Etsy Food Snob

I've moved!

2011-03-02T06:02:00.001-08:00

I'm now only using my original blog, http://LoveandLustDesigns.blogspot.com, since EtsyFoodSnob is now closed.

Please follow me there!

2010-05-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

HA!

Gardening and a Killing Spree

2010-04-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

So I finally got around to transplaning my seedlings. I have been waiting on someone {cough,cough} to hammer some holes into the bottom of large aluminum cans for me.

Well - that was done this morning so I went to town! I filled up the bottom with seashells we collected two weeks ago to aid in the drainage.

I think I really did this in the nick of time - my chamomile roots were crazy.

My lovely green beans - their still doing the damn thing!

As I was heading in I noticed this unnecessary spider web FULL of baby spiders on my table/chair...

Seriously that's only about 1/2 of what was out there...so I ran inside to grab a sandal to try and destroy as many as possible (and I really hate killing bugs - I just made bf nicely escort two beatles out of my kitchen last night instead of killing them). Ironically - when I grabbed my shoe from the entry way there was a giant spider on it lol.

So I thought I killed most of them and went back inside. Well - I came out about 15 minutes later and they had rebuilt their little bridge of doom and were all over the place again. I decided not to play nice this time and grabbed some spray bleach. I really do feel a bit bad for drowning them in a nazi chemical bath :(

In happier news - I took Salem out on the patio again tonight and saw my Snap Dragon is blooming! I love that it's half dead but still flowering :)

New shirt!

2010-04-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

What do I love second only to romance? Humor! Meld the two together...

Awesome me realized you can't read backwards when I take pictures in the mirror lol.

It's written in French and says...

"This says something beautiful in French. I'm serious"

Lawls! I love it :) I think I may make a few more with wildly inappropriate statements. May list some in the etsy shop if I can tweak them just a bit.

Catch up weekend...

2010-04-11T17:58:00.001-07:00

I crammed a lot into the weekend to make up for a less-then-desirable week prior. Friday night we went to my new favorite bar 600 South and had the *MOST* amazing olive tapenade ever! It was set upon feta cream cheese and we actually talked about it the rest of the night it was so good. Plus, the mood at 600 is just so sexy and upscale - between that and their great wine selection I think we'll be spending a lot of time here this summer!

We actually liked it so much we ended up going back again on Saturday for more of the same! Last weekend it was global two nights in a row...now 600...we tend to go a bit overboard when we like something :)

We also went to the Pensacola Jazz Fest in downtown Seville Square on Saturday. We only walked around the actual fest briefly and got sidetracked wandering the streets drooling at old Victorians. This is what the square normally looks like - it's a beautiful area!

We stopped to eat at Hub Stacy's before heading back to the house and it was my first time there. I got the Baylen, which is a vegetarian sandwhich, and it was yummy! The portions were also HUGE and very reasonably priced - I think we may end up going back frequently.

Tonights agenda: Watching Army of Darkness and having a hardXcore snuggle fest!

Trapped - by Charles Bukowski

2010-04-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

don't undress my love
you might find a mannequin:
don't undress the mannequin
you might find
my love.

Vintage Score

2010-04-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

I don't know what's gotten into me today but I've been super productive again! I started coating my latest round of coasters with the polyacrylic this morning - I'll need to do a second coat tomorrow and then let them dry before I can ship them out. The polyacrylic fumes are SO dangerous - I'm glad I have this area outside I can work at!

My garden is still doing well - I'm going to plant some bean bushes in the side of my yard since their growing so well in the pot. I'm also happy to see my mint and lavender seeds finally sprouting.

I was also able to squeeze a quick trip into the antique store before class this afternoon. I *scored*!! I got some adorable items (one already listed in my shop) but my favorite was a jar full of jewelry/jewelry parts. My heart literally started to race when I picked it up and began turning it around trying to peak inside. I adore taking some vintage costume piece and updating it with my own style. I had no clue how lucky this purchase was!

Here are some teaser pics - if you happen to see anything you'd like just let me know. I'll probably list about half the pieces as vintage items and take the other half and make them into something else.

Finally, yes, I did actually find this in my lil' jar-o-awesomeness

Agenda for the night: NOTHING! Veg out in front of the tv, take a bubble bath and hopefully watch the new South Park with that guy :)

Kitty Lovin and a Mini-Break

2010-04-06T06:28:00.000-07:00

I've taken to carrying the camera around with me at (almost) all times and snapped salem in two of my favorite poses yeseterday.

Exhibit A:

Sitting like a person with this hand over his gut

Exhibit B:

Curled up in a little ball with his hand covering his face

See - aren't they the cutest ever?!

Joe and I have also decided to put FoodSnob on vacation mode for the month of April. I really wanted to focus on LoveandLust before the summer hits (which is a VERY slow time on etsy) and Joe and I both are going to work on some in-person accounts for FoodSnob. We'd also like to have some new products for the season so we think closing for a few weeks will enable us to focus more and be more productive.

Speaking of Chef McDreamy - I snapped this photo driving yesterday. It's a HOLE in the wall BBQ place that he tried on Saturday. He has this weird correlation between 'more ghetto' and 'better food'. I'm a vegetarian but judging by his responses toward the pulled pork sandwhiches, he's usually right!

