Etsy Favs

I've been a tad lazy with my etsy favs.
Last week was easter, and I think that
I was also away the weekend before that.

But never fear, here I am
in the BF's kitchen in Queens.
With some sweet new etsy finds!


First we have this "See-thru Shark print"
by Berkley Illustration
In this store there are tons of awesome
animal portraits.
The best part is that they are shown with collars
or military uniform jackets.
It's a pretty brilliant idea
and at 7$ each they are easily collectible.
naturally I want the bunny.
But I also liked this shark!
















Next up we have the coolest bracelet ever.
It comes from Luster Studio.

I am basically addicted to Haribo.
When I was in Rome much of my time
was spent hunting down foreign gummies.
The classic gold bears are always a favorite of mine,
so when I saw this bracelet I nearly fell over.
There is also a necklace just like it.
I love Luster Studio's shop because of all
the wearable sweets!!




















Finally, I stumbled upon a super cute
and super cheap set of notecards
from Isabell's Umbrella.
This set of mini cards is $3.50.
You receive 12 cards.
And there are a couple choices
of cute creatures. There is also
a "create your own set".
I recommend buying some cards
and sending them out to friends asap.
We should write letters more often.
fact.

Up the Creek, Sans Paddle.

I have another new obsession.

Garth Marenghi's Darkplace.

The wikipedia page gives a pretty good description

of what the show is all about.

So I'd venture there first, 

and then head here.

Also, If you are a fan of the Office/Extras

and the Mighty Boosh.

Keep your eyes peeled for some guest appearances.

Below is the second installmant

of Darkplace. 

In this episode there are only 2 words.

tele kinesis.

The Importance of Tipping.

Alright, so this is totally off of 

my beaten path of blog topics.

But this needs to be put out there.

The service industry is 

called that for a reason.

Maybe you need a haircut, mustache wax, 

your coat checked, or alcoholic beverages.

Someone will get paid to do this for you

but they do not just work on their hourly wage.

They count on TIPS.

As a hostess/coat check I have noticed 

that generally people my age (mid 20's)

usually do not tip at all.

This is absolutely unacceptable.

I realize most people my age are in financial binds

(I definitely am)

But there is no reason why you cannot tip

your server at least 20% and hand the coat check person

one measly dollar.

Not tipping or tipping poorly

is not classy.

Sorry for such a harsh post 

but this has been bugging me.

Perhaps tomorrow i'll post about

bunnies and cotton candy to brighten the blog up!

Box Jellyfishes.

I was meandering around the 

National Geographic website

and in the animals section, 

they featured the Box Jellyfish.

In the article they compared the 

jelly to a 6ft man, and they were about 

the same size.

I felt that something was off.

I knew they could be large-

but the same size as a full grown man?

I did my research.

and in diameter the head

of the jelly is about 11.8"

the tentacles can grow to

up to 9ft in length.

This is the Chironex fleckeri species.

The largest of the box jellyfish.

Now don't get me wrong. 

they are quite long.

And NG got the measurements right.

But the picture looks like it is

 a man-eating jellyfish.

I can't even explain why this irks me.

I suppose I am just a fan of accuracy.

For more facts on the Box Jelly

head to the Outback Australia Travel Guide.

They have a nice fact sheet

about this very awesome and 

deadly sea creature.

Produce Jackpot

My awesome roommate just emailed me

with info on the Williamsbrg-Greenpoint CSA

(Community Supported Agriculture)

Basically you are buying shares of an organic farm, 

helping it flourish, and eating the harvest.

Also, your time will be donated as a volunteer one 

saturday or 2 wednesdays a month.

Which I think is pretty fair.

They have different packages

of veggies, fruits, eggs and flowers.

Or all of the above if you have the cash for it!

This is a great way to support local farmers

and get delicious organic produce.

I'm getting myself a payment plan and

signing up for the fruit package.

Don't live in Brooklyn?

Check this out.

and find a local CSA you can join!

