A.N. Original Jewelry

An Ashley Nizolek Photography Production...

2012-02-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

So as many of you know, I have a deep passion for photography and spend a lot of my time on it. It has also translated into a new love for video editing and art directing of motion pictures. Here's a quick video I shot, edited and designed. Very simple but thats what I wanted. It was shot in HD so I guess you cant get the full effect with the low def quality of the youtube version.Otherwise, I'm super happy with it, and excited to make another ASAP so that I can get into more detail and combine tons of shots and cutaways and play beats in the transitions. For now this was just something fun and pretty to shoot. This is my roommate, performing a song he wrote acoustically a few nights ago :)

If you like the song, go check out Colin's band and "Like" then on Facebook! This Renaissance

Fab.com Feature and 40% OFF Coupon Code on my website!

2012-01-30T09:08:00.001-08:00

Just a quick post to let you all know I have a current feature/sale going on over at Fab.com and a 40% OFF Coupon Code ( LOVE40 ) on my webstore! Don't miss out! Check me out on Fab.com HERE. And shop on my website HERE!

Arachnophobia!

2011-08-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

Man, I need to start blogging and stop neglecting my 359 followers! So today, I shall begin again.

Naturally, my first post in weeks, months, years would need to be pointless, as staying with my general blog style. So, here's a picture of a baby spider takeover on my porch. I snapped this shot with a macro lens, which means I was way too close to these little dudes for comfort!

Stay tuned because I made Mushroom Risotto, and I'm gonna share the deliciousness with you all! SOON!

Music Alert! The Year of Discipline

2011-07-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, I haven't blogged in months, I'm the worst! I don't have much time, I'm scurrying off to the studio to work my fingers to the bone but I thought I'd leave you with a little music.

This is a song called "When We Say", originally by AJ Rafael, covered by my best friend, Colin Miner :) He's working on a year-long music project/challenge that he's calling "The Year of Discipline", in which, he does either a video of a cover song, or original song, every single week. 52 weeks, 52 songs. We're on week two here, and I'm having a lot of fun shooting with my Canon 5D Mark II and editing the videos :)

Anyway, enough blabbing, watch the video :)

Love Music? Wanna be a fly on the wall?

2011-03-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

Ever curious about how a song develops? Then this might be interesting for you to watch :)

Puppies, Coccidia and Vet's, Oh My!

2011-02-15T05:55:00.000-08:00

The past 4 days or so have been quite the roller coaster! I am dealing with a sick baby dachshund with Coccidia, yuck! This is like having an infant! I am exhausted!

My little puppy Abby began getting sick on Friday, and on Saturday I had to bring her to the Animal Hospital ER, where we were able to rule out Parvo but she had to stay overnight to get IV's of fluids and medications. When I picked her up on Sunday she was still sick, but hydrated enough to go home. By Monday she was dehydrated again and had to be whisked away to the vet where she was given 3 syringes of fluids and a couple of shots. Poor baby, she was NOT happy about that! Today, Abby seems to be doing much better but she goes up and down quickly. She only weighs 4lbs now, which is 8oz less than she weighed on Friday, so I'm keeping a close eye on her. Maybe once all this puppy drama is over I can get back to working on new jewelry and blogging and all that!

In spite of her wavering health, Abby cooperated for some Valentines Day pictures, and so did her sister, Mel :) Awww they're cute!

Her Name Is ABBY!!!

2011-02-08T06:09:00.000-08:00

YAY! I finally picked a name! Only took 5 days :) She's the cutest! Awwww :)

And in celebration of the little pupster, here is my fave song off of Abbey Road :) HERE COMES THE SUN!

Heartless. But not Kanye.

2011-02-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

I posted this video over on my other blog for Sara-Tone-In Records, but I realize that not too many people have found their way over there yet so I just had to post it again on this blog. Why you ask? Because it must be seen/heard! A spine tingling cover of Kanye West's song, "Heartless", but completely reinvented! Another amazing contribution to the world of art/music, but Chelsea Wilde aka 1/2 of Minor Birds. Don't skip over this, you're only cheating yourself!

PS: Please follow my other blog, it shall be a music/art based blog :) Sara-Tone-In Records BLOG

I got a puppy! I shall call her...

2011-02-06T06:24:00.001-08:00

...I have no idea! I am totally stuck when it comes to naming this little chicken nugget! She's miniature dachshund, just like my other pup Mel, only she is a dark/dirty red color and I believe she will be a little smaller than my Mel.

