Wishlist 2012 and 500th Post

Since this is my 500th post, I'm going to give you a list of 500 things that I want! ....

Just kidding. I don't think I could even come up with 500 things! Ok maybe if I spent a week on Pinterest, and included things that I could never possibly even have (like a private jet and the ability to teleport). Instead of doing that, I'll just give you a list of things on my radar this holiday season...a short list.

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This is Polaroid's semi-new digital camera that will print you a sticker right at the touch of a button. It's a pretty brilliant upgrade to instant cameras, if you ask me! It definitely doesn't hold the same nostalgic quality that old school Polaroids do, but I don't think anyone is trying to see it that way. I could see this being a good alternative to a wedding photo booth. Just set up your background and have a friend snap photos of guests! You could print two stickers, one for the guest and one for a guestbook. Plus you'd have the digital files for Facebook later! I doubt I'll receive this as a gift (too $$$), but I am definitely considering purchasing it after the holidays.

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Another one I'll probably buy for myself sometime soon. A battery pack for my camera. This will just put me at ease more when I have a long day of wedding shooting. I don't even have a backup battery, y'all...it's bad. I've never had my camera go dead, but if I ever want to shoot video, I'm DEFINITELY going to need this. 

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Even though I did get an Epiphanie bag from Kaelah this past weekend, I'm still longing for the Austin. The one I got is working perfectly so far, so I'm thinking I'll use it for a while before I try to get this one. 

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I would love to get my backgrounds installed on the wall! No more tripping over the stand (that's broken anyway), and I can hang multiple colors at once. Of course I'll need to paint the room first, since I won't be taking them down for a loooooong time. I'd like to at least have white and gray up all the time, and maybe a fun color just in case I ever need it. This will make shooting products so much more efficient! I would probably need Rhett's help though :) That's the last of the photography related things! I have about 6 lenses on my wishlist, but I won't bore you with all of those...plus they are way out of my price range right now anyway!

This is the Drew bedside table from Pottery Barn that has long been out of stock. I think it was from 4 or 5 years ago. How hard would it be to build that though? I think it looks fairly easy! I would love to build one for me and Rhett. Right now I'm using a floor lamp and he's using a gaudy green thing from a kid's bedroom suite. They function, but I want something a little cuter. 

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I am almost 100% sure that I would really enjoy having a Keurig. I have resisted it because I think they are stupid expensive (the machine AND the cups). I am using my mom's Cuisinart and coffee that I usually buy at Marshall's for $6. A bag of $6 coffee will last me 3 weeks, so if I did get a Keurig, I'd be spending a lot more money. It would be soooooo much more convenient though. Rhett doesn't drink coffee, so the single serve aspect is perfect, plus I wouldn't have stinky coffee filters in the trash all the time. I'm not going to buy one myself, but if I got one, I wouldn't complain. (Sorry, mom, probably should have shared this with you sooner)

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I have a spice rack, but it doesn't measure the spices out for me! This is a total want-but-don't-need thing, but it's just so cool. This thing measures out 1/4 tsp (or tbsp?) for you with each click, so you don't have to sit there shaking the thing until you get enough. I always make a mess with spices...though it's not THAT big of a deal to clean it up. I feel kind of bad wanting this...makes me feel lazy (I also want one of those robot vacuums).

There are also about a thousand sweaters I want right now, but who has time to wear a thousand sweaters? Target just has some really cute ones...but I'm being good. My credit card bill shouldn't suffer because of my sweater addiction. What do you guys have on your wishlist?

