Orange you glad it's FRIDAY'S FAVORITES!

Orange is such a happy color, and I figured it would be a great color to ring in the New Year with. Here's a collection of hats, jewelry, soaps, photographs and more, all featuring the color Orange.

Show these sellers some love... or give them their first sale of the New Year.

Submissions... Orange you glad it's almost 2011?

Every Friday, I put together an etsy mini of some of my favorite items made by other etsy sellers. Last week, there was one sale, congratulations BotiqueDamaris on selling her Vintage Federal Glass Iridescent Normandy Sherbet circ. 1933!

This week it's all about orange. I know I've done orange before, but it seems like such a happy color to ring in the New Year with. My orange is this Chevron Beanie.

If you have any orange in your shop, post the link to the item in the comments, and check back tomorrow for the "Friday's Favorites"!

Cleaning Day

Oh how I hate to clean. Someday, when I have the money, I'm going to pay someone to do it for me, until then it's either me or the dog, and somehow I don't see her scrubbing floors and getting her fur all dirty. The boyfriend works about 12 hours a day now, so he is exhausted when he gets home...he'll still do heavy lifting for me, and the fish tank (when we got the fish tank I said I'd feed them but I wouldn't clean them).

I have some NPR podcasts downloaded for my listening pleasure while I do it. I've tried cleaning with the TV on, but then something usually grabs my attention, and I start watching and the next thing you know, the house is still messy and I feel guilty.

I'm hoping to have most of it done by lunch, that way I can work on restocking my shop for the rest of the day. Knitting is my reward. I'm almost finished with some striped fingerless gloves to relist, and then I have another pair that's sold that I want to make so I can put that in as well...

Now, where did I put that mop?

Take it Off Tuesday - and color me pink

It's time again for the "Take it Off Tuesday" special for blog readers only. This week, the special discount is on this Pink Knit Purse with Buckle Detail. It's lined in a soft white cotton so that nothing will snag while it is inside, plus it has a magnetic snap to keep your things from falling out.

For anyone reading this blog, you can get a 35% discount on this lovely piece. The coupon code is "TUESDAY".

There is only one of these available, so it is first come first serve.

Enjoy!

Christmas Presents

Christmas was a mixture of both good and frustrating. Frustrating because I had to work Christmas Eve day, Christmas Eve night, and all of Christmas day. The boyfriend had them off, and I felt bad that he was sitting at home alone.

On the 23rd, we waited until midnight so that it was officially Christmas eve, and we opened our presents since that was the only time we'd have to do it... Otherwise it would have been today...right now, in fact.

The boyfriend gave me the most awesome coffee maker I have ever owned. You pour the beans in until it's full. Then all you have to do is pour the water in and tell it how many cups you're making. It measures and grinds the beans according to the strength you have set it at, and makes the perfect cup of coffee. The pot is like a heavy duty thermos, so it keeps it hot without the burner...now no more burnt taste as you get to the bottom of the pot. I almost cried when I first tasted it, it was that good.

There were lots of little things we gave each other too: inside joke stuff to make each other laugh or cry. All in all, a very happy Christmas Eve Eve.

Sunday Funday Nativity Video

It's time for the Sunday Funday Video of the week. And I know that we just finished with Christmas, but this nativity story will still make you smile...especially for those high tech, computer lovers out there....

Merry Christmas, Happy Headbands

I recently made and posted some new Headbands! I designed them so that it would have a cable stitch look, while being a crochet piece, and I really like how they turned out.

I also wrote up the Pattern for them as well. If you purchase the pattern, you have permission to sell anything you make. They are not hard to do, though the X pattern may seem a bit daunting at first, it is comprized of very simple steps, and if you take them one at a time, you'll find it easier than you think.

PS. I'm very excited about tomorrow's video of the week, my dad sent it to me, so be sure to stop by and see it.

Friday's 10 and Under Favorites!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVE!!!!

Just because the Christmas shopping is done, doesn't mean you can't treat yourself to a little something. And with these prices, you can get a lot of bang for the few bucks you have left over...

So here they are, everything is $10 and under!!!!

$10 and under Submissions

By now, most of the Christmas shopping is done, most of the food is bought, and most of the money is spent. That's why, this week, I want to focus on items that are $10 and under.

Every Friday, I put together an etsy mini of some of my favorite items made by other sellers, and I call it, "Friday's Favorites". Today I'm looking for submissions of your items that are $10 and under...if you have something in your shop, post the link in the comments and check back tomorrow for the Friday's Favorites!

Last week there was one sale! Congratulations Failli and her Bella Donna Gloves!

Right now, all I have left in the 10 and under category is patterns, since my other things have sold. This pineapple scarf pattern is one of them... all purchases come with permission to sell what you make!

