Crafty ADD Update #21

Lots of pictures this week! I would have put this up yesterday - but I had a really bad migraine - so no computer time and no pictures!

Paper Craft

I took these plain brown paper bags from the craft store - and added snow flakes to them! We were having a game night and it was the perfect time to hand out some of the Christmas presents I've made over the last few months. My dear hubby thought I was CRAZY for making the snowflakes to put on bags that they will probably throw away, but I don't care. Paper is cheap and I love snowflakes!

Knitting

I finished the green scarf in time! I know it's longer than what I had last shown on here - but I have no idea how much longer. I think I added about 8 more inches? I should have written myself a note when I measured it huh?

I started this scarf on Christmas day - and then did a lot of work on it during my road trip to visit Granny! It's been interesting, a very different experience than any I've had before. I've never used eyelash yarn before and I've never used the circular knitting needles before. I was a little nervous about trying the eyelash yarn, and while I would never want to crochet with it, it actually works up really easily once you get it started! It also is going much faster than anything I've done before because it's much narrower and on larger needles.

Crochet

Mom showed me how to do the next steps in my project! And I got 5 rows added along the top. Hard to see how that's going to be a hat when I'm done isn't it? I guess I just have to have faith in the pattern. And I know I'll stitch it up the back when I'm done :P

Jewelry

I made this charm/shawl pin for the green scarf - and Bu liked it!

I actually made this pin awhile ago -

but I finally put a back on it and gave it to its intended recipient :P

This is the last of the presents I made for my friends at the Game Night - and I made it in the last hour before we left! Talk about overbooking myself with projects... She loved it though!

Now your probably thinking, "What on earth does this have to do with jewelry?" Well...the answer is that's my new project pan! I took a cheap tinfoil pie dish, spread tacky glue around it, and glued down some beading fabric. This gives me something I can put in my lap when I'm doing bead work away from my house. I tried it out on the trip - and it worked really well until my back started hurting and I had to sit in a different position in the car.

Christmas isn't over with! This one is going to be late - but that's ok - I know the girl I'm making it for loves me to death :)

I had a lot of fun doing a largely handmade Christmas this year...and I'm already starting to think ahead towards the next year of birthdays, weddings, and Christmas! Am I crazy? Naw...just crafty :P

What We've Been Up To..

A whole lot of NOTHING. Which is ok sometimes, but other times, I want to pull my hair out from boredom! And being at home is finally starting to get to me, parents...can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em! Or maybe it's just the stress of planning a wedding..but man oh man, I have THE worst headache EVER!

Danny is totally addicted to Call of Duty. I've (re)discovered The Sims...huge time killer.

We met with the DJ Monday night. It was awesome. I'm totally psyched, it's going to be like a giant party. We talked about songs and different things to make the reception a lot of fun. I don't want to give anything away, but just know..it's going to be an AWESOME time!

Today we met with the florist, way more money than I expected..and hopefully I get what I'm expecting. And we just came from the Justice of the Peace meeting. She was really really nice, and got us even more excited! We talked about different readings and little things to make the ceremony even more special. Very excited for all of that!

It's supposed to snow tomorrow. Which sucks. It better not get in the way of our New Years plans! DANE COOK!

Thinking of Spring - Little Girls Colorful Sparkle Cardigans $10 ~ $20

This is my third find from the children's department within 2 weeks ... a sound indicator that I'm still at my family's house. I have to be extra thrifty while shopping at home to avoid being chastised. Breakfast convo at the P.A.G. household this morning went something like this:

Asian Grandma (cautiously eying my new A&F kids skinnies): "How much you pay for those? Mine here were $5. Yours don't look any nicer."
Dad: "DON'T ask. You don't even wanna know how much money she wastes on clothes."
P.A.G: "$29."
Dad: "No way."
Asian Grandma: "Ay-yaa you overpaid. Mine were $5. Tsk tsk tsk."

