Blog Break

I'm taking a blog break today....but tune in tomorrow for something new!

Sunday Funday

It's time for another Sunday Funday video of the week. This time I was able to find my friends Mario and Jenny on "America's got Talent". I knew them both separately before they got married and put this act together, and even though they were great before, together there much, much better.

If you are fans of the show, please watch and vote for them...not only because they are my friends, but for a more selfish reason...Mario's father works at the Venetian and every time they make it to another round, his father goes and sees them live, and I get to cover his shift, which means more money for me! It's a win, win, win situation!

You have to sit through an ad in the beginning, but that's NBC for you...It's only 30 seconds, and then you get to the good stuff.

My good friend Joan Rivers...

...well, not actually a friend, but I did get to meet her yesterday...

...well, I didn't meet her meet her, but I did see her yesterday but I was in costume performing which is not really conducive to meeting people, but I gave her grandson a high five and I blew her a kiss and she waved back.

She was actually going into the restaurant near the stage to go and eat, but kept turning around and watching the show, which I thought was pretty cool. And she clapped after each number, which I also thought was cool.

One of the gondoliers said he had her and Melissa in his boat once, and she couldn't have been nicer. At the end of the ride, she even gave him free tickets to her show (she's performing at the Venetian right now).

I love it when famous people turn out to be really nice. You read so many bad things about people in the tabloids (or at least read the headlines about them while you're standing in line at the grocery store), that when they turn out to be really cool it makes you happy.

Robin Leech comes in all the time...he is not so nice...he snaps his fingers at us when he wants to get a photo as if we were dogs...ugh!

Friday's Favorites

Sometimes it's nice to be able to shop and not have to look at the prices of things. I love going to the dollar store, because anything you put in your basket is only going to be a dollar...you don't have to check.

When I lived in Japan, there was the 2000 yen store...which is approximately $20...everything in there was the same price, and of course tons nicer than the dollar store...

This week, I decided to go along the same vein for the "Friday's Favorites"...EVERYTHING IS $20!!!!

So take a look at all these wonderful things...you know the price, so you don't have to worry about that, all you have to worry about is what you want to buy.

Sailing and Submissions!

Today the boyfriend and I are going sailing on his boat. We haven't been in ages. Either the weather was good and we were busy, or we were free and the weather had other plans. There are only going to be light winds, so I don't know how much actual sailing we're going to do, but there will definitely be some barbecuing, some floating on the floaty chairs, and maybe some snorkeling (we can't go scuba diving just yet...still 3 more classes to go).

Submissions:

Every Friday I like to showcase items made by other sellers on etsy...Usually from a particular category. This week's theme is $20. Post the links to your items that cost $20 and tune in tomorrow for "Friday's Favorites"! Maybe you'll be featured or maybe you'll see something there that you can't live without.

Something New and Something Blue

...I guess I'll have to leave the old and borrowed to someone else.

I just listed (literally just a couple of minutes ago) this Blue Corset Cardigan! I'm so glad it's finished, it seemed like this one took me forever. I did have a good time making it, but toward the end I thought I would never finish it. You can click on the picture for a better view and to see all the angles.

Now I'm working on another entrelac scarf. They are so cool to make I just can't stop myself, and I found some nice wool to make this one out of, so stay tuned, it should be ready in a couple of days.

Eyelashes make Friends...

When I'm performing magic at the Venetian, I wear false eyelashes. It's required of all the girls to do so...The guys get off so easy don't they? Well, after wearing them so long, I forget they're on and many times I have a quick errand I need to do on the way home like go to the drug store or the grocery store, or anyplace that's still open after 7 o'clock.

In most places, if you see someone wearing heavy eyelashes, there's a lot of preconceived notions about them...most of them not good, but here in Vegas, people see the lashes and know you're in a show. Just based on my eyelashes, the checkout people, or whoever I run into for any length of time, want to know where I work and what I do. And a conversation usually ensues...

Based on eyelashes alone I've gotten great service and met some interesting people. Who knew that this much ignored make-up accessory could do so much?

Book Review

Last night I finished reading The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Somehow I missed getting assigned this in school, but I think it's for the better. If I had read this when I was a teenager, I don't think I would have liked it at all, and I don't think I would have appreciated the beauty of Steinbeck's writing.

In these tough times that we're living through right now, reading about the tougher times makes me a lot more appreciative about what I have. His thoughts on the banks and the "evil" corporations still ring true decades later, and he really coveys the feelings of hopelessness that these people felt.

