Something New!

I have finished and listed a new Bolero Jacket. Since the other one I made sold, I wanted to get another up as soon as I could, but still make it different. So I chose a super soft grey and pink which is one of my favorite combinations!

In other news, yesterday, while most of the country was under a blanket of snow, the boyfriend and I went out sailing. It was about 65 degrees by the lake and so beautiful. He made me lunch on the barbeque and as we drifted I knit and he relaxed. Bess, the dog, came too and enjoyed herself immencely...didn't even get mad at the ducks swimming too close.

Bored on a Saturday? Maybe you'll find something of interest over here!

Friday's Favorites

Thanks to yesterday's submissions, we now have this week's theme...Purses! I got a couple from submissions, a couple from my etsyknitters team, and a couple from some of my blog followers!



Show these guys some love! They are all so talented!

There was one roll-up type bag that I found on one of my follower's blogs that I really liked, but I couldn't find the link to her shop...oh well.

I also have a new listing! You can either go to my shop and find it, or come back tomorrow where I will post about it.

Looking for a Theme

Yes, tomorrow is "Friday's Favorites", and I haven't decided on a good theme for it. If you'd like one of your items featured, please post the link in the comments. Then I'll create a theme around some of them and show them off tomorrow!

In other news, I have the day off today...but I do have a gig tonight at the Hard Rock. There is so much stuff to get done around here, but I'm so exhausted from the trip and then my dad being in town, that I'm going to do the most necessary tasks, the ones that can't wait, then I'm going to veg on the couch with the TV and my knitting...Well, that's the plan anyway, we'll see if it actually happens.

But first, no day would be complete without a little procrastination...so I'm just going to sit back with my cup of coffee and check out some blogs.

The post office might cut one day of service per week...maybe you should click over here before that happens.

Fun Video

I found this fun video on YouTube...it's about inflatable bag art...amazing!



If you like bag art, maybe you'll like some wearable art?

Oops!

My days are all messed up...somehow I thought yesterday was Tuesday, even though it was Monday, so if you're looking for the "Tuesday's Tips", just scroll down to yesterday.

I sent my dad off today, so now I'm back to my normal life. I'm at the Venetian today, where hopefully I'll finish the new shrug I'm making...If I do, I'll try to get it listed when I get home...

Then I have a custom sweater order, which I'm going to start on as soon as I get the yarn...there might be a small project beforehand, that I'll make tomorrow.

In other news: I don't remember if I posted that I finished the book "The Brief and Wonderous Life of Oscar Wau" by Junot Diaz. In any case, it was a wonderful book. I could really picture all the scenes they discribed and it really drew me in. This is not a book to read though, if you are offended by language as there are many racial slurs written into the book...in context, though, I don't think they are as offensive as they could be in other situations.

Right now, I'm reading "The 15 Minute Hour", which so far is fascinating. It's about psycology patients during the time of Freud.

If you're looking for the Merino Scarf, it's sold, but there are others to choose from

Tuesday's Tips

After a week off, Tuesday's tips are back!

Todays tip is a site called CraftersBuzz.com. It's a site that offers free classified ads for your crafts and you can link right to your etsy shop. Free advertising is always a good thing...Actually "free" is one of my favorite things. I always list my stuff on this site after I've listed it on etsy, to help get the word out online.

In other news, today is my dad's last day in town...life can go back to normal very soon and I'm really looking forward to it. Don't get me wrong, I love my dad, but I'm also a big fan of my normal routine and not having to make sure others are having a good time.

Last night we did go see Penn & Teller, which is fun, and afterward got to hang out backstage for a bit. My dad is a huge fan, so he'll have fun stories to tell when he goes back home.

Dad...Day 2

So we're at Day 2 of my father being in town. I'm running out of things to do with him here...he hates gambling, casinos, showgirls, tackiness and neon...And yet he insists on coming out to Vegas when I could just as easily visit him in Virginia...sigh.

I think today we're going out to Lake Mead. The boyfriend is working so we can't go on the boat, but it's a nice long drive and very pretty too, so that will eat up a lot of time...

Tonight we're going to see Penn & Teller...I need to double check on the tickets though.