Etsy Favs

There are few things that make me happier
than cupcakes and sea creatures.
So when the two combine
my heart soars, and an obsession forms.
Enter Faff.

Buttons, magnets and mirrors are covered
in these whimsical designs.
And they are awesome and affordable.
Pocket Mirrors $6


























The next new fav is
Ross the Crab Dude ($7)
from Dudes by Bebot.
Ross, and all the other dudes
are little felt creations that can
function as friends, magnets,
pins and anything else you can imagine.














If it were me i'd keep him in my purse
much like Carly does with Jerome.
(Her purse penguin)
I love seeing what other artists do with
sea creatures.
Makes me so happy!

Happy Sunday bunnies.

(See page 91)

I have a fondness for out of date

guides and textbooks.

Whilst at the Strand

I found this gem.

Yes, the contents are as magic

as its cover!

It states the obvious dangers

-sharks, rays, jellyfish, moray eels..

But it also opened my eyes to 

some new deadly creatures.

Cone shells.

These are the pretty shells you find on the shore

The creature within the shell is quite venomous

and in extreme cases the sting can cause a coma

and possibly death, due to cardiac failure.

who knew?

As for treatment..

"There is no specific treatment. Cases of 

cone shell stings should be managed like 

venomous fish stings. See page 91.

Page 91 is referenced quite often.

Apparently there is not treatment 

for most ocean catastrophes.

In fact pg 91, does not offer very much help.

Basically bypass 91 and see a doctor.

Another magical book find for $7.50

Busy Bee

I've been a bad blogger this week.

But I've been out of state

and working every night.

It's one of those weeks where

there just isn't time for much.

But one thing I have been 

working on

is my greeness.

These are things I've done

or improved on.

*Instead of buying orange juice

in containers, I purchased a glass juicer

and fresh oranges.

Which creates oj with biodegradable waste.

*I've been cutting down my use of paper towels 

and switching to cloth ones whenever possible.

*I refuse bags whenever I shop.

*I only buy glass beverage containers

that can be recycled.

*Vinegar, water, and a seventh generation mix

have been my cleaners of choice lately

It's not much, but any steps taken

to be a little more green,

are steps in the right direction.

And I love getting new tips

so if you have any let me know!

Have a good weekend sailors!

My Friends are Talented.

Some are musically inclined

others can act.

But Carly can take some

ridiculously wonderful photos.

We had a photo shoot 

for her costume series.

and it was tons of fun.

check out her website

here.

100!!!

This marks my 100th post.

which is pretty crazy.

my blog has changed a lot over time

-in a good way of course.

and I've actually acquired other readers

besides my best friend and boyfriend.

which is nice.

The new room has made me 

quite productive.

I created new batches of Easter cards this week

They are all currently up on etsy right now.

All are in sets ranging from 2-4

and all are between $6-10.

I'll also be posting a set of 2 watercolor squid cards today.

They are priced at $8.00

Hopefully I can continue to make more in the coming weeks

Though March is a busy busy month!

We shall see.

In other news today is 

my dear friend Bunny's birthday!

I plan on making her a card and getting her 

some madelines from Balthazar Bakery.

It should be a fun celebration this evening.

In conclusion, I would like to dedicate 

my 100th post to my dad.   

Even though he did not make my Valentine's list

(much to his dismay haha)

he is still at the top of my list of those i love.

Below is a picture of my dad circa 1973

he was a track superstar.

New Cards

Right now I am sitting in the bf's kitchen
listening to the Jesse James soundtrack
(well done Nick Cave and Warren Ellis)
and painting some new squid cards.

I managed to mess up the first batch
not realizing that me Le Pen marker
was not waterproof.
Running ensued.
It's hard to tell here
but some of the yellow turned greenish.
gah. maybe i will sell these on the cheap
as mistake cards...
















Here is a better version of Bus Stop Squid
and yes, i'm using photo booth.
its easier than all the uploading nonsense.
at least for the blog.

