2012...the year of me.

Would I be going too far to presume that as women it is hard to give ourselves some personal time? Maybe. Maybe some women really don't have any difficulty justifying taking time for themselves...frequently. In the past year, I've found myself feeling bogged down, overwhelmed by ideas and interests..causing me to freeze as if I've been check-mated, not knowing what I should do and therefore feeling as if I can't do anything. Gah.

Also, as a "creative" person, does anyone else feel so much pressure to be "creative"? Maybe it's self-imposed, but everywhere I turn, I have this desire to create, make, change, visualize...sometimes it is too much. I realize this is totally a 1st world problem...oh woa is me, to have too much desire to create. Wah. All this build up is just to proclaim that this year...2012...is my year. It's my year to do things, make things, be something more. Invest in becoming my own source of inspiration. Pinterest, be damned...I will not let myself be overwhelmed by ideas - I'll allow myself to take hold of the things that interest me, and complete them. No matter if that means the laundry doesn't get done on Sunday. We'll see how this goes.

the romantics

I'll probably end up seeing this one. Though, Katie Holme's consistently furrowed brow mostly just ticks me off. Hello Joey.

for the ladies.

Does anyone else have issues with those Victoria Secret commercials? Girls that look about, oh, I don't know...16, rolling around, with pouted lips and wearing pretty much nothing. I'm sure the guys like it. But whatev's - to each their own. I would rather buy pretty under-thingies, made by a company that I don't feel bad supporting with my money. In rolls etsy. Yet again. Did I mention I love etsy? I'm sure about a thousand times.

NaomiLingerie is an etsy store that specializes in innocent and beautiful handmade garments. I can't get over their romantic panties and shorts and their girly camisoles and slips.

And - realistically...I sleep in an old, high school t-shirt at night. Yep. Keeping the magic alive.

images from Naomilingerie

'crochet' looks like crocket

Just recently, I've been really wanting to learn how to crochet. I remember, only a few years ago being completely uninterested in the art, thinking it was outdated and tacky. Yep - and I've proven again how often and quickly I can change my mind. Who doesn't love those granny-chic crocheted blankets? I vividly remember one my mom had growing up - black with brightly colored flowers all over it - I really really want that one (mom...are you reading this?). BTW - how adorable is this little munchkin up top? Look at her little hat. Ok, it's settled, yet another craft I will start - and maybe finish. How do you crochet anyway? I know there's needles involved and hooking...or something.

image from monster crochet

knock off time.

So when you don't have the cash, or the item is discontinued, or you just love someone else's idea...what do you do? Yes. You just knock it off. I know...whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa? Did she just say that out loud? no. not really. But, yes I did. So get over it. Here are the things on my recent knock-off list.

Concrete book end...via Chez Larsson
Discontinued Anthropologie Pillow...tear...sniff....oh well...I'll try to make it.
Fabric hoops...image via Purl Soho
Wall unit via Hindsvik originally via The Brick House

Maybe...someday, I'll have images to show of my knock-off work. We're still working on being able to physically walk through the kitchen, so, one step at a time.

this or that.

This...

reminds me of that... image via Oh Joy!'s 'this & that' series.

operation skyland.

And it looks like this...

And there has been a lot to do. So that's my excuse. If you are reading this - I am impressed you stuck with me.

More to come...after work hours.