My mother and I were actually shopping at Old Navy (I know, not my favorite place for quality apparel either) for my 9 year old cousin when I came across these little jeweled ribbed cardigans in every color of the rainbow. Red, teal, blue, green, yellow, pink ... everything but my go-to gray. Forced out of my comfort zone, I chose yellow. A girls sz Large fit me like a regular cardigan, but I liked the cropped look and the 3/4 sleeves of the sz Medium:

(Remaining pics were taken with a different camera - pardon the color balance being off)

 Old Navy Cardigan in girls M, H&M pleated bow dress in sz 2, 

icky old Nine West sandals (told ya wardrobe options are limited back home)

We ended up getting my 9 year old cousin the same exact sweater, size Medium and all. We inadvertently wore nearly identical outfits the next day.

Click "Read More" for more pics and info.

Back view:

 

These cardigans were $10 (60% off) in the store in every color, but sizes were picked over. I see that they are available online with big sizes left in every color, however the prices are a little higher ranging from $13 to $20. The material (cotton/wool/acrylic blend) is nothing to write home about, but the fit is not bad at all for a children's cardigan. The mommies online even give it a 4.4 out of 5 based on 23 ratings.

They also have gray online! I totally would have gotten gray if they had it in the store:

Click for More Info

I also picked a basic tee in girls sz Large (on sale for $4) for layering under my jumper dresses. I really liked the fit of this top and the heather gray color, although you can't really tell in these pics:

The selection of these are limited online, but trust me there were piles of these in the store in every size and color:

Click for More Info

I even swindled my mother into paying for all $14 of my clothes. Ah, the joys of being at home : )

Banana Republic Regular 00 Short Pants - Tiny Petite Friendly?

First things first - two more days to enter the winter casual outfit giveaway. I must have picked some bad timing (or an un-tempting prize) because there's only 1 entry so far! There were over 10 votes for this giveaway theme, so I figured there would be at least 3 entries : )

Secondly, after much hesitation I just added a pic to my blogger profile so to put a face to the blog. The pic is taken from a "photoshoot" that my boyfriend gave me for our 5 year anniversary - don't laugh! Just got the pics back and they turned out great...perhaps I'll share some later when I'm not feeling so shy. I don't want to scare away readers who stumble upon this blog looking for petite work clothes and instead find pics of an awkwardly hugging couple.

On a different note, got this email from BR today: "Our customers love: The Martin Skinny Pant"

Well, I love myself a good skinny work pant too. They are slimming, edgy, and show off your shoes. Over the past year I've accumulated about 5 pairs, all from Theory. Not that I love Theory (okay, perhaps I do), but it seems that it's the only brand to really have embraced the slim-cut work pant and are able to make it well (nice fabric, flattering fit, not too skinny).

I was a little surprised that I've never heard of BR's "Martin Skinny Pant." I peruse the BR petite's section online probably once a week, and I've been on the lookout for skinny work pants. Alas, my oversight is due to the Martin Skinny Pant being available only under regular and tall:

However, petites need not be discouraged ... looks like there is size 00 and the option of a "Short" inseam. I like that they offer a charcoal color which I've been looking to add to my slim pant collection. But now the question is - how does BR's regular women's size 00 with short inseam fit relative to their 00P? Have any petites out there tried this size, or these pants in particular?

I was also eying these lovelies from BR Monogram. The taupe fabric looks divine, but only available in 0 with regular inseam. Why oh why?

Back to Normal?

Can anyone truly say what's normal and what's not? It's an intriguing question... Anyway, life these last few weeks has been pretty crazy, but I think I'm going to be able to start getting back to something at least resembling my "normal" routine now. My ribs have healed up quite a bit so the pain is no longer interfering with my ability to get things done (at least not as much), I'm adjusting emotionally to the reality of my Granny having cancer, and the holiday craziness has calmed down a little!

Our holiday's aren't over yet though. My brother has been out of the country for the last two years and he comes home tomorrow night! I'm so excited! Since he's coming home right after Christmas, we put off celebrating our family Christmas until he could be with us, so that will be Thursday night. Saturday we have a big welcome home party too.