And only a few rows of knitting got done...

On the upside, though, I did get a custom order...maybe I can talk dad into going to the knit store with me.

Back in Vegas Baby!

I have returned to sin city! It's nice to be back, there was so many things piling up that I really wanted to take care of, and of course missing the boyfriend too.

DC was great, and though I was sad that I didn't get to see Obama, there are so many memories that I'll hold with me for the rest of my life.

This is a picture of most of the magicians getting ready for the ball...or as I like to put it, Joan with her many dates...lol. I really wasn't able to take many pictures at the ball itself, but we had one guy who was there solely to take pictures, so when I get the CD from him you guys will be seeing more.

I didn't get any knitting done while I was gone, but last night I finished one of the sleeves of my newest shrug. My dad's in town right now, so I probably won't get this one finished until Tuesday.

Anyone miss this during the past week?

And don't forget to check out my wonderful sponsors!

Still in DC

I was hoping to have more of an internet connection while I was here, but sadly that is not the case.

Anyway, the inaugural ball was great, and there's a rumor that it was on CNN...my friend is checking that out for me. I performed for many congressional medalists of honor, and so many military officers with more medals than I've ever seen in my life. Everyone seemed to enjoy the performances.

Everyone in the city was in a great mood. It was as if the whole of DC was at peace...even at the metro station where there were huge crowds, everyone was so patient and polite...it was unlike any place I'd ever been.

Then that night, everywhere you looked on the streets, people were in evening gowns and tuxes rushing to one ball or another...it was like you stepped into a different time, a different era even. I kept looking around the corner expecting to see horse drawn carriages instead of cars.

It was such a wonderful experience that I will never forget...I'm so glad I came...I even bought a tshirt that really explains it all, it says, "I came, I saw, I froze, but I wouldn't have missed it for the world!"

Getting Ready

Today will be a day of getting ready. Paying bills, so I don't have to worry about them when I'm away, packing (of course), manicure (sounds frivolous, but for a magician, it's a necesity with people focusing on your hands all the time), and then I'll try to work in some sitting around time as well.

I'm so nervous. Not for the performing, that I'm used to, but I cut it awfully close, and I'm worried that something will happen like my plane being delayed, or luggage being lost. Once I get there and have all of my stuff with me, then I think I'll be OK.

I had to cut it close though, otherwise I would have missed my shows here in Vegas.

Later this afternoon, I'll be putting my shop on vacation mode. This is the first time I've done this since it's opened. I'll still be working on stuff though...in my check through luggage, I'm bring the new shrug I'm working on. Hopefully I'll have something to list soon after I get back.

Next blog you guys read will be from Washington DC!!!

And as a final note, this is now the 100th post of my blog since I started it...*raises coffee cup* "Here's to 100 and to many hundred more!"

Inauguration, and New Stuff

So, I leave tomorrow for Washington DC, and what is really worrying me is the packing. I'm going to have to check luggage because I'll actually be there for a week (I couldn't get any flights out sooner). However, I need to go to the inaugural ball the day I arrive and with all the restrictions in carry on luggage, I'm afraid to pack my magic stuff or my make up in there and then have it taken away from me.

It's all so confusing. With the liquid ban, I'd have to stuff some of my make up and stuff in a ziplock bag, then with the magic stuff, who knows what they'll accept. My friend's snow globe was taken from her, so what happens when I try to bring my crystal ball through (I need it for the show that night). I'm thinking of risking it all and checking it through, because it would be much worse if they took things away from me for good. Eeek, I'm more worried about TSA then anything else!!!




On a happier note, I finished a knit halter top and listed it last night. I also have a new scarf listed that was reserved but now isn't anymore...I'm really loving how it came out!

The shop will be going on vacation tomorrow afternoon, so browse while you can!...and also keep checking back here throughout the week, I'll be letting everyone know how this inaugural ball plays out!

Saturday is Special!

I'm going to try something new today...well, I don't know if it's new, new, but it's new to me, so what the heck.

