Dreaming of Weddings...

I have been browsing etsy for wedding ideas and fun... and there is no shortage on etsy of wedding ideas and supplies.  Here are a few of my all time favorites of the day.

These invitations are perfect.  I want them!

http://www.letterboxink.etsy.com/

http://www.modernmuseum.etsy.com/

These are super fun and unique too.  So many decisions!

http://www.maupromos.etsy.com/

These stickers would make great labels for favors, decorations, whatever.  There are so many designs to choose from.

How pretty is this floral hair piece?  Maybe it's the red hair that makes it "jUMP" out at you, but I think it is beautiful.

http://www.besomethingnew.etsy.com/

 The perfect outfit for the flower girl.  At only $20.00, I want one for me too!

http://www.dolcevitamia.etsy.com/

Who doesn't want a unique garter that they won't forget?  And it has "something blue..."

http://www.myrakim.etsy.com/

Picture these hung from an outdoor tent alternated with Japanese lanterns... So pretty!

http://www.annemusingdesigns.etsy.com/

Obviously I am all things wedding, but look at all these fabulous etsy shops that I never even thought to search for before.  And most of them sell things for both weddings and everyday wear/use. 

Engaged!

I got engaged May 1st!  My boyfriend was really romantic and planned a whole evening of surprises.  First, let's talk about the food...  We went to Bistro Laurent Tourondel (http://www.bltsteak.com/).  It is a new steakhouse in the Trump Tower in Waikiki.  We sat on the lanai for sunset and ate like Kings/Queens!  I had stacked onion rings, grilled asparagus, a massive filet mignon, potato au gratin, and jeeze - a lot more.  It is new to Hawaii, but not a new place.  There are BLT steakhouses and fish houses all over.  It is French style and flavors mixed with the American concept of a steakhouse.  Needless to say I enjoyed myself, the food, and off course, the company.

I found these pictures on the web, but they are exactly what I had!

Somehow when you stack onion rings, they become less crude, greasy, and uncivilized.  I felt they were a totally appropriate appetizer!

Not only did we order tons of food, they offered these popovers to us to start with.  WOW!  They were huge and buttery delish.  They came with a little recipe card, so I can't wait to make some for my next popover craving...

We then continued to Lanikai Beach.  The whole night was a surprise, so I was guessing the whole way into Kailua where we were going.  I can't handle suspense!

We got to the beach and my boyfriend pulled out a blanket and a cooler full of champagne, strawberries, and chocolate covered Godiva pretzels.  We walked down to the beach and found a spot between the canoes to set up camp for a little while.  He had planned to propose that night because of the moonrise, but it was a little too cloudy to see it come up over the water.  It was still a beautiful night for the beach though.

He pulled out the ring and the rest is history...

Sometimes it's nice to be wined and dined! 

F I O N A

Meet Fiona.  Beautiful, full of life, and a little bit of a hippie.  Turn on the music and watch her dance, she will out dance pretty much anybody as it is her favorite thing to do.  She wears a green headband with a Japanese Sakura flower and has an owl tag (a softie tatoo).  She definitely has a style all her own.  Her front pocket is where she keeps all her notes and ideas for new songs, Fiona loves to write.  Her weaknesses are Swedish Fish, Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Watermelon.  Her soft belly and face are perfect for snuggling up, Fiona won't mind.  She is kind of a cuddle bug.  Don't be shy, she certainly isn't.

Hi!  Want do dance? 

Are you staring at my owl tatoo?  Let me tell you that story...

Time for bed.  See you tomorrow?  I am off to dream of Chocolate Chip Cookies...

Day off # 2 (of 3...)

Productive and seriously creative day off #2 makes me wonder what tomorrow will bring...  I made a new softie which I have yet to name.  I will decide tonight on a name and story because you just can't bring a softie into the world without one! 

For now I will share my t-shirt upcycled bag!  I used 4 different t-shirts to create this super functional bag.  The straps are fully adjustable, there is an inside pocket that is divided into 2 parts, and the front logo is also a pocket.  I really like it and can't wait to keep digging in my closet for cool shirts that I never wear anymore/just don't fit/are from 10 years ago...

The front logo design is from a Guess Jeans shirt that I got at least 5 years ago... I really liked it but it was always just a bit too small.

The body of the bag is made up of a gray shirt and a black shirt that I used to wear when I worked at "the factory."  Good riddance and a new life to them!

The straps are made from a bright super soft Banana Republic Tee that was too big for me.  They are my favorite part.  Adjustable and easy to wear.

I can't wait to sew tomorrow!

Byodo-in Temple Hawaii

http://www.byodo-in.com/

The other day we went to the Byodo-In Buddhist temple in Kahaluu.  It is a beautiful peaceful setting and is a great place go to relax and meditate.

(Me ringing the bell before entering the temple.)

"The bell is customarily rung before one enters the temple to spread the eternal teachings of Buddha. Ringing the bell will purify the mind of evil spirits and temptation. It is said that ringing this bell will bring you happiness, blessings, and a long life. It is customarily rung before entering the temple."

Nestled into the side of the mountains, surrounded by a zen garden, pond, flowing river, and trees.

Open 9:00am - 5:00pm daily.

$3.00 per adult, $2.00 senior citizen, $1.00 child. Cash only.

Flowing water...

Raked lines in the zen garden...

It doesn't get much more relaxing than this...

go to http://www.byodo-in.com/

for more information about the temple and directions

Take a picnic and get ready to release your daily stresses.

