paperlili

6.2.10

I...can't...wait

I cannot tell you how excited I am about the Olympics.

I don't know why. I just love them.

Summer. Winter. I love them.

I have so many good memories of watching the Olympics.

My grandma was like this. Maybe that is why I love it so.

I love that it is on ALL the time too.

My biggest issue with coverage in the USA though is that it is all about the USA athletes.

Coverage in Canada is about ALL the athletes. And Canada has some pretty fabulous athletes so don't you go saying it is because the US is the best lol. I just like seeing the stories on athletes from everywhere. I like underdog stories. And there is always a good story or two that comes out of the Olympics. I can't wait.

As of this post...it starts in 4 days, 20 hours, 17 minutes and 41 seconds.

Told you I loved it:)

I also love that it is in Canada.

My mom just sent me this youtube link.

If this doesn't get you all giddy and gushy and make you want to go there for a visit, I am not sure what would.

I need some Olympic Gear.
It motivates me.
And lord knows I need it:)

Remember...I got ya covered if you need something for the little athlete in your house.

5.2.10

Peeps...can't forget my peeps

If you are a previous reader of my blog you will know that I like to decorate for the holidays with peeps.

Yup. Aren't I classy?

You also know that I don't eat the peeps...I just find them perfect in a candy jar:)

They make myself and everyone who sees them, smile. Try it. I guarantee the same effect.

Think about it. They come in festive glittery bright colors...and they are always fitting for whatever "holiday" is approaching. The perfect candy jar filler.

I swear Peep's should send me a coupon or something with the amount of advertising I give them:)

Ok. Other fab finds.

I was in Ulta the other day and this Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland eyeshadow set was on display.

It is beyond neat. I love it.

I love the eyeshadow colors and I LOVE the case.

So. No brainer. It is on my Valentine's list.

I am so SO excited about the new Alice movie. Who isn't right?

I need to read some comments on it before I take my 6 year old to it.

She is still a little freaked from our last movie experience...A Christmas Carol.

My 9 year is VERY excited about Alice.

Remember our Halloween costume this year?

Now in case you were thinking I was going to sell these tees. I can't. I am just going to assume Mr.

Cheshire cat is very protected. BUT...I do have some Alice tee's in the works so hang on and I will have them up soon:) Along with lots of new Spring options. Lots.

1.2.10

Valentine's ideas...round three

Cannot guarantee how long this list will be as my computer is still being a pain in my bootay.

I just tried to post a couple things and the whole shibang seized up on me.

Tee hee. I must laugh...or I will scream.

So. Here goes.

First...this ring mug. Because it makes me laugh.

Remember how I mentioned in list 2 that my wedding band was a bezel set.

Well this is EXACTLY what it looks like.

Funny.

You know who else has this ring?

JLO

But I have had it waaaaay longer.

So basically Jlo copied me. Ha.

Next. These pantone mugs. Because any graphic designer chick would go BATTY over these.

I love them all.

I want them all.

There are also dishes.

I want the dishes as well.

Uh...sorry...but I have to stop there because anytime I try to post another link...my 'puter seizes up.

So...come back tomorrow and I promise to try try again:)

Get 'em while their here:)

Due to lack of space...I cannot stock everything I would like.

But I have ideas oozing out of my head...so I have decided that I am going to do

limited edition runs on some fun pieces.

These will be available only on my site:)

Of course...I will always list it on my blog when I put something up.

But when they are gone...they are gone.

Here is today's fun little item.

This is the world's softest sweatshirt.

31.1.10

Valentine's ideas...round two:)

So apparently my first list of Valentine's ideas was well received...so...here are some more.

I will keep up the search until I find something that floats your boat:)

First...this Circle the date patch. I think this is genius.

How cute! For Valentines...or a birthday...or any special occasion.

This necklace...I LOVE this necklace.

It reminds me of the jewelry Padma Lakshmi makes.

She is always draped in beautiful jewelry...and it is a fortune.

I still love it though.

These rings. Oh I love these rings. And this etsy seller is wonderful.

I bought a huge pink ring from her last year. She is in Isreal...and she is a talent.

Notice my etsy theme? I love etsy. There are so so many hidden "gems' on etsy.

Pretty earrings.

This etsy seller makes beautiful jewelry.

Truly fabulous. I like bezel set jewels.

My wedding ring is a bezel set. I have never seen a ring I like more.

Check out the rest of this sellers items. She has some pretty pricey items that are totally worth it.