Magic for the VIP's

Yesterday, I had a magic gig performing for a VIP children's party in one of the high roller suites at the Bellagio. The room was gorgeous! It had it's own swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, gym, salon, massage room as well as the normal room ammenities.

The people were all from Singapore and very nice. I did some strolling magic for the kids, played some wii with them (yes there was a wii in the room and yes, they asked me to play...what a gig!). Then I went and set up for the show.

It's always difficult to perform in these situations, because in a place like that, there are so many distractions, but the kids were suprisingly focused and sat and clapped for the magic along with their parents.

I don't usually do kids parties. It's not that I don't like to do them (they're actually more fun than the adult parties that I usually do), I just don't get to do too many of them.

Now, today I have the money to do some grocery shopping (and last minute Christmas Shopping for the boyfriend)...well, after I finish some new headbands that I designed.

Take it off Tuesday...and Bag it

Well, it's time for another blogger deal. This time it's on this Beige Purse with Rose Accent. It comes complete with a magnetic snap and is lined in a pretty green polyester blend. For a better look, you can click on the picture.

Today, this lovely purse is 35% off! Simply type in the coupon code "TUESDAY" at the checkout to receive the discount. There is only one available, so whoever buys it first, gets the deal.



In other news:

I finally made a facebook fan page! Click here if you want to like me or you can become my friend at: www.facebook.com/joan.dukore. I would really appreciate the views!!!

Sunday Funday Video - Cat Wrapping Tutorial

I saw this video, and I knew I had to look no further for the Sunday Funday Video of the week.

Have you ever wanted to give a kitty cat as a present but didn't know how to wrap it? Well, with this video, the problem is solved. So break out the Christmas paper and lure the cat over and have some fun.

No show... :(

Last night there were not enough tickets sold for the one woman show, so it was cancelled. Though I was sad not to be able to perform, it is a bit of a releif too. The show is really draining, since there's no one in it but me...it was nice to have a rest, but I'm hoping that we have one tonight!

In other news:

A couple of security guards came up to me at the Venetian and told me they'd watched my magic online. I was kind of suprised, since in order to find it, you need to know my first and last name...and at the Venetian, none of us go by our real names (we all have to be "Italian"), and Joan does not sound like I'm from Venice.

After thinking about it for awhile, though, I realized that they might be facebook friends with one of the performers and there's always pictures popping up of "people you might know"... So as of yet, I don't think I have anyone stalking me...lol.

Friday's Favorites...and more!

Happy Friday everyone! This weeks favorites are all about knits. Some were submissions and some were from the etsyknitters team and the madeinvegas team. I hope you guys like them, so give them a heart or two...or maybe you'll find that perfect gift for that special someone.




In other news:

Last night was opening night for the One Woman Show. The audience was small but mighty, and I had a wonderful time. Today it's off to the Venetian for shows during the day, and then back to the one woman show at night....woot!

In treasury news:

It's been a while since I've been in one, but my green sweater made it into this lovely treasury! Click here and check out the etsyknitters in this treasury!

Knit Submissions!

Every Friday I put together an etsy mini featuring beautiful things made by other etsy sellers. Last week I featured crochet, so this week I'd like to feature knits!

If you have and KNIT items in your shop, post the link in the comments and check back tomorrow for the "Friday's Favorites".

Last week there was one sale!!!

Headache...ugh!

Yesterday was supposed to be a really productive day! I not only had the day off, but the night off as well. However, a few hours after I woke up, reality set in. I had a headache...and not just any headache...a headache to end all headaches.

I took some asprine, made it to the post office to send out some things people had bought. Made it home and tried to work on my special order gloves. I just couldn't...

I finished off the rest of the asperine (there were only 2 left), and proceded to lay on the couch and moan until the boyfriend got home from work. He got me some medicine... this time a migraine one... and it worked! I was able to salvage the last part of the evening and made some headway on one of the gloves.

I don't think I actually had a migraine. I get bad headaches every once in a while, but I don't ever have the light sensitivity that migraine sufferers complain of. I don't know what it is, but I'm glad it's gone.

Today WILL be productive, well until I have to go to dress rehearsal for the show...tomorrow is opening night!

Take it off Tuesday! Chevron Beanie!

It's time for another "Take it off Tuesday" deal for blog readers. This week, it's my Chevron Knit Beanie in Autumn Colors. It's one of my favorite beanies that I made because I love the subtle zig zag pattern that surrounds it.

If you would like to purchase this today, you can get 35% off by using the coupon code "TUESDAY"!

Plus, all the items in the store have free shipping anywhere in the US and Canada!

There is only one available, so whoever gets it first, gets the deal!

Some Randomness

In etsy news:

One item from the Friday's Favorites sold! The Crocheted Albus Dumbledore! Congratulations Linsthings!

