test of time

  My taste in music is pretty much all over the map. I have music on almost all day, and I will listen to whatever i think fits the mood. The other day I was sewing together a new Heirloom dress and put in a cd that has been one of my favorites since its debut in 1998. I was so impressed that it still seemed current and not dated at all. In fact, it kinda blew my mind (again!), so i decided i should share.
  Kruder & Dorfmeister is a duo from Austria that has been remixing and producing some pretty amazing stuff since 1996 . The cd I am specifically referring to is The K&D Sessions. From beginning to end it is a sensual journey with some pretty heavy hip hop and downtempo elements. I can't say enough about these guys and if you don't already know of them, now would be a good time. It has a great pace and doesn't distract from tedious work. I highly recommend anything from them and here is one of my favorite songs on that cd. Enjoy!

                                                                                                           

*don't be discouraged if this isn't "your thing", there is so much more in my little hand-sewn bag of tricks.

living on the fringe

Anyone who knows me knows I love fringe. I love the movement, I love the nod to Native Americans, I love the reference to rock and roll and hippies. I am kind of obsessed with fringe. I am certain I will still love it when it is not on trend, just like I have always (and will always!) wear bellbottoms.
 One of my favorite rock stars of all time is Roger Daltrey (front man for The Who). Here is is rockin his fringe the way it was meant to be rocked at woodstock.

 

 

This trend has currently been repeated by one of my favorite designers Roberto Cavalli. If I could afford it, I would be grocery shopping in this get up.

 

It makes me so happy to see the top designers embracing this trend. If your quiet you can hear the collective sigh when observing this dress by Mark Fast .

 

Granted, this trend isn't for everyone, and maybe these examples are a little extreme for everyday living (especially in a casual town like Chico). But there are ways to incorporate the "vibe" without breaking the bank or going head to toe with fringe. I have recently been working on purses with added fringe. I take a vintage leather purse and take reclaimed leather to make long fringe. Then hand lace the fringe to the purse, giving it a very hippie/1969 look. (available in shop after this friday's event)

 

My home-girl Sadie makes some amazing fringe earrings if you wanted to add just a touch. Anyone can pull these beauties off! available here 

 

Just keep in mind, when adopting a new trend, make it your own and really embrace it. If you're not convinced you love it, how are you supposed to convince us?

                                                                     

siblings without rivalry

 check out my little sister's blog (the Penelope Times). she is so cute, she keeps me current and she looks SMOKIN' hot in the dress i made her for christmas (made from a recycled vintage tablecloth). not to worry, more are already in the works and you will be able to get your own in my shop.

                                                                      

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!).

 

 

eff you see kay

   i was cooking dinner last night and the kids were in the living room doing their thing. they started to squabble (which is common amongst siblings),  i was tuning it out while i was actually listening (a trick us moms know how to do), and at the height of the fight, nadine (4 yrs old) stomps away and screams, "f*@k!" and walks away. i think i heard it right, but i wasn't sure. eamon (almost 7yrs old) says, "nadine said a bad word! she said f*@k!" at this point i need to interject. so i say, "we don't say that word". my husband calls nadine into the office and has a few words with her. later, i tell her, "i feel the same way too sometimes. we can feel it but just not say it." matter closed.
  i was left thinking how funny it is when a 4 yr old drops an "f-bomb", but really, one day she will be 9 and it won't be so cute. i don't think you should  make a big deal, it will only make the word more desirable. so now i really have to pay attention to my own choice of words. really.

gretel

i am a dog person. don't get me wrong,  i really do love all animals, but dogs...they are my favorite. in particular is my dog gretel. we adopted her from our local humane society about 3 years ago. she is the sweetest dog EVER! she is there for me (all the time), and lets my kids pretty much do what they want with her. she is a beautiful dog (german short-hair pointer), and has the softest face imaginable. her jowls are super squishy giving her the nickname "mushy-pie".