Finally - I listed my first Vintage item yesterday! It's an Italian scarf from the 1960's (I believe) that I found tucked away in a vintage store a few weeks ago. It's divine!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44157708

Sunday does not equal rest

2010-04-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

I spent 8 hours today cleaning, doing laundry and working on etsy.

Cleaning a 3000 sq. ft. 120+ year old home is NOT easy! Especially when you have a cat whose hair is everywhere! Just for size reference this is the left and right sides of the first floor

Taken from the living room - through the dining room - into the kitchen which you can hardly see (and has the HORRID tiled countertops that are impossible to keep clean)

From standing right outside the living room entry - the other half of the first floor. If you keep going back there is a storage room, a seperate laundry area and another staircase. So yeah - a LOT of floors to sweep (about an hours worth) and a lot of other work.

I also spent a lot of time making and listing new pieces for my etsy shop. I'm on a roll this week and have a shipment of supplies arriving soon that i'm giddy about! Here are the lovely flowers I cut from my front yard last week that are thriving and being used as a backdrop again

And some new pieces - let me know what you think!

Dark Romance - Ring, $8
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44125487

Tea Time - Charm Bracelet, $18
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44115198

Now off to eat yummy alfredo with artichoke hearts and green olives, watch the recorded Sarah Silverman & maybe indulge in a glass of wine with this guy...

{Okay, okay ... so I'm not actually hanging out with this guy tonight but I am with a certain someone who is told by strangers constantly that he has an uncanny resemblance to either Patrick Dempsey or Sean Penn!}

Garden update and new listings {finally}

2010-03-31T11:34:00.001-07:00

Today is day 21 of my garden adventure. Everything I've planted has started to sprout except for the bell peppers :(

Chamomile going nuts, mustard leaf, and raddishes (not as impressive as the others!)

Gourd and green onions in the background

Lemonbalm (unmarked), dill and chervil

Green beans doin the damn thing!

Also - I was SO happy I was able to catch my beloved orange stray with his girlfriend this time :) They are adorable - they fight some - but are usually quite sweet on one another.

I picked some beautiful flowers from my front yard to use as a backdrop for some new etsy listings...

Gin necklace - $18 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43831244

Vintage Cinderella Coaster Set - $15 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43836703

A touch of Romance

2010-03-26T12:29:00.000-07:00

For a very long time I *hated* the current fashions. Ever since I graduated high school it seems I would go into stores and always leave frustrated and/or empty handed because of the lack of, what I thought to be, beautiful clothes.

I am SO happy this has finally ended! All I see are floral prints, lace, and pearls...and I couldn't be happier! I'm particularly enthralled with slip dresses at the moment and of course they have some beautiful one's on etsy.

I also seriously need to work on my skirt I mentioned weeks ago - as soon as my life isn't total chaos I hope to be able to sit down with it.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43409094

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39504146

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24790396

Phantom Fat

2010-03-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

First off - I want to show a picture of my beloved Prince, whom we (my ex and I) had to put down a year ago this past Sunday. He is the brother to my current kitty, Salem, and was also born FIV+. Prince also had congenital joint disease (coxofemoral luxations and patellar luxations, basically his knee caps and right shoulder blade were permanently dislocated).

He was an angel on earth and passed away 2 months shy of his 3rd birthday.
I will forever love this creature.

It was shortly after Prince died that I lost the last 10 pounds that put me at my current weight. I used to be morbidly obese. Literally. My BMI was 30.54 and a 52 pound weight loss has put me at my current 21.03.

I actually wish I had more 'fat' photos - but like any person overweight I avoided cameras like the plague. I do have this classic gem - which was taken on my 23rd birthday - and actually has me in gross sweats WITH food stains on it. Loves it!

Now - I wasn't overweight in high school. I was actually a few pounds heavier than I am now, but very much healthy and active. I put on weight when I turned 21 and started going out often and exercising less and eating horrid fast food. So, I wasn't always fat. I was at my highest weight for about 2 years. It was a very strange sensation. I disappeared. When I was thinner I had the usual cat calls and douches in gas stations hit on me...I didn't think anything of it. Then suddenly (I say suddenly because I truly put on about 40 pounds in a year) it stopped. Totally.

I always felt like it wasn't me....well, it was me...but I was in a 'fat suit'. I didn't realize how big I was. My mentality was still that of someone much smaller.

People always ask me how I lost it - and I think I frustrate them with my answer. I ate less. That's it. Yes I exercise now but even research will tell you that exercising away 300 calories is just as effective as just eating 300 calories less a day. I'm lazy so I just ate less. No more fast food, stayed away from sugars as much as possible and tried to eat colors.
That's it.
The weight took about 2 years to come off totally and it's been all off for a year almost. I don't have a lot of full length picture but this is me just before I moved from my old house

Of course now that I'm thinner I still have the mentality of being fat. Not that I have an eating disorder in the slightest - I eat ridiculously healthy and stay between 12-1400 calories a day. I just feel fat still. I don't see what other people see. I remember the first time someone called me skinny last year...I honestly thought they we're being mean and sarcastic. It's not me. I'm not skinny. I still move more out of the way when people walk by then I should because I don't have 50 pounds wrapped around me anymore. Like phantom limb syndrome - I sometimes swear I still feel my thighs and stomach just as big as they ever were.

It's just not me.

