I made peanut butter cookies and Ryan ate them and painted

Copy off of Ert Day :D, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Still can't find my camera cord! Urgh!

I did get a great deal at the store and got 2 blazers for $20! Woo Hoo.

My dog is officially a pig. She has been eating like a mad woman! We changed her food to a senior dog food(well, she *is* nine!) and since then, she can't stop eating! Is this weird?

I did make peanut butter cookies and the boys of my house ate them all up! That is what boys are good for I suppose :D

And Ryan has been painting! A lot actually. It is nice actually. I did find my own time to make 5 dolls, I just need to add hair and clothes.

My first sales call tomorrow. YIKES!! I am driving to work in the morning so there will be Christmas music!

Our Night last night

1128092253.jpg, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

This has been a nice long weekend(with the exception of my 1/2 on Friday. We both have been getting some creative work done.

I have been working on some dolls with yarn hair and of course, I have been hopped up on Dayquil. I have been too afraid to take Nyquil because I am weird.

Today I am thinking about shopping for a cute suit jacket because I have 3 sales calls this week and I need to look the part. But nothing nerdy.

Hopefully I can shake this sickness, I hate blowing my nose! Besides that, I haven't really been able to eat anything, everything is turning my stomach..

Today, I am also going to bake some cookies, and we are going to get our tree next weekend! Exciting :D

3rd annual T-Day with Ertiepie

3rd annual T-Day with R & L, originally uploaded by ertiepie.

Yay! we had a fabulous Thanksgiving, Tofurkey day what have you. :D We went to Ert's for the 3rd year in a row and it did not disappoint. She made a fabulous Tofurkey, super good cranberry sauce and some roasted brussel sprouts. I made crescent rolls(yay pillsbury), my grandma edda's stuffing and super yummy Kahlua yams. And for dessert, custard pie. Ryan had 2 slices and has almost killed a whole leftover pie :D That is a big feat since he does not usually eat sweets.

We have been sick so I didn't eat probably as much as I would have if I was feeling better. I am still a little under the weather as of now, and have not been hungry for the leftovers. :( Oh well...

I took a bunch of toys to the Museum of Craft and Folk Art, I hope things sell! Since I am not in any shows this winter it will be my only outlet.

We are trying to save money like whoa right now. I will be crafting away here in a minute for sure for Christmas.

I hope everyone had a great day, celebrating what they are thankful for and are now in the throws of Christmas season!

Yarn Hair!

Yarn Hair!, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

A new doll in process! Yarn hair, a crocheted cape, and a little dress. I had more fun with this than I've had sewing in a long time. I also have been working on some robot ornaments for the museum. Keeping busy!

Halloweeeeenie

We had a pretty nice Halloween around these parts! It is definitely interesting because we live on a busy street with lots of bars and lots of weird tipsy dressed up people like to pass through. It is fun to people watch. You see the weirdest things. Ryan decided he wanted to be Max from "Where the wild things are" We didn't plan well and ended up making both of our costumes today. So, he got a pair of sweatpants and we turned a grey sweatshirt inside out and I made ears and a tail from my stash of fabric. He made the crown out of cardboard and spray painted it gold. People really liked it!! Baby was a lion for just a few minutes, she hated it so much. I laughed at her too :D





Here is my costume. It is from the Built by wendy 3835 pattern. I whipped it up so quick and then made the smock/apron to complete the outfit. I had a blonde wig, but Ryan bought a dog the bounty hunter-wife wig so it was trashy and curly and soooo didn't work. So I decided that Alice didn't have to be blonde and just put a black ribbon in my hair and went as me in a blue dress and smock with white tights and black mary janes.

We went out for a minute, but it was boring, so we sat at home and people watched, and heckled. It was very fun. Tomorrow I have to do lots and lots of laundry and clean our room. I have some ornaments to make for the Museum, and maybe snuggle and watch some movies.

It is officially holiday season people!!!

costume ideas...

1030091208.jpg, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Sweet bat costume. Can it be done by tomorrow? Only time will tell! and yes that is the back of my paycheck!