Etsy Favs

I've been thinking a lot 

about that article I read in the L.

(See Regina and friends post)

I started thinking that maybe I 

need to switch to non-chemical-fied

(i made that up)

products.

So this week on my etsy favs

I picked some handmade body products

that I think look awesome.

And will probably end up buying

once i run out of the things i am currently using.

The beauty of finding these sellers on etsy,

is that you are getting all natural products

without the high price tag.

Etsy sellers make it easy to be green!

Soapalaya Soaps

I was completely taken by this shop, 

because they make their own laundry detergent!

I recently ran out of mine, and was in the market

for some new suds.  So I snatched it right up!

The maker has sensitive skin and has taken it upon 

herself to create all natural products she can use.

Now that is a savvy bunny.

Another plus is that it comes in a paper bag 

with a wooden scooper. 

Recycleable and reusable!

($15.00)

Bunny Butt Apothecary

I actually just placed an order from bunny butt.

Which i should be receiving soon!

They create all kinds of goodies from soaps, 

lotions, lip balms and scrubs.

best of all-they offer a sampling set

of 3 different lotion scents ($5)

so you can decide which you like.

I ordered this- because I couldn't decide.

My scents are birthday cake, pomegranate sage, 

and mango papaya. yum!

The Move is Complete!

Ahhhh finally in my new apartment

and I couldn't be happier!

Everything went smoothly,

and then the bf and I had a nice dinner

and drinks (many drinks)

with my parents afterwards.

Here are some photos of my room

which is a work in progress.

Regina George and friends.

Plastic.

We've known it has been becoming 

more of a problem.

But yesterday I read an article in L Magazine

(for non new yorkers the L is a free mini mag

thats pretty awesome)

by Amanda Park Taylor "the conscientious objector".

It is part one of the New Yorkers guide 

to a plastic free life.

I was thinking plastic free could 

be possible, until I realized how much

plastic was around me.

Shampoo bottles, toothbrushes, 

razors, containers, etc.

Plastic has become such a way of life

that you don't even realize it is

 there anymore.

The article also says that :

"The vast majority of plastics we use

from packaging to toothbrushes, is not

recycleable, and never will be"

That's an awful truth.

Amanda's solutions to eventually eliminate plastic

begins with part 1- the bathroom.

She provides bar shampoo alternatives,

using cider vinegar and warm water as a conditioner, 

and other earth friendly alternatives.

Once I run out of my current supply of shampoo

and conditioner, I am going to experiment 

with all of these suggestions.

And will definitely post the results.

Oh and speaking of earth friendly bath stuff

I just ordered some lotion and a bar of soap from

Bunny Butt Apothecary. 

I cannot wait to try it! 

My Life in Boxes.

Moving day is almost here, 

and I cannot wait.

I'm not fond of moving

but you'd never know it,

because I move a lot.

or at least it feels like i do...

It's the packing up that bothers me the most.

I'm still living here-just with limited things.

My walls are empty, and my studio is filled

with boxes instead of projects.

It's an organized disaster.

This picture doesn't even do justice 

to the amount of crap i have 

that is boxed up.

Once this weekend is over I can start working

on some cards and what nots.

But for now, it's all about packing.

and working.

I'm pretty drained this week.

now that I actually sit and think about it.

I look forward to March.

It has to be better than February was.

3 Wishes

Here are 3 things that I really really want right now.

#1 Gocco

Since I've been on etsy I've heard of this mysterious japanese mini printer.

ok well maybe its not so mysterious. but it was new to me.

After doing some extensive Gocco research, 

i have decided that I must have one of my own.

I watched an etsy labs tutorial on gocco

and they made it seem quite easy.

A Gocco generally runs anywhere from $130-160

depending on the seller.

The price is the only thing standing in my way.

But i'm saving me pennies and wishing on stars for this one.

#2 Cheap Plane Tickets to Charleston, SC

Some may not know this, but for a year, 

I went to the College of Charleston.