I guess my strange point to this post is just ... be happy. If your overweight, work on it for your own health benefits, but don't hate yourself in the meantime. You'd be surprised how "I'll be so much happier when I'm thin" will quickly be replaced with

"I'll be so much happier when I'm rich...
when I move from here....
when I...."

An 'Lol' kinda day...

2010-03-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

I adore home improvement stores.

I adore less when I'm visually stalked by every male in the building only for the simple fact that I do have a vagina and I am alone in a hardware store.

I had to stop by after teaching today to pick up some more tiles for new coaster sets I'm working on and had people who didn't even work there offering to help me find things. Helpful? Maybe. ODB? Probably!

Also, as I was leaving campus earlier, I had the pleasant experience of hearing the song "Laffy Taffy" by D4L on the radio. This may come as a surprise to those who don't know me aside from etsian/teacher/gardener, but I do in fact love me some rap music. Hence my two 12" rockford fosgate speakers in my trunk. So imagine my enjoyment when, as I was rocking and thumpin away, I turn to my right and see one of my students at the red light next to me.

They looked like I probably used to in elementary school whenever I saw a teacher outside of class and it was sooooo awkward. Like, I thought they all just worked/lived/slept in the school and never left.

An ode to my awkwardness: Laffy Taffy Scarf on Etsy!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/beautifulbridget

It never ceases to amaze me...

2010-03-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

That you can find anything on etsy!

Giggle!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mindseyecards

Whirlwind Weekend

2010-03-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

I know I'm not the only one who thinks this, but why do the weekends always seem to just fly by? I blink and their gone and then here comes Monday again with nothing to look forward to except for the next weekend that will fly by just as quick as this one.

Le sigh.

Friday night was Gallery night in downtown Pensacola. It's a very fun and popular event where downtown businesses stay open late and feature artists and some delicious food and wine. It runs from 5-9 but many people stay late to socialize and enjoy some wonderful libations :)

My garden is slowly starting to take off! I planted the majority of the seeds last Wednesday (so 11 days now) and may need to replant some as the tomatoes and peppers aren't sprouting yet :(

While I was outside talking dirty to my plants trying to encourage their growth my usual kitty friend was there taking a nap. He's been here as long as I've lived at the house and spends most of the day in the backyard. It's killing me not to feed him or want to take him in! My kitty has feline AIDS so I know I can't - but he's just so adorable (and very skiddish still)

One last picture of my cat ... just because he's a beast and I caught him mid-yawn this morning :)

The Genius of the Crowd

2010-03-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

Felt like reading some Charles Bukowski this morning at work and came across this gem. I love this dirty old man. RIP.

there is enough treachery, hatred violence absurdity in the average
human being to supply any given army on any given day

and the best at murder are those who preach against it
and the best at hate are those who preach love
and the best at war finally are those who preach peace

those who preach god, need god
those who preach peace do not have peace
those who preach peace do not have love

beware the preachers
beware the knowers
beware those who are always reading books
beware those who either detest poverty
or are proud of it
beware those quick to praise
for they need praise in return
beware those who are quick to censor
they are afraid of what they do not know
beware those who seek constant crowds for
they are nothing alone
beware the average man the average woman
beware their love, their love is average
seeks average

but there is genius in their hatred
there is enough genius in their hatred to kill you
to kill anybody
not wanting solitude
not understanding solitude
they will attempt to destroy anything
that differs from their own
not being able to create art
they will not understand art
they will consider their failure as creators
only as a failure of the world
not being able to love fully
they will believe your love incomplete
and then they will hate you
and their hatred will be perfect

like a shining diamond
like a knife
like a mountain
like a tiger
like hemlock

their finest art

I carry your heart with me

2010-03-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)
- E.E. Cummings

Book Reviews and a Good Smellin' Mystery

2010-03-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

I finally spent the last bit of gift certificates I had to Amazon thanks to my lovely mother and brother for Christmas (and quitting smoking!).

To go along with my new gardening kick I picked up the following:

McGee & Stuckey's Bountiful Container: Create Container Gardens of Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Edible Flowers

I really like this book. The first portion goes into detail on exactly what you need to start gardening with and how to go about it. I'm pretty much inept when it comes to this area so I needed a good, solid background of information before I started getting my hands dirty. The rest of the book goes into detail on different varieties of veggies, herbs and fruits. I've already referenced it countless times while planting my seeds and checking to see if they should have sprouted yet!

The Backyard Homestead: Produce all the food you need on just a quarter acre!

This book didn't go into as much detail per crop as the first one did, but it contained much more information on actually homesteading from your backyard. There was great information on how to make beer/wine, diagrams of utilizing your space effectively, how to prepare meat (vegetarian here!) and much more. Since a good portion of this book does focus on raising and eating meat it's not as informative to me, but I really liked how they showed the possibility of harvesting 1400 eggs, 50 lbs of wheat, 60 lbs of fruit, 2000 lbs of veggies, and 75 pounds of nuts on just 1/4 an acre!

Finally - the $1,000,000 question of the day!
Le Bf introduced me to the most AMAZING smelling tree/giant bush thing ever and we have no clue what it is! Any help i.d.'ing said plant will be returned with our unwavering love and devotion :D

Retail Therapy

2010-03-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

So I just got back from viewing a house that I was *very* interested in purchasing and the adorable elderly gentlemen that showed us the property informed me that there was an offer made on it yesterday. That definitely doesn't mean it's sold for sure - but it's not a great sign.

