Sweet Adventures

I'm in an Easter kind of mood....

2011-04-05T17:24:00.000-04:00

'My Easter Basket' by SweetAdventures

Inspired by things I would find in my basket on Easter Morning!

Peep Chicks in Yell... FreshLemonBlos... $4.25	Easter Candy Cones ... SweetsIndeed $22.00	Forget me not purpl... SunshineDaydre... $10.00
Spring Peeps - Hand... creaturecomfor... $19.00	Yellow Linen Maxi D... LUCKYPRLFORMIA $60.00	Felt Easter Peeps ... SillyBabyGoose $7.99
Convertible Infinit... RestorationThr... $85.00	Vintage Style Easte... MagpieEthel $14.00	Handpainted Alpaca ... elfguts $18.00
Jelly Bean Easter S... BrokenRoadFarm $5.40	GLAMOR, Purple Amet... ebrukSupplies $23.00	Yellow Easter egg h... iLzeDR $17.50
Easter Carrot Wall ... Stylishstems $25.00	Felt Easter Egg Ear... SparkleandDoom $7.50	Felt Marshmallow Ch... Tatestastees $14.00
Easter Egg Bunny in... theweaverbirdi... $13.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Shop Start Up: Volume 1!

2011-03-21T21:12:00.000-04:00

I was very tempted to subtitle this post: How a control-freak crafter starts her shop! Unfortunately for my boyfriend, I'm not one of those neat control-freak people, I'm more of the I-need-to-have-all-the-details-and-background-info-before-I-can-start-something control-freak people.

So far, my main problem has been focusing my shop, particularly with all the little extras like categories, logo, banner, prices, mailing, etc. There’s just so much to think about. I’m one of those people that needs to know all the little details in order to sleep at night, so all these things that could possibly fall into place later really stress me out if they aren't taken care of RIGHT NOW!

I came up with a few adjectives that I wanted to describe my shop and my products, then used them to create my logo. I wanted my store to be bright, fun, and energetic. The colors that came to mind were white, orange and pink, which always remind me of summer picnics and playing in the pool or under the sprinklers. I also love turquoise, so that might become incorporated somehow, but not just yet. I wanted to incorporate accessories, but I still wanted it to be appropriate for my accessories aimed at adults, too, so I have the little bow in the middle. I might change it to a product photo, but for now, I'm happy.

After the logo, business cards came. I know thats not the normal order, but for me, having those business cards staring at me from the bedside table give me the extra push I need to make sure I create, photograph, and post items daily. And the best part is, its been working! I have a bunch of items in the shop so far, and I'm listing more every day! Come and visit, and let me know what you think!

Japan Tsunami

2011-03-14T18:10:00.000-04:00

I had my first dentist appointment at a new office on Friday. During our talk, I mentioned to the dentist that I lived in Japan for 2 years. He said, "oh, there was a big earthquake there this morning." I didn't think much of it, Japan always has earthquakes. There were 2 major ones in the areas I lived in when I was there. When they started mentioning tsunamis and the fact that it was 200 miles north of Tokyo, I realized it had to have been near where I lived, Sendai. But when I got home, the only news I could find on it mentioned Fukushima, an area I visited often but didn't live, so I went about my day thinking that just a little disturbance had happened, and nothing major was wrong.

Later Friday night, Matt and I were watching the news when I heard the newscaster mention Sendai. I realized I knew the places on the screen. I had lived there. I went to those places every weekend to shop, hang out, and have fun. That shopping arcade with bits of ceiling falling down was where I had spent many Sundays waiting for the bus that would take me to Fukushima. This was big, and it happened in a place very real, and very dear to me.

I've heard from most of my friends, and so far there's been no bad news, but I know that isn't the case for many people. My prayers and wishes are with them.

Treasury: Inspired by Weather!