The only downfall to not reading this in a classroom setting is the ending. Although, it was poignant, I was still left with the feeling that there should have been more...and maybe in a classroom setting, someone could have explained (or at least helped me understand) why he chose that place to end it and not go on any further.

Synopsis

Set during the Great Depression, it traces the migration of an Oklahoma Dust Bowl family to California and their subsequent hardships as migrant farm workers. It won a Pulitzer Prize in 1940. The work did much to publicize the injustices of migrant labor. The narrative, interrupted by prose-poem interludes, chronicles the struggles of the Joad family's life on a failing Oklahoma farm, their difficult journey to California, and their disillusionment once they arrive there and fall prey to a parasitic economic system. The insularity of the Joads--Ma's obsession with family togetherness, son Tom's self-centeredness, and daughter Rose of Sharon's materialism--ultimately gives way to a sense of universal community.

Sunday Funday

I spent a half an hour looking for a good clip of my friends Mario and Jenny on America's got Talent...Unfortunately, the only ones I could find were either innundated with ads, or a really bad quality so that you could barely see them. I'll keep looking for next week though.

This week, we're taking a look at cute funny animals. Not to give any spoilers, but the cat jumping is my favorite...you'll know it when you see it.



Looking at all those cuties in their fur coats makes you want your own...or at least a nice sweater maybe.

First I just have to say that all I need is one more follower to hit 300! Woot!


In other news:

I nearly had a heart attack yesterday (figuratively, so don't worry). I couldn't find the front left side of the cardigan that I'm knitting. This thing has taken me so long to make, the last thing I want to do is reknit a whole section. I tried to calm myself, and tell myself that I must have left it at the dressing room in the Venetian.

Well, I worked yesterday, looked, asked around and no one had seen the piece...*sigh*...so for the rest of the day, I had resigned myself to the fact that I would have to knit it all over again.

Last night I found it. It had fallen behind the couch. Thank goodness I had just cleaned otherwise I still might have had to reknit it. All is well, and all I have to do is finish the second sleave and I can start putting this whole thing together.

Friday's Favorites...and stuff

The first scuba lesson went great, even though it was just a classroom session. We have one more classroom one to go before we hit the water. It's going to be so much fun! And yes, (in answer to yesterday's comment) it's for open water certification.

Friday's Favorites

Now onto the favorites!

This week people were asked to submit their items in fall colors and I got quite a few cool selections. Everything from bags to candles, from jewelry to photgraphs...I'm sure there's something here that you'll want to treat yourself or a loved one too!



Enjoy!!!

S is for Scuba and Submissions!

First things first...Today the boyfriend and I are going to our first scuba class. I'm so excited. Although, this class is only a classroom one and we're not getting into the water just yet, soon we will be. The boyfriends sister sent me all her old scuba gear so I'm set...and it's pretty too (pink and purple...I'm such a girl).

These lessons were a birthday present from the boyfriend, and since my birthday was on the fourth and we're just starting the lessons now, it feels more like my birthday month than just a day.







Submissions

Since fall is fast approaching, and since it's so hot here I'd like to think of a cooler time of year to get me through it, this week I'm looking for colors of autumn. Anything you have in your shop that has a fall pallet, post the links here...and remember to come back tomorrow to see the "Friday's Favorites collection.

This Bolero jacket in red and cream is my submission...show me your's!

Here's what's going on...

Well, the guy that I've been subbing for at work was supposed to be back and healed yesterday, but he was there for half a day, promptly twisted his ankle and had to go home. He's off to the doctor again today at 8 and they have me waiting by the phone to see if I'm going to work or he is.

Normally I would have just said I'm busy, but with gigs being as slow as they are...work is work.

In Knitting News:



I've been working on a cardigan that laces up the front like a corset. It's been slow going since it's using a very fine yarn. I've finished the front, and the back and half a sleeve...I'm hoping to have it done and listed by the end of the week. I'm really hoping that it turns out the way I think it will....we shall see...





In other news:

There might not be a blog post tomorrow...I have to go to a funeral early in the morning and then it's off to the Venetian to do statue. If I get up in time, I'll definitely write a little something.

The funeral is for my good friend's wife who past away last week. Her husband and two sons work with me at the Venetian. I didn't know her very well, but she seemed like a really great person, and I'm going because her husband really needs as much support as he can get. I've never seen someone love another person as much as he loved her.

Monday Funday Video!

OK, so yesterday I was so excited about my book review, I completely forgot it was Sunday and that I should have posted the Sunday Funday Video of the week...Oh well, better late than never!