So - to make myself feel better I'm shopping around on etsy :) Here are some of my current crushes!

Forever in my Heart Secret Love; http://KnotOriginal.etsy.com

Item link: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38634012
Two hearts connected, hand embroidered pendant; http://SNoU.etsy.com

Melamine Tea or Coffee Cup Set; http://AMradio.etsy.com

Je t'adore Shirt; http://neenacreates.etsy.com

Personalized postcard pillow; http://Olive.etsy.com

Lettuce and why I love my house

2010-03-15T09:43:00.000-07:00

After checking daily (okay, sometimes hourly) I've finally seen my first sprout! The lettuce seeds are starting to peek through the top of the soil and I couldn't be more giddy - it's been 5 days so their a bit early..hopefully this is a sign I'm not a massive gardening failure like I once believed :)

As I was heading back in I had to snap a pic of this wicked vine that's crawling up onto the lattice above the patio - and it inspired me to take a few photos of why I absolutely adore the house I'm in (A 116 year old Victorian).

These are the actual keys to one of the rooms upstairs

Uber creepy masks we found in the storage room!

Light switch that came in the guest bathroom

Stained glass window (one of two on the first staircase)

It truly is my dream home and I consider myself incredibly lucky to be living in it!

Fairhope Part 2

2010-03-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

Couldn't stay away so we went and stayed a night there. We stayed at the Hampton Inn which is in the heart of downtown and within walking distance of basically everything.

The staff was very friendly and the rooms we're beautiful. Each room had a different picture next to the room number and I found it quite ironic that we we're stuck with this one ;)

We ate at Tamara's - I say ate but really we just shared some appetizers (which were delicious!) and had a bottle....and a half....of wine (did I mention how nice it was to have a hotel within walking distance lol).

We went to the Fairhope library (I'm a massive book nerd) and I was floored with how nice it was! SO much better than the one here in Pensacola and I could tell it really was a community center with events and tons of people there utilizing the resources it offered. The greatest thing though was stumbling upon two mini dollhouses that I believe were decorated to act as mini version of two shops in town. They we're ADORABLE! My favorite was the bookstore

And what's better than a mini bookstore? A mini playboy!

Speaking of bookstores - they have the cutest little family-run one called Page and Pallette (http://www.pageandpalette.com) that hosts a wide variety of events and authors there weekly. They just had the author of 'Will Jesus Buy Me a Double Wide' there and Trisha Yearwood will be there soon to sign copies of her new cookbook. Not that I really care at all about country, or need cookbooks lol, but it's neat what big names they get coming through there!

This is a picture of their coffee shop, Latte Da, the book store is on the other side and I believe the art supplies are on the second floor.

Photo courtesy of: Bill Starling for the New York Times

We ended our time with a soon-to-be-traditional picnic in the park, an almost nap under a lovely tree, and stroll on the piers.

Fairhope, I do love thee.

Gulf Shore Zoo

2010-03-12T14:21:00.000-08:00

Part one of our mini-vacay was a stop at the Gulf Shore Zoo in Gulf Shores, Al.
http://www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org/

It was a very well managed facility (unlike others closer to home!) albeit a bit small.

We we're grilled by goats (I say 'we', but he was clearly more interested in someone else!)

I was terrified of the turtle - I swear their much more intimidating in person!
{and much faster than I anticipated!}

We each took a different side of this poor peacock and harassed it verbally

The highlight of the trip was watching these squirrels 'do it'...I tried to get a better picture but a cute family started walking by and I didn't want to look like the freak taking squirrel sex photos.

How to make Garden Markers

2010-03-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

As a novice gardener I knew I'd need some sort of plant markers for all my herbs and veggies this season as I probably could not identify them to save my life. I came up with this idea as a pretty inexpensive and quick way to make some fairly adorable garden markers :)

Materials needed:
Empty seed packets
Balsa wood (I got 1/4"x3"x36" for the main part and just small rods for the sticks)
Mod Podge
Glue
Scissors
Optional: Polyacrylic

Step 1: Cut balsa wood into 2"x3" rectangles (the scissors cut mine okay with a little force)

Optional step: Let kitty have fun with long stick

Step 2: Cut out the front picture of the seed packet and the name of the seed. Using the mod podge glue the name in the middle of the picture - and glue the entire thing to one of the pieces of balsa wood. Cover with 1 coat of mod podge, let dry, and apply a second coat.

Step 3: To further protect from the elements (and because I already had this on hand) I applied a coat of polyacrylic. I'm not sure if this step is necessary, especially if your plants will be somewhat protected from rains, but I wanted to ensure they would be water and fade resistant as much as possible. Apply it as you do mod podge, but with gloves on and outside as the fumes are quite strong!

Step 4: No picture on this but cut the long sticks into 4-5" pieces and glue to the back of the balsa wood pieces. I used E6000 glue (usually for jewelry) but I'm sure any other strong adhesive would work fine!

Ta Da!

Not the fanciest things ever - but they get the job done :)

Starting Seeds

2010-03-11T06:53:00.000-08:00

I finally started the majority of my seeds yesterday! Will plant the rest when I get back into town this weekend. I'm so excited to see them grow - I keep going outside every few hours to see if I see anything lol.