This puppy is SO adorable! She has quite the stock pile of personality and is already coming out of her shell. In fact she is gnawing on my hand as I attempt to type this, and barking at her toys next to her. She's ready to play! Actually, she's currently bouncing off the walls. I think I'm in for quite a rambunctious puppyhood with this little one!

The little one is one serious cuddle bug, she refuses to sleep in her kennel, loves to sleep inside my hoodie, loves toys that are bigger than her and loves to harass Mel. Mel is slowly getting used to the new puppy, but I think it will be a little while before the chip on her shoulder becomes less visible.

Anyway, I just can't seem to find a name that flows easily and fits her. I need your help to come up with a name STAT! This poor puppy child has been nameless for too long!

Here's what we've been throwing around so far: Mollie, Celine, Phoebe, Dora, Joey, Piper, Delilah (Lilah)...

What do you guys think? Suggestions/opinions are welcome and encouraged!

Where have I been?! Starting a RECORD LABEL!

2011-02-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

I am a blog neglector, it's official, but I promise I was for good reason!

After years and years of dreaming of starting my own record label, I've finally decided to take the plunge and have whole heartedly jumped head first into this endeavor. Yikes! Am I a crazy person? Maybe! But then again, I've never taken much issue with people calling me crazy :) Oh yes, and I have officially picked a name: Sara-Tone-In Records!

Right now, I'm moving full speed ahead and running on very little sleep and even less common sense (who needs it anyway!?). This once, rather than stewing over decisions and worrying endlessly, I am relying on raw passion and belief in a dream to fuel my fire. I am spending all my extra time establishing the label legitimately, working on my branding, and developing and working with my first artist, Pillowhead! It's an extremely exciting time for me, and equally scary, but for now we're gonna just focus on the excitement of it all and roll with the positive energy :)

For those who are curious, I will still be continuing with my jewelry, and my photography, so this will be a juggling act. The more I type, the more I'm realizing just how crazy I really am sounding here... oh well, a little crazy never hurt anyone...much :)

So, anyway, as my lovely loyal blog followers, I invite you to come on over to my Sara-Tone-In Records blog, and follow me on this journey I am embarking on! I will do my very best to be entertaining and will be sharing a lot of music with you all (like I didn't do that here already, right?) as well as the inevitable ups and downs of starting a new business in uncharted territory. I would very much appreciate the support, so come on kiddies, follow me into the darkness, or the light, depending on the day...

Sara-Tone-In Blog
"Like" Us on FACEBOOK!

Here goes nothin'!

Great Grandmother's Spatula! It's already 2011!

2011-01-03T06:23:00.001-08:00

Whoa! Happy New Year All! I haven't blogged in ages, yikes! I'm a hot mess ya'll :) STill recovering from the most insane November/December of my life thus far! I know, I know, I've never been quite so M.I.A. as I have been as of late, but this Horse Feathers video is absolute magic and I needed to share with you all :)

Thanks to everyone for giving me the most successful holiday season I've seen with my little business yet! It's so exciting (and sometimes scary and overwhelming) to see this little Etsy thang grow like it has.

In a short time I will have some big news to share, well actually, a couple pieces of big news to share :) So please check back, as inconsistent as my blogging has become, it is my goal to get back on the vblog wagon...and I know...I've said that before...hang in there :)

Photo: A quick snapshot I took on the icy dock of my parents lovely summer home in Lake George, NY. They just moved to a new spot on the lake which is just a stones throw from the house I was brought home to as a newborn :) Anyway, took this picture with my Canon 5D Mark II and I'm really loving it!

BLACK FRIDAY thru CYBER MONDAY : 15% OFF!!!!

2010-11-26T05:47:00.000-08:00

Yup! That's right! A discount sale! I NEVER DO THESE!!! So jump on it while you can!

This offer runs from Black Friday thru Cyber Monday, and will end at midnight EST on Monday!

Use the Coupon Code: BUDDYELF when checking out to receive 15% off EVERYTHING in my Etsy Shop! Don't wait! Some items will be in limited quantity!

New Designs...Just In Time!!

2010-11-21T06:43:00.001-08:00

For the holidays of course :) I love these little quirky token necklaces. Petite. Feminine. Whimsical. Everything you could want in an everyday necklace :) What's not to love?

Go check em out, and all the other new stuff I'v added to the Etsy Shop! I think I've added roughly 20+ new designs to the store. Yay for productivity!

Happy day all :)

Wooo! New Designs!!!