Emeril and Bakeshop Fun

A few weeks ago, we were lucky enough to have Emeril come to work with us!  He was great, so friendly, humble, and full of energy.  The bakeshop crew got a little "star struck" and asked for a photo...

We made a chocolate bread pudding with caramel inside for this occassion... Secret: it was not low fat...

Kind of like a super deluxe brownie/fudge cake.

Check out all things Emeril at :: http://www.emerils.com/

PiNk - sOft and FemInINe

I have always loved pink, and these sellers items are making pink even better.  Soft and feminine, fun and flirty.  Pink is still PINK.

Besides this being pink, which I love, it is awesome!  (I want one, no three...)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44743569/tiny-cake-stand-lace-and-lilac-cupcake-p

This would be perfect in the kitchen or the bathroom.  It feels fresh and clean and would brighten up any space.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44170107/pink-orange-flowering-tree-painting-art?ref=vl_other_1

Ummm.. seriously?  This is what I want to wake up to with late night munchies! Torture!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/17448092/biscuits-contemporary-art-print-by-kerry

If I had a keiki, it would wear this.  Everyday.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/41429292/new---roaring-red-dinosaur-light-pink-ba

Oh la la !  FUn! Wear on a bag, shirt, hat, etc.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44517377/chrysanthemum-in-gray-and-magenta---felt

Helpful links for etsy sellers...

I snagged these links from a post in the etsy forums... Some of them I knew, some were totally new.  They are defintely worth checking out...

Here is the link to the forum post and the full post:: posted by::

 http://www.etsy.com/shop/jaclyn43552

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6473779 

Etsy Wiki: http://etsywiki.com/index.php?title=Main_Page
Etsy Resources: http://team.etsy.com/links.html
List of resources: http://www.easyetsy.com/
Buttons for your shop: http://team.etsy.com/downloads.html
Free Banners: http://team.etsy.com/bannerdisplay.php
Custom Made Etsy ADs http://esellerads.com/
Blog Advertising: http://www.blogads.com/
Promote: http://handmademarketer.com/promote/
Create a Newsletter: http://content.enewslettersonline.com/14475/11194.html
Plug your sweepstakes/giveaways: http://www.online-sweepstakes.com/
 http://www.prizey.com/
Find out if you are in any Treasuries: http://www.craftopolis.com/
Find when Treasuries are available: http://www.craftopolis.com/index.php?com=tc
Find if you are in any Gift Guides: http://www.craftopolis.com/
Find out who hearts your store and more: http://www.craftcult.com/
Google Analytics, track stats: http://www.google.com/analytics/
Get notified if you're on the front page: http://statsy.org/featurator.php
Social Media Sites Talking about your store: http://www.whostalkin.com/
Etsy Social Networks: http://www.doyouetsy.com/ and http://etsylove.ning.com/
Find more tags: http://www.craftweasel.com/TagToolQuery.do
Keyword Optimization: http://freekeywords.wordtracker.com/
Places for stationary/business cards etc: www.tinyprints.com/ms , www.minted.com , www.expressionary.com/MSLFEB (through april 30) http://www.moo.com/ (15% off 2RB2CK)
Fees Calculator: http://www.rolbe.com/etsy.htm
Software for Craft Businesses http://www.makeforbusiness.com/
Etsy Toolbar http://craftomania.ourtoolbar.com/
How to make your own twitter background: http://theclosetentrepreneur.com/create-a-twitter-background-using-powerpoint
Free fonts: http://www.dafont.com/
Create your own poll: http://polldaddy.com/
Make a word cloud: http://www.wordle.net/
Enjoy! And please post any other links that would be helpful to shop owners :)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/42292777/safari-baby-booties--free-shipping-in-us

I couldn't resist posting these adorable booties from her shop... (the postee)  :) 

New Items in the Shop

I have been trying to put up some new items in the shop because it feels like it has been a little while!  So here we go.  New earrings and paper tags. 

http://www.barefootbeadshawaii.etsy.com/

I just got some new paper that is oh so cute and would make great gift tags, packaging decoration, or scrapbook embellishments! 

I love this flower power paper!

Tweet!

These bright birdies are a sure sign of summer!

A trio of bronze trees, sandalwood and blue agate simpletons...

http://www.barefootbeadshawaii.etsy.com/

A Day in the Park with the BiRDs

The birds put me in a trance...

So easily caught by the wind

Eating crumbs and fighting for snacks

(I love the Cardinals)

CAKE... the band

Cake: insanely entertaining, fabulously fun to dance to... oh and I went to see them!  They played at Pipeline Cafe in Honolulu and rocked the place out.  They gave away a tree too!  How cool.. 

Don't know Cake?  Well, besides you being crazy, you are missing out!  Check out the link below to hear some of their stuff...

http://www.cakemusic.com/music.html

Best known for this 1996 album: Fashion Nugget

These guys are so much fun to watch perform... There is a lot going on up on stage during the whole show.

A spread of their album covers.

I had so much fun and am so stoked that I got to see them.  If they come to your town, make sure you make it to see them!  If you are lucky you might get their free tree that they give out at every concert...

http://www.cakemusic.com/

The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry

Foodies and Francophiles alike will love this account of leaving the 9-5 life for something you are passionate about.  Kathleen Flinn leaves her career to finally follow a lifelong dream, to go to the Cordon Bleu.  This book is her tale of romance, cooking, and learning to re-create yourself.  She shares her side of the Cordon Bleu, the demanding Chefs, and the international mix of students/friends.  Her passion for cooking is evident in each spoiled sauce, poorly cut vegetable, and hours of travail to learn the skills of a Chef.  

  

Overall, I would say READ IT!  :)