For this Saturday is Special, I'm going to do a choose your own sale! Here's how it works. If you see something you like in my shop, send me a convo and tell me how much you would like to pay for it. If it seems reasonable to me, I'll send you a convo back accepting it and then I'll change the listing just for you. Please keep in mind, though, that reasonable is the key word, these items are my babies and lots of love went into making each and every one.

If this sale is successful, I'll bring it back on Saturdays...So get your fingers ready to click and start shopping!

Friday's Favorites!

First off, only 4 more days until I leave for the inauguration and until my shop goes on vacation, so order now or else you'll just have to wait.

And now, for the favorites this week, I decided to feature my Etsyknitters Team Scarves. A scarf can change an entire outfit, with minimal effort...who doesn't like fashion that keeps you warm too?



Don't forget to check back tomorrow for the Saturday Special!

Another book and stuff...

Well it's 5 days, including today, until I leave for DC. I got my confirmation email, so for now, all I do is wait. I'm not leaving until Monday night, so I'll pack that day.

On the book front: Not only do I read all the time, but I also listen to audio books in my car. I just finished A Cat Named Brat by Lydia Adamson. It was a fun little mystery. Nothing to set the world on fire, nothing even remotely brain taxing, but fun all the same. A great airplane book, or beach book, I think.

On the knitting front: I have two more rows of entrelac squares to finish on my custom order. I should be finishing that up today and then I found a neat pattern for a halter top which I can't wait to get started on.

I'm really working hard at trying to find some nice spring and summer knits...I mean, who wants to buy a sweater in the middle of August? Which reminds me, I need to look at shipping prices for the Southern Hemisphere to see if I can run some specials when they are in the middle of winter.

Only 5 more days until vacation mode!

Inaugural Ball

I found out yesterday that I will be performing at one of the inaugural balls in Washington DC! I'm so excited! I leave on Monday but because the planes are so full, I can't get back until Friday. I found after the first show at the Venetian and was bouncing off the walls all day long!

There will be about 20 magicians performing at this party from all over the country, and this is supposed to be one of the first stops Obama makes after getting sworn in. I've never been to a historical event before! This is so exciting!

It's also cool, because we are both from Hawaii originally and went to the same school! (not at the same time obviously)

Though my knit shop will be closed while I'm there, I plan on having my computer with me so that I can blog about it! Yay!

You still have a few days to browse before my shop goes on vacation mode!

Tuesday Tips!

Oh wow, it's Tuesday already! I'm back to work at the Venetian after a week off...I've become lazy by doing only one show a day, now I'm back to six...luckily I do get a bunch of knitting done in between shows.

On to the tip.

I discovered this site: craftjuice.com where you can post your items and people get to vote on them. Some of the crafts posted are really great to look at, so it's great for shoppers too. It also includes a link to take someone to your etsy store, if they would like to buy your item. Best of all, it's free! I'm not sure if I've actually gotten sales from this site, but at that price, it really doesn't hurt.

Are you sitting at your desk bored? Wishing it were 5 o'clock? These might cheer you up!

Sweater!!!

My new Sweater is finished, photoed and posted. I really like how it came out. I made one for myself years ago in red and I wear it all the time and get tons of compliments on it, so it seemed only logical to make one for the shop. If it does well, I might make some more in other colors.

Next I'm off to work on my first custom order. I'm so excited, I think it is going to turn out really great. It is going to look similar to my Diamond Scarf but will be made with a soft boucle yarn with a red/black mix on the outside and white diamonds in the middle.

And finally, my socks made it into a treasury!!! Please click here to take a look. I'm really loving the cashmere scarf that's also in it...so pretty!

Almost finished with another book, I'll let you guys know about it more tomorrow.

Hecklers

Well, yesterday at the show I had a heckler...probably the worst one I've experienced on stage. He wasn't too horrible, more just annoying, and I had to put him in his place more than a few times. I've performed on stage enough to not be scared of someone like that (though I used to be), now, in some ways, it makes my show just a little more interesting because I'm thinking of different things while I'm performing. I'm glad he wasn't mean, he just wanted attention. I haven't experienced a really mean one yet (hopefully I won't have to), but I'm sure at some point in my career it's going to happen.