And this is a gorgeous tree in my backyard that I have absolutely no clue what it is!

Hiking at UWF

2010-03-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

Went on a 12 mile hike on Sunday. Got lost a bit toward the end lol. Beautiful scenery though!

Also - can anyone positively identify this as a huckleberry bush?

Day in Fairhope

2010-03-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

Fiarhope, Alabama has to be one of the cutest towns I've ever vistited!

No commentary really necessary - we enjoyed a picnic, strolling through the town's center, driving past old Victorians and drooling over the window of the Fudge Shoppe. If you have the time it's definitely worth the trip!

Not very scenic but seriously...Guido wealth management?

Works in progress

2010-03-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

Remember this post on Gibbous Fashions?
http://etsyfoodsnob.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-mission.html

Here is the materials I have gathered thus far!

Will work on it when I get two spare seconds - but for now I stare longingly at the fabric pile every time I sit down to work at home!

Secondly - I'm toying with the idea of opening up another shop that focuses on felt items. I've taken to hand sewing since quitting smoking almost 3 months ago {yea me!] and of course I immediately though of selling things on etsy since I'm making ridiculous amounts of items just to keep my hands busy. Here is one of them at a photoshoot with my cat, Salem.

And his actual portrait and listing

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42320886
He is made from felt that's created using post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. How awesome is that?

Thoughts on Happy Irish Kitty?

Recycle = Love

2010-03-08T11:03:00.001-08:00

Last garden related post today - I promise!

I'll start off with my dream garden and the rest are photos I've found while looking for ways to recycle containers in the garden. I think gardens that utilize upcycled or 'found' objects are beautiful *and* I'm a total tightwad and love to do things for as cheap as possible =)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kcline/3625870529/

Repurposed Tin Cans
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=185900.0

Old Suitcase Planter!
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=121215.0

Not related to veggies or herbs but how could I not include this amazing chandelier bird feeder?!
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=48418.0

Tin Can Strawberry Planter
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=33296.0

Wall Tin Containers
http://www.flickr.com/photos/happy_sleepy/827459282/

Old Tires
http://www.flickr.com/photos/degan/172475158/

I've caught the gardening bug!

2010-03-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

With Spring fast approaching I've started daydreaming of massive vegetable and herb gardens again. I've been doing a ton of research and think I'm finally ready to have my first 'real' garden this year! I'm going to do it all in containers since my life is fairly unpredictable as far as where I'll be living and I also like the fact that if I screw up with the placement of the veggies I can just move the big lugs around :)

My inspiration garden!

Part of a great article on container gardening
http://hubpages.com/hub/Vegetable-Growing-in-Containers

Another idea I may try to save space - vertical gardening

Craftzine How-To: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/07/how-to_vertical_vegetables.html?CMP=OTC-5JF307375954

Based on what I know we will eat the most of I'm planning to start this March...
Herbs: Borage, Chervil, Dill, Ginger, Lemon Balm, Mint, Oregno, Sage & Tarragon
Vegetables: Bush beans, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, sweet corn, lettuce, mustard, green onions, peppers, potatoes, radish, tomatoes & squash.

Luckilly I have an extra pair of green thumbs this time so I may actually pull this off!

Of course I have been spending as much time on etsy looking for adorable garden-related items as I have actually researching gardening techniques. Enjoy!

Vintage silverware Garden Markers from http://monkeysalwayslook.etsy.com

Handcrafted birdhouse from http://Mymothersgarden.etsy.com

Handpainted bird pots from http://SchwidleShop.etsy.com

Jewelry Holders

2010-03-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

So I'm trying to make it a point of having all of my jewelry pieces for sale in my other shop (loveandlust.etsy.com) pre-made (versus making them as they sell). This would save me time & make my life significantly easier but of course the question then becomes: how would I store everything?

I'm a very visual person so I couldn't just pack them up before they sale, so I've been looking at ways to hang and organize my dozens of pieces. Here are the top runners thus far!

Elephant Jewelry Holders

Tutorial found on craftster: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=325856.0
Of course I wouldn't do elephants but paintings of vaginas or something else equally random and slightly offensive.

Baby arm necklace holder!

Also found on etsy: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=333885.0
This is by FAR my favorite! Especially since the baby parts serve a dual purpose. I'm perpetually hunting for porcelin dolls at thrift stores so I can use the heads for a kick-ass candle holder idea I've been working on. I've only score one so far but as soon as I can get 4-5 I'll be making both projects!

DIY Hanging jewelry holder

Found on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/queenofdiy/3428188127/
Seems to be one of the easiest to do and will hold the most. If I can find the perfect antique frame it's definitely getting put on my ever growing 'to craft' list.

Last but not least

Found on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamalang/4350619634/
I am really drawn to the geometric shape of this piece. I think if I found some vintage nobs I'd totally make this one weekend.

I hate how looking for an idea on one particular project inevitably leads to a dozen more that I feel compelled to create.

The weather here in Florida has been warming up - took a lovely hike this past weekend with Chef bf. Pictures to come shortly!

My mission

2010-02-25T07:02:00.000-08:00

To search thrift stores today to find fabric & lace to create a skirt inspired by the amazing artists at Gibbous { http://www.gibbousfashions.com/ }

I cannot wait!

EDIT:
LAWL! I just realized that, in my infinite awesomeness, one of the tabs opened on my computer in that picture does in fact say "Medicated Baby heads".