Despite that I should be able to get at least most of my normal stuff done! So hopefully you'll start seeing me around the forums and visiting your blogs more again :)

Etsy Top 10

My Antique Gold Necklace with Groovy Pendant was chosen by Timothy Adam for his weekly Top 10 finds on Etsy.  This is a huge honor to receive this.

Best Christmas!

My favorite Christmas present came early. Danny flew into Boston on Christmas Eve. It was amazing. I haven't seen him since the end of November.

Christmas was so great. I got everything I wanted and more! Clothes, house stuff from Anthropologie, and lots of Norman Rockwell stuff! And my sister got us an IKEA gift certificate. LOVE IT! We ate LOTS of food and hungout with the entire family. I loved every minute of it.

Danny found out that there is a huge possibility of him staying at New River. Which I love. I know the area and already have some friends down there. Hopefully we'll know SOON if its really happening. Then I can start applying to schools and find a job. Oh, and a house. A house would be a good thing to have!

We're in Massachusetts for the week. I'm hoping atleast one day will be nice so I can show him the city! SO EXCITED!

I've Learned...

I've learned that long car rides with messed up rib muscles can be painful, and that it makes it very difficult to bead while you drive! (note: brother drove, I was the passenger, not beading and doing the driving myself) I did a little bit yesterday, but I needed to be able to stretch my legs at a different angle to help relieve the stress on my ribs, so beading didn't last for long. Good news is I can still knit! I can sit in whatever position I want to while I knit so I have a feeling that I'll make good progress (or finish) the scarf I'm making myself when we drive home this afternoon!

Skinny Jeans for Petites - Abercrombie Kids Landon Super Skinny

I ducked into an Abercrombie Kids the day after Christmas to check out those floral dresses I had

blogged about. Not sure what I was thinking - I don't recommend anyone in her right state of mind to enter that store during the holiday season. I was elbow deep in screechin teeny-boppers and their Ugg-clad Jersey moms pushing and shovin for moosey stuff. The employees were pretty young and snooty themselves and rolled their eyes at me for messing up their denim piles. I waited a darn long time for a fitting room (and was wrongly assaulted by a large n' in charge mom - truly terrifying - for "butting" her daughter). I then discovered that I couldn't fit into hardly anything I grabbed to try on...sigh.

On a positive note, I did come away with a new pair of skinny jeans, so readers don't have to bore their eyes with the same pair of H&M skinnies post after post. I love skinny jeans because they elongate shorter legs, plus they don't drag on the dirty ground when I wear flats. Not to mention, it's easy to tuck them into boots.

This is called their "Landon Super Skinny Legging Jean" in "rinse" - a very dark denim, darker than the pics. Price is $49.50 (currently on sale for $29.70) and they come in several washes. Warning - they are super skinny alright ... I grabbed a sz 12 (my normal size in A&F kids) and I couldn't breathe, move, nor sit! I couldn't find a 14, so I tried on a 16, not expecting it to fit at all. However ... dun dun dun ...  

Abercrombie Kids Landon Super Skinny Jeans sz 16, J.Crew Cardigan in XS

To my chagrin, the 16s were only a tiny bit big in the waist and throughout the leg. I'm positive these will shrink after a first wash, thus becoming the perfect fitting skinny jean. These jeans are long on me so they can be worn cuffed, either ankle length or double cuffed (shown above). I never thought I'd see the day when I would need a sz 16! Either I have packed on a few lbs, or their kids sizing is getting smaller smaller smaller.

Click "Read More" for more pics and info.

The J.Crew cardigan I'm wearing above has these big sparkly rhinestone buttons, very similar to this Crewcuts cardigan shown below. Mine is an XS from the women's line and it has problematic sleeves - baggy and an inch too short - just like the kids Aqua ruffle cardigan I tried on here. Perhaps they were meant to be 3/4 length on someone with longer arms. I have to cuff up the sleeves or else they dangle awkwardly.