I had no takers on my Saturday Sale...So I think I'm going to have to think up something a little more creative for next week. If that doesn't work, then I might have to do away with the sales, since everything I've actually sold has been at full price...lol.

Hmmm...What wonders are in store for you over here?

Sale! Sale! Sale!

Today's "Saturday is Special" feature is this. Buy any item in the store and receive 25% off any other purchaces of equal or lesser value. Simply type in the buyer comments "Saturday is Special" and you will receive your refund via paypal. Now's your chance to get that scarf and matching hat you've wanted, or maybe house socks that match your doggie's sweater!



In other news, my pseudo vacation from the Venetian has been going great! It's really nice not to have to be anywhere in the morning. The other show I'm in has been going ok. The "good" microphone has been broken so I've had to use Amazing Johnathan's which doesn't fit on my face very well and I have to tape it to my cheek so it will stay. I have to use a headset mike since I need both of my hands to make the magic happen and a mike stand just gets in the way. I'm really thinking of buying my own personal one when I have the money...believe me, the show is 100 times better when I'm not constantly worried that a microphone is going to fall off my face.

Friday's Favorites

This week, for Friday's Favorites, I decided to go back to the followers of my blog who are and endless wealth of talent. I found some amazing jewelry and some beautiful bath stuff (what lady doesn't like a long hot bath), and the cutest little doll!

As I was going through my favorites, I noticed that 7 items I favorited were sold! In this economy I truely get a warm fuzzy feeling when something sells...whether it's from my shop or someone elses.



Don't forget to check out some of the sponsors shops and blogs...there's some amazing talent there too!

Insert your own humorous comment to get you to click on my shop right here

Oh the Sales!

Last night I had 5 sales!!! I almost fainted when I saw my emails. Wahoooo!!!! I sold a zipper purse, blue fingerless gloves, black and grey fingerless gloves, winter flower coasters, and the Blue and Cream bolero jacket/shrug. I'm so excited. Everything is all packaged up now and ready to be sent out after my dentist appointment (nothing wrong, just a check up).

Last night's gig went well. It was a group of people from the Intel Corp having a private party at one of the restaurants at the Hard Rock. Sometimes it's really hard to perform for such a party because they're busy talking to each other about computer stuff and don't want to see any magic, but this group was great! They loved the performances I did throughout the evening and my time there just flew by...*sigh*...If only all the gigs I did could be this good.

Well, that's all for now...

Don't forget, tomorrow is Friday Favorites! If you'd like to submit something, please leave the link to your item in the comments.

While I'm getting sharp metal objects poked in my mouth, you could be having more fun than me over here!

Sleeping Late...not

Well, for the next week I have the chance to sleep late every day. I had to get my shows covered at the Venetian, so I won't be there until next Tuesday...Yet did I sleep in? Nope. 7:30am and I was wide awake, still, it's nice to know that I don't have to be anywhere early.

Tonight I have a gig at the Hard Rock Hotel. This should be fun because I just got a new magic bag that I'm just dying to break in. I have to use a special purse when I do magic because, as I'm a girl, evening gowns do not come with pockets.

Then on Friday, we've added a show for Find Your Sexy and my sub couldn't cover it, so I got someone to cover my shows at the Venetian and I'll be doing the other show...sounds confusing? It's ok, all it means really, is that I get to sleep late.

In other news, I finished The Gun Seller by Hugh Laurie. It was a fun spy novel and I'm glad I read it. I'm not a huge fan of spy novels, but this one made me laugh. Laurie's writing style is really humourous. Now I've started The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz. So far I'm loving it. I'm only about 50 pages in, so I'll keep you posted.

What does one do in between magic and reading?

Tuesday Tips

I'm going to try out a new section on my blog called Tuesday's Tips. Though I am still relatively new on etsy, I've been collecting some tips from other sellers and I thought I would share them.

Todays tip is a site called letsets.com
What it is, is a download that helps you get your items onto google base. This will help when people do searches for things and click on the shopping link. I've gotten some views from it. No sales yet, but I figure it can't hurt. I also think the more people that do this will get more people to come to etsy in general, and even if they don't buy your product, it's great for the site and they might come and buy something from you later...the more buyers, the better the chance of selling.

I hope this helps!

