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.