In One Woman Show News:

3 more days until opening night. I have tech rehearsal tonight and run-throughs for the next couple of days. I can't wait!

In Special Order News:

I have 2 special orders that I'm working on, and will hopefully have out by the end of the week. I still have two Christmas presents to knit as well, one for the boyfriend and one for his mom.

In Fishy News:

My guppies keep having babies and my tank is overrun by fish. I'm thinking of changing the aquarium theme to "Trailer Park"... sigh ... Natural selection? Where are you when I need you?

Sunday Funday Video: Kid Conductor!

My dad sent this one to me and I just thought it was too funny. Partly because I remember doing the same sort of thing, although it is doubtful that I was as cute or as on the money as this little guy. Maybe in 20 years we'll see him in the New York Phil Harmonic!

Countdown Starts...

Tomorrow, the countdown starts to opening night of my one woman show. In the theater, this is known as hell week, although because it's a one woman, low tech show, it won't be quite as hellish as some of the other productions I've done.

What is envolved is going in, running cues with the people who are going to be in charge of lighting and sound effects, and then just running the show every night. When one is in a show with a large cast, the cues part of the rehearsal can run through many nights, but I'm hoping with this one, that particular rehearsal will only take one...we shall see.

Opening night is Thursday... Not counting today, that's 4 days until the big one... I don't know if I'm more excited that the show is finally opening, or that the rehearsals are finally coming to an end.

Friday's Favorites -- In crochet

To me it seems that the winter really gives the yarn crafts a chance to shine. This week, we're specifically looking at crochet, and there are some beauties. Check out these fabulous artists that do amazing things with yarn!

Re-shooting pics, Plus Submissions!

I was going to show you guys the newest doggie sweater that I made, but it sold shortly after listing... that's never happened before...yay!

Yesterday, I also reshot my Upcycled Blue Sparkle Shawl. It hadn't been getting as many views as I thought it deserved, and I think this time I was able to show more of the blue and the shimmer. I really hate retaking pictures, but sometimes the payoff in the end is worth it.



Submissions:

Every Friday, I put together an etsy mini of some of my favorite items made by other sellers and post it on my blog for the "Friday's Favorites". This week, in honor of my newly photographed shawl, I'm looking for CROCHET ITEMS. If you have a favorite crochet item in your shop, post the link here, and check back tomorrow for the "Friday's Favorites"!

English Confusion

I've told you that my friend is working on studying for his citizenship test. He speaks English, but has trouble with complicated words, especially things that don't come up in everyday conversation.

So, the other day he came up to me, so proud, and said, "I learned a new English word! Sofanajury!"

Now I had to make him repeat this a few times before I understood. Finally I said, "That's four words: serve on a jury."

He had been listening to the audio version of the study material, and they spoke so fast, he thought it was only one word. Once I explained this to him, he realized that he knew all of those words and though, was bummed that he didn't learn a new word, was happy that he understood the concept now.

Language can sure be confusing.

Take it Off Tuesday: Blue Sparkle Wrap

It's take it off Tuesday again and this weeks deal is a Upcycled Blue Sparkle Wrap. It's already 20% off for the month of December, but get it today and you can get an additional 35% off by using the coupon code "TUESDAY"! This deal will be over tomorrow, and I only have one of these in stock, so get it while you can!

Remember, every Tuesday I'm going to take an amount off of an item, so tune in next week for another deal!

Cooking Concoction

MANWICH SHEPHERD'S PIE:

The boyfriend really loves Manwich, and though I usually have meat in the freezer, I rarely have buns on hand, so what should be easy to make seems a pain when you have to go to the store just to buy one ingredient. Last night, I made a Manwich Shepherd's Pie, that turned out really yummy!

I often have lots of potatoes and onions on hand since I can use them in a lot of different meals, so putting the meal together was a cinch!

I made the basic Manwich according to instructions on the can (I used ground turkey, since that was what was in the freezer), and I added onions since both myself and the boyfriend feel that everything is better with onions.

While the meat was browning I made some mashed potatoes (though potato buds will work just fine).

Once both were ready, I poured the Manwich in a casserole dish and spread the mashed potatoes on top. I had some left over french fried onions from the green bean casserole I made for Thanksgiving, so I sprinkled some of those on top.

Then I baked it uncovered at 350 for 20 minutes. I opted for uncovered since I like the mashed potatoes to get slightly browned on top.

Though most Shepherd's Pies have peas in them, I'm not a huge fan, so I left them out.

If you decide to try this, I hope you enjoy it!

Sunday Funday Bad Gifts Video

Before we get to the video portion of our Sunday Funday, I just want to let you know that yesterday I made my 70th sale! YAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!!!!

...Now back to your regularly scheduled programing...

It's time for another Sunday Funday Video and what could be better than Matt Damon? It's an advertisement, but it sure is funny. I hope you all enjoy it.