2011-03-06T15:20:00.000-05:00

'Rainy Day Eye Candy' by SweetAdventures

Brass umbrella neck... mylavaliere $22.00	Rain Delay 5x7 Prin... PrettyIngrid $16.00	Tiny Umbrella Penda... michellechangj... $36.00
Can't rain on m... SBuckphotograp... $20.00	Umbrella Cookies - ... cornerhousecoo... $42.00	Rain Cloud Necklace IndependentJew... $30.00
Rainy Day Tote - ki... daniellebags $15.00	Rain rain go away thirteenwinks $8.00	Clear Light Blue Ra... cheapandchicla... $0.99
Rain Your Love On M... ThePineConeTea... $50.00	Rain Cloud Card Emmakat $3.00	Fine Silver Polka D... InMyOwnBackyar... $45.00
Umbrella Girl 2 bluechairdiary $12.00	Rain Drop 8 x 12 ronniebruce $25.00	Rain Drops - Matte ... earringsnation $
Rain Cloud. Pillow ... PonyAndPoppy $28.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Make-up addictions are dangerous...

2011-02-06T14:24:00.000-05:00

I don't even wear make up every day, but I love the process of putting it on and playing with new looks. I promised myself that this year I would focus on looking a bit more chic, and part of that was trying some "grown-up" make up. Enter my love affair with Sephora.com...

Don't get me wrong, I've always been a casual window shopper there, stopping in occasionally, but never actually committing to anything. Then I started surfing the website... unfortunately the vast majority of the items are not compatible with my current minimalist budget. Ours is a complicated relationship :(

One thing I did splurge on was the BareMinerals Get Started kit. I've heard amazing things about this brand, but I was a skeptic until I saw my old college roommate Monica use it at our friends' wedding last year . Her skin looked flawless. I was intrigued, but my finances were still woefully tight.

I was finally able to purchase it last month, and as I was staring at the 3 pots of powder and 3 brushes that I had just spent 60 of my hard earned dollars on, I was mentally kicking myself. How was a powder going to clear up my skin, hide imperfections, and stay on all day? But it did, and it's amazing. I love it. Love love love it.

I then talked my boyfriend into giving me a "loan" to purchase the Shimmer and Shine Collection. More love. The colors are nice and sheer but still show up very bright, which is good for my fair skin and its tendency to make any colors but nudes look like clown paint. I love the hint of glitter that is in each of the products. It reflects light but still manages to look adult, not tween-ish. I did not like the eyeliner. It broke and was extremely goopy for lack of a better word. I'll stick to my Covergirl one. The lipglosses were also very gloopy and heavy, but after blotting them, it wasn't so bad. I'm just not a lipgloss person. I usually just use chapstick, to be honest.

I'm definitely in love with the BareMinerals brand. I already have my eye on my next present to myself. I just have to hope its still around when I get some extra money!

A New Year...

2011-01-17T21:24:00.000-05:00

It's been almost a year since I posted. I tried to create an Etsy shop and a new blog, and it just didn't work. I spent a bit of time thinking about it and I tried to determine why I wanted to write a blog, and what I wanted to do with it. I realized that the reason I wanted a blog was to remember all the special things I do with my friends and family, and to really have an account of the little things that make me so happy. But when I wrote, it quickly became about the pictures and how many readers I could get, etc. So this time, I'm just going to write for me, whether or not I have pictures and whether or not I did something insanely interesting. It's going to be my record, for me. Of course, I'm going to try to include pictures and meet new friends, but I'm not going to hold myself to a schedule or only write about when I do something completely new.

Matt and I had a talk about New years resolutions, and we came up with one main one: Be more Creative. I REALLY want to have a shop and use my creativity to start a shop, but I need to make sure I put in the time to focus on it and really develop my products. I am unofficially doing a Crafting 365 challenge, where I do something crafty everyday. I've managed to keep this up almost everyday since before New Years. I only missed 2 days when I was really overwhelmed with work. Hopefully being so crafty and creative will lead to starting a more successful and professional shop. And hopefully I'll be able to write all about it!

Just Because...

2010-05-11T23:13:00.000-04:00

I love you because:
you let me dye food rainbow colors, and even encourage it;
you got me addicted to Lost; you have no issues with me wearing pink from head to toe;
you can keep a straight face when telling me I'm tough (even while wearing said outfit);
you don't roll your eyes when i drag you into a craft/clothing/cosmetic/toy shop;
you tell me I'm beautiful for no reason; you go to museums with me;
you wait for me to take pictures;
you ask me to take pictures;
you make me laugh;
you text me sinatra lyrics;
you always hug me when i need it;
you always try whatever I cook
you kiss my forehead

I know there's many many more, but I couldn't go to sleep until I wrote some of this out.