Also, my Funky Green Doggie Sweater was featured on http://schroedersisters.com/guide/warm_fuzzies.htm Please go and check them out!

Looking in your closet and finding nothing to wear? Have no fear, this site is here!

Ho Hum

Not much going on today. I'm going to try to make a run to the thrift store to drop some stuff off. I finally cleaned out my closet to make room for the boyfriend, and now I have many bags of stuff to donate.

My sweater is coming along nicely, I've broken off the sleeves and now I'm working on the main body. I've recently learned continental style of knitting which has really speeded me up. It took a while to get the hang of, but I think it's well worth it.

And the picture today is simply something that made me giggle, I hope you like it.

Where should you go if you find yourself shivering?

Happy Sunday!

Yes, I got my Long and Skinny Zig Zag Scarf photographed and listed yesterday. I'm really on a roll! Although now I'm working on a sweater, so that always takes me a bit longer than other items do. In fact, if you've seen the sweater in my profile picture, I'm making the same one, but in a country blue. I've gotten so many complimets when I wear it, I figured I should put one in the store.

I have about 30 more pages left in "The Gun Seller" by Hugh Laurie. I'm really enjoying in, even though I'm not a huge fan of spy novels...his humorous writing makes it all worth it. Also I just got notice from the library that my book club book is now in, so I'll be starting that real soon...I'll let you know the title when I get the book, since I have forgotten it at this time.

Anyway, I only have one show going on today, so for the most part I'll be doing laundry...even though I hate folding all the stuff, I really do like washing clothes...the reason? Even though there are other chores I could be working on while it's washing and drying, I use it as an excuse to read and knit...I figure I'm being productive by washing, I can be lazy in the process.

Here are some other things that are machine washable!

Also, please show some love to my sponsors!

Saturday is Special...and more!

My Fingerless Gloves have now been photographed and listed! I like these so much better than my first attempt...they are really soft and comfy and I'm tempted to make myself a pair too!

In other news, the Consumer Electronics Show is in town right now, which means the rooms are full, but the showrooms are empty. My show was canceled today :( Not to worry though, this happens every year...and besides, I have a new scarf to photograph and list...I also have a lot of my boyfriends stuff to unpack (he's officially living with me now....yay!!!).

Oh yes, and the special for today...Anything you buy in my shop today, I'll refund you 20% of your total purchase price! All you have to do, is write the code FirstSale2009 in the comments section.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Friday Favorites!

Well, I had one submition with a link to an etsy site (I had a beautiful hat submition, but it was to an artfire site, and I can't make an etsy mini from it), and it was a beautiful necklace. So I made today's theme all about jewelry! I can't make the stuff myself, so I can simply look and admire the beauty of it...



Someone asked me what books I'm planning to read this year, well...Right now I'm reading a book called "The Gun Seller" by Hugh Laurie (yes, the same guy who plays House), and so far it's a lot of fun...kind of a spy novel meets English Farce. Next on the list is a book called "The 50 Minute Hour" which is non fiction about breakthrough therapy sessions and what has come out of them. (It looked interesting at the bookstore)...

Except for my book club books, I always read books in the order I receive them (I'm anal that way) so when I get something new, it goes to the right side of the "to read" shelf and when it's time to read another book, I always pick from the left...weird system, I know, but it works for me. A book doesn't get put on a real bookshelf until it's been read...that way I don't feel bad that a book has been left out or forgotten.

Don't forget, there are still some free Project Wonderful ads available! You can either bid on one, or simply show some of the other ads some love

Have you looked here recently? There might be something here you haven't seen yet!

We made it!

Yes 2009 is finally here!

This is just a quick check in because I spent all of New Year's Eve moving heavy boxes from my boyfriends apartment into my house...I'm tired...whew!

Please come back tomorrow for Friday Favorites!

I don't have a specific theme yet, so if you have a favorite item in your shop, please post the link in the comments, and maybe you'll be featured!

Too tired to do much today? Then spend your time here! All you have to do is lift a finger!

And as for the picture today...just a gratuitous picture of my cute little baby.

Just added Project Wonderful Ads...see the right side of your screen to bid on them!