I tried so hard to figure out how to embed this video from facebook, but I couldn't so you'll have to click on the link. It was too good not to post at all. It's a video of these two little Russian kids (maybe about 6 years old, although I'm a horrible judge on children's ages) and they do this amazing acrobatic act for the Russian version of "America's got Talent"....

Click on this link to see a video that's not only adorable, but amazing too!

Book Review

I just finished reading The Eleventh Commandment by Jeffrey Archer. I think I'm on some sort of Jeffrey Archer kick right now. I love how he writes his characters, after a while I really feel like I know them as people. And though I don't think his books are going to set the literary world on end, they are so much fun to read and become immersed in.

Although I did really enjoy this one, it didn't suck me in quite as quickly as "Prisoner of Birth", but I was still riveted, nonetheless. Spy novels can either be really exciting or really dull...this one definitely did not bore.

Synopsis:

The opening chapters feature unrelenting action as Connor tracks and kills a Colombian presidential candidate and starts a chain of events that could lead to a new Cold War. But, despite his ruthless background, Connor is not a cold and hollow plot device. He's an American Medal of Honor winner who is committed to his country, but also to his spiritual home, Ireland. Archer even pauses briefly to flesh out Connor's family life and the tensions of living with secrets that his wife and beloved daughter suspect but will never know. This character work pays off as the reader follows Connor through several nations and nearly as many identities. Gradually, Connor is caught in Russia between two power brokers: CIA director Helen Dexter and President Tom Lawrence. Dexter needs her 28-year veteran agent dead or "disappeared" in a Russian prison. But President Lawrence also needs Connor so he can finally rid himself of Dexter's tacit control of U.S. foreign policy.

In the end, Connor must rely on old friends and native intelligence if he is to make it to his retirement alive. Fans of political intrigue, James Bond, and Tom Clancy will be drawn inexorably along for the ride.

Performing for Sigfried!

Yesterday was pretty exciting at the one o'clock show. At first I saw a woman that I knew who's the widow of the guy who started the famous "Magic Castle" in Hollywood. I went over to talk to her before we started and she said she was meeting Sigfried (of Sigfried and Roy) for lunch. She asked when in the lineup I would be performing and said she would get him to watch me.



I was so nervous. I'd met him a few times before, but I'd never showed him any of my magic. When he arrived, he tried to go straight to the restaurant, but my friend stopped him and said that they had to watch me first.

Afterward, she told me to stop by the restaurant and she'd introduce me.

He was so nice and complimentary. He said that not only did I do a great job, but he was also watching the people watch me, and he loved the amazed looks in their eyes.

I kept my visit short, because I knew they were hungry and I really didn't want to be one of those people that doesn't know when to leave...but he kept me there a few minutes longer than I anticipated. It really made my day!

Friday's Favorites!

Before we get to the favorites...yesterday, the boyfriend and I rented a carpet cleaner and cleaned all the carpets in the house. We also cleaned the kitty condo too! This is all in preparation for the arrival of a new kitty. I haven't picked one out yet, but I'm hoping that we'll take a look next week on one of our days off. I of course will always miss Betty, but the house just isn't the same without a cat in it.

Now onto the favorites!

This week's theme was back to school and I tried to put a little bit of everything in this collection. There's everything from magnets and dry erase boards for the locker, to bags either for books or for ipods to of course some outerwear to keep the little ones warm when the temperature drops.

Give these amazing sellers a look-see and maybe you'll find something for your school child...or who knows, something for yourself!

Need Submissions...and other stuff

We were thinking about going sailing today, but the boyfriend is worried that there might be too much wind. Though the weather's clear, there are lots of thunderstorms around us and the reports are varied. My hope now is that we don't go sailing but go to the hardware store and rent a carpet cleaner.

Now I know that doesn't sound quite as exciting as being out on the lake, but the boyfriend said that we couldn't get a new cat until we cleaned up all traces of the old one...and I think I'm starting to get ready to get one...we shall see.

Submissions!

Even though it's only the beginning of August, the school year is fast approaching, so for "Friday's Favorites" I would like to feature "Back to School" items. Post the link to anything in your shop that you think is a must have for back to school.


Here's mine: an Aqua Beanie! I figure for school it's good to keep that brain warm so it can do all that important learning that kids are supposed to be doing in school. How can you memorize all the state capitals if your head is cold? ...you might come up with an answer like, "The capital of Wyoming is W"

Go ahead, post your items and check back tomorrow for the Friday Favorites!

The most awesome cake!

I don't usually blog about other people's blogs, but when I saw this amazing post I kniw I had to. ShrimpSaladCircus created this cake that looks just like shimp roe sushi! Not only does she make it, but she tells you exactly how she did it.