***I wrote this before the tragic shooting this morning, so I just want to add to it. Can you guys all just stop what you're doing for a minute and pray? Pray for peace in the hearts of those grieving.  Pray for law enforcement trying to sort everything out. Pray for civility among our nation. Negativity and hatred only add to the problem, so try to be loving and compassionate. I guess that's all I have to say...I wish I could understand more, but I just don't. I will never understand why this kind of thing happens, but I don't think anyone does.***

Wedding Talk: My Shower

 A few weeks ago, some of Rhett's sweet family threw me a shower. They made some delicious cakes that I enjoyed for a few days afterward. It was a great afternoon, and I got to see a lot of family members that I don't see often. I love that I'm marrying into such a great group of people. I know people who have terrible in-laws, but I know I don't ever have to worry about that! They've been treating me like a member of the family since the very beginning :)

Kenli helped me open a few of my presents. I swear, that kid is the most adorable ever!

Bedroom Furniture

A while back I received some early wedding gifts from close family members. First, my mom helped me pick out a king sized bed and gave it to us. It's amazing! Rhett and I are covering the mattress, but it was so nice to have the bed as a gift. The second gift came from T and Pop. They wanted to get me an antique piece of furniture and they ended up picking out this beautiful wardrobe from a local place. My stepdad went and picked it up for me, and Rhett helped him get it in the house. Lucky for us it comes apart so it was super easy to move!

 getting all the pieces laid out

 See the bed?! This was pre-mattress. I'll post a picture with the pretty bedding soon.

It wasn't very hard to put together since Guy got to watch them take it apart. It has some beautiful details on the top and side, some of which you can see in the pictures. I also love the color of the wood. I know my furniture doesn't really match, but I just really don't care. As long as I like each piece separately, I don't feel like it all has to go together. Does anyone have any guesses about what kind of wood this is made of? I don't know anything about antiques so I don't know what era it is or anything! I just know it's pretty :)

Dudley enjoyed a short amount of time with the wardrobe. He's not allowed in my room anymore because I want it to be relatively kitty-dander free. Rhett is allergic! It was hard to kick him out at first, but we've both adjusted. I know it'll be better for Rhett when he gets here, and I guess my person love trumps my feline love. So far, I'm loving both my bed and wardrobe. They are both really big, so I don't have room for much else, but I kind of like the minimal approach. I am slowly starting to put stuff in the wardrobe and it's freeing up a lot of space in my closet, which is nice.

I hope you all enjoy a wonderful weekend! I am going to TRY to get a lot of work done Saturday while also doing a fun dinner party with some friends. After this weekend the rest of my weekends will be full until the wedding. Ahhhh...so much to look forward to!

Siblings: Happy Mother's Day!

My friend/future sister-in-law Melissa came to me a while back to see if I could take some pictures of her with her 3 siblings together. It was tricky because they don't all live here, but we made it work! They wanted to do it as a Mother's Day gift to their mom this year, so that's why I'm posting this on Mother's Day :) I thought it was a sweet gift idea, and I'm pretty happy with how the pictures turned out. It was a hard day sun-wise. I wanted to do some in the trees at the park, but things get weird when the sun is shining through in patches. Despite that I think we got some good shots that their mom will cherish. Here are a few of my favorites...

Another problem doing pictures in the trees...I ended up having a tree coming out of someone's head in most of these. Luckily, normal people don't notice that kind of thing, but I'm sure all my photographer readers are cringing right now! I promise you, I don't let that happen often. I must have been off my game that day. 

I hope their mom loves the gift. I think getting pictures made is a great gift for parents! I did that for my dad and step-mom this past Christmas, and I think they loved it.

I hope you all are having a very happy Mother's Day! I am so blessed to have a wonderful mother AND a wonderful step-mother. They both love me unconditionally, and I couldn't be more thankful for all of the things they've done for me over the years. I've also got a handful of sweet and wonderful grandmothers whom I can't imagine my life without. Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms in my life!

Embroidery Gifts

I feel like it's been forever since I blogged! I guess it's only been about a week, but that's kind of a long break. I've been busy working on some product photos and such, and now I'm on Spring break. We ended up getting TWO days off this year! It's awesome. I love having extra days off to catch up on things and relax a little. I've been re-watching Dexter while editing. I had almost forgotten how good that show is!