I have another home!

2010-04-15T07:04:00.000-04:00

Besides exploring and being crafty, I love parties. Unfortunately my living space is a little small to have parties right now, so I tend to live vicariously through other people's parties. Mostly my friend Nicole.

Nicole and I have known each other since the first day of high school, waaaaay back when, and she's one of my closest friends in the world! She's currently a little bit busy planning her wedding, so I'm helping her out by contributing to her blog, Peace, Love, Parties. Come Check it out!

DC Cherry Blossoms

2010-04-07T22:33:00.000-04:00

I lived in Japan for two years, and every spring, without fail, I would go to the local park/street/train station where all of these cherry trees would suddenly erupt into these giant cotton-ball-like clumps of blossoms. Our school would choose one of the employees go out early with an enormous blue tarp to claim a piece of prime blossom-viewing real estate for our brunch/potluck/party.

Washington DC also has a cherry blossom festival. Every year massive amounts of people descend on the Tidal Basin to view the cherry trees that were a gift from Japan in 1912.

We went last Saturday, which was not the major Japanese Street Festival weekend, but was apparently still a huge tourist day. In spite of the massive crowds and blisters caused by new flip-flops, it was a gorgeous and wonderful spring day.

Happy Dyngus Day!

2010-04-05T09:00:00.002-04:00

errrr.... Easter Monday?

So I was surfing the internet and randomly stumbled upon about.com's Fundays Calendar, which led me to research other strange holiday calendars, which led me to the conclusion that I don't celebrate nearly enough. So I'm going to make the effort to have more celebrations and adventures.

Starting with Dyngus Day.

For those of you who aren't familiar, (and I wasn't) Dyngus Day is also known as Wet Monday, and is the celebration that lent is over and spring is here and other general happiness. And like all good happy spring events, it has to do with boys chasing girls...

by dumping a bucket of water over their heads.

nope, not kidding. They also get to chase after them and ~~smack~~ gently tap them on the legs with twigs.

to quote Wikipedia: "A boy would sneak into the bedroom of the girl he fancied and awaken her by drenching her with multiple buckets of water."

Boys are so mature, aren't they?

Don't worry though, the girls got to get them back. The Tuesday after Easter, girls would reciprocate much in the same manner. Except they didn't settle for throwing water. No, they knew that men don't take hints, and there is no time to be subtle when it comes to love. They let the object of their affection know in no uncertain terms how they felt...

By throwing dishes.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T13:54:00.000-04:00

This makes me smile every year. The Peep Show by the Washington Post. I would love to enter this one day, but I don't know if I could be quite as creative as these guys!

The Washington Post Peeps Show

Happy Easter!!

THAT didnt work out as planned...

2010-02-18T08:08:00.000-05:00

Yes, I disappeared again.... I'm so disappointed in myself. However, lots of things have been going on and changes have been (and are being) made! I think best in lists, thanks to a high school history teacher who made us outline our entire text book, so here you go:

1. Procrastination
    A. 2 ginormous snowstorms mean I was out of school for a week+
         1. Did I craft?
             a. yes.
             b. not as much as I would have hoped, because I was ridiculously lazy
         2. Lack of teaching + hourly wages = NO MONEY
             a. inspired shop-type tendencies
             b. Procrastination led to major Plans. (capitalization intended)
    B. 12 years of Catholic schooling and the knowledge that it is now Lent
          1. While not currently a card-carrying, regular church-goer, I do love the tradition of having a month and a half of self-improvement (NOT deprivation, see #2)
          2. One of my best teachers was a priest in high school who taught us that while yes, giving up things for Lent does bring to mind the virtues of sacrifice, it can also be a time to reflect on what you need to change about yourself, and acting in that fashion. (i.e. giving up chocolate is good, but not necessarily going to nourish you spiritually in the long run)
   a. Since then I've tried to make it so that Lent isn't a "40-day pre-spring break diet" but rather as a way to improve and create good habits.
               b. this year I am "giving up" procrastinating and "kick-starting" my craft business. I will spend at least 1 hour a day after work on shop-things: Blog, policies, planning, creating inventory, etc. By Easter, I will hopefully have a fully functional blog + shop combo, and be in the "groove" of having a side business. Stay tuned to see how it works out!