2010-11-12T05:09:00.001-08:00

I know I've been a little bit M.I.A. but I've been busy creating new designs and prepping for my huge Holiday Trunk Show! Ahhh, to make matters worse, guess who has been fighting a nasty flu all the while??? That's right, me!

Anyway, there's tons of new goodies in the shop, including new holiday designs, with more to be added soon! Go check it out and keep on checkin' over the next couple days! :)

Best. Video. Ever. Again.

2010-11-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

If you don't know about Harvard Sailing Team, well, I'm very sorry for you. If you appreciate great original comedy, and the stark contrast between the behaviors of men vs. women, you will probably lose all bodily control while watching this:)

I'm telling you. WATCH THIS, You will not regret it.

Happy Halloweenie!

2010-10-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! It's Halloween! Or Halloweenie, if your a weenie dog like my Mel :)

I gotta come clean tho, Halloween has never really been my thing. So I'm spending my day working on new collection concepts, answering emails and drinking coffee generously spiked with Amaretto! Yum!

What I do find exciting about Halloween however is that the day after, Nov. 1st, marks the first day of my official Christmas season! Yeah I know, that might be a little early to begin the festivities, but not for me!!! Be prepared for many a Christmas themed post in the coming weeks :)

Happy Halloween all, be safe! And don't panic if you run into any pirates like this one :)

I. LOVE. THIS.

2010-10-13T13:32:00.001-07:00

I'm not real big on taking to my blog to make political statements or talk about human rights issues but, I love this. This advertisement/psa campaign Stonewall, a LBGT Charity, has running right now is pretty much perfection on every level.

So yeah. That's my opinion on that. No worries, I'm done being political for a while.

Back to our regular scheduled pointless blogging about music you guys don't really care about :)

If this doesn't make you smile...

2010-10-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

I don't know what will! I'm not sure I have ever loved a shell quite so much!

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

2010-10-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

...well, almost! The holiday season is fast approaching and business has really kicked into gear. Etsy loves to kick my ass from September thru January :) In other news, my photography side gig has really been growing as well! I recently shot promo photos for a local band, as well as keeping myself uber busy with photographing live shows! Woohoo! Photography and music, my heart overfloweth! Have I ever mentioned how much fun it is to have such talented friends? I will give you a peak at some of my favorite shots from the band shoots in the coming days...

Anyway, my apologies for my poor blog etiquette during this time of insanity but I will do my best to get back on track and keep you all entertained by my antics. For now, I must get back to the massive spread of half finished jewelry and stack of bubble envelopes.

Can you play 'The Piano'?

2010-09-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

I can't. Except for one song. And believe me, everyone in my family was done listening to that one song about 15 years ago. Anyway, one day I will learn to really play piano...maybe when I'm 75, but still, I'm determined to learn at some point.

And when I do, the first song I want to learn is this piece from the movie "The Piano"... I think I've been obsessed with it since 5th grade. What a weird 5th grader I was, listening to "The Piano" soundtrack and all. I blame it on my parents. We lived in the woods, and we never had friends over after school because we lived too far away. So I listened to music. I often listened to this soundtrack as I did homework, and now 15 years later I still listen to it as I work in my studio. Woohoo! Go me!

Can any of you play this??? If you can, you get a big ol' Waynes World style "schwing" comin' your way!

They're BACCCKKKK: Mrs./Ms. Necklaces

2010-09-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

Took a while, but after many months and more emails/and convos, the fabled Mrs./Ms. double sided pendants are back in the shop in Bridal section! Get em while theyre hot! I don't know how long these babies will last!

Broken Bells. IN. MY. HEAD.

2010-09-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

This song has been stuck in my head for days. I can't stop listening to it, even when I want to. It's kind of haunting. And I REALLY REALLY love the lyrics. Enjoy!

Lyrics | Broken Bells lyrics - The High Road lyrics

A Talented Happy Customer & Minor Birds...

2010-09-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

...make me SO happy! Check out this photo of my friend, the lovely Chelsea Wilde of New Resolution Photo, easily one of my most favorite photographers, wearing her A.N. Original "Camera Love" necklace in a self portrait with her new toy, a Mamiya RB67. JEALOUS! I want a fun old camera! Her images are SO beautiful and has a style all her own. I absolutely LOVE her work! She also has a fabulous Etsy Shop with tons of unique etherial wears.

Chelsea is also in a band called, Minor Birds, in which she takes care of keys and vocals, and is epically talented at both. Seriously. Her music is much like her photo's; Fresh and Magnetic. She might be the most talented person I've come across in a long time. It's SO refreshing! Is it really any wonder that we get along so well?