Once you know how, it's not that difficult, but figuring out how to make it in the first place takes a talent that I simply don't have.

One of my favorite shows on TV is the Ace of Cakes, where they make all sorts of really cool (and really expensive) cakes for all kinds of events. When I saw this blog, it totally reminded me of the show.

Go check it out for yourself...I'll still be here when you get back.

My Boyfriend's Famous...

Well...not really, but he was on TV last night.

I don't know how many of you watch the "Great American Roadtrip"...I hadn't seen it before last night. It's very much like the Amazing Race, but it's families in RV's travelling accross the country doing challenges and getting voted off.


Last night, the Las Vegas episode aired, and they had done one of the challenges at Circus Circus. Two clowns held a bunch of balloons that needed to be popped to find the letters that led to the next hotel, and my boyfriend was one of them. If you saw the episode, he was the taller one without the curly hair.

They filmed it a few months ago, and of course we promptly forgot all about it until a bunch of friends called to remind us that is was on. He got a couple good close ups, and everytime he was on, we both screamed like little girls.

If you want to see the whole episode, go to http://www.hulu.com/watch/88830/great-american-road-trip-vegas-baby

Etsy Purchase!

I've been working on a new magic trick, on and off, for a while now. One of the things I needed for it was a fan...I was hoping to get a black one so it would match my costume and help the magic stand out against it...well, I found the perfect one on etsy! I bought this Vintage Oriental Wood and Fabric Fan. I'm so excited and can't wait until it gets here!

Unfortunately, when it gets here, then I'll be out of excuses not to start rehearsing the magic trick.

I really should join procrastinator's annonymous...maybe later.

In other news:

Today is my Friday!

It does give me a cheap sort of thrill, when all the suits are stumbling into work, grumbling about it being Monday, and I know that my week is over. Depending on who's in the elevator with me, sometimes I gloat...

They get me back in the end though...When it's my Monday, it's their Friday.

Sunday Funday Video

Happy Sunday Everyone!

I'm sure most of you have the day off and hopefully a wonderful Sunday planned. I myself, will be going to work...*sigh*

I found this video that should definitely brighten up your day. I guess these people live where it's cold and it's the first day their dog has tried on its booties....Poor little guy, but soooo funny!

Knitting stuffs...

I should be finished with my friend's hat today. Just one more row to go and then to tuck in the ends. I'm giving her the Diamond Boucle Entrelac Scarf as a goodbye present. I wanted to make her a hat to match, since I have a ton of that yarn left, but it offers absolutely no stretch, and the hat was turning out so huge that it would have fit one of those Easter Island statues. So I had to go for a basic worsted weight white yarn...It will still look good though...I think.

Then I'm hoping to start on a sweater that laces up the front like a corset. I had to put it off, because I didn't have the right size needles, but hopefully I've fixed that and I can get started on it. It's either going to turn out really cool or be the biggest mess you've ever seen....we shall see.

Don't forget to tune in tomorrow for the Sunday Funday Video of the Week!

Friday's Favorites!

Yesterday I asked for submissions for anything to do with cats. I figured so many things are made for and of dogs out there that sometimes the little kitties get forgotten. Well, here are some items that feature our furry, more uppity friends...



I've been looking on craigslist and at the pound websites for a new kitty of my own. But first the boyfriend and I must clean the carpets and the kitty condo so everything is like new for our new little furry bundle....so it still might be awhile.

Submissions and stuff!

I was supposed to have the day off today, but my friend got pink eye and asked me to do her statue shift for her. I said I would because (a) I need the money and (b) pink eye is bad enough, but to have to put on all that make up and stand still too, that's a lot to ask of someone.

So I'm up early, still trying to chug down enough coffee to make it through.



Submissions:

Last week, one of the Friday Favorites sold! Yay for Buddhakittyglass!!!

This week I'm looking for all things cat!

I want to see:
pictures of cats
cat assesories
things made in cat print
everything from house kitties to great big tigers!

If you have anything like that in your etsy store, post the link in the comments and check back tomorrow for Friday's Favorites!

Birthday Presents and Beanies!

Yesterday while the boyfriend was at work, I finished, photoed and posted my newest Aqua Beanie. It's made with super soft yarn aqua yarn and has a contrasting dark blue at the very top which I think makes it look more interesting.

I need to start on another beanie for my friend who's moving away to cold weather, and I need to get some new needles to make my next etsy project.

In Birthday Present News:


Well, first of all I had the most wonderful birthday, playing pinball and stuffing myself with really good food. I'm still full! I was truely suprised that I was able to walk back to the car and my boyfriend didn't have to roll me there.