(Long Story)

In the end it didn't work out, 

but through that experience

i met some good friends and oddly enough,

one of my best friends.

(Another Long Story)

Anyhow, I ended up missing new york too much

so I traded in palm trees and sweet tea

for subways and small apartments.

Even though it didn't work out

I still have a special spot for Charleston,

and this year I'm hoping to have a girls weekend

with my 2 bestest girlfriends.

It's Meghan's 25th, which will lead to my 25th. wow.

so why not do it up??

So that is my second wish. Cheap airfare so that we can 

spend all of our money on a nice hotel and delicious food.

#3 A local Bagel Shop

This may sound totally silly.

And maybe it is.

But I never claimed I was going to wish

for world peace in this post..

I'm living in the Now.

and right now.

I want a bagel sandwich that I don't need to

take the B61 to get.

You'd think I'd be bombarded by bagelries.

but no. Apparently people in Greenpoint

hate bagel smamiches.

So here I am.

Wishing for a little shop

that can make me a Bacon egg and cheese on a bagel.

Time Out for Hunger

As the bf and I finished our meal
at our favorite Queens restaurant, Quaint.
Our server gave us a postcard for
Time Out for Hunger.

On March 2, if you dine at any of the
participating restaurants, they will donate
10% of your bill to the Food Bank for NYC.

Some of the participating restaurants:
'inoteca, Rice, Lure, Royale, Angelica Kitchen,
Quaint, and Momofuku Noodle Bar.

This is a win-win situation.
You get a stomach full of great food.
and you help out a good cause.

p.s if you dine at 'inoteca
get the truffle egg toast.
(pictured below)
it's magic.

Etsy Favs

Usually I stumble upon my new Favs
by way of the forums.
clicking on links, or profiles.
But today I thought I'd try something new.

I'm going to pounce my way to favorites.
Etsy has a "pounce" feature that allows you to
find random shops that are undiscovered or
have just had a sale.

So through Pouncing,
I have managed to find these new treasures.

First we have this owl ring
from dillondesigns.
These acrylic rings come with all types of designs.
They had a bunny one which I immediately wanted
but figured I'd post something different
since I am a frequent bunny poster.
And this owl is pretty cute too.
it's $7.50 which is a pretty sweet deal.


















For this second shop,
I found it extremely hard to choose a fav.
I love everything in FromJapanWithLove.
and may be placing a nice sized order
quite soon.
If you love all things japanese like i do.
then this is where you need to look.
Also check out Sofia's blog
about living in Japan.
It's my new favorite.














Finally we have the "Toast and Eggs" apron
from Snappyshop.
As a true breakfast fan, naturally I am drawn to this.
But snappyshop has many varieties of aprons,
that are just as cute!
Forget wearing these in the kitchen.
I'd totally wear these out and about!!
ahh layering.
$38

Best Weeked Ever

It's not very often that the bf and I
get to spend entire weekends together.
But by random chance, it's happened
this weekend.
it's been awesome.

Friday night consisted of Champagne and Scrabble.
Saturday was brunch, the Met, random errands, pizza
and Champagne and Lord of the Rings.
(Because i have never seen any of them)

We took these pictures during our game.
and i really like them.
therefore i am posting them.































































It's nice to have a weekend of nothing
because next weekend
is the big move. to 4 blocks away.
maybe it's 5. either way. it's close.

Check back for post #2
The etsy favs of the week!

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.

After a few weeks of despair,

things are finally beginning 

to become normal again.

I will be moving into a new apartment

on March 2nd!

and my rent will be 150$ less

than what i am currently paying.

Hopefully that will help.

I think it will.

This isn't a very exciting post 

but I just felt the need

to let everyone know that 

things are finally looking up.

oh! and to add to that,

i had a sale yesterday!

It was my dream customer!

she loves squids and cupcakes,

it was fate.

Since I dont have any post relevant photos

i'll just post one of my dog.

This is Mees. Looking like she just woke up.

and she probably did.