Today my coworker is celebrating the first birthday of his little twin babies (pictures here and here). I can't believe it's been a whole year! This time last year, I had just started trying some hand-embroidery, and decided to make some pieces for the twins. Of course I kept setting it aside and wasn't even remotely close to finishing when they were born. I finally picked it back up a few months ago and finished them.

I really enjoyed making them! I used patterns from Sublime Stitching, who has some AMAZING patterns. Scott and Kelly met and got engaged at camp, so I thought it would be fun to use outdoors themed patterns. I really liked Leila's when I finished, but once i finished Allie Kate's I liked her's better. I definitely want to do some more pieces since it's really fun, I just need to find more people to make them for.

Do any of you embroider? Isn't it so much fun?! I hope you all are having a great (almost) weekend. I'm going to Nashville tomorrow to hang out with my friend, Alanna, and see Lights again. It's going to be so much fun!

Roses are White with Pink Tips

details:

shirt- H&M

cardigan, pants, necklace- Express

shoes- BCBGeneration

Earrings- gift from Rhett

Ok, they do look red in the picture, but in reality, the roses are white with pink tips...and they're so pretty! Rhett was a sweetheart and sent them to me at work today. He said he was going to pick me some daffodils (my favorite flower), but our cold weather has killed them for now. It's the thought that counts! I can't wait to get these home and put them in one of my milk glass vases. They're going to look so good. Almost good enough to eat...

Don't worry, I won't really eat them.

I'm posting this last picture for two reasons. 1.) Those pearl earrings are some that Rhett gave me a few years ago. At this point I don't remember what it was for, but I THINK it was Christmas. I like to wear them on special days like Valentine's and our anniversary. I think they're just perfect. 2.) This is how I've been wearing my hair all the time, and I actually like it. I usually am so fed up with my hair just being ALL OVER THE PLACE, but with the twist it stays out of my seat belt, out of my food, and out of my face. It's awesome. 

I hope you're all having a fantastic Valentine's Day! I want to take a moment and say that I love you...all of you...everyone that reads this blog. Everyone deserves to be loved, and I hope that all of you feel loved on this special day.

Happy Valentine's Day!

My Native Gift

First outfit post of the new year! I know you've seen this boxy black top before, but bear with me. That amazingly gorgeous native skirt was a gift from my boyfriend. I had it in my Etsy favorites, but I never really know if he's going to shop from there or not. It's basically the perfect skirt, and I will definitely need more in other colors.

The fabric is super soft and stretchy enough that I can walk around very comfortably. You know how a lot of pencil skirts don't have any give? It's nice not having to deal with that! It's actually a few inches longer than I'm wearing it. Since my shirt is so loose, I rolled the skirt up a couple of times so it would hit right above the knees. Right above the knee has always been my favorite length!

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skirt: handmade by ArtAffect on Etsy

top: estate sale

necklace: Lucky

tights: Express

Boots: Madden Girl (Marshall's!)

Ring: flea market

Maybe it's overkill, but I decided to wear one of my funkier necklaces. I don't really like the boots with this outfit, but I was taking way too long deciding on shoes this morning, so I just threw them on. I ALWAYS feel like I don't have any shoes to wear. Is that common? I actually do have shoes...lots of them, but none ever seem to be a perfect match for what I'm wearing. I should really just be thankful that I have shoes at all!

If you guys are looking for a good pencil skirt, definitely check out ArtAffect! The skirt is available in a lot of colors, so there are lots of options. Would you wear the Native pattern? That look has been one of my favorites lately!

District Devin: Second Edition

Hey all! Devin from OooohShiny here again. I hope everyone enjoyed their Turkey Day (or, for those of you not in the US - Thursday).

I’ve never ever ever gone out at the crack of dawn for Black Friday sales. I’d much rather do my shopping on my couch in my pajamas where I don’t have to worry about getting trampled. And oh boy - did I do some shopping. I think I heard my PayPal balance sobbing earlier.
I’ve been trying to do as much shopping as possible on Etsy. Today I’m going to share with you some of the fantastic presents I’ve gotten for others as well as some of the gifts I’m hoping to receive myself.