Between the Shows

When I'm performing at the Venetian, we do 6 shows a day (which is a lot for a performer), but sometimes that's not as interesting as what we do in between shows.

Right now, one of the opera singers is pregnant, and a bunch of us crochet, so we're all taking turns teaching her. While at the same time, one of the other singers who crochets wants to learn how to knit, so I'm helping her make a scarf. She's doing well, but every time she has to stop to do a show, I have to tell her when she gets back whether she's on a knit or purl row.

At the same time, one of the Russian stilt walkers is trying to study for his citizenship test. The English used in these tests uses very complicated words, so he's not only having to memorize American history, but also words like "accomplish" instead of simple ones like "do".

It does make for an interesting time... Off to work now...

Friday's Christmas Favorites!

Though many stores in the malls around America have been promoting Christmas since September, now that it's officially December, it's really time to get into the mood. Here are some items made by some great artists that just may do the trick!



There... don't you feel more in the spirit now? Go ahead, throw these people a few hearts or sales and help spread the love around.

Christmas Submissions!

Though the day is fast approaching, there is still plenty of time to order your Christmas things and have them waiting in your mailbox before the big day. I have only two of such items in my shop right now, but I'm working on more, in the mean time, tomorrow will be the Friday's Favorites; the perfect time for you to show off yours!

Submissions:

Every Friday I put together an Etsy mini featuring items made by other sellers and I post them here on my blog. This week I'm looking for CHRISTMAS ITEMS! If you have something Christmassy in your store, post the link in the comments, and come back tomorrow to see the Friday's Favorites!

Book Review: Shantaram

I just finished reading Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. It was a fascinating read since it was based on a true story. It's a rather large book, which can be quite a time commitment for some people, but worth every word of it. It sucks you into the story, while at the same time being really well written. If you like books of intrigue, books about the mafia, or books on travel, this is one you might want to put on yor wishlist.

Synopsis:

At the start of this massive, thrillingly undomesticated potboiler, a young Australian man bearing a false New Zealand passport that gives his name as "Lindsay" flies to Bombay some time in the early '80s. On his first day there, Lindsay meets the two people who will largely influence his fate in the city. One is a young tour guide, Prabaker, whose gifts include a large smile and an unstoppably joyful heart. Through Prabaker, Lindsay learns Marathi (a language not often spoken by gora, or foreigners), gets to know village India and settles, for a time, in a vast shantytown, operating an illicit free clinic. The second person he meets is Karla, a beautiful Swiss-American woman with sea-green eyes and a circle of expatriate friends. Lin's love for Karla—and her mysterious inability to love in return—gives the book its central tension. "Linbaba's" life in the slum abruptly ends when he is arrested without charge and thrown into the hell of Arthur Road Prison. Upon his release, he moves from the slum and begins laundering money and forging passports for one of the heads of the Bombay mafia, guru/sage Abdel Khader Khan. Eventually, he follows Khader as an improbable guerrilla in the war against the Russians in Afghanistan. There he learns about Karla's connection to Khader and discovers who set him up for arrest. Roberts, who wrote the first drafts of the novel in prison, has poured everything he knows into this book and it shows.

Take it Off Tuesday!

Yes, it's time again for the blog readers only coupon code! This week it's all about this Black Wrap Around Sweater! I love wrap sweaters because they not only keep you warm, but make your waist look smaller in the process...and what woman doesn't like that.

Today only... This sweater is 35% off!!!

Coupon code is: TUESDAY

There is only one of this kind of sweater, so it's first come, first serve.

Randomness

In knitting news:

One more glove to do, and then that package gets shipped off. Then I need to start on a custom sweater order. I'm really hoping that there is a good marathon going on TV while I bust this stuff out. NCIS is my favorite at the moment and I have a huge crush on Gibbs.

In life news:

The laundry has been piling up to astronomical proportions. I really need to get that done today too. Luckily, it's one of those chores that you can do while you do something else, but I'm really not looking forward to lugging the loads down the stairs... Does carrying laundry count for your daily workout?

In show business news:

The billboard for the show is going up in a week. Hopefully I'll have time to run down to the strip and take a picture of it. I've never been on a billboard before...yay!

Sunday Funday Video! Muppet Christmas!

Carol of the Bells is a classic, and one I think of every year at this time. However, no one can do this Christmas gem like the muppets can. So for this Sunday Funday Video of the week, I present the muppets doing Carol of the Bells...enjoy!

Shows, shows, shows...

Yesterday was a long one as I had rehearsal early in the morning for the one woman show, and then three shows in the afternoon at the Venetian. It was busy over there, and according to the tourist bureau, we have more people here than last year at this time.