Photobooth boredom solver

Photobooth boredom solver, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Haven't been sewing except for little things here and there! Eep! Some things in the works for gifties at Christmas, and a project for the Museum of Craft and Folk art.

I am excited because the Lawrence Arms put out a new album and I am listening to it right now and taking weird photos in photobooth waiting for Ryan to come home. I think I am going to start on a handsewing project. Fun.

I still have to figure out my halloween costume. I have little to no idea what to wear.

How are you?

The cutest thing ive bought ever

The cutest thing ive bought ever, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

I bought this parrot pin from danielleorama.etsy.com. you should get some stuff from her too. Its real cute. :D

Ugh. Glad this week is over, needing some food in my tummy.

Ryan's *30*th birthday is tomorrow!!!!!!

re evaluating...

playing with photobooth, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

This has been a bit of a bummer week for me in the crafting sense. I didn't get into one show that I love, and the other one is cancelled. I was feeling really sorry for myself for a day or two.

Then, I went to a very inspiring art show, with art by mentally handicapped individuals and had a blast. It set me right. It was *beautiful, amazing* art and it was done by people who weren't looking out for the money and who were just making art because they loved it. I need to take a step back and remember the reasons that I started making toys, and not worry about a panel of judges and their opinion. I do it for me. Not to be part of an art show, or a craft show, or even to sell bunches of things to people.

Although, its nice to be liked, and have people buy your stuff, I am just who I am and my toys are me and I love them. If peeps don't want me in their shows, than that is their choice and their loss if you ask me :D

So, tonight I sewed a little, baked some snickerdoodle-y cookies, made dinner with my boy, and kept warm in these freezing temps. My idea of a lovely night, especially with the one I love and art. It makes my life go round you know....

Now don't be jealous, make them too!

Saturday night I decided that my lovely boyfriend and myself should get to have some super fun good yummy cinnamon rolls for breakfast on Sunday morning. And I couldn't get it out of my head and I had to make them from scratch. So I turned to the lovely Pioneer Woman



I used her ridiculous recipe that came out better than anything I have ever had. I did have to half the recipe, because her recipe was for *SEVEN PANS* and we didn't need that many. I made a pan of 12(I *DO* live with 4 boys right now, you know) and froze half of them for a later time. They were fabulous thank you very much, and you should make some :D

1/2 her recipe:

Ingredients:
2 C whole milk
1/2 C vegetable oil
1/2 C sugar
1 tbsp active dry yeast
4 C flour
1/2 C flour
1/2 heaping tsp baking powder
1/2 scant tsp baking soda
1/2 tbsp salt

Filling:
1 C melted butter
3/4 C sugar
1/2 C cinnamon

Frosting:
1/2 bag powdered sugar
1/4 C milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp melted butter
pinch of salt

Mix whole milk, vegetable oil and sugar in a pan. Scald to 150 degrees. Let cool until lukewarm. Sprinkle in yeast hour. Add 1/2 C flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir mixture together.

Sprinkle surface generously with flour and form into a rectangle, roll the dough thin, maintaining a rectangular shape. Drizzle melted butter over dough. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Roll the dough toward you. Pinch the seam to seal it. Grease pan. Cut rolls 3/4 to 1 inch thick and lay in greased pans. Cover the rolls and let sit for 30 minutes. Bake at 400 for 15 to 18 minutes.

Combine all frosting ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Generously drizzle frosting over warm rolls after they come out of the oven.

feed hungry boys.

We had ours with Chai tea. Then we had pizza for lunch. Cause we love empty calories.

my sweat shop loves netflix

my sweat shop loves netflix, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

I don't normally make things in such bulk, but I can't get enough of these little dolls! They are fun to hand sew and decorate. I told you a million times that I have been watching hella movies lately on my fancy new computer! Last night, was Moonstruck.