+1 Erica

A craft project after my own heart...

2010-02-23T13:52:00.001-08:00

I'm a bit of a blog addict. I'm ridiculously interested in other peoples lives and interests (go figure what my major is!).

I stumbled upon the sweetest craft project the other day while reading the lovely Secret Pie Shoppe blog (http://secretpieshoppe.blogspot.com).

It's perfect for me as I'm a bit OCD about symmetry and order (okay - so I'm very ocd!), I like big and grand ideas that often are totally realistic yet never get fulfilled due to my ever expanding issue with ADD, and I like instant gratification.

Yep - how is this not perfect for me? I may change it up from hearts, but this will definitely be happening asap!

Directions:
http://secretpieshoppe.blogspot.com/2010/02/craft-valentines-day-wall-art.html

Spring is drawing near...

2010-02-14T08:47:00.000-08:00

And I'm fighting a severe urge on Valentine's Day to start reorganizing my entire house! I'm getting that 'spring cleaning' itch and instead of giving in completely I indulged momentarily in drooling over beautifully organized craft rooms on flickr.
Le sigh. This will be a must-have in my next house!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/craftyintentions/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/celtsong/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/moline/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/moline/

It's been a good week!

2010-02-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

I've taught - and upon closer review of my chalkboard post class I feel fairly sorry for my students who have to try and decipher my chicken scratches!

I've started working with my kitty, Salem, on taking some pics to submit to feline playgirl

I finally received the adorable purse my mom got for me

I made the MOST amazing discovery on etsy! Salt shakers that are gay, practical AND amazing! Really! It even says so on the box! What's even more fantastical is that these are from 1948...I can't wait for them to arrive (and better pics when they do). You'll never guess where the salt comes out of!!

Finally - I redid the pink in my hair. I loves it! I'm thinking of adding two more chunks this week.

The waiting is the hardest part....

2010-01-26T13:57:00.001-08:00

So I'm expecting multiple packages this week and the wait is killing me! I think this is a big reason why I'm so anal about getting food snob orders out asap, I know the feeling of eagerly anticipating a packages arrival all to well and the utter joy one experiences when it comes much sooner than expected! One order I'm particularly enthused to receive is from the always delightful Heathens Hearth (http://HeathensHearth.etsy.com). I've used their soap for almost a year now and will never go back to store bought! I'm most fond of the 'pink sugar' scent and this time splurged on the lotion as well :)

My second package is one from Amazon with a few books I've been craving. Two from mental floss, the publishers of one of the greatest magazines ever and many books which are absolutely going to make you smarter if you read them. I'm addicted to trivia and random knowledge so these quench that nagging "I don't want to feel dumb anymore" feelings I tend to get weekly since completing graduate school.

The second half of the order is two books on buying/selling real estate. As a pseudo low-income, first time homebuyer I'm prime to score a great deal on purchasing my first house soon and want to be fully educated before I do so. My goal is to aquire multiple properties - some to rent out and some to just flip - and also obtain my real estate liscense this year (just to save on fees, definitely not as a career change!). I'm hoping these may help get me more aquainted with the somewhat daunting world real estate!

Last, but not least, I'm expecting a wonderful purse from my dear mother this week as well. Pics to come when I finally get it :)

Baby Scales and Faux Meat

2010-01-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

Today was quite exciting!

My parents came into town for a short day trip and I took them to this amazing antique/thrift store. Chef bf took me there for the first time recently to see a stunning navy blue Victorian sofa set so I was happy to share in this new find with my family.

Of course I also scored the greatest items...such as this new cup for my slowly-yet-surely-expanding weird cup collection

New cup:

Collection thus far:

Adorable vintage box of maple syrup (bottle actually included!)

Last but definitely NOT least, a baby scale!!

Hilarity ensued when my Dad and I got into a discussion about the potential uses and need for a baby scale in front of the cashier at Evermans.

Oh and fair warning: If you bring an infant into my house it will get weighed.

This was also the locale where I made the life-altering discovery that faux lunch meats exist. This May will be the 3 year anniversary of my becoming a vegetarian and while I'm 100% happy with the decision I sometimes miss my old bologna sandwiches or snacking on pepperoni. All the products are from Yves, I've never tried them before but I've already sneaked a pepperoni and they are yummy! Can't wait to try the deli slices this week for lunch :)

Front Page again :)

2009-12-20T17:03:00.001-08:00

This time it was our homemade Marshmallows! It truly was a well done collection of items...Such a wonderful honor <3

I feel so loved <3

2009-12-16T10:35:00.001-08:00

We made it to the Front Page of etsy again yesterday! I was actually able to catch it while it was still up - such a rush! We did much better than the last time we were featured. We ended up with 35 sales yesterday, about 900 views and almost 100 new hearts! Loves it!

I also found out we are featured in our 3rd gift guide, holiday food gifts! http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/holiday-food-gifts/257

What an incredibly first 6 weeks for us - I really can hardly comprehend it! We have SUCH big things in store for 2010, I can't wait to divulge details but for now I will have to leave you in suspense :) I will say we are currently working on some fantastic new items for Valentines Day that should be up in the shop mid-January. One will definitely be a new flavor of marshmallow that will replace the current peppermint ones so if you'd like to try those you only have a few weeks left!

