2013 Resolutions!

I stink at new year's resolutions! I think it's because it's usually a list of things that I know I should be doing rather than things I want to do. Also, followthrough isn't my strongest feature, I'll admit. This blog has certainly helped with that though! Something about having it in writing really helps. By the end of 2013, I hope to look back on this list having done most if not all of the items. Lets get to it:

• Be in more craft shows - I've accomplished my goal of being in two craft shows by 2012, so for 2013 I'm thinking at least 3 or 4. 
• Eat less processed food - I'd be kidding myself if I think I could cut it out completely, but I'm pretty sure heavily processed food isn't so great for me. There's two books I heard about through  Faith Middleton's Food Schmooze on NPR: The Science of Skinny and Buy the Butter Make the Bread. I've already been heading in this direction but I want to make it a conscious effort. (and get these books, too!)
• Fix my sleep schedule - I sleep way too much. When I was taking better care of myself (i.e. working out, eating better) It was so much easier to wake up at a decent time. Once I dropped those habits I started staying up till 2 and waking up as late as possible and I just feel awful. I'm also late for things like work and school. yikes!
• Wear makeup more often - when I fix my sleep schedule I'll be able to have time for this! I love wearing it and I have more than enough to use up. 
• Do yoga - I love yoga and I wish I had enough money to go to classes, but I don't. I've been going to free classes provided by my other school, but the school I'm at now has no such thing :(. Now that I have my own space I think I can find a way to do it alone comfortably. 
• Find a wedding venue - It's been a year of engagement with not a single thing planned for a wedding. We're not in a rush, but before I can plan anything else I feel like I need to find the venue.

These six are the gems I know I can and want to commit to. If I can keep these ones too, it'd be like a little added bonus. woop woop!

• Post here at least twice a week consistently. 
• build a professional website for my art.
• Come up with a series/ theme for my senior show.
• Vlog more often.
• Use the treadmill.
• Finish the hat I started.
• Walk Moose more often.
• Go hiking at least twice.
• be more active in the blogging networks and etsy

That's it for me! I think 2013 is going to be a good year.  I wish you all a happy and healthy new year! I hope 2013 brings you many blessings. 

TTFN! <3

- Avé

VIDEO: Throwback Hairstyle!

I have no idea what possessed my mom to want to do this, but she really wanted to so I let her. I think it was nostalgic for the both of us.

Tune in: "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" by Pomplamoose Feat. Wade Johnston

• Not on an album (to my knowledge)
• Genre: Jazz fusion, indie rock
• Released: December 2008
• First Listen: December 2008
• Found out through: Youtubing covers of random songs
• Listen to this while you're: wrapping presents!

I've been following Pomplamoose for quite some time now and since 'tis the season, I'm going to showcase one of their best christmas songs. Natalie and Jack already have an awesome blend of talents and to add Wade for this track = success. Their harmonies really give me the willies throughout this song and I love the modern take with the instrumentation. I especially enjoy the accordion (and Jack's facial expressions when he plays it). I highly encourage you to check out their Christmas album!

TTFN!<3

-Avé

P.S. It's been a while since I posted one of these, yeah? I took my last final today *HOOrahh*

Ugly Christmas Sweater DIY

I've noticed lots of sites have been popping up to supply the perfect "ugly christmas sweater" which I feel takes away all the joy from finding these in thrift stores; not to mention, who wants to pay $30 for an ugly sweater? What really makes them great is that they were originally designed without the intention of being ugly, and they've eventually retired to thrift stores across the nation once their owners have realized their fashion disaster.

I went with Zack last night to find sweaters for the party tomorrow night. We found the most hideous amazing sweater vest for him, but nothing quite right for me. So I decided to make my own. I snagged the green sweater for $4, and spent another $2 at the dollar store for the creepy santa ornament and the gold garland. $6 and an hour later BOOM! My masterpiece.

POSSIBLE MATERIALS

• Sweater
• Sewable ornament(s) that's flat on one side
• Garland
• Pompoms
• Yarn
• Needle and thread
• Scissors

I would NOT suggest glue. Not even liquid stitch, given the nature of sweaters it'd probably give you more hassle than convenience. I'm not so great with a needle and thread but it doesn't have to be perfect. The hat on the santa made it super easy to work with, so I suggest a bit of cloth on the ornament if you can. I might add some pompoms later  to fill up the sides, but I'm cool with it the way it is.