I fell asleep when it was on. :( I told you about that problem too :D

Work was great today! I have been extra busy lately and that makes me happy. But it also makes me want to come home and be lazy cause I worked so hard all day. Like I said, I fell asleep watching Moonstruck last night, with a toy partially sewn in my hands. Hahaha

I don't think I got into Baz Biz this year. That is a bummer to me. Oh well, I will do Indie Sacramento, its fun too! I just was hoping to get some Baz Biz on :D

I haven't been eating well lately. I am thinking about posting a food plan for the week on here to see if it helps me. Seriously, last night I had a banana for dinner. Not good. I need to be more healthy. Something to work on!

craziness that is my desk

craziness, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Hi there! Just me checking in between netflix streamed movies. haha.

I can't get enough! But, fortunately, that means I'm sewing so there.

I am just loving the weather lately, its starting to be cool here and it is lovely. I have a few projects going on.

I can't think really straight right now, so here are some things I love right now:

- live music, I'm going to see Dillenger Four tomorrow!
- vegetarian sausage
- this fancy mediterranean yogurt my boyfriend bought me, even though it has more calories than you should eat in a year.
- handsewing and watching movies
- going to the ocean and seing whales!
- my dog's ears
- my sister's engaged! I am getting a new brother, and what a lovely guy he is.

New Twins!

twins, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Just sewing along...

Been having a rough couple of days feeling sort of like a caged animal that's only job in life it to clean up after people's dinner dishes. Hmm sometimes it goes like that.

I need to be swept off of my feet! I have been back for a year did you know that? I have had my ups and downs, but mostly ups!

Watched Father of the Bride 2 yesterday. I am a nerd, and I love it. I am enjoying having movies at my fingertips and sewing like a madlady :D

Photo Booth + Lauren = love

Photo Booth + Lauren = love, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

So, we had a thunderstorm in San Francisco(for real! and yes I did a jig of joy when it happened :D)

And, our computer went boom. Or, at least we thought it did. Mac's have a built in surge protector it turns out. Hmmm. Well I went ahead and bought a brand new imac anyways.

And it has photobooth.

And I love it.

I also got to download the player for netflix movies, something I couldn't do before cause the old computer couldn't download stuff anymore.

And I love it.

I have been sewing and watching fun movies.

Like Say Anything. Did I ever tell you I loved John Cusack? Cause I do. And that movie made him dreamier. :D

Love is in the air. mostly for this imac :D

not just playing, but working a little too!

DSCN1565, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Ryan wins the prize for working himself to the bone in the creative department. He has been painting up a storm. I, however, have been a trickle of creativity, here and there eeking out some little cutie pie or whatnot. I am trying to get back into the good old habit of one or 2 things a day, which usually helps to motivate me to get things done. We are getting back into the season of making and buying and all of that so I am trying to get back into the swing of things. Right now, I do have 3 unfinished plushies sitting on my lovely table just waiting to be sewn. I also have those 2 patterns I told you about before sitting on my table too...I better get busy!

California State Fair

Yesterday Ryan and I drove our little selves *all the way* to Sacramento to partake in the fancy California State Fair! We had a lovely time. We ate gross french fries,



and a yummy pepper



we hung out with Smoky the bear



and each other



Thanks great California Fair! See you next year. I got to sew!

Yay

0905091922_0001.jpg, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

This weekend is starting out to be pretty lovely! A tasty dinner with my guy, a pretty rose and a cup of tea to cap it off! Tonight some sewing, and hopefully in the next couple of days, an adventure or two!

.

Tired work photo

0904091552a.jpg, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

I am so tired today! Sometimes it sucks the life out of me, what can I say. haha.

I was going to post a picture of my lovely focaccia bread that I made today. But sadly I didn't get any yet, my boyfriend took *the whole loaf* to work with him and ate it while bragging how good it was. Meanie. He did bring me a little home so I could have it for lunch tomorrow. I will post the recipe too. I would tell you how tasty it was, but....I didn't have it.

I am so glad for the long weekend ahead! Sewing and a movie tomorrow and hanging out with my honey bunnies the rest of the weekend. The goal is to sew and relax!

sleeeeeepy

sleeeeeepy, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

we have been go go go over here!

Ryan has been working mucho!
I have been under the weather but doing aok!