Today will also be long as I have six shows at the Venetian and then I'm helping my friend with his show...not performing, just doing tech work. Though I prefer to be onstage rather than behind the scenes, sometimes it's nice to just do a job and not worry about how you look or whether the audience likes you or not. It's a nice change of pace every once in a while.

Of course I'm also stressing with the amount of knitting I have to do. I have two custom orders, plus two christmas presents to make. I promised the boyfriends sister that I would make her a new scarf and hat, plus, the boyfriend is due for a new beanie and loves getting them for Christmas.

Scarves are 20% off for the month of December...get 'em while they're hot!

Black Friday's Favorites!

It's official! The Christmas shopping season has begun, and what's a better way to kick it off than the Friday's Favorites! This week I've chosen shops with less than 10 sales. Please take a moment to look at their wares...There are some amazing undiscovered shops, with some great items, just ripe for the picking.



Leave a comment and show these shops some love!

Happy Turkey Day...and Submissions

Oh boy! I can't wait! It's time to stuff our faces and hang with friends and family...or in my case, my boyfriend. I've cleared a space for the tree that will go up later tonight, I've cooked deviled eggs and an apple caramel cheesecake, and the rest will be cooked and eaten today. I'm very proud of my boyfriend and myself for not digging into the eggs or cheesecake early...that took some willpower, let me tell you.

I'm also especially excited since my boyfriend and I haven't had a full day off together in months...hip, hip...hooray!

Submissions:

Every Friday I put together an etsy mini of some of my favorite items made by other sellers. This week I'd like to feature those with less than ten sales. If you have less than ten sales, post your favorite item in the comments and check back tomorrow for some fun Friday's Favorites Shopping!

Also, if you know someone with less than ten sales, you can nominate one of their items!

LA... Speedy Trip...and plans for Thanksgiving

My friend and I drove to LA yesterday to look at apartments for her upcoming move. It was probably the fasted trip their I've ever done. 4 hours of driving there, then 2 and a half hours looking at places, and then 4 hours home. Who knew sitting in a car could be so exhausting.

I should have brought my knitting as I have lots of stuff to make, not only for orders, but for special family requested Christmas presents. I was worried that if I brought it, I might feel ill...even though most of the time I'd be looking at the road and not my hands... probably for the best anyway.

Today I have to go food shopping for Thanksgiving. Yeah, I know it's kinda last minute, but the boyfriend and I decided to eat in at the last minute just like we did last year. Wonderful dinner, then setting up the tree, and then playing games and munching on left overs for the rest of the night... I think I might try my hand at an apple pie, I've never made one before.

Take it Off Tuesday

This is a new feature that I'm going to have every Tuesday. I'm going to put one item on sale using a coupon code. This is only available for blog readers, and the sale will change every week.




This week's item is Pink and Green House Slippers. 10% off to all blog readers! The coupon code is TUESDAY23

Of course all the items in my shop have free shipping anywhere in the US and Canada.





In other news:

Heading to LA today to help my friend find a place to live. Of course this is the worst time to be driving to LA because of the holiday season, but she has to be out of her place by the first because her landlord wants to move back in. She won't let anyone drive her car, so I think my job is to keep her awake...especially on the drive back.

My First Review!

The one woman show that I'm in just got its first review on a blog. It's only a short blurb in one paragraph, but everthing has got to start somewhere, right? I'm so totally excited about it, especially because it was not one of my best performances, and the reviewer seemed to like it. Yay!!!!!

Click here if you want to read it...You have to scroll down a little before halfway before you see it.

The picture on the right is the promo headshot we took for the show, so you'll know you're in the right spot when you see it.

In other news:

I'm going to LA tomorrow to help my friend look for a place to live. Just a day trip... I like hanging out with her, but it's going to be a looooong day. 4 hours there and back, plus all the driving to look at different houses. I hope I'm not back home too late at night.

Sunday Funday Video -- Even or Otter!

Of all the water creatures that there are in this world, I think my favorite would have to be the otter. They are just too cute! I always thought that they were born knowing how to swim, but apparently that is not the case. Check out this otter's first swimming lesson!

Randomness

In etsy news:

I was just checking on my etsy shop, and found that I can now do coupon codes! I'm so excited! I'm thinking that I'm going to do a special blog sale every Tuesday, so keep your eyes peeled for upcoming discounts.

In One Woman Show News:

The writer has done a whole bunch of rewrites on my show. Now, just when I thought I was done memorizing everything, I have to go back and do it all over again. The new opening is now postponed until next Thursday...well, at least I have 2 paid shows under my belt for now.

In Venetian News:

I'm back performing at the Venetian again. I'll be there for half of Friday and Saturday. It's a little extra money, and every bit is needed right now. I'm having a frustrating time since the shows keep changing and no one writes anything down, so when I come in I have no idea what's going on. Gotta love show business.

