Thanksgiving pants

Yesterday, the wind slowed down long enough for me to do a Christmas photo shoot outside, and the pictures turned out really cute. So today I posted a few items and spiced up my banner. The shop has officially been christmas-fied.

I'm also working on some kid legwarmers and scheming a way to borrow some kid legs. It just doesn't seem right to photograph them not being worn.

Oh, right. Soooo, Thanksgiving pants. Yesterday, I had so many different outfits out on. I like to coordinate my outfit with the item I'm photographing and with only a small portion of my wardrobe here in Tahoe, I have to get pretty creative with the few pieces I have available. Well, in my listings, I suggest wearing them over skinny jeans, although I had never even owned a pair. So on a recent thrifting run, I happened to find a pair that fit me, I guess. You know, back in the day, "skinny jeans" just meant the jeans you wear when you are feeling skinny. Just like fat jeans are the jeans you wear when your feeling bloated or the like. I still haven't worn them for a product shot yet but I feel it's coming. I hadn't planned to really wear them in real life. But for some reason, after taking off my christmasy outfits and slipping into my real outfit for the day, I thought "Hey, why don't I wear my new skinny jeans!". I only got one leg in before sanity kicked back in. WHAT in the world was I thinking! Skinny jeans on Thanksgiving! No sir-ry. I hunted down my biggest, can't keep em up without a belt (though mr belt stayed home) pants and happily skipped off to a humungous dinner at friends.

 the end

Wildlife Wednesday

I've been collecting pictures of the wildlife that live around this area. The very first time I was in this neighborhood, I saw a handful of deer running through the yards and down the street. Over the last few months, I have seen only a couple, however they were right outside the front door. And of course, they like to come out when it's way to dark to be taking pictures. I managed to snap only one.

  Can you see him?

 How 'bout now?

last chance.

The other fun and quite frequent guests around the house are jack rabbits, quail, and lots and lots of lizards. Up until a couple weeks ago, I could step outside and always see a few lizards hanging out on the warm sidewalk. I'm not sure where they have run off too but somewhere warmer, I bet!

I'm not sure how I ended up with absolutely no pictures of the quail. They were quite abundant and still I hear and see a few now and again. The family of about 15 babies was the cutest.

I do however have quite a few good ones of jack rabbits. For awhile there, I was seeing them everyday.

Check out those ears!

 One day, I saw TWO through the front picture window.

 buddies

aww, and a baby jack.

And then this is the best shot I've gotten. I had Nick spook him in the back yard while I waited in the front drive way. It totally worked and I got an action shot. (click on these next 2 to see larger versions)

 Then he stopped at the end of the drive. What a poser!

Most recently, we were visited by a cotton tail.

 This one reminds me of Peter Rabbit.

Oh, and a not so welcome guest.

Can you see what I see?

How about now? eek! Right?!! For those of you who don't recognize it (which I never would have) It's a scorpion.

My favorite wild thing found on a hike near here, was this caterpillar.

Isn't it the most beautiful caterpillar you ever did see?!!

There are also quite a few horses and cows around here too.... although no longer "wild", I guess.

 This horsey lives at the end of our street.

And even a few other fun "pets".

Gobble Gobble, my friends!
 Gobble Gobble.

Media Monday - firework

I was driving in the car the other day, on my way to get a 'crash interview' and this song came on. I'm sure most of you have heard it, as had I. But it just really hit me at that moment. It stirred some emotional fire within me.

Maybe it'll do the same for you.
Jessie B.

the Sunday Special - spaghetti squash

You know, I've had and made Spaghetti Squash before, but something about this one was different. I was so so delicious. Without adding anything. Seriously, nothing but the squash and the oven. It came out sweet and savory. I could have eaten it completely plain jane. But I didn't =)

I sauteed some onion, mushrooms and lots of garlic. Steamed some broccoli. And Nick made homemade meatballs. (You only see 3 here but I actually ate 2 more before even making my plate.) The sauce is actually my favorite store bought brand "Classico". They have lots of different kinds, this one happened to be Tomato Basil.  

Oh so gooood!

Saying goodbye

I had to say goodbye to a friend this week. She is moving to New York for her dream job! I am super excited for her, but of course sad to see her go.

 All the best Whitney! You're gonna ROCK New York!!

ps. The food at MacDuff's in South Lake Tahoe is pretty darn good.

photoshoot left overs

There is always lots of photos to sift through after a photoshoot. Etsy only allows 5 so sometimes it's really hard to decide which 5. These legwarmers haven't even been listed in the shop yet, but I just had to share my favorite photo that didn't make the cut this week.

This was the outfit I wore last weekend at the bizarre. They are so thick and yummy. They are made from a blend of materials, including ALPACA! I have a feeling this pair is going to go fast. I might just keep wearing them until then. haha

Bizarre

Last Thursday, I stayed up late working on stuff for the bizarre. At some point, I opened the front door to do something and to my surprise, it had snowed. It was so pretty in the starlight that I just had to snap a photo (though didn't do it justice).

 

And as soon as the sun came up, I was back out there (loading my car up) and it was just as pretty. 

I mostly set up on Friday and then Saturday was the bizarre. It looks pretty similar to the last one, though it was inside in a 6x6 space. I was able to borrow the grids again and luckily they fit in my little car. I'm gonna have to get me some of those. They really make a difference in presentation and are fun to play with. I kept shifting things around all day. 

I only sold 2 ornaments and a custom made neck warmer. So sales wise, this wasn't a successful show. However, I gained more experience, got some business exposure, and made a couple new friends. I am happy to say that all 3 legwarmers shown in the first picture above (on the bottom rung = camo, beige, and sage) have all since sold through etsy, along with 2 other items this week! Woohoo! 

Project Thursday - among the mess

Yep! Makin' messes again. I'm preparing for a craft fair this weekend near Topaz Lake. Uh yeah, you read that right. Not Tahoe... TOPAZ Lake. I have made a few new legwarmers and a bunch of new pine cone ornaments. Haven't had a chance to photograph them yet, but I'll be sure to take some of my booth. Set up is tomorrow morning and then the fair is on Saturday. Well actually, they are calling it a bizaar. The Topaz Sagehens Holiday Bazaar.

There are supposedly over 20 artists/crafters/vendors that will be there. If you live near by and want to get started on your holiday shopping or just get your hands on some unique handmade goodies, you should come on out.

details: This Saturday, November 5, from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Topaz Ranch Estates Community Park Building at 4001 Carter Way, Wellington NV 89444. It's at the end of the cul de sac. (I'm being really specific because it took me awhile just to narrow down the exact address. Google had me all over the place.)


I'm starting to get excited! And nervous. I haven't started planning my booth yet and I really need a small Christmas tree. We went to 2 nurseries today and neither had one. eek! I really want a pine tree for my ornaments. It's only fitting.