1 - A Little Bird Told Me Bird Mobile from Jahje at BabyJivesCo: For the baby niece.
My niece’s room is an animal-jungle type theme and I’m so excited to see this bird hanging from the ceiling. It’s obvious how much work Jahje puts into these. I kind of want to keep it for myself.


2 - Skeletor: Cuddly Plush Toy from Jennifer at HandmadeStuffs: For the geeky boyfriend.
We met Jennifer at a comic convention earlier this year and Nick stopped at her booth approximately 18 times to look at her plush dolls. They’re large and in charge and I’m not quite sure where Skeletor is going to live in our apartment, but he’s pretty awesome nonetheless.


3 - Zodiac Embroidery Kit from Jessica at MiniatureRhino: For the best friend.
I showed this to my best friend right after I started embroidering and she loved the idea. So I’m making her one. And then I’ll probably get another to make one for myself. I love the idea of kits - all you need in one package.


4 - Whoville Red Dot Christmas Dog Collar from r.e. at restowe: For the puppy.
I don’t (and won’t) have a child, but my pets are close enough. This collar is awesome. There’s magnets involved so you don’t have to worry about that flap of extra collar that sticks out. Plus, they’re super cute.

All for me.
1 - 2012 Desk Calendar from Jessica at JessicaDoyle
I bought one of Jessica’s desk calendars last year and it greets me every day at the office. It’s so bright and cheery! All of Jessica’s artwork is amazing, so the calendar is like getting 12 mini prints for a great price.


2 - Heather Eco Resin Transparent Ring from Jessica & Gwynne at RosellaResin
Yes, I make jewelry, but I don’t work with resin, and this ring is something that I could only dream of making myself. I love how delicate the heather is inside the chunky ring. I pretty much want everything in this shop.


3 - Pisces Rising Jersey Scarf from Jody & Karl at blackbirdtees
For some reason, I’ve become obsessed with wearing scarves. And while I don’t actually believe in astrology, I’ve always identified closely with my sign. And I think constellations are very cool.


4 - Pisces Brass Constellation Cuff Bracelet from Julie at JulieNolan
Regarding the fact that it’s a piece of jewelry: see #2. But sub “resin” for “metal” and “ring” for “bracelet.”
Regarding the constellation: see #3.
And I really love big chunky bracelets.


I hope these gave you some ideas for the loved ones on your list (or yourself, if you subscribe to the “one for you, one for me” gift-buying thought). You can go back to your leftover pumpkin pie now!

xo
Devin

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Thanks for the great ideas, Devin! I'm certainly more excited about Christmas shopping now :)

Branchbound

A week or so ago, I traded blog buttons with a friend of mine. It was simple...she put my button on her blog and I reciprocated! Since I'm SUCH a fan of her jewelry, I wanted to bring it to your attention, just in case you missed it.

Lace Bow Necklace - Corinne in Silver

The shop is called Branchbound, and it's run by the adorable Sarah Louise.  I thought I would share her awesome jewelry with you guys. I actually gifted a friend of mine with one of her necklaces last year, and as far as I know, she loved it! So go check out her shop, and get started on your Christmas shopping already...I mean for real, it's mid-November!

Lace Headband Ariadne in Teal

Gift Ideas for Mom, Dad, and Friends

I've been the worst blogger this week! I was kind of on a roll for a while, but I guess things have slowed down...I haven't done anything exciting lately. Since I don't have any tidbits of my life to share, I thought I would give you guys some great gift ideas since the holidays are fast approaching (2 months as of yesterday!)

Mom:

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My mom isn't much of a decorator...bless her heart, she tries though. She has some really pretty pottery, antiques, etc., she just doesn't really know where to start in arranging them. Anyway, if your mom is anything like mine, a great gift would be to help her decorate! I'm planning to help my mom with the wall above the couch. My plan is to do some shelving and framing in a cluster like the one pictured. Her living room is more dark and cozy, but I think the concept will still work.