When I got home, I opened my present from mom. She got me a Kindle! I linked it just in case you didn't know what it was...I had to explain it to my boyfriend.

I haven't bought any books for it yet, but I'm thinking of putting my next book club book on there. It's going to be super easy to read and knit at the same time now, no book clip and pages turn at the touch of a button.

Don't worry, though, nothing will replace real books for me, and I have an entire shelf full of real pages to read.

B is for Birthdays and Book Reviews!

Before I get started with any of the B's, the treasury I made is almost at the top of page two...please give it a couple more clicks and lets get it to page one...Pleeeaaaase?

In book review news:

I finished reading The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. It is really a wonderful book. It's not a page turner like you can't wait to see what happens next, but it really transports you into Dinah's world and you feel like you're wandering around next to her. I might have enjoyed it even more if I was more bible savvy, but I still recognized some of the people and the stories that she told...and yet I'm proof that you don't have to be a religious person to really enjoy reading this book.

Synopsis

The red tent is the place where women gathered during their cycles of birthing, menses, and even illness. Like the conversations and mysteries held within this feminine tent, this sweeping piece of fiction offers an insider's look at the daily life of a biblical sorority of mothers and wives and their one and only daughter, Dinah. Told in the voice of Jacob's daughter Dinah (who only received a glimpse of recognition in the Book of Genesis), we are privy to the fascinating feminine characters who bled within the red tent. In a confiding and poetic voice, Dinah whispers stories of her four mothers, Rachel, Leah, Zilpah, and Bilhah--all wives to Jacob, and each one embodying unique feminine traits. As she reveals these sensual and emotionally charged stories we learn of birthing miracles, slaves, artisans, household gods, and sisterhood secrets. Eventually Dinah delves into her own saga of betrayals, grief, and a call to midwifery.



In Birthday News:

Today is my birthday! I have know idea what we're doing tonight or if my boyfriend has anything planned when he finishes work. If he doesn't, I'm going to make him take me to the pinball museum (they have pinball from the 1950's to present day and you can play them all!) and then to one of my favorite restaurants (which I know he'll hate, but hey, it's my birthday.)

Treasuries, Magic, and Days off...oh my!

Yesterday morning I was able to snag a treasury. It had been so long since I'd made one. I had it ready to go in Etsy's Poster Sketch, but it took a couple of days until I was actually on the computer when a treasury was coming up.

Please take a look, and give a comment and maybe a couple of clicks. It's already on page two of the hot list and it would be so awesome if it made it to page one.

Click here and take a look at my treasury!

In magic news:

I was supposed to perform at the Venetian today, but I got a call for a last minute gig. So I called my friend to take my shows at the Venetian and now instead of working 8 hours doing 6 shows, I'll be going to Red Rock Casino and performing for only two hours....and I got to sleep in. What a great day before my birthday present.

Aaaahhhh...a day of relaxing, and knitting, and reading....um...and maybe a little laundry...then doing some magic, how great!

Sunday Funday Video and More!

I finished the Red and Cream Bolero Jacket last night. I really like how the colors turned out together.

Then my boyfriend decided to give me an early birthday present...a manaquine torso! So now my manaquines have arms and don't reflect the light like my old one did. It was perfect timing...I rushed to take a picture of the jacket right away.


Sunday Funday Video!

Last weeks wedding video got such a great response...It reminded me of this one that was done a couple of years ago...Hope you find it "thrilling"...lol

A Thief!

As much as I'd like to think that all the performers I work with are honest and wonderful people, my coins were stolen...again!

One of the magic effects I perform at the Venetian is a trick where I bring a child up on stage and procede to pull coins from their arms, ears, hair and everywhere. In the end, I get the child to produce his/her own coin, which turns out to be chocolate and they get to keep that one.

When I do this, I use regular half dollar coins. I keep them up in the dressing room when I'm not using them...well, during my four days off, they were taken.

I used to keep them in a bucket, until it happened the first time. Then I kept them in a locked box which sometimes I remember and sometimes I forget to lock. As time has passed I've gotten more and more lax with them, and someone went into the box and stole the coins.

It was only about 6 dollars...I would happily give someone 6 dollars if they needed it, but getting more coins is a pain in the butt. Since the slot machines in the casino don't take coins anymore, not all of the cashiers cages have them...so I have to go from cage to cage to find out which one has any there.

I couldn't even begin to tell you who might have done it. Everyone I work with has always seemed wonderful...and due to cut backs, we no longer have a cleaning crew come in, so it has to be one of the performers who knows where I keep my coins and had to actually go into the box to take them.

...*sigh*...