The Great Unknown

 It has been AGES since i've posted a blog! it is no secret that i'm just not very good at this sort of thing. my biggest obstacle is time management. being a mother of two young children is a lot of work, and although i still manage to make stuff, have a social life, and spend time with my husband, i have spread myself rather thin. i have decided to take my online store off of my plate for a little while. i've been doing it for so long, i forgot what my life looked like without it. i have often thought that i might be a better mother/partner if i didn't juggle so many things. so now i'm gonna take a much needed break to examine my next move. i am thinking about going to school, i'm thinking about finishing all of my open ended projects, and maybe even just enjoying my life while my kids are so little. i can't say how long my break will be, but i plan on continuing to make clothes and push myself as a designer. i just don't want to run an online store for a little while.
 i will still be available on facebook, and through email. i'm on instagram, (user ID mermaidsoup), and Tumblr.
 you haven't seen the last of me, yet. i am working on a new logo and hope to come back better than ever. for now i'll leave you with some of my recent projects and will keep you posted on my return. thanks for all the love and support. here's to my reinvention in 2013!

cut out bodysuits

jewelry catchers

jewelry catchers

hooded velvet dresses

recycled t shirt mini dresses

Who Knew?

  Last weekend my hubby and I took our kids and my mother-in-law to Oroville, CA. Not our usual stomping grounds, although my husband works there. We decided to go because there was the California State Fiddle and Picking contest going on and we thought the kids would get a kick out of it.  The contest was fun, but we didn't stay long.
  The day ended up being so much fun and quite unexpected. We went out to lunch and had Chinese food at a restaurant called Tong Fong Low. Super tasty and super reasonable. I totally recommend it.
 On our way back to Chico, we took a detour and ended up at a Chinese Temple. (total coincidence). We decided to go in and take a tour (self led, the place is pretty humble). It was so beautiful and full of amazing tapestries and furniture. It was so tranquil with the rain and courtyard.

                                                                         

The Temple still used today for prayer and meditation.

 I highly recommend taking a trip out to Oroville to dine, thrift shop and meditate. The city is odd, full of beautiful old homes and wandering speed freaks. But it does have it's redeeming qualities. You just might not expect them.

Day Three Fashion Challenge

Over the hump and things feel normal. I will admit, I DO miss my jeans, but this has been fun. A bunch of my girlfriends and I are going out tonight and are going to take the challenge along for fun. I think it will be easier to wear a non-jeans outfit when you are going out. We are going to a local bar for dancing, so it will still be pretty casual, but we'll sauce things up a bit.

 

sweater tunic (thrifted and altered by me)

leopard print peek-a-boo leggings (thrifted)

feather earrings (Renouveau Clothing)

vintage Frye boots (thrifted and then cut to "shorties" by me)

Yesterday got pretty busy after I picked my son up from school, so here are a few pics of my friends and their outfits.

Rose day two in a green corduroy mini, tights, crochet to and work boots. Rose day two, (with her sweet hubby), in jean shorts, (I'll let her slide), with tights and cowboy boots.

                                  

Amy, day two in yoga flares with skirt, vintage Levi's vest and patchwork handbag. Day three, black corduroy bell bottoms, cowboy boots, sweater and puffy vest.

Adriane, day three, corduroy flares, cowboy boots and belted cardigan

                                                                                            

I want a puppy

 As already posted, I am a dog lover. I love my two dogs like my children and for some crazy reason, I want to add another furry friend to the mix. We have adopted both dogs from shelters and I couldn't be happier. But, this last Sunday we were at the park with the kids and it happened to be "dachshund day at the park". They were all so cute, and of course there were puppies for sale. I fell in love with a little dapple pup. I wanted to take her home so bad I could cry. My husband said "no" despite my shoving the puppy in his face, repeatedly.
 After we got home I realized I didn't really want a new puppy. At least not right now. They are a ton of work and I am so busy! I snapped a pic of this pup, and every time I look at the picture, I am a little sad she is not curled up on my lap as I type. But the reality is, she' be chewing up my favorite shoes and  I'd be cleaning up a lot of doggy doo-doo. She sure was cute though...
                                   

                                                                 

birthday boy!

 today is my son's birthday. he is 7 years old. my, how time flies! he is such a great kid, and he amazes me with his creativity and curiosity. he is ridiculously smart, handsome and so sweet. i hope he keeps these traits well into the teenage years, and beyond.
 we took him to the park this morning to do some rollerblading, walked to our local taco truck for lunch (his request), and then ended up downtown Chico for some fun and gelato at Powells. the kids had a great day and Eamon kept exclaiming, "this is better than ANYTHING!"
 he is such a good boy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                               

busy weekend

 i am swamped this weekend with my son's 7th birthday on sunday, my mother-in-law is visiting and i am working my butt off making a bunch of cool stuff for the upcoming Delta of Venus. i won't stop and chat for too long, but i wanted to post some pics of this past thursday at CalSkate. it was a fundraiser for my son's school.  a lot of fun was had and i got to play around with my camera (be gentle, i'm still learning how to use it!).

 

 

RayRay The Secret Adventures of Miss Muffin

the outside world might not know this, but Chico, CA is a really special place. it is brimming with artists and truly talented individuals. this is a video for an event featuring one of my favorite local artists Seamonster.

Delta of Venus

last Tuesday i had the pleasure of doing a promotional photo shoot with Erin Lizardo of Social Form and Sadie Rose from sadiedeluxe.com and Lost Boys and Lovers.  we are collaborating on an event that will take place on February 11th 2011 at 360 Ecotique. we wanted to showcase some of our handmade items that will be for sale at the event, as well as give some insight into our “vibe”. i think the pics turned out so beautiful! i couldn’t be happier with the result.