Ways to make an item cuter:

2010-02-01T07:37:00.000-05:00

Make it Baby-sized!!

Through real-life work (not craft work!) I've met the wonderful Naudra of Pretty Peanut Photography, who has encouraged, inspired, and ~~willingly sat through numerous facebook chats~~ helped brainstorm a lot of my recent creations and soon to be creations. Our first major adventure together was to the world of crocheted baby hats. We had a few specific ideas and they just built and built from there. I'll be posting some of them for the next couple days. All of these photos were by Naudra, because she's so much better at it than me!

First up:

Valentine-inspired Red Ribbon Hat with a white satin ribbon and a contrasting white scalloped trim.

It was really hard to let this one go, until I realized:

a) I dont have a baby to put it on.

b) I can always make more.

More to come!

Yummy Yummy Watermelon Clippies!

2010-01-29T10:30:00.001-05:00

This was inspired by thoughts of summer, and the memory of picnics by the pool that always ended with watermelon! These are perfect to give you a feeling of summer all-year-round. With black seed-bead seeds, these are a perfect way to add a little sweetness to your day!

Requisite Cupcake Clippies

2010-01-28T10:00:00.002-05:00

Obviously you can’t make hand-sewn felt anything without making a cupcake of some sort. Trust me, it’s in the rules. These soon-to-be clippies are perfect when you need some sparkle while baking sweets, or eating sweets… or just plain thinking about sweets! Goes well with just about anything, but most especially with a flour-spotted apron!

Ladybug Ladybug Clippies

2010-01-27T10:00:00.003-05:00

Soon to be Hair Clippies!! Perfect to get you in the mood for exploring Spring. Goes well with bright rubber boots and big splashy mud puddles! With buttons for the practical explorer, or sequins for those who like some bling with their splashing!

They don’t warn you about this in the pre-arrival training….

2010-01-26T22:19:00.000-05:00

I've been crafting up a storm. Literally! These _______ (not sure what they'll become yet) came from a conversation with my older sister about when I was a baby. She used to be the only one who could make me smile, and everyone else would receive this absolutely horrid baby-glare.So while she called me Sunshine, everyone else called me….

Chief Thundercloud.

So I started to envision weather-related plushie type things. And then something came over me. I started to put faces on everything. It looked wrong without them…

You see, I lived in Japan for 2 years. And in Japan, they have kawaii, where myriads of “characters” have these simple faces to show their emotions. Everyone knows that. What you might not realize is, these faces aren’t just for the stores carrying Kawaii-style goods. They’re EVERYWHERE. Calendars, business cards, trash trucks, recycling reminders, beer commercials, hangover remedy commercials, nuclear plants, trains, boats, grocery stores. They remind you to wash your hands, brush your teeth, flush the toilet, walk on the sidewalk, talk quietly in the library, take your shoes off at the door, don’t litter, have a good night, don’t drink and drive, call your mother, eat your vegetables, and lock your bike.

So a smiling raindrop? Smirking Thundercloud? Yup. Totally normal. I just can’t help that things look cuter with a face.

New Job

2010-01-13T07:27:00.000-05:00

The reason I haven't been around is because I'm no longer a substitute! I'm a temporary reading teacher for the rest of this school year, and I've been busy getting myself sorted and getting my schedule in check, etc etc. But I've been crafting lots and lots of goodies, which I'm hoping to post here soon!! Stay tuned!

Crown of Hearts

2010-01-05T20:57:00.000-05:00

This is what I've been working on, after being inspired to start planning for valentines day.

Its another crown. I know, everyone and their mother makes felt crowns. They're just so much fun to make! I just kept adding things and i love the way it turned out. Here's a close up. please ignore my horrifically bad stitching, I've really only just re-taught myself how after a very long hiatus.

and the other side:

I'm off to create more!

New Year, new goals

2010-01-01T09:30:00.013-05:00

Last year ended up as a great year, even though things were rough in the start and the middle. I've discovered more about myself, and really learned to focus on what makes me feel better and more comfortable with who I am. I also learned to surround myself with friends and family who make me feel happy and loved. I've learned to focus on long-term goals, and not rush things. While I'm not where I want to be, I am on my way.