In other news:

Tomorrow is the Sunday Funday Video of the week! I've been searching for something good, but if anyone has any suggestions, please post the link in the comments.

Friday's Favorites -Handy Things!

This Friday's Favorites is all about the hand. There's a bracelet, gloves, rings and even some hand lotion. Your hands deserve as much pampering as you do, so go ahead...indulge!




In other news:

My new Chevron Fingerless Glove pattern made it into this Chevron Treasury! Give it a click if you have the time...please and thank you

New Gloves...And Submissions

I finished and listed my Blue Chevron Fingerless Gloves. They're a bit longer than my previous gloves, and I love how they turned out. They're solid knitting on the palm side and have a lovely chevron pattern on the top! Next I'm going to write up the pattern and put that up for sale too.




Submissions for Friday's Favorites!

Every Friday I put together an etsy mini of some of my favorite items made by other sellers. This week, in honor of my new gloves, I'm looking for "Things for Your Hands". If you have bracelets, gloves, rings, lotions, or anything for your hands, post the link in the comments, and check back tomorrow for the "Friday's Favorites"!

Almost There

I didn't quite finish the gloves as I had intended, but the second one is almost finished, and I have an episode of "The Biggest Loser" to watch, so I think I might get it done by the time they start weighing in...well, at least that's the plan.

Then I have to go a recording studio to record a sound clip for the one woman show. At the very end I have a conversation on "speaker phone" with my aunt, and the recording that we have isn't a good one, so now we have to do it all over again. Hopefully it will be all set by tomorrow for the first paying audience.

Remember, there are only a few days left in the "20% off all sweaters" sale! Click here to browse.

Best Laid Plans

Today, the plan is I'm going to finish my new fingerless gloves. One is almost done, but since people rarely want only one, I think I probably have to do the other one too...lol. They're going to have a cute chevron pattern on them, and if I like how they turn out, I'll be posting the pattern as well.

The big cleaning project that I started months ago, is slowly chugging along. The living room is halfway done. I must have thrown out a truckload of stuff. It's kinda like spring cleaning in the fall. My favorite time to clean is after I watch "Hoarders"...sometimes I don't even make it through the episode before I start. If anything is a good cleaning modivation, that show is.

Otherwise, it's pretty much a day off for me. I have rehearsal tomorrow, and then Thursday will be my first show in front of a paying audience...eeek!

Opening Night

Yesterday was opening night for the one woman show! It was open to friends and familly so the producer and director could get a feel for how it would play in front of a regular audience. Then they had to fill out dreaded comment cards afterward.

The show went pretty well, I forgot a couple of things, but I covered for them. Then at one point one of the sound cues fired off early and I had just finished saying, "She was gorgeous!" so then I said, "She was so gorgeous you could hear music playing", and everyone laughed.

Now in the vein of full disclosure, I should tell you that this one woman show is about a lesbian. Now I'm not one, but I'm playing one on the stage right now. I'm kinda nervous about doing this show in front of actual lesbians, as I'm not sure if I come off beleiveably or not...but the straight people seemed to like it.

Also, I should mention that it's a comedy...there is language, but it is not overly graphic or anything... Think, "Will and Grace" with a lot more swearing.

Sunday Funday Video of the Week

I don't know about you, but I love looking at old clips of people before they were stars. This video provides a smorgasbord of 10 different commercials of superstars before they made it big. I think my favorite is John Travolta... but you'll have to watch and be the judge.

Photo Shoot, and Opening Night

Yesterday, I had a photo shoot for the new show. A couple of the shots had me standing on one leg in three inch heels for a while, well, until I got a cramp in my butt and fell over. Not the most graceful of my moments.

I think the pictures turned out well. The photographer is excellent, and even when you don't look at your best, he's really good at making you look good on the computer. Remember back when people used regular film and you had to wait two weeks to get a proof sheet only to find out there weren't any good shots? Well, thank goodness times have changed.

We open tomorrow...well, not technically opening until the middle of next week, but tomorrow is a show for friends and family. It will be my first time doing this thing in front of an audience....yikes!!!!

Friday's Purple Favorites...Plus a Pattern!

Purple is such a fun color! There were so many pretty things, I had to choose 12 instead of 8. I hope you like these picks!

Show these artists some love, or maybe find something for your next project...and don't forget, Christmas is fast approaching!






In other news:

I wrote up and listed my first pattern! The Purple Pineapple Scarf Pattern is now up and ready for purchase. And yes, you have my permission to sell the scarves you make if you wish.

New item, plus Submissions!!!!

Yesterday, I photographed and listed my newest Purple Scarf and Hat Set. It's crocheted in a pineapple pattern, and made from super soft yarn. My boyfriend says that I should make one with two colors, one for the pattern and one for the edging...I might have to try that at some point.

I also finished writing up the pattern for the scarf last night, and I'll probably list that on my site today too. I'm so excited to finally list a pattern, I really hope that people like it!



