This is really a great idea

Ok maybe I’m behind the times and you all have one of these, but I NEED one. It’s the Eye Fi and it allows you to upload photos directly from your camera to your computer or social network sites via your wireless network.  No cables.  Pretty neat little gadget if I do say so myself.  Also their website is very cool and really made me sit there and learn about the product.  The only potential downside I see is that, unless I’m missing something, it probably uploads the photos to your computer or sharing website at the file size and resolution at which they were shot and sometimes that is pretty hefty, bogging down sites like Facebook and blogs.  If anyone has insight into this neat little product, chime in — I’d love to hear real life experience using it.

Spats are back

That’s right folks Spats are back.  I’m not sure I could pull of Spats but it seems like they are back and I think Mazie could pull off the kids spats by Our Yellow House shown bottom left.  Here are some lovely knit Spats I found on Esty, listed clockwise below in case you feel the need to adorn yourself with some spats.

Efia Fair Christina Spats

Chimera Crafts Spats and Legwarmers

Bella McBride Brunswick Spats

Our Yellow House Kids Spats

Spats you say? What are they? A shoe accessory worn in the late 19th and early 20th century. The spat is worn over the shoe but under the pant leg. Historically, spats were also worn by women, under a long dress.

For more spat inspired goodness, here is a new shoe from Fluevog born from this wonderfully innovative program they have going called Open Source Footware, where they have invited customers to submit shoe designs.

New Magazine - Stitch

So last night I came home to new copy of Stitch Magazine.  Well two copies.  I didn’t mean to order two, but Interweave, the publisher, says I ordered two and it’s silly to send one back so my friend Kristy will be the lucky recipient of the second copy.  She doesn’t know yet so: “Hey Kristy, I have an extra copy of this cool new magazine I think you’ll like. I’ll give it to you next time we see each other.”

Some pretty great stuff in this first issue.  I haven’t had a chance to read cover to cover yet, but with a quick flip through I think I’ll have to order a subscription.  Not a big maker of my own clothes.  Historically, I have had some REALLY bad attempts at making my own clothes.  One hat termed the “condom cap” by my college roommate, one HORRIBLE skirt with a Hawaiian print fabric that seriously must have added, oh I don’t know, 200 lbs to me! AND some quilted mittens I tried to make (I know, you’re saying “Quilted mittens”?) that ended up as oven mitts in our college apartment.  Thank you to Nicole, my college roommate, for putting up with all my attempts at sewing clothes and only making moderate fun of me.

Anyhew as you can see my sewing is predominantly focused on other non-clothing projects, but I’m going to attempt this skirt on the front one day and will report back.  Wether the result is good or bad, you’ll know.

I don’t do this kind of knitting at home.

Check out this knit gold and silver jewelry by Mikan Designs on Etsy.  Gorgeous. Just Gorgeous.

You might not want to know what kind of underwear I’m wearing, but you (ladies) NEED to

Recently ordered a pair of these to see what the deal was. Well, I LOVE THEM! When I described them to people they instantly got this picture of grannie panties in their head. You’ll see from the pics below that these are not your grannie’s panties. The next thing folks said was, “oh they are like Spanx”. Now I’m certainly a fan of Spanx and they have their place, but these are no Spanx either. Although Spanx are perfect for sucking you into that slinky dress they are certainly not sexy to take on and off and frankly not all that attractive to dance around your room in.

As you can see (note: this is not me) these are quite sexy. They smooth out any lines, make you feel great, and have the added benefit of an additional layer of warmth as if it’s a cami and undies. I’ve not yet worn them in the summer, but I don’t think they would be too hot except on those 90+ days.

Check these guys out at Twin Syndrome on Etsy.

Loving this designer

Found this on Etsy this morning. A couple of my favorites.

The back, which I like almost more than the front.

My budding artist

As Mazie is getting a little bit older I’m working to get her more involved in crafting, cooking, and making things with her hands.   This year for Christmas Maze and I ventured to a paint your own pottery studio to create some utilitarian works of art for gifts.  We also made our own wrapping paper.

This image is of Mazie making the wrapping paper for Robbie’s birthday present, which was shortly before Christmas.  I discovered these paint pots by Crayola Maybe you all have them, but they were new to me and are wonderful for her age.  Paint is messy people let’s face it, but at least these are less enticing to use as a makeup brush like a regular paint brush is for Mazie, which was a major challenge during the whole paint your own pottery experience.

I know I’m a little biased, but admit it… this is good stuff from a toddler.

Here we see the artist in action and saying “cheese”.  BTW the bib is from Mimi the Sardine, which I posted about back in November 07 Also note in the background our very first (mine too, yes I’d never made a gingerbread house before) gingerbread house.  More to come in a post about our Christmas related things.  Yes yes I know it’s over, but give me some time I’m writing a blog while working and raising my child.  It takes time people. 

Sometimes love can come so easily….

Etsy never ceases to stop providing lovely things over which I can fawn.  Check out these AMAZING scarves by Necklush .

I am always wearing scarves and am never really warm unless my neck is warm.  If anyone, Robbie, wants to buy me one of these as a gift, I would be delighted and the gift giver might score some points.

These are really neat. You should get one and give one.

I’ve recently come across this new spin on Kokeshi dolls, which are traditional friendship dolls given to family and friends accompanied by well wishes.  The new spin on an old tradition are called Momiji friendship dolls.  Seems that there is also an interesting sub-culture around these little cuties, which I’ve not yet quite figured out.

Each doll has a personality assigned to it and a sentiment for the recipient.  For instance “Twinkle” shown here on the right is accompanied by “Your heart has a happy twinkle that keeps me always cosy.” Twinkle will be in my mom’s Christmas Stocking this year.  You can also include your own personal note in a secret compartment on the bottom of each doll.

I’m always looking for new and interesting little trinkets to give my friends and family.  Both Mazie and my mom will be getting these and you never know, one of you just might end up with one too.

Some of these were designed by this interesting designer, Joanna Thou. Pics courtesy of her site.

And so the acorn obession continues

What is my deal? Maybe it’s the fall weather or the wonderful shape of acorns, but here is another great acorn find.

Check out the other lovelies by this Indie vendor, JooJoo.