That being said, maybe if i post these publicly, I'll be more inclined to follow through on them.

Things I want to work on this year (in no particular order except how they enter my brain):

Keep up with my running, and continually set and meet new goals. and get up the courage to run in a race of some sort.
Keep up this blog, and make new friends through it.
Open an etsy shop, and put the effort into promoting it and making it successful.
Write letters to my friends, for holidays and also just because. I communicate best through writing, and I want them to have a concrete symbol of our friendship.
Make sure people know I care about them.
Study and take classes about my interests (photography, dance, languages, cooking, etc.) I want to grow this year intellectually.
Really go all out to celebrate holidays with friends and family, because I love them and they make me happy.
Travel again!!
Work on organizing my life, but only as it feels natural and fits in with what I do.
Create something daily, even if its a doodle in my inspiration notebook.

I think that's it. I want them to be goals, not resolutions. After repeating the same resolutions for years and years I realized it really wasn't helping me improve myself at all. This gives me something to work towards, so even if I don't necessarily accomplish something, I'll have at least made an effort.

Sew inspired

2009-12-31T10:00:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know, its a horrible pun, but blog titles are hard to brainstorm!!

This little wonder came from me declaring that I "need to make something now" and not having any idea what to make. It's winter, all the snow melted, and it was a dreary day. I'd seen felt crowns on the internet, but hadn't actually attempted one till now.

you can't see it, but there's metallic silver thread on there.

Yeah. I'm totally hooked.

The most unphotogenic bag yet

2009-12-30T10:00:00.003-05:00

I swear this bag is cute. It's brown corduroy with blue polka dots. The heart applique is pink felt (not neon!) with a blue hand-embroidered "M." Its adorable. And big.The handles are too small, but really, does that matter when you're 8 and you just want a bag big enough to fit a baby doll, pad of paper, lip gloss, Hannah Montana game, and 10 littlest pet shop toys?

This bag is cute, darn it. You just can't see it because my camera was hating me that day. And we had some seriously iffy light because this was what time it was when I finished it:

Now I have to hope she brings it around again so I can get a better picture...

My crowning acheivement...

2009-12-29T10:00:00.003-05:00

...is a superman cape. Excuse me, a super Aidan cape (hence the "A"). I used this post for guidance, and it turned out wonderfully.

I made it out of flannel for softness, and I'm so glad I did as I think it was off of his back for about an hour out of the entire day. From the moment he unwrapped it he was jumping off furniture, referring to himself as "Super Aidan" and trying to beat up the "bad guys" (his uncle and friends. He even wore it on a trip to Target with his uncle and to his great-grandma's birthday dinner at a Japanese restaurant.

Christmas Eve at the Farmer's Market

2009-12-28T14:59:00.000-05:00

Most people spend Christmas Eve with family, or at a party, or at least at home around the Christmas Tree. I spent mine running errands with my sister. Gym at an ungodly hour, followed by farmers market for a free-range turkey, and then home to ~~sterilize~~ clean for Christmas.

However, I did have a mini-adventure at the Farmer's Market. You never really know what you're going to find there, so its best to keep your eyes open.

After about 20 minutes of carting produce and a large bird back and forth to the car, I decided to do some very last minute Christmas shopping for my boyfriend's father. I found some great handmade chocolates (sugar-free but still so yummy!) and was debating buying them. The thing that made up my mind?

Yup. Santa Suspenders with matching tie. This is a recognizance picture, where he didn't know I was taking it, but I finally got up the nerve to ask for a picture and this is what happened:

Doesn't he look jolly? I think he's an elf in disguise.

He laughed when I asked him and we ended up having a really nice conversation. I should take this as a hint not to be so shy. He told me that he's been working at the candy company's market stall since he was 10 years old, and now he's 80, and he wouldn't trade it for anything. He was truly a happy person. It was the perfect experience to put me in the Christmas mood. I love everyday adventures.

P.S. Best sugar-free chocolates ever.