What a month!

2009-12-08T10:21:00.000-08:00

Sales have really taken off for us! I've been so overwhelmed with the response we've had on etsy...it's truly not taken for granted and I'm so thankful daily that this may actually turn into a 'real' job for me!

I of course had to splurge and use some of our profits to buy a few items...now I get to show off my new goodies! <3

A splash of hot pink business card case - $8, http://GracieDesigns.etsy.com

Follow Me thigh high stockings - $18, http://post.etsy.com

Sense and Sensibility quote pillow/sachet - $5, http://AnnasTrunk.etsy.com
(This one is the only to arrive thus far and is SO adorable and beautifully made, I can't believe it was only $5! It's hanging lovingly on my bathroom doorknob now)

Cheesecake Marshmallows!

2009-11-22T14:23:00.001-08:00

Just made this morning - our first batch and they are DIVINE! I already know these are going to sell out before Christmas!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35064645

Whew!

2009-11-20T10:19:00.000-08:00

What a week!

Tuesday we were featured on the FRONT PAGE of Etsy!!

[Not the actual Front Page photo - had to search the archives at craftopolis and find it]

I had no idea when it happened! I was at work and all of a sudden I logged in and saw we had a few sales and tons of convos. I was always interested in how much could come from shops being on the FP and this is what we saw:
500 visitors that day (we average 150)
20 sales (were seeing about 1-2 a day)
100 new shop hearts

So - yea - it was AWESOME!! That night was a little hectic getting everything all packaged and ready but I'd do it again in a heartbeat lol.

Baking Tip #1

2009-11-13T11:29:00.001-08:00

I'm sure this is going to be very common knowledge with most folks but just in case I thought I'd share my massive brownie FAIL that occured mid-Hurricane Ida!

I wanted to try using our Mint Extract in a standard box brownie mix as an easy way to spice up the usual amazing fudge brownies...

The mix tasted delicious and as usual I probably ate about two servings of brownies in raw batter :)

28 minutes later they were perfectly done and I waited patiently to take them out of the pan...

Then I realized...that was not going to happen lol. I buttered the pan before I put the mix in but Chef Boyfriend informed me after the fact that I should have also rimmed the pan with flour....so I ate a decent amount with a fork then gave the rest to him to take down to his restaurant to let his staff devour :)

Oh well - guess I just have to make more this weekend!

Just made this morning!

2009-11-11T13:42:00.001-08:00

Chocolate swirl marshmallows.

Enough said!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34293896

WOW!!!

2009-11-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

So I woke up this morning to see that a item we just listed yesterday had an incredible amount of views (our mushroom oil). I checked craftcult.com to see if we had been featured anywhere and imagine my surprise when I see that two of our items have been featured in two different etsy gift guides! I've been on etsy for almost a year selling jewelry and I've never been in one so this is the best news I've received all week! Here are some screenshots (yes, I'm bragging and I'm sorry but I'm just so darn happy)!

Off to make some chocolate mint brownies with our mint extract - will post pics tonight!

Our first treasury!

2009-11-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

Our homemade Vanilla marshmallows made it into the Treasury on Etsy! I'm so excited :)

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=74953

Love you etsy!

P.S. - We're in the midst of hurricane Ida. I have off the next two days and will be baking up a storm (ohhhh 'a storm'...get it,...I'm lame lol).

Come check out the shop if you haven't already and support my habit!
http://TheFoodSnob.etsy.com

Local Love

2009-11-05T07:36:00.000-08:00

I decided to do some snooping on etsy and found some amazing etsians located in my very own town! I highly encourage you to do the same at some point - it's great seeing the local talent.

Butter yellow bridesmaid dress - $64.99, http://Entwife.etsy.com

Pink stripe adjustable dog collar - $12, http://emmaginables.etsy.com

Dark Princess Gold Cameo Necklace - $43, http://EdenGlitters.etsy.com

Hand-dyed silk-screened scarf - $18, http://plainbeautiful.etsy.com

Pink Rain Hood - $22, http://Wrapt.etsy.com

The Shop is Open!

2009-11-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited that we were finally able to list a few products tonight! Look for dozens more new ones in the coming weeks but for now here is a small peek and what's in store :)

Lavender and Sea Salt Grinder - $7, http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33654992

Really, Really, good Hot Chocolate mix - $15, http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33666315

Citrus, Lemon and Lime, Extract - $6, http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33662601

Herbs, Sugar Scrubs and Food Snob!

2009-10-28T09:32:00.001-07:00

It's been a very busy week already! My herbs are doing well...I have (left to right) Thyme, Parsley, Basil and Rosemary...they smell divine!

I started from seed mint (on the left) and lavender. The lavender is doing well but the mint hasn't come up yet :( The package did say to start it inside, and covered, for 10 days but I kept hearing how quickly it grows and takes over yards so I figued it would be fine. Any tips on how I should handle this would be appreciated! I'm tempted to bring it in now but not sure if it would mess it up.

Made the most amazing vanilla and brown sugar scrub for my bath time :) I really liked that it was simple and using mostly ingredients that I already had in my pantry. To fill the 8 oz jar (got at hobby lobby) I used:

1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar in the raw (I just used regular sugar)
1/2 tsp Vitamin e oil
1/4 cup olive oil
10 drops of vanilla essential oil

I think next time I may use some other oil aside from olive...the aroma from the oil was nice but overpowered the vanilla. You could really use any scent you wanted - the original recipe I got called for lavender oil but I'm a sucker for vanilla.

