Stir Crazy Crafts

Over the weekend, I received a fabulous little package in the mail from one of my favorite etsy sellers. Charlene from Stir Crazy Crafts is a very talented crocheter. Her craftmanship is impeccable. I adore everything I get from her.

This package was no exception. I asked her to make a hat for my daughter. The only thing I told her it had to have was ear flaps. My daughter was insistent on this. In a very short time, she had it finished, and it was the cutest hat ever. I loved it so much I even had one made for me, and don't I look cute?!

Charlene is just marvelous. She specializes in childrens' clothing for which my daughter is eternally grateful, but I know for a fact that she also does adult clothing and hats. In fact, I got to see a sweater jacket that she will be debuting next fall. Be forewarned though that I get first dibs. Her prices are exceptional, and I really think she loves to do custom orders. Charlene personifies the reason you should buy handmade. Not only in her products, but also in her customer service. Stop by her shop and take a peek at her work!

My Tuesday

I got absolutely nothing done yesterday. It started out boring enough, but then my bf decided at the last minute to play hooky from work and attend a car auction.

I am an auction fanatic. This is what happens when your father is an auctioneer. So, I had no problem with this. Well, I took him to work so he could get his crew ready for the night because it seems no one else is capable of doing this. While he was there, my daughter and I went on an impromtu shopping trip. We had time to kill, and there isn't much else to do in this terribly small town that has aspirations of being a big city. First we went to a Dollar Store. My daughter loves the dollar store. She stocked up on a little bit of everything. It was actually kind of funny seeing her running around and picking out things. She even got a little kit to put those studs on her jeans. She can't wait to do this.

After that, we still had time to kill so K(that's my daughter) suggested we go clothes shopping. Sure. I needed new clothes anyway since mine either have holes in them or have been shrunk 3 sizes too small by my bf. Yeah, he does the laundry. I used to, but then we got a new washing machine. I think he's afraid I'll break it. I'm not your typical housewife type. Anyway. We decided to go to this store that gets the overstock or last season clothes from big name stores. I love this place. I often forget it is there since it is hidden, but I love it. We start looking not really planning to get anything, but then I spot a pair of sweatpants. Got to have those for StilettoHeights' virtual slumber party. Plus, their in this gorgeous blue color. My favorite color. We keep walking. By now, my daughter is itching to get herself something. When we get about 10 feet from her section, she can't take it anymore. She wants a pair of Capris, but I explain to her that it is still to cold for those. So, she settles for a pair of faded flair cut jeans that she has found. Now that she knows they have her size, there's no stopping her. She searches the racks trying to find a top that she can wear now. Got it. She finds this, I don't know how to explain it, furry top. It's purple with a little glitter and furry. That's the only way I know how to explain it. Needless to say, she has developed a style that is uniquely her own. Fine, I say. Well, then I spot some turtleneck/sweaters I like. Find my size, and we're on our way to the register. Of course they put the sunglasses rack right by the checkout. I couldn't resist. I tell myself I needed a pair anyway. Now how bad is my bf going to kill me because we're not made of money. A whole $11. Turns out everything was drastically marked down to begin with then they put 50% off on top of that. K's outfit cost a whole $3.50. Hooray! Clothes shopping without the guilt. Well, there's the pic of me in my retro-style sunglasses and sweater. I wanted to be a cloud today. Plus, it covers up that grey streak I recently found.

So, on to the car auction. We need a new car. Well, one that is new to us. I rather enjoyed this. I have never been to a car auction before. It's rather fun. They have three lanes of cars going at one time. There's everything from dealer cars, to repo's, to older cars that need a little TLC. It was fun but crowded. And, the prices the bidders were getting these cars for was outrageous. I saw a '91 BMW 4 door sports coupe go for $600. It was nuts! I am determined I'm going back next week and get a deal for myself. I didn't this week because I always think it is best to study an auction once before you go back to bid. This way you can see how the auctioneer works, how low they will drop, and how the crowd works. Then when you go back you will fit right in, and no one can take advantage of you. Oh, don't forge the contest for the $50 gift certificate in my shop. The first drawing is approaching very quickly.

Valentine's Showcase

Etsy has their Valentine Showcase up now through February 14th. It's a great way to find gifts for that special someone on your list. Up there is the banner for the showcase. If you click on Showcase #1, it will take you to gifts for guys. If you click on Showcase #2, it will take you to gifts for girls. The banner is on the homepage so it is very easy to find. I would've made it so if you click on the banner it would take you right to the showcase, but I'm not that talented with html. So, my link to the Etsy homepage will have to do. Start your shopping now for Valentine's Day so you don't forget. You will be able to find anything from clothes to jewelry to bags and purses. I think I even saw some boob soap the last time I looked so you never know what you might find.

Remember I told you I went on a gemstone shopping spree over the weekend. Well, the first of my adventures has arrived. Isn't it beautiful?! I love this rose quartz carved flower. It is such a delightful delicate pink, and the flower is so well carved. I decide to wrap this flower in copper wire, and I'm glad I did so. It gives it such an antique yet modern feel. I call it my Morning Glory ring. Did you know that it is believed that rose quartz allows you to communicate with your spiritual guides and that it is the best stone for opening the 4th chakra? It is also believed that if you put a rough piece of rose quartz under your pillow it will keep the nightmares away.