This weekend, hopefully a trip north-ish for exploring and some sewing.

I have gotten my stitch and bitch books out, yes its that time of year again, the same time every year when I decide that I want to knit. Well this year I am determined to take a hat class and make a sweater. I can totally do it. I just need to buy some yarn and right sized needles, sit down and watch some you tube videos. Cause I am a self starter like that. Or maybe cause I am lazy like that.

Some company is filming a new show "Trauma" or something outside on my street. It is kind of funny because our street is decorated like Halloween cause it is supposed to be a Halloween episode I would assume. But all in all, it is pretty interruptive right now. They are taking a bunch of streets for a few days to get shots or whatever, but all of the people that normally park all around here(i.e. *ME*) have to find parking elsewhere and try not to get a ticket. Annoying. Oh well, maybe it will be fun to see my street on t.v. If I watched t.v. Hmmm

what im working on...

what im working on..., originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

new twins :D Lazy weekend, much bumming around.

Today:

Eggplant Parmesean
Mucho Drawing
David Cross
Quilt dreaming-scheming
a million billion laughs and smiles.

are you working on YOUR tiny halloween plushies?

are you working on YOUR tiny halloween plushies?, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

So these two are the first of 3 different peeps I am going to do for Halloween! I am only going to make 5 a piece. and maybe less if I run out of time. They were just a fun idea for me. Obviously the bride's dress still needs to be made.

I have been really good with my sewing groove, but for some reason all I want to do is hand stitch right now. My machine isn't even plugged in which is odd for me. Oh well, I am sure I will get the bug sooner or later to sew away! Plus I have those two projects for clothes that I am trying to get to!

It has been so cold and foggy nights here, its so eerie! :D Good weather for sewing little Halloween lovlies :D

our new space. its so cozy in here! or, hopefully there isn't an earthquake...

our new space. its so cozy in here! or, hopefully there isn't an earthquake..., originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Here is our updated space, from Ryan moving back in(his studio stuff) I am excited to have the bigger work area, I have much more junk and deserve it :D Ryan is trying to scale down, hence the smaller table and less stuff. I am thrilled. I love being able to spread out a little.

The cookies keep getting better each day! You should make some. and roll them in powdered sugar. I have some dulce de leche left over, yum. Hopefully I will figure out something to do with it!

Ryan has been working his little behind off at his market, so I have been getting a lot of sewing done. It is nice! I have a couple of things for Halloween started, and bunches of ideas going on!

I saw the worst movie last night, Sex and the Single girl. the way they portrayed women was just awful. I hated it. I almost turned it off. It is almost comical, but definitely insulting how women were presented a long time ago. I was embarassed. Don't rent it, it will make you mad. Rent the Audrey Hepburn movie "Wait until Dark" instead. A strong blind woman. Awesome...Speaking of which, I should probably check my Netflix for more old movies, some of them just make me so mad!

MMM Alfajores

So, Saturday was a lovely success, my partner in crime is back in my space and creating together has already happened! I made a couple of new toys while he painted. It was the absolute best :D Before I settled down to sew last night, however, I baked my little head off.

Ryan and I went to see Inglorius Basterds. And as anyone who can't afford an $11 movie itself would do, we snuck in snacks from Ryan's work. Ryan bought me these fabulous cookies that I could not get enough of. They were Alfajores, a cookie from Argentina. It was the best thing I have ever had. So, of course I had to try to make it myself at home!



It is a cornstarch cookie with a dulce de leche center.

For the cookie:

1/2 c butter
1 c sugar
1 egg
2 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 c cornstarch
1/2 c flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 c dulce de leche

1. preheat your oven to 350
2. cream butter and sugar until fluffed.
3. Beat in the egg and egg yolks and then add vanilla
4. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl, add into wet mixture and mix well.
5. roll into small balls and flatten onto a well buttered baking sheet.
6. bake for 12 minutes.
7, sandwich the cookies together with the dulce de leche
8. mmmm eat.