Dad:

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My dad loves a good steak! Men, especially my dad, are so difficult to buy for, but I've found that they're almost always happy with food. Omaha Steaks has some wonderful options, and are always running specials. One warning though is that once you buy from them they will BLOW UP YOUR PHONE. They were still calling me a year after I ordered from them. My advice, add their number to your phone so you can just ignore it.

Close Friends:

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I've discovered that throw pillows make a HUGE difference in a room. They are a cheap-ish way to completely change the look of a room if you get bored with your decor. My friends are at the age now that they are decorating their apartments or houses, so throw pillows are a great gift for them! Of course you have to be pretty close friends with someone to know what they would like. There are TONS of great places to buy throw pillows, but I highly recommend buying handmade from Etsy. One shop I've bought from is pillowhappy...and she offers tons of options! Just be aware that these are covers only, so you'll have to get your own inserts.

I'm not even going to attempt boyfriend...in fact, if any of you have ideas for a boyfriend gift, help a girl out! My honey is so hard to buy for. Unless he tells me EXACTLY what he wants, I'm clueless. Embarrassing fact: For the first (or maybe second) birthday he had after we started dating, I got him a Wal-Mart card. My logic was that he could use it to get gas for his massive truck. Of course looking back, I realize that was a terrible gift, and he will never let me live it down.

2010 Christmas Gifts

So this past Christmas, I decided to document some of my gifts. These aren't the only great gifts that I got, just the most photogenic. Even though I know it's not the purpose of Christmas, I just really enjoy picking things out for people and seeing what they picked out for me. To me, giving a gift (no matter the value) is the best way to show that you care! I love that I've never felt obligated or pressured to give gifts to my family members, so each gift that I give is straight from the heart (sorry about the mushy gushy). I like to believe that is also true for the people that gave me the gifts that I'm about to share :)

This was my gift from Pop. He knows that I've been collecting cameras since I inherited my Granddaddy's collection, and he gave me this amazing camera to add to my collection. When he was teaching, one of his colleagues used this camera (and another one just like it) for yearbook photographs. When this colleague passed away, the cameras ended up with Pop...and now one of them is sitting proudly on my bookshelf.  It really means a lot to me that he gave me this! I can't wait to get some film and test it out.

When you tell people you like milk glass...you'll get a lot of milk glass for Christmas. This isn't even all of it! Of course I love each piece, and I've got quite the vase collection going now. I'm planning on using them for my wedding someday. 

This is a vase from a local potter, Eric Botbyl. Eric and I have some mutual friends and have met a few times. I really love his work so mom got me this vase of his. He used rope to make those great grooves in the side, and apparently this was the first time he tried that! So I guess it's a first edition of sorts :) 

Mom got this adorable little camera from Etsy. It was in my favorites, so she knew I'd like it! I have this little guy sitting on a shelf in my room. 

Paige got me this really cool lens case from the antique store. I haven't used it yet, but it looks really cute sitting with my cameras! 

Here's another gift from mom, a gorgeous scarf from Etsy. I love the colors in this one...and it's SO SOFT. 

This lamp was given to me by T (my step-dad's mom/Pop's wife). She knew that I loved milk glass and gave me this lamp that she used to use in her home! I love it! I'm planning on moving it to the living room someday, but right now it's brightening up my dining room.

Some other great things that I received: Anna Sui retrospective, new GPS, Shadowbox with keepsakes of my Granddaddy's, Boy Meets World 4, awesome new radio for my car, floor lamp, and lots of other wonderful things from wonderful people. This really was a wonderful Christmas. I got to see a bunch of people that I love, and it was actually a nice relaxing break from "regular life."

Ok that is officially the LAST post from Christmas 2010. I hope I didn't burn you all out :)