::: Blank :::

I'm feeling rather blank .


I have so much stuff going on in my head. Lists of everything I need to do, groceries I need to pick up, cleaning that needs to be done, other random chores. And then the things I want to do, ideas to work on, things to create, recipes to try, so on and so forth. And in the midst of all this clutter is just ::blank::. The start of a new season always throws me off. Particularly spring and fall. And fall is edging its way in very quickly lately. I don't know what it is (I never really do), but I'm just feeling like something is off kilter. I hate this feeling. I was driving down the highway the other day thinking "Something just doesn't feel right." And there's no good reason for it. No explanation. So, I'm gonna rant randomly until I feel better. Okay?

I have to go to the grocery store. I hate the grocery store. I put it off until I go home for lunch and realize that there isn't one flippin' thing in my cabinets that could be a justifiable meal. The grocery store on a Monday, right after work = dread.

I am a magazine addict. It's a problem. But it's a problem I'm working on. I'm going to say something that is going to be considered sacrilege in some circles. This is scary. Are you sure you want to keep reading? I think I'm not going to re-subscribe to Vogue. Yeah. Seriously. I'm tired of it. I just can't find any way that it relates to my own life anymore. It's way out there. Way over on the holier than thou side of the fashion industry. That's all I'm sayin.

Since I'm on a honesty kick here...... Let's talk about Etsy. Is it just me, or do you sometimes log on and think "This is the biggest pile of garage sale tacky crap that I have ever seen."? We all know there is some serious mad crazy talent on Etsy. But there is also some stuff on there that makes you wonder. You gotta admit it. Am I right? Some things just should not be crocheted. End of story. And don't even get me started on some of the prices.

I could go on. I mean, I'm finishing this post at my mom's house because I couldn't finish it at work. And I'm sick at my stomach thinking about having to go back to work. I came up here (to mom's) because I'm tired of being in my house which is very old and drafty and smells like mildew. I'm tired of the kitchen sink always smelling funky even though nothing is in it. I'm tired of looking at the floor that I just mopped being covered in dirt that the hubby tracked in. I'm tired as heck of hearing my dog bark non-stop, as if to inform me that he's still out there. "Sarge, I know you are out there buddy. I know where you are. Now shut up."

I'm not really bitter right now, although it may seem that way. I'm really just tired of the crap. And I want to have that whole centered feeling that my yoga magazine is always bragging about. I want to wake up in the morning and smile instead of grunt and cover my head. I want to enjoy myself. That's just not happening right now.

AaaaaAHHHAHHhhhhHHAHAHAHAHH!!!!!!!! That's all I got.





* photo by me

Dream Big

So, what is my dream job, Elise asks? Ha! Ummm. Let's see. Always wanted to model or be a dancer (but not on poles). What's that job where you spend someone else's money and do nothing all the time? Oh, yeah. Socialite. That could be fun.

Not really. Just joking. I actually hate spending other people's money. Which is why I wouldn't really be happy to be a non-working housewife. Don't misread. I would love to stay home and keep house and play in the garden and cook supper. But I would have to be pulling an income somewhere.

I know it sounds cliche, but I have a few book ideas floating around in my head (and outlines floating around in notebooks). I would love to actually have the time and energy to put into my Etsy shop to really make it what I wish it was. It's pretty ridiculous right now. I'm quite ashamed, really. But, seriously, I work a full time job and I have a house to clean. Like I said, I'm just not motivated enough to come in and work another six hours after my job. Screw that.

So..... dream job comes down to this. Two Etsy shops (one for art and one for fashion) and a few good book deals. And whatever other fabulous opportunities that would stem from that. And maybe a small catering business with my mom and aunt.

Gees. that was a long answer to a simple question. sorry.

Get It Together

*photo from French Vogue via { a glamorous little side project }


I thought that, by now, I would not have acne.

I thought that, by now, I would be able to successfully curl my own hair.

I thought that, by now, I would have my own career.

I thought that I would not be going grey already. I thought that I would have my own house by now. I thought that being voted most talented in middle school and high school was some good omen that I might end up doing something fabulous with my life.

Guess what. I was wrong.

I have always known that I am not much of a motivated person. Other people set goals. Other people are go-getters. Other people end up being stylist and designers and event coordinators at the age of twenty two. I am not one of those people. I have big ideas. I have dreams. I have the someday syndrome. You know what I'm talking about. Someday I'm going to make enough money to build the home that I want. Someday I'm going to have the job of my dreams. Someday I will have beautiful long shiny hair, perfect makeup, real diamond studs in my ears, two gorgeous dobermans and a black SUV. Okay. So anyway, you get the idea. But you know what happens? Someday never comes. They really shouldn't have read us fairy tales when we were young. I keep waiting for the fairy godmother to show up and make things happen. She's a little late.

So now what? What am I getting at? Well. I have been trying to get out of the someday mode and into the now. Yoga teaches mindfulness. Paying attention to what is happening right here, right now at this point in time. And I think that I need to think like this more. I need to quit planning and just do. Quit daydreaming and start going for it. Gees. Sounds a little scary.

But, hey. Someday is getting closer all the time.

Things You Need For Fall ~ classy edition

I must admit that I am a little bit on the random side of the fence. I have never been known to fit one certain type, style or personality. My tastes vary from one end of the spectrum clean to the other side. We already did the punk thing. So, today I give you a classy collection of fall goodies from Etsy. I am in love love love love love with anything from design by Nihan. This hand knit collection has the most amazing shapes and patterns. These are not granny sweaters, ladies. These are styyyylishhhhh.

I don't drink coffee or hot tea, but I can't help but want to sip something from this darling teacup. I especially love this combination of colors. Soft pink with warm cinnamon and bursts of kelly green. How delightful. From The Keyhole.