For the Dulce de Leche:

2 14oz cans of sweetened condensed milk
1 tb of vanilla

1. (double boiler: I just use two pans the same size the bottom one with water in it the top one with the ingredients in it :D)
2. heat the water in the bottom of the double boiler to a simmer
3. Add sweetened condensed milk & vanilla in to the top pan and cook for 2 hours, stirring every 5 minutes. I recommend you set a timer!



I think they even taste better the second day. This is a very messy cookie for sure. It is not exactly what I was going for, but they are still good. I think next I am going to try the dulce delche between two shortbread cookies. I think it will be a more buttery, crumbly option, which is what I want :D



Tonight: Sex and the Single girl on DVD and more sewing!

Saturday was such a terrible day for a picnic...

0822091548.jpg, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

But we had one anyways. We only lasted about a half hour! It was freezing and overcast and windy as anything. We did bring my little quilt and some snacks. We were trying to get Baby to run and chase us, but that little monster is only interested in cheese and tortilla chips. She doesn't get much grass time in the city, and here she is enjoying it.

The rest of Saturday was equally as interesting. We finally moved Ryan's studio back to the house. So our room is bursting at the seams. It's a good thing that Ryan is so good at arranging things. It almost looks as though we have *more* room than we started with. Amazing. I even have a bigger area for crafting. Yay for me. I also get more storage space for my fabric.

Today is cloudy again, I am not sure what is on the agenda, maybe making stuff! :D I would like to go to the fabric store!

Mmm

Mmm, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Sometimes you just need some chocolate!

projects for this weekend?

projects for this weekend?, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

So these are the two patterns I have for upcoming projects. The skirt I have all of the supplies for and that jacket pattern, I am going to have to go out and get some stuff. I am thinking dark blue fleece. I think it will make a cute cozy little project. I guess we shall see :D

I am excited, because I was wrong, Ryan gets Saturday *and* Sunday off this weekend! A little bit of time together that is much needed! We will probably go to the beach. That seems to be where we migrate when we get some free time together.

Maybe we will get his painting supplies this weekend! Then we can work on projects together again! That sounds lovely, like my idea of the perfect time.

Someday, I am going to buy a better camera.

Hella cute!, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

and a new computer.
and our own apartment(or if we are buying, maybe a house with a yard)
and some new jeans
and a tv

oh geez there I go getting all materialistic. That is no good. I did get these shoes from our trip to Ohio(thanks jamie :D) care of Ryan's momma... They are my favorite thing right now and I don't even care if they don't match my outfit. Well that isn't all the way true, but I have worn them a lot, and carefully combed through my wardrobe to see what goes with green :D

This week has been relatively uneventful, which can be good or bad. I am missing Ryan a little, he has been working every day for 7 days in a row so far.

This weekend he works all weekend too. I guess I will have to sooth myself with another trip to the craft store, and maybe I will get that new skirt finished since I have all of the materials. I also could get some fleece and work on my new little jacket that I have a pattern for. And there is a bunch of bears and dollies that need to be made! There are a few shows coming up I want to apply for! Hopefully I will get in!!

i need to figure out how 2 draw the bottom of a horse

i need to figure out how 2 draw the bottom of a horse, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

ahhh weekend, I am so glad you are here!

I have been drawing up a storm lately, although it does seem that I am drawing mostly the same thing over and over and over again. Right now it has been horse heads. I am at a loss so far with the bottom, so I will go for the part I enjoy :D

This is going to be a solitary weekend, Ryan has to work, so I have to keep myself entertained for 2 whole days all on my own!

Now, you know I am going to shop(I told you I need socks!) and sleep, and sew. Those are definitely my favorite S's. I think I will watch a bunch of hulu movies and shows and relaaaaaax.

Hello There

cutesy glasses lady, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Not too much going on today.

* Making mental plans for a trip to Portland at Christmastime
* Thinking about applying to Bazaar Bizarre in SF for Xmas
* Thinking about making Eggplant Parm for dinner tomorrow
* Looking at my dog sleeping on my messenger bag
* Making plans to bake this weekend for fun(ryan's working 2 days)
* Wanting to go to Target, I need socks!
* I need to get polyfil!
* I also need a new book(any suggestions?)
* Being super glad that tomorrow is Friday! I need this weekend.