Submissions:

Every Friday I put together an etsy mini of some of my favorite items made by other sellers. In honor of my newest piece, this week I'm looking for Purple! If you have a purple piece in your shop, post the link in the comments, then check back tomorrow for the Friday's Favorites!!!

Coming soon...

I've almost finished with another scarf and hat set. This one is crochet instead of knit, and I'm really liking how it is turning out. I've also been thinking that I might want to sell the pattern to this as well. This would be my first foray into selling patterns. I'm going to have to see how difficult it is to make a pdf file, and then start writing it up.


In other news:

Got my costume for the show now. I'm doing a run through tonight with make-up, costume and tech and hopefully it will go well. I have to do this thing in front of real people soon, so it will be good to make sure all of the kinks are ironed out. I can't wait until we finally get out of this rehearsal phase and start doing some actual performing.

Costume shopping!

Today, the producer, the director and I are going out to shop for costumes. Unlike the normal Vegas shows that I've been a part of where the costumes were made with plenty of glitz and sequins, this time I'm supposed to look like a normal person. (My boyfriend would say that's a stretch). So for this show, it will just be like regular shopping.

Now, I must be missing some sort of girl gene, since I hate going shopping. Online shopping is different, it's stress free where I can browse on my couch with my doggie at my side. Regular shopping always stresses me out, and I get tired and cranky usually by the second or third store. Since these are my bosses, I'm going to have to suck it up and be on my best behavior.

As a side note, I don't consider shoe shopping like I do regular shopping...I guess maybe I still have half of a girl gene...but it still tires me out a bit.

In other news:

I've gotten over 500 followers!!!! Yay!!! Thanks to everyone who has followed this blog.

My Acting Life... Plus a treasury!

A lot of people only know me as a magigician, or as someone who has an etsy shop. I'm also an actress, though as of late I haven't done it very much. This is all about to change real soon, as my one woman show will be opening in a couple of weeks. There has been a lot of rehearsing and of course memorizing lines (since I'm the only one in the show, I'm kinda responsible for all of them). We are going to do a friends and family night on Sunday...it will be my first time doing this in front of a real audience. I'm nervous, but hopefully it will go OK.

Many people ask me if it's a good play. It's hard to say, since when you do it over and over and over again, you begin to not be able to tell anymore. The few people that have seen it have liked it, so I'm just going to take their word for it.

In other news:

My Red and Silver House Socks made it into this gorgeous treasury! It's all about reds and greys and it's really a perfect winter collection.

Click here to show this treasury some love.

Sunday Funday Video of the Week: Flexible

I love watching circus type acts! Especially ones that I could never even dream of doing. This one falls under this category. I don't know if she really is the most flexible girl in the world, but if not, she's gotta be somewhere near the top.

First day Back

Yesterday was my first day back at the Venetian. They revamped all the shows and all of the variety performers costumes. It was a tough day since the shows still aren't all in our heads yet, we had rehearsals before each show. We do 6 shows a day, all of them different, so that's a lot to remember.

My costume is pretty cool, well, except for the hat and the collar. The hat stretches over two feet above my head, so moving around to the choreography can prove to be quite challenging. The collar reaches down to my elbows, which not only inhibits movement, but makes it really hot under the lights. I'm sure after a couple of weeks I'll think nothing of it, but right now I feel so awkward.

I was so busy, I didn't have a chance to take any pictures, but I'll try to get a shot or two today.

On the plus side, we get to pick our own music again (well, within the Venetian theme), so I can bring back some of my old magic tricks that I didn't think I'd be able to do.

Friday's Favorites in Light Blue

Well, we've reached Friday again so it's time for the favorites. Before we get to that, last week's favorites received one sale! Congratulations ThroughSarasEyes on your sale!!!

Here's some lovely light blue choices that I've found. Even though we haven't reached Thanksgiving yet, it isn't to early to start thinking about Christmas gifts. Maybe you'll find that perfect something for that perfect someone right here:



And while we're on the subject of shopping, remember, all my sweaters are 20% off until black Friday. check them out here!

New items and Submissions (Light Blue)

Well, yesterday I listed my newest items! An Upcycled Cashmere Hat and Scarf Set plus I listed the rest of my Upcycled Cashmere Yarn! I just love how the picture of the yarn came out, and I think I might use it for an ad, or even a new icon. I'm waaaaay overdue for both.

Submissions:

Every Friday I put together an etsy mini of some of my favorite items from other etsy sellers and post it on my blog. This week, in honor of my new scarf set, I'm looking for LIGHT BLUE. If you have a light blue item in your shop, post the link in the comments and check back tomorrow for the "Friday's Favorites"!