Upcycled cashmere scarf...nice:)

Ok...I really should be adding a new imac to my list (but I would be dreaming) however

if you saw how long it just took me to post this small post...you would shake your head.

So. I will stop the madness now before I put my fist through the machine and I will continue with

part 3 of the Valentines list tomorrow:)

28.1.10

Izzy and Ash

Every once in awhile I get a big box of clothing from Jennifer at Izzy and Ash asking me

to shoot a few pics for her, which I am more than happy to do.

Not that you care, because there is a good chance that you are currently under snow somewhere,

but Arizona has been having terrible weather for the past week or so.

Lots of rain.

I hate it:)

I see it is supposed to be back up to 73 degrees sat.

Now I am happy:)

However...for this "shoot" we had to do it inside due to the icky weather.

No please...do not for a second critique these pics thinking that I am a photographer.

I am soooo not a photographer.

Just a mom with a camera:)

Loving all these soft knits from T2Love

(they are splendid soft...which we like)

It's always fun when Jennifer sends me a box.

I have no idea what she is sending...but I usually want to keep it all:)

Hopefully next time she will send this and this and this and...

26.1.10

x's and o's are in the air

Some fun Valentine's finds:)

First you need a Valentine banner

maybe some soap

How about some earrings

some cute treat bags for school

some cute cards

Labels for the envelopes

(I bought these last year...they are very cute)

and this necklace...because it is really cool!

24.1.10

Calendar Bracelets

Valentine's Day is coming up...so I am on the hunt for ideas for you to hint to your husbands.

Hang in there...I will find something you will love.

For now...we have these. A very cute take on a special day piece of jewelry.

The Dalla Nonna Calendar Bracelet.

23.1.10

How to make a tutu

I get emails all the time asking about the tutu's on my site.

Most of those are pettiskirts by either Kaiya Eve or Oopsy Daisy.

Both of which are beautiful. But if you are looking for something a little more affordable.

Here is a very simple explanation to how I make tutu's when I need something poofy fast.

Here is what you will need to purchase:

5 yards of soft tulle...any color. Mix colors as much as you would like.
3/4 inch or inch wide non-roll elastic
sewing machine...or needle and thread
pretty ribbon or embellishments

Here is the tulle and elastic

Lay the tulle out flat. It is usually about 2 yards or so wide and it is folded in half.

Don't unfold it yet.

Cut the tulle into 4 inch strips like so...

When you have your pile of strips...take your scissors and cut each strip into two strips

(if that did not make sense...please remember that it all does in my head and I am not a seamstress lol)

you will then be left with a big pile of ~~annoying~~ pretty strips:)

Now you are going to make your elastic waistband.

Measure you daughter's waist. I usually cut it about 20-22 inches long for my 6 year old.

You will sew the two ends together.

If you do not have a machine...you can sew it by hand.

Now here is the tricky part. I happen to have a child size mannequin (with a big hole in her tummy....still can't get the real story as to how that one happened)...however if you do not have a mannequin you can use the back of a chair...or heck...if it's for your kid...make her work a lil bit:)

Put it on her and make her stand there. Ha. Good luck with that one.

You are now ready to start adding the tulle strips.

Put them on one by one...tying them in the middle of the strip.

Do this all until you have used all your strips.

This will require some schmooshing (real word) and squishing to fit them all in.

The more tulle...the poofier the skirt.

You will be left with this.

How all you have to do is add a ribbon or two. I usually like to mix ribbons...maybe add a silk flower...or a string or two of sequins. But this tutu was for a fashion show last week and the tee and hoodie would have looked funny with a big bow. So I kept it super simple.

Look at that poor mannequin's gut. It's like someone drop kicked her right in the tummy :(

So there you have it. Super easy tutu.

Here is a pic of this one in action last week in the show.

Terrible picture I know. Sorry.

I had three cameras with me, all three were my daughters and I messed it up. Ha.

It is quite handy to know how to make them though...and come next Halloween your mind will be racing. You can do a yellow and black version and make a cute bee. Or red/black for a ladybug.

Or ...

Hmmm...that was a pretty cute tank top...I will have to list that one next year for Halloween.

Now I will leave you with this...George...who apparently is totally bored with my tutu tutorial.

Yes...he is looking directly at me while I type...he is waiting for someone to fill his kong with peanut butter or something better...like liver wurst. Yes...he is a big boy...I wonder why???