What have you been up to?

oy

cutesy glasses lady, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

I had a super boring work day today. So unfulfilling sometimes. That is why the prospect of school is so enchanting I guess :D

Ryan and I have been watching stuff on hulu lately. For me its been way too many episodes of Intervention while sewing tiny toys. But last night we even watched a bunch of SNL skits and it was very entertaining. I like being able to watch *something* sometimes, especially when I sew cause I love the background noise, but I do not enjoy sitting on a couch watching TV all of the time. In oakland it was always the Food Network. :D

I have been thinking that it is about time for me to start working on a quilt for myself. My old one is very much loved and really shabby and about 7 or 8 years old. I am thinking this time I go for binding even! Woo Hoo. Walking on the wild side. I do want it to be with good fabric, so I need to save my pennies and go to Hart and pick out some cutesy Heather Ross fabric I think. That lovely Unicorn print is calling to me. I am also thinking about Hedi Kenney's stacking doll fabric. That makes me smile too. Oooh, there is always the prospect of making my own too. But for that I need to borrow a scanner. Ours is dead.

I am getting carried away. There always a few projects on my mind at all times. I am sure you are like this too. I also have 2 patterns for stuff I need to make, one is a fleece jacket that is *super* cute. I know you don't believe me, but just wait. And also I have a super cute skirt pattern that is gonna look *real* special with tights and a cardy. I wish I had more pennies for fabric that is for sure! I think I am going to need to start a 365 on flickr for crafting.

I'd love to know what is on your project list for the future!

Feeling better

cutesy glasses lady, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

ok, I made some fudge, and looked up butternut squash recipes for dinner. I am feeling better. I *have* been on the internet most of the rest of the day though, and that is hardly productive.

Well, I have been a little productive. I've been looking up more nursing schools all over the country. NYU today. haha. They do have a 15 month program too, cause I already have a degree and all. I would have to take some crazy science classes before I apply though I think.

Its all so exciting.

I think I am going to get offline(or at least move over to a movie site to watch while I sew a little...) It will do me good.

I finished up a few girls with glasses I have been working on since before I left for my vacation. They came out kinda cute, if I do say so myself. haha.

I am looking forward to going to work tomorrow to see if my "Instant Flowers" have sprouted!

Lazy Sunday

my pup best friend :D , originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Today is a lazy day, hanging out with my sleepy puppy. :D

Ryan is out skating all day with a bunch of young skaters with a lot of energy and here I am alone... It is ok though, I am good at entertaining myself. I am thinking about making fudge. and sewing a little. or maybe I will just take a nap.

I am missing my family quite a bit today. It sucks to be so far away. I wish I could afford to fly home once a month. That would make me happy. Just something to think about for the future. I need to go somewhere that will afford me the luxury of being able to go home about once a month.

Sigh.

Giant and Stitching

monster in progress, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Trying to ease myself back into sewing, I sat with a monster hand sewing project on Thursday and watched the lovely James Dean flick, GIANT. I must say, he was one handsome man! :D But geez that movie was loooong.

I have been thinking a lot(especially lately) about what I want to do with my life. All signs have been kind of pointing towards going back to school. I am really interested in becoming a nurse, and would like to go back to school to pursue it. I am a little bummed, however, because it looks like the next time I can sign up for classes in California in my area is the Fall of 2010, so a whole year away. hmm. I am not sure if Ryan and I want to stay a year and then a whole degree's worth of time here. We are kind of entertaining our options right now. Is there another destination in our future? I don't know, but I am doing a lot of soul searching and researching.