Massive Crafty Goodness

2009-12-28T11:47:00.001-05:00

Where have I been for 2 weeks? Glued to my craft bag(s). While I am eternally grateful to my sister, her husband, and my niece for letting me ~~invade their space~~ stay with them, I really miss having a specific place to put things. Specifically craft things. So, with the lack of a craft room, I now have a craft bag. well, I have a few. One (overflowing) bag for her house, one to travel with, and about 3 that I keep at my boyfriend's house where my sewing machine also rests. This gets very messy and very confusing, but it certainly keeps life interesting!

So, I've been crafting:

8 felt Christmas ornaments
One tote bag for my boyfriend's niece
One Superhero cape for my boyfriend's nephew (best project ever!)\
a winter fairy crown
some mini totes
anything else that strikes my fancy

So you see, I have every excuse to be procrastinating a bit. AND we had quite a bit of snow for our area, so I had to go and jump around in it a bit!
More posts to come detailing my endeavors!

How I spent my weekend:

2009-12-13T23:04:00.003-05:00

Cookie Fest 2009 (only half done!)

These ones are my favorite, even if they were made a dozen at a time in the toaster oven because we lost the mini-muffin pan:

And we put up our Christmas Tree!

Reuniting

2009-12-09T11:00:00.001-05:00

For Thanksgiving, my parents, brother, and I went up to Conneticut and Rhode Island to visit ALL of my Aunts and Uncles. The purpose of the trip was sad, but at the same time, I was able to see family members that I had not seen in almost 15 years. I saw Sisters and Nieces and Nephews and Aunts and Uncles and Cousins and cousin's babies, and wives and husbands and dogs and cats and new haircuts.

I think the fact that my parents subjected us to 8 hour car rides each year is one of the reasons that I really don't mind long trips, be they by car, plane, or train. I've learned to find the beauty of where ever I'm at. So here are some images of my New England trip, I apologise if they aren't that great, (the weather was very dreary!):

I'm still alive...

2009-12-08T19:01:00.002-05:00

I have been away for 2 months, but I haven't forgotten you, little blog. I've just been so busy, that the 2 minutes it takes to upload photos, plus the 15 minutes it takes to write, plus the 2 hours it takes playing with said photos in photoshop has not been very conducive to blogging in my current state of busy-ness. However, since I am trying to work this blog into my new years resolutions, I will try to be more prompt. In my 2 months since last blog I have been:

Cooking new and healthy things, and generally eating healthier overall. OO and trying out some YUMMY new cookie recipes!!
Running, and not taking excessive breaks from doing so, so staying at about 5 days a week (HUGE deal for me, I used to run once a month.... This makes it much easier to keep up the habit!)
Being creative in new mediums, and not ruining work just because I think its sub-par. I am a HUGE critic of myself. (more on this later!)
Focusing on getting stuff DONE, not waiting until every detail is perfect.... which is why even though I've found 15 things I wish I could change before I post this, I will not do so, because then this will sit and wait for me to come back to it.
Making sure EVERYONE on my list gets a Christmas present, regardless of how little money I have even if I have to embarrass myself by giving something I made.

Ok, I'm posting this before I decide its not perfect and I need to edit it for an hour. More soon!

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

2009-10-12T18:06:00.004-04:00

I had a really good time this weekend hanging out with my best friend. We went to a book store AND a craft store (WOO!) and out to a movie, which is a very rare occasion for me.

We went to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, seeing as how I am a die hard fan of the book. I was prepared for the fact that the movie was NOTHING like the book, so it was relatively easy for me to enjoy it as a separate-but-similar story.

When we got to the theater, we found out that our showing was the 3D Imax version.... Amazing. If you can get past the fact that the book is completely different, it was a great movie.

Party City Photo Shoot

2009-10-01T20:06:00.007-04:00

Ok, it’s not a real photo shoot, but it’s a really fun memory and one of my favorite days. One day my boyfriend and I went out to lunch at Panera Bread, and around the corner was Party City. Since I have a strange and wonderful addiction to crafts and decorations, I thought I would wander through and look for inspirations and maybe something to fuel my out-of-control stationary addiction.

The day before, I had been given the best joint birthday present EVER—a new camera from my two favorite Matts!! (BFF and BF, to clarify. My brother is also named Matt, because they all knew one day I would have to write a blog and confuse everyone.)