I was searching high and low for a classy, understated yet special pair of earrings. And here they are. Not the normal go-to diamond studs. These have an earthy elegance to them. And they would go great with so many colors. From Lunasa Designs.

Every woman needs a great bag for fall. Something substantial. Something sturdy. Something that feels like warm butter in your hands. I am always so impressed with the caliber of bags that can be found on Etsy. Handbags, especially in leather, are very hard to make. I know. I fell in love with this one from bigtree1. I adore this bag. If only I had a few more dollars lying around. ;)

Hope you enjoyed. Sometimes I just get so excited about the pretty things I find and I want to share them. So I share them with you. Because I know you appreciate beauty.

~~~~~~~~~

Crazy Monday. Don't have time to think. Craving coconut cream cake.

*photo from William-Sonoma.com

What You Need For Fall ~ punk doll edition

Just in case you couldn't come up with anything to spend your money on this season, I give to you a selection of Etsy delicacies sure to make you hungry. This is the Punk Doll edition. I've got more to come. Barbed wire hoops. Sexy and sharp. I bet you won't run into anyone wearing the same kind! These are made by Girl Tuesday Jewelry. The barbs are actually filed down and flattened so they aren't uncomfortable to wear.

Raw gemstones are becoming quite fashionable. I love the way they look. Magical and mysterious. This one comes from The Social Cellar.

You gotta love anything that makes you think of track suits and boom boxes. And that is exactly what comes to mind every time I look at this ring by Steven Shein. Just be sure to take it off before break dancing.

And finally, this is something that I have been lusting over for a long time now. I want a hoodie from SCHiZO soooo bad. Her designs are always so clean and meticulous. They are close fitting and crazy azz supa fly. LoVe. lOvE. Love. LOvE. Gotta save my allowance for one of these. ;)

Hope you enjoyed. I'll be back next week with a more classic edition. Have a wonderful weekend all.

Love ~ Jo

Weekly Ring Envy ~ golden strands

This one caught my eye this week. I really love simple designs. I'm also really loving gold lately. This ring is by a new Etsy seller called ahnaadair. Gold strands and tiny little black pearls are forever frozen in these resin orbs. How simple and pretty. I think they would look equally gorgeous dressed up with leather and lace or dressed down with a black tee and distressed jeans.

*breathe*

Aran, from Cannelle et Vanille, has been in New York and her photos are just beautiful. Getting to see beauty like this on a daily basis is what keeps me calm and happy. Just one of the reasons that I love, love, love looking at my favorite blogs. Things get so busy and time goes by so fast, whether you're having fun or not. I truly thank God for all of you out there who seek out and share splatters of sunshine, love, beauty, happiness. And, likewise, for all of you who share your most human sides; the disappointments, the pain, the anger and frustrations. Blogging makes me feel human and connected to other bloggers out there, from all over the world. Thanks to you all for putting in the time and effort to post. And lots of love to all of you who read my posts and leave me comments.

xoxo ~ Jo

p.s. bought the new Black Eyed Peas cd (the E.N.D.) It rocks from beginning to end. I have danced my heart out. Highly, highly recommend it.

Weekly Ring Envy ~ Double Shot

I know. I know. A day late and a dollar short. But better late than never, right? This week, I've got two rings for you. Both from Galerie Urbana. I couldn't choose just one! And, for your viewing pleasure, I've paired them up with flickr photos.

First, this cool dark colored pebble ring with dots of gold. I couldn't help but think of cobblestone streets when I saw it. And the spots of gold are like sunshine bouncing off of the rain slick stones.

Then there is this. Like sunshine and warm breezes. I kept thinking of warm summer evenings and bright fall foliage. Things that make your heart feel all safe and happy. I must say, I am seriously loving this ring.

* both rings from galerieurbana.

*cobblestone photo from here.

*field photo from here.

Weighty issues

This cake is going to be the death of me. I swear. I should rip up the recipe and then not be allowed to look it up again. You see, I'm not really much of a "sweet tooth". I can pass up dessert. I don't normally crave sugar. But this cake. This cake is just too good. Every time I make this cake I end up eating most of it by myself. This cake has added at least a good five pounds to my frame in the past week. Don't make this cake. I'm warning you. Don't do it.

*but if you do, use mini chips instead of the regular ones. they stay evenly distributed better. ;)

Hello.

Just dropping in for a minute to say ~hello~ and ~happy Monday~. Everything has been busy, busy, busy and I haven't been very present here on this blog. Sorry about that. Every once in a while we all need time to fall back and re-group. I did want to share with you a little something I found while browsing the sweet ~Melissa Loves~ blog. The painting above is from ~osoo~ on Etsy. I love the color combos and the abstract nature of the paintings. They remind me of a painting that a friend bought for me in high school while in Alaska, done by a native Eskimo.

Now I have to get back to work. Hope to see you again soon.
xoxo ~ Jo

Weekly Ring Envy ~ Neology 101

Conformity shmormity. Who says your finger jewels must be round? Take a lesson from Neology by Mina. These ring designs are anything but the same ol' circle. Shape shifting and sharp looking, they impress best when mixed and matched.

Two places to pick out your faves and start collecting. An Etsy store and a website.

There I go again.

I am finding it very hard to concentrate lately. My eyes keep wandering towards the window to glimpse at the blue sky and fluffy clouds. My mind keeps wandering to sunny places and thoughts of spending time with friends and loved ones. I really don't think life was meant to be spent with our noses to the grindstone. Work, work, work. It makes my soul feel caged.

* this lovely photo that makes my heart bubble like sparkling grape juice was found on Desire To Inspire.