Life is a funny thing. Its all one day at a time and slips by you like crazy fast.

spoiled :D

0807091047.jpg, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Remember when I said I was spoiled on my vacation? Well these are 2 of my prizes! A doodle diary, which I am using at work when I have to make all of the lovely calls I make all the livelong day, and Cup of Flowers, so I can brighten my day with lovely flowers that I grew myself!

drawing up a storm

0806091557.jpg, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Slow day at work! That always happens when you get back from vacation I think. Well the good thing is that I felt like drawing and so far for tonight I feel like sewing! Our trip was amazing and much needed and we were spoiled by everyone. I am now in the process of starting my Christmas crafting list and I am excited this year for the prospects! But also for now, back to regular life, with a few new prospects for me, possibly some schooling in my future! Time to spice things up!

So this is what I hope to inspire myself to do...

sewing :D, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

when I get back from my trip...

I did sew my dress, but lately in all honesty I have been feeling pretty drained crafty wise. I need to make some rigid thing for myself to create on Saturdays when Ryan is at work. Sometimes it is just easier to take a nap. But that is the worst attitude ever.

BUT... I think that this trip is the kick in the booty that we both need, some R&R with our fams and some good food and swimming and sunshine and ice cream and roller coasters and all of that. It will be lovely, and much needed. I think it will give us both a little creative spark :D

I have been drawing some ladies, but I really would like to try and paint them to see if I could. I have a boyfriend who paints and shades and makes things pretty colors. maybe he will help.

So if you'll forgive me until after my trip cause, I am just going to be lazy and drink this Aranciata, cause I am not sure they have these in Ohio...

3 more wakeups

baby in my blanket on my bed, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

till I leave for my vacay... Yes I am going to say how much time everyday. I am excited!

Too bad we are leaving this lovely lady here while we go. :( She will be well taken care of though so please don't worry. And we all know she will sleep on our bed every night :D

So in preparation, I think I am going to do laundry tomorrow and go to get my suitcase from the storage unit. Exciting stuff. I was going to get it today but I was sucked into the t.v. void, which I hate, with the boys. Makes me so mad. I am trying to make a skirt before we go, but it may have to be a project that I work on with my momma's sewing machine. After I eat waffles. hint hint again. :D

Renegade Craft San Francisco

Renegade Craft San Francisco, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

I went and had a blast on Saturday working at the Museum of Craft and Folk Art's booth. So. much. fun. I love the crafty ladies that are involved, and I love doing craft with the peeps all around :D

I even dragged my boyfriend and dog back there today so they could look at all of the stuff. haha. my dog hated it, but I think it was because I didn't let her sniff all of the merchandise.

Today my mission is finishing that freaking dress. And to make some eggplant parmesean. And maybe try and work out.

Our vacation is in 4 days! woo hoo. I can't wait to lay around for 10 days. And I hope my mom makes me some waffles. hint hint. :D

working on my dress

working on my dress, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

today was a day filled with Arrested Development episodes and working on my dress. It is the one on the left in the picture. I am making mine maroon though. I was having a hard time for a little bit with the pattern instructions, but I think that I am on my way! I am trying not to rush myself through it, that is something I definitely have a tendency to do because I just want to finish everything so quick. I am still trying to teach myself that it is about enjoying the process too!

Last night was nice, Ryan and I watched movies for awhile and went to sleep. We slept in too much though. I am so lazy on the weekends.

We also worked on our mopeds. Mine is giving me a huge hassle starting it, we have to look into that a little further.

I can't believe we are going home in less than two weeks! I am so excited. I love being on airplanes and being in the airport. I am such a nerd. We are still figuring out what to do with our dog. We were going to fly her but it costs so much money that we are trying to weigh our options. We are running out of time though!

My birthday was lovely!

drinks at weird fish in sf, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

So, I had a very relaxing lovely birthday! We went to a restaurant called Weird Fish and ate fried pickles. yum. If it wasn't super dark in there I would have taken a pic of the pickles. they were lovely. But then I ordered more fried food for dinner and it was gross. Too much. I never want to eat fried food again.

I did have a lovely apple sangria though. It was divine.

So now, I am just looking forward to our vacay in less than 2 weeks and working on my dress for Ryan's cousin's wedding.

Look at his silly beard and his silly hair. :D I love him. He still needs a haircut.

One more day!

One more day!, originally uploaded by laurensmashtoys.

Till my birthday!