J.Crew Girls Sparkling Moon Cardigan

As a side note, I'm thinking about getting this cardigan from the women's line in either soft violet or heather fossil. Love both those colors. They are on sale for $55 (with extra 20% using "EXTRA 20").

More pics of the jeans:

 

Can't wait to try them on after being shrunken from a wash / dry! I really liked this Landon cut because they taper down at the bottom to a very slim leg opening.

I also tried on the less fitted, Maddy Skinny Jeans from Abercrombie kids, also on sale for $29.70:

The jeans I'm trying on above are in a size 12, and fit...whew. But note how the jeans are a little bunchy from the knee down to the ankle. I'm picky with my skinny jeans and I like them really fitted and tapered as to not ruin the slimming silhouette. This would probably be fixed by a shrink in the washer/dryer, but then the waist would be uncomfortably tight. Also, I liked the prospect of having cuffed skinnies, so I opted for the Landon cut despite having to console myself about sizing up to a 16!

Only a Few Days Left!

Only 6 days left to buy into my Earring Club! If you love earrings - this is for you! $35 will get you a pair of earrings in the mail, every month, for the next 6 months! Doesn't that sound like a lot of fun? I'd love to add you to my list! So come check it out :)

Life's been a little crazy lately, but I've being renewing items and such lately, so I wanted to show them off! Tell me your favorite, and get an extra entry into my Top Commentators contest!

A Hand Made Christmas

Before I say anything else - I want to say Merry Christmas to you and yours!

This year at least half (maybe more) of the presents I gave were hand made, and it was so much fun! I still have a few more to give (and finish making lol), but the one's I've given at a party earlier this week, and at my in laws today, made people's faces light up! Its fun when you can see that when you buy them the right present, it's even better when it's something that you've invested your time and energy into!

I don't think I'll ever go totally handmade, some times making people's faces light up requires a visit to the store, but I'm definitely encouraged and excited to do the same thing next year! Ok...with different presents though :P

Did you give any hand made gifts this year? Was it a lot of fun?

Flirty Sundresses for Petites - abercrombie kids and A&F womens

I was browsing the abercrombie kids website for jeans and happened to stumble upon these undeniably summer dresses. I'm a little confused about why they're available for sale considering there's a foot of snow outside my window, and A&F is supposed to be "east coast" style. Nevertheless, these vintage-styled dresses are pretty darn cute and have me wishing for warm weather.

A Med or Large in abercrombie kids fits me well, depending on the style and whether or not the material will shrink. Their kids sizing goes all the way up to XL / 16, which can probably accommodate women up to size S.

1. abercrombie kids Lizzy Dress, $59.50

Lizzy Dress, $59.50, 100% cotton with gathered belt (also comes in navy polka dots)

First off, I like that the moose logo is masked by the floral print. I can also tell that this dress would be very flattering when on. The gathered sweetheart neckline is naturally flattering for smaller busts, the elastic belt emphasizes a slim waist, and the layered bottom is feminine and flirty. Is this what little girls wear these days? I'm very tempted by this dress, but the price is rather high for a children's dress.

2. abercrombie kids Bridget dress, $44.50

Bridget Dress, $44.50, 100% cotton

Love the sweetheart neckline again and the gathered empire waist. This dress would be so darling in the summer with a leather waist belt and some leather gladiator wedge sandals (if those aren't out by next year). I also like how most abercrombie camis and dresses come with adjustable length straps.

Click "Read More" for picks from the A&F women's store.

All the cute finds in the kids store led me to take a peek at the adult offerings. I'm even more confused now by this line. Some of the dresses look very different from their previous offerings, not at all like the preppy teenager brand I remembered. Take this mini dress for example:

3. A&F Payton Dress, $58

Abercrombie & Fitch Payton Dress, $58

Everything is so cute, from the bustier top down to the waist bow sash and floral skirt. Material is 95% cotton, 5% spandex, which provides for a stretchy, close fit. I can typically wear an XS in A&F womens tops with no problem (not so much luck with their pants or jeans). This could be worn as a flirty minidress with flats or as a top over some skinny jeans, and no one would guess that it's from the moose-laden A&F!