X = where I tacked things into place with needle and thread

DIRECTIONS

1. Try on the sweater and pin where the main attraction(s) will go. Take off sweater.
2. With a needle and thread, tack objects into place.
3. Be festive.

Are any of you sporting "ugly christmas sweaters this season? I'd love to see! Link it up in the comments below :)

TTFN!<3

Versatile Blogger Award!

Hey hi hello! Earlier this semester I was nominated by Sue from Chevron & Lace for the versatile blogger award! This is my first time getting an award and I'm so very grateful. Thanks so much Sue! She's a wonderful seamstress specializing in crib sets, so if there's any new mamas out there I highly suggest you check out her etsy!

So here's the rules...

1. Nominate up to 15 fellow bloggers who are relatively new to blogging.

2. Let the nominated bloggers know that they have been nominated for this award.

3. Share 7 random facts about yourself.

4. Thank the blogger who has nominated you.

5. Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your post.

Seven Random Facts about myself

1. I just got my first pedicure yesterday and have yet to get a manicure.

2. I really don't enjoy drawing. Not the best thing for an art major

3. My favorite pizza is spinach pizza!

4. I'm very much left handed.

5. The only thing that ever plays in my car is NPR and I love it.

6. I prefer Coke over Pepsi but I don't drink soda often.

7. I'm not the greatest at conversation; especially via texting.

And the Nominees! *drumroll*

Motivated Madison

Bonhomie Events

Raspy Wit

Bunny Girl Blog

From a Daughter

Hope and Sugar

Kiana Bates

Bissonnette Blog

Lovely Llorys

Chevron Stitches

Pharr Away

Randomly Happy

This was fun! Some of these blogs are new to me and I'm excited to look further into them (hence the nomination ^_^). I tried to make sure they haven't already been nominated and that they're at least as new as I am to blogging too :3

TTFN!<3

-Avé

P.S. I'm still offering free small ads along the side bar on this here blog.  Why, you may ask? I get to find new blogs, someone gets a little exposure; win win!

ALT Groove CHRISTMAS EDITION!

HEY GUESS WHO'S IN THE SPIRIT?! I am! Finally! I took my hardest final today and I'm finally relieved of a ton of work. Not that finals are over, but I can officially relax. And this particular show went smashing; probably my best show to date.

Not a typical show I should add. I went over this list of top 5 things NOT to do in NYC, and some nifty gift ideas, some from this site here and some I've either done or want to do. Here's the list!

• Secret compartment book - This is super inexpensive and great for anyone! I actually made a tutorial a while ago for this too.
• Themed gift basket - It can really make a gift fun, give you direction, and if you're on a budget it could be within your price range!
• Date Jar - purchase gift certificates, gift cards, and/or write down some "freebies" like go for a hike and put them in a jar with a pretty ribbon. So next time your boo asks "What do you want to do tonight?" BOOM decided.
• From-Scratch cookies in a jar (dry ingredients) - I did this a couple of years ago and it was a really yummy idea, especially for some one who enjoys really good cookies but isn't so great at baking.
• Memory Jar - This one requires some planning, but it seems worth it. Gather photos and/or little stories from as many people as you can for lets say grandma. So everyone who knew granny submits something to you, you print out the memories on small cards and if you have 365 memories, you'll have one for every day for granny to cherish.
• Gift hotsauces! there's so many different types! anyone who likes it spicy would love this, and they average around $4 a bottle.
• Tea cup candles - Nice DIY, I'm not sure if it makes a cool christmas gift, but I can dig it.
• Experiences are always more fun than objects, in my opinion. Concert tickets, a cooking class, and a hot air balloon ride were some of the things the blog post mentioned that I'd be into.

P L A Y L I S T

I'm really proud of this play list! I did cut a few songs so maybe later I'll have this playlist in it's entirety up on spotify for all to listen? We'll see.

For now, you can listen to this episode in it's entirety on my Spreaker account!

Merry Christmas!
-Avé