Overheard and made me smile...

Ouerheard on the radio: Next, the Beach Boys will bring us their version of "Frosty the Snowman"... Which is ironic, considering that the only Frosties they have in California are the kind you get through Wendy's.

:)

Things That Make Me Happy :)

Isn't this painting incredible?! I found a stack of modern art-type canvases at the thrift store a few weeks ago and snapped them up for a few dollars apiece. Three of them are going to be a Christmas present for my youngest sister, but this black and white piece just HAD to go on my wall. I love the art museum/city loft vibe it gives off. Can you tell what it is? :)

In other news, I was enticed by the candle aisle at Wal-Mart yesterday, and ended up buying a scented oil plug-in in a scent named "Moroccan Bazaar". It is fabulous - much less "earthy" than I was anticipating, but still good. The scent is listed as ginger and nutmeg, but smells EXACTLY like spiced pear to me.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving... Although the actual day was a bit stressful and rough for me, I have really enjoyed the long weekend with family and friends, and the official start of the Christmas season!

What I Love (And Hate!) About Christmas Shopping In A Recession

What I Love
1. Prices and sales. 'Nuff said. If your financial situation hasn't changed much this year (and mine hasn't), chances are you can afford more or better with the same money you spent last year.

2. You rarely have to go off hunting for a salesperson - they come to you. And they're actually friendly! Last year I knew I owed my dad a special present, big-time. It had been a rough year, and he'd gone out of his way to be super-supportive. I wanted to buy him the end-all MP3 player, but I was pretty sure the iPod wasn't going be it. I wandered into Best Buy one day to window shop, and a salesman came over, brought out a few different working models for me to play with, and - get this - when I had questions that the little info slip couldn't answer, she went out and hunted up another employee who owned that particular player to come and talk with me. Even though I intended to buy the player online or through Amazon, I ended up buying it at Best Buy and felt good about it!

3. I finally have a good excuse to give homemade creations, thrifted fab finds, or good-thing-in-small-package gifts... I'm not being cheap, apparently, I'm just with the times!

What I Hate

1. Stores are cutting back, so not as many salespeople, cashiers, etc = long lines.

2. Stores seem to be cutting back on brands, models, etc... This does not make me happy. I know some folks say we'd be happier with fewer choices, but that's not me!

3. Is it just me, or does merchandise feel more cheaply made lately?!?! Would anyone else rather pay more to keep quality?

Life Is Running Me Over!

Saw this sign today:



The only thing I can say it that I'm sure life is trying to run me over! :)

Would You Rather?

One of the little games that we play at work to keep from going crazy on tediously slow or crazy-busy days is to play "Would You Rather?" It's usually played with two people (usually the deli people) but it can be played with whoever is within hearing distance - or, if we're feeling particularly ambitious, we play it over the radio headsets. Generally, a player poses a "rock and a hard place" type question ("Would you rather never be alone for a year, or stranded on a deserted island for one year?" or "Would you rather hear your favorite song over and over, or never hear the same song twice?") and the other players must choose (half the fun is then discussing your choices and the rationale behind them). If someone is unable to choose, a point gets chalked up to the questioner. :)

Imagine my excitement when I opened one of my magazines and found this game in board-game version! I'm so tempted to buy a version for the store (although by Christmastime I'll only have a few weeks left at work).



Another WYR-type game gets played on one of my fav blogs, real style real people - except Christina calls it "Choose or Die!" Check it out for some fun!

And if anyone wants to know what to get me for Christmas - well, would you rather... :)

New Blog

Will I ever do a full-length blog post again? Yes... but not right now. :) I did, however, want to pitch my new project, a daily fashion blog for we skirts-only girls, Girl In Skirt. I love daily fashion blogs (is it pathetic that I get home, boot up my computer, and immediately think, "I wonder what Allie wore today?") but I have yet to find a skirts-only fashion blog... so I thought I'd start one!

If anyone else is a skirt-wearer (meaning that you do not wear pants on a regular basis), I would love it if you'd contribute your photos! Otherwise, I hope to do the "Fearlessly Feminine Challenge" for the last week of the month and post 2-3 times per week the rest of the time. Check out the contributor guidelines and get to it, then!

Longer post later this week, I promise. :)

When You Need A Smile...

:)

A Picture Post!

I have always had an interest in photography but always lacked the time, energy, and willpower to actually learn how to use a camera well. And then I grew up, and digital cameras took over, and point and shoot (and instantly review and print!) became the norm, and suddenly even idiots like me could take passable, and occasionally even good, pictures.

I thought I'd share with you some of the pictures I've taken in the last few months with my new Kodak EasyShare C180, some artsy, some documentary, and some just for fun. :)



Isn't this a fun texture? I love the texture of denim, especially denim that's just a teensy bit worn, like my fav skirt!



I have been visualizing this portrait every since the rest of my family went to Texas last year and brought back pictures flooded with awesome beach light. My sister Anna has gorgeous long curly hair and fair skin, and I knew the combination of light and wind would make a terrific shot!




I likewise love these pictures... Anna is very strong and athletic and I love the lines of this photo.



A quickie self-portrait! We actually had to hold the camera upside down in order to be able to line it up properly!



Don't ask me why, but last week when Anna and I pulled up at the co-op I noticed how beautiful the raindrops were on these red bushes. I didn't know my camera was capable of capturing the nice color and wet shine, but it was!



Anna's cat Ranger has such beautiful lines on her face... I can't believe I forgot to turn off the date/time stamp!

I am looking forward to continuing on in my little hobby. I think I understand a little bit the phrase "photographer's eye" since I'm starting to see a photo in everything around me - even in parking lot gravel. Yes, I stopped today to photograph parking lot gravel.