In Treasury News:

My striped fingerless gloves made it into a treasury. The whole collection is striped fingerless gloves, and it is really a sight to behold. I'm honored to be in such trendy company!

Click here to view all the stripedness!

Set Complete

I've finally finished my scarf and hat set that I've been knitting out of recycled cashmere yarn! Today, I'll be photographing it and listing it. I love making things, but I wish there was a magic fairy who would take the pictures and put it on the site. I'm also going to be listing the rest of the recycled cashmere, which will be my first supplies listing.



In other news:

My Black Wrap Around Sweater made it into a treasury! It's the first treasury that this sweater has made it into!

There's lots of pretty black things in this treasury, so Click here and check it out!

I'm Featured!

I'm so honored! My Orange and Black Entrelac Scarf was featured on CreativeWithClay's Blog! She's got some wonderful orange and black items that you should check out. Even though Halloween is over, orange is a great Thanksgiving color as well.

She has also put these items together in a treasury! If you have the chance, please drop a comment or two!



In other news:

I was supposed to be working at a convention today. I called the lady last week, and she was supposed to call me back. She finally did, yesterday, (keep in mind, I was supposed to start today) and then said they would call to finalize last night. Never heard from them. It's fine if they aren't going to use me, but I would appreciate a call to that effect rather than me waiting by the phone...sigh...oh well.

Another Gig and a Sweater Sale!

Last night I had a gig at the Encore Hotel, which is the newest of the Wynn properties. It was for high rollers after their poker tournament. They came up to the most beautiful suite I'd ever seen, complete with a full view of the entire strip. They got to choose costumes for a Halloween party, and my friend and I were there to do their make up. I made up one guy to look like Kiss, a couple of vampires and zombies and one kitty cat. It was fun, and everyone there was extremely nice. Though I don't get to do make up very often (except on myself), it's nice to do it every once in a while.

In Knitting News


From now until Black Friday, all of my sweaters are 20% off! As the weather gets cooler, I'm hoping to sell some of these so I can refresh my shop!

Click here to browse and maybe save some money!

Hanging by the Ceiling and Sunday Funday

Last night I had a gig where I had to sit in a swing hanging by the ceiling of a ballroom for 4 hours dressed as a scary clown. Hey, it's a living. I had a bag of candy with me to throw down to the kids.

First let me say that four hours in a swing is reeeeeeally uncomfortable. My butt hurt so bad and my legs were going numb by the end...though it still hurt less than the motorcycle trip I took to Utah...to give you some perspective.

At first it was really boring as people don't look up, even when candy fell down and accidentally hit them on the shoulder...amazingly, they just kept walking. The music was loud, so even my, "HELLO!" was drowned out. After a while the kids noticed, and then it was like feeding fish in a pond. Throwing out candy and watching them all zoom toward it made me laugh...I was kind of like a human pinata...but without the stick and the beating.

I'm still a little sore today, but I'll live...and as an added bonus, I'm a little less scared of heights than I was at the beginning of the party!

Sunday Funday Video of the Week !

Do dogs dream? I guess this one was, not only dreaming of running, but actually sleep running...too cute!

Learning Something New!

Yesterday I finally mastered the tubular cast on! It is really going to bring my knits up to the next level by having a much cleaner stretchier hem. I had a hard time with it at first, but thank goodness for youtube and all the wonderful people who took the time to put videos up about it. I know I spent more than half my life without youtube, and I honestly don't know how I survived!




In treasury news:

My red and silver socks made it into a treasury! Click here to show it some love. It is really a beautiful collection... Yay!!!!

At some point, when I don't have to get up so early in the morning for rehearsals, I need to start making some treasuries again. They were so much fun to create!

Friday's Favorites: Orange you glad you came?

This week's Friday's Favorites is all about the Orange. It's such a great color, not just for Halloween, but for the entire fall season. It's also wonderful for warming up pale skin tones when you wear it and awesome for brightening your mood when you see it.

I tried to pick a variety of items so there would be something for everyone. Go ahead, gives these artists some hearts or maybe even a sale!

Submissions: Orange you glad you came?

Another week has passed and we're ready for this weeks submissions for the Friday's Favorites. For those that don't know, every weeek I put together an etsy mini of some of my favorite items made by other sellers.

This week, in honor of Bess's treasury appearance, I'm looking for orange. If you have an item in your shop that's orange, post the link in the comments, then check back tomorrow for the Friday's Favorites!!!

Treasuries Love Bess

My Autumn Wool Dog Sweater modeled by my cute doggie Bess has appeared in yet another treasury. I think it's like the 7th since I re-opened my shop in September. I would have figured that it would have sold by now, but this hasn't really been the season for any of my doggie sweaters so far.

It's still early yet, and the holiday rush really hasn't begun... I'll just keep plugging away, and Bess will still work on her "modeling career".

Click here to see her latest treasury!!!