And yes - I did try a bit to eat lol. It was yummy :)

Finally - a sneak preview of some Food Snob products! The shop should be open on Monday and I'm soooo excited! These are some of the herb grinders we're going to sell :) http://TheFoodSnob.etsy.com

Shop Grand Opening - Nov. 2nd!

2009-10-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

I'm sooo excited we're finally close to opening up the shop! We just finished putting the first round of products into their respective bottles & bags last night and will be working nightly on the shop until it's opening.

I can't wait to show off what we've been working on and hope that you all will be as excited about our little store as we are :)

Stay tuned - there may be a discount code offered sometime for the grand opening week ;)

http://TheFoodSnob.etsy.com

Fabulous Finds for Under $20!

2009-10-23T04:59:00.000-07:00

I *love* a good deal, especially on etsy! I'm addicted to buying handmade and it's unusual for a week to go by and me not purchase at least one small item from my ever-growing favorites list. I think I may have to puruse etsy further today at work and make a special purchase :)

Build your own Tinysaur - $7, from http://kfarrell.etsy.com
* I think this would both delight and frustrate me at the same time, but I have to try it!!

16 oz ceramic mug - $18, from http://TwistedRiverClay.etsy.com
* I adore ceramic work and this is just one of the many reasonably priced pieces in their shop

Monogram wine glass - $18, from http://WineWhimsy.etsy.com
* I LOVE black & pink and can't paint to save my life so even though I don't drink wine I'm so in love with this chic idea!

Eye Chart Brooch - $15, from http://TillyBloom.etsy.com
* For some reason what the brooch says just CRACKS me up! It also comes as a necklace :)

Buy 5 Goats Milk/Glycerin Soaps and get one FREE! - $25, from http://HeathensHearth.etsy.com
* I can personally say I've tried about a dozen of their products and loved EVERY one of them! Best of all they have a sale this weekend for 25% off your order! So that brings the cost of 6 soaps down to 18.75 + shipping. Can you say stocking stuffers???

My birthday weekend...

2009-10-19T10:31:00.000-07:00

So I started off Friday night with some friends at the house consuming my favorite drink...

Then migrated to the best bar downtown...

And eventually got a bit too drunk and had a massive amount of fun (me on the left - usually not so intoxicated in appearance!)

My actual birthday day (sat) was spent eating chocolate chip pancakes, lounging around the house, eating delicious chili and finishing the day off with hot chocolate and cuddling on the balcony ... I love this weather <3

It's my party and I'll shop if I want to!

2009-10-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

So....I'm turning the big 2-6 this weekend! Not sure exactly what I'll be doing to celebrate, probably having a few drinks with friends Friday night and spending the day Saturaday with the boy and possibly family <3 Dew Drops, Tiny Sterling Silver Hoops - $15, http://bloomstudios.etsy.com/

Double Shot Espresso Cup and Saucer, $14 - http://ofminedesign.etsy.com/

Oyster in Shiney Black, $120 - http://morelle.etsy.com/

Eco-Friendly Reusable Lunch Trio, $16 - http://crafttwins.etsy.com/

Wallet, Some Bitch Stole my Lunch Money, $15 - http://dayler.etsy.com/

Pride and Prejudice Ornament, $7 - http://brookish.etsy.com/

Up and Coming Sellers on Etsy

2009-10-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

I *love* finding shops on etsy that are just getting into the swing of things (under 200 sales in my opinion) but already have stellar items and feedback. These are just a few of my favorite shops and I hope you enjoy these future etsy superstars as much as I do!

Long, hooded, 3/4 sleeve top - $47. http://OneLoveCreations.etsy.com

Mug set for lovers - $24, http://LennyMud.etsy.com

Upcycled personal flask - $25, http://StrangeandViolent.etsy.com

Witch's Brew Natural Clary Sage Soy Candle - $14, http://PlunkSoap.etsy.com

The Morticia Necklace/Scarflette - $35, http://GlenandConstance.etsy.com

Yummy Halloween!

2009-10-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

As usual I'm bored and starving at work so I thought I'd share some of the unnaturally yummy looking Halloween themed treats I've found on etsy lately <3

18 Gourmet Marshmallows $15 - http://miaMallows.etsy.com

Chocolate Candy Corn Bark $7 - http://pinkFairySweets.etsy.com

Pumpkin Ginger Sandwhich Cookies $8.25 - http://whimsyandspice.etsy.com

Scaramels Halloween Caramels $20 - http://haveitconfections.etsy.com

Pumpkin Cake Cookies with Brown Sugar Glaze $8.99 - http://BlissCandies.etsy.com

Pumpkin Oatmeal Banana Bread $9 - http://FancyThatCookie.etsy.com

Hi.

2009-10-12T11:12:00.000-07:00

My name is Erica.

I live in a beautiful Victorian Home with my roommate and FIV + cat Salem.

I'm a graduate student and instructor by day and a somewhat vulgar craft goddess by night.

I can't cook :/ But my chef boyfriend has come up with a fantastic idea to aid me and others out there who are so deprived in the area of culinary arts that it's borderline pathetic.

Stay tuned to see what it is <3