gain. Make it with a very thick and hearty veggie and protein filled sauce and your brain will think there's alot more "pasta" in there than there really is. All you really need is a palm full of the actual "pasta".

The spaghetti is also on Amazon.com. According to reviews it has a great texture and is not mushy, but nice and slightly firm like usual pasta. I'm VERY excited to play with it! Amanda just ordered us a few bags worth! (we are both on paleolithic diets)

I don't know about you, but I feel I was born to eat bread. It makes me happy, it fills me up and yes, I miss it. Why didn't I google grain free bread sooner?? Check out this amazingly easy and healthy recipe with no hassle involved! Kiva's Golden Flax Bread Now I want to make a big ol' egg sandwich!

I have discovered some pretty amazing gluten free blogs lately and wanted to share them with you. Here's a list of my favs:

http://www.lexieskitchen.com/
http://www.elanaspantry.com/
http://healthyindulgences.blogspot.com/
http://www.thespunkycoconut.com/
http://www.simplysugarandglutenfree.com/
http://nourishedkitchen.com/

Getting used to cooking and baking with different ingredients really pays off for your health. When I feel like I'm indulging in deliciousness, I'm always surprised when I'm left feeling refreshed after eating, and not full or tired out from all the wheat and sugar. Change up the fuel you put into your body and notice how much better you run :D

Giveaway Time: Cute and Crafty!

2011-04-13T13:25:00.004-05:00

It's that time again! Giveaway Galore! :D I love gifting you, my followers and friends-the things I make with tender loving care :) I hope you love the collection of goodies you have a chance of winning! The theme of this giveaway is "Cute and Crafty".

You will receive a hand sewn felty wrist pincushion, Craft Addict necklace (hand painted), hand sewn Kitten plushie and felt mushroom pin! So juicy and cute and fun! Like always, it's super easy to enter...

1- Follow MermaidsCloset. If you already are, hugs and thanks to you :)
2- Share giveaway via Facebook and/or Twitter.
3-Comment with your name and email address :)

TIP: Everytime you share my giveaway, that enters your name in the draw once again. So comment every time you do so.

I will draw in a week (April 20th). Have fun guys!!

WeWood Watches

2011-04-13T13:01:00.003-05:00

I have never been the watch wearing type. Though the concept of time moving right upon your wrist is pretty awesome, I have never seen a watch that felt personal to me. However, my entire view has changed with the discovery of WeWood watches!

Made of pure lightweight wood (a mere 1.5 ounces). Best part- with every watch purchased, a tree is planted for you via Global ReLeaf. The only thing that's stopping me from splurging on this naturenut must-have, is trying to pick JUST ONE?! Which would you choose?

See the entire catalog here
Check out their awesome site and swoon