Well apparently Party City turns into your own personal Prop Room when you bring a brand new camera into it, and the most wonderfully fun and giggly memories are born. Without further ado, I give you:

Frugal Tropical Vacation 101

The Pirates Den

Pretty as a Princess

This was such a fun and random adventure, really. Just a really good reminder to have fun and be silly sometimes. A month ago, I would not have been able to be silly in a public place, but all I could think was that I was creating a really valuable memory, and that I wasn't going to hold myself in any longer. The best part was having another couple walk past us during the Pirate portion of our little shoot, and seeing the girl tug on her boyfriends arm and go "awww." I LOVE making people smile unexpectedly!

National Book Festival

2009-09-30T19:54:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday I hopped on the Metro and went to the National Book Festival for a bit. This happens on the National Mall every year, and it’s a great experience if you have a high tolerance for crowds. I luckily do (thank you for 2 years of dealing with the Japanese train system and Tokyo Station!) so I jumped right in and elbowed my way to the freebies. Ooooh the freebies. You can tell the other teachers in the crowd because they are the ones with the steely glint in their eyes dragging the rolling shopping totes. I was only there for about 3 hours, but I managed to collect: 1 free ginormous purple eco-friendly C-SPAN tote, 2 rather-nice-for-a-freebie Target totes (official sponsor), Clifford goes to Washington, 2 Maisy books, 2 official Book Festival posters, 3 The Exquisite Corpse Adventure Posters, 3 copies of the Library of Congress interactive software, countless bookmarks, a map of New York, some travel brochures, and a bunch of sea creature stickers.

One of the best things about the festival is seeing and hearing from the authors. Especially for younger readers, to see that these books come from real people like them is quite an inspiration. Each talk has a question and answer portion, and many authors do book signings. My only piece of advice is that if you are bringing children, or you are not overly excited by elbowing your way through a ton of people, look at the schedule beforehand and plan which authors you want to see. Get to the pavilion EARLY so you get a seat.

I did not do this. In fact, I was not particularly interested in seeing any authors, even though there were a lot that I like and admire. I just didn’t have time for it. I had been wandering around for about 2 hours in shoes which were not quite up to the challenge, and was trudging toward the metro station to head back home, when I passed an ENORMOUS crowd around one pavilion, overflowing onto the bits of grass in between tents. I decided to see what all the commotion was about, and lo and behold, Paula Deen was speaking. She was at the Children and Teens tent to promote her new cookbook. I happened by right at the end of her talk, during the question and answer period. Now, seeing as how I have a borderline-unhealthy obsession with Food Network, I had heard of Paula Deen, and was even willing to admit I liked her, but I’m one of those people who cannot really be enthusiastic about a celebrity unless I’m sure that their personality is as impressive as there reputation and/or accomplishments. Needless to say, after hearing her and her husband speak for those 5 minutes, I am officially a fan. She answered questions from both children and adults, and did not seem belittling or full of herself in anyway. She answered children’s questions seriously, but with plenty of humor. One child presented her with a picture, and in front of a crowd of hundreds she held it up and sang its praises. That sort of thing makes an impression on me. I happened to be along the side of the pavilion where the stage was, and could JUST SLIGHTLY get a glimpse of her and Michael:

When her time was up, she took her time getting to her little golf cart, shaking hands, taking pictures, even meeting and hugging an old acquaintances. Being where I was, it was quite easy to slip in and get a closer look, allowing me a photo that can prove she is who I say she is:

Her sincerity and humility really touched me. Over all it was a rather fun and exciting experience, combining two of my loves: books and cooking. A pleasant and unexpected solo adventure in a day FULL of adventures!

About Me… or “Reasons for this Blog”

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I am a currently-substitute-but-eventual-full-time Elementary/Early Childhood Teacher living in the Washington D.C-ish area. I love travelling and meeting new people, creating things, and making people smile. I’ve lived abroad for 2 years, recently came home and had a bit of a rough patch. However, new life-altering events and revelations have led me to realize that I have plenty of exciting adventures just being me where ever I am. I’ve realized that people need to celebrate what happiness they are given. My little joys come from everywhere, and I’m learning to look at new situations as opportunities for adventure. This blog is my way of focusing on the positive in my life and maybe sharing some smiles with you!