4. A&F Trisha Dress, $78

Abercrombie & Fitch Trisha Dress, $78 (also available in navy polka dots)

This dress is really embodying the vintage theme. The top looks like an underwire bustier, which again can be super flattering with the right supporting undergarment. Love the huge sash waist, but not lovin the huge white moose (guess it ould be tucked in or turned inside out?). A cropped navy cardigan and strappy brown leather sandals would finish this look and prevent it from looking too over-the-top vintage.

5. A&F Mandy Dress, originally $78 sale $49.90

Abercrombie & Fitch Mandy Dress, sale $49.90.

Cute and flirty seems to be the theme of the day. Note how the logo is embossed on a little metal plate (bottom right corner of the skirt) instead of a moose : ) This dress reminds me of a Tracy Feith for Target dress from Spring 2009. My friend owned it in white and she got compliments on it left and right. Remember this?

This dress was $44 at Target, so if you missed out on it here's a chance to own a similar one in navy for a similar price. I actually like the navy better - less romantic, more versatile, and more forgiving of stains. Happy shopping, and to those who celebrate it - Merry Christmas!

12 Months of Lessons and Experiences

January

After seeing "Yes Man" I decided I too would start saying yes to everything.

Hence: a move, random dates and tons of traveling.

First Stop: NEW YORK CITY!

February

I honestly think I developed a drinking problem this month.

Scorpion bowls, Margaritas and Blue Moon.

And, at Mardi Gras I tested Red Stripe

(just to make sure I would like it in JAMAICA!)  

March

Oh, March. How did I even survive this month.

The good: Ok Go and Ikea.

The bad: date with a (almost) 40 year old and Alaskans in Jamaica

April

More traveling. More crazy times.

Washington DC.

Roadtrip to Myrtle Beach with the worlds most amazing people.

And more poor decisions made at La Quinta

"You're only strangers until you share a pizza"

May

Goodbye/Good luck parties

I threw myself three.

My parents surprised me at HAPPY HOUR and my Grandmother bought me a shot

At the end of the month, I was leaving for North Carolina

June

The move was supposed to go a lot different

But after only TWO weeks of being in NC

my roommate stopped talking to me.

Good news, me and Danny had our first (and amazing) date!  

July

I fell in love.

Hard.

and fast.

I have never been so happy, loved, and comfortable with anyone or anything

in my entire life.

  

August

I did what I do best....

TRAVEL!

South Carolina, Myrtle Beach (twice) and Jacksonville more times than I can count!

I had SO much fun and loved every second of it.

 

September

Danny came home with me for the first time ever.

I decided I needed to move out of my house.

And didn't care that I lost a friend forever because of it.

I'm officially 110% happy with EVERYTHING in my life

and won't let anyone stand in my way of it.

  

October

My amazing boyfriend and best friend asked me to marry him

Yes, its fast. No, I don't care.

I spent most of October in Boston

AND IT SNOWED. EW!

 

November

My nerves got the best of me when we decided to go to Ohio for Thanksgiving.

I have never been more nervous to meet someone AND HE'S FIVE!

And on a long weekend, Mom visited and I moved out of the house.

THANK GOD!

December

I'm back in Massachusetts for the month. Danny will be here TOMORROW night!

After posting all these pictures of myself, I've realized the jeans in the first picture no longer fit,

I haven't seen Zenovia since April in Myrle Beach

and my world has done a complete 180.

And I couldn't be happier with all of that!

(well, the jeans thing does kind of depress me...)

   

 

 

 The year isn't over yet. But 

I do believe this has been the best year yet.

In less than 3 months

I'll be marrying my best friend

and I couldn't be happier!

Thank You to everyone who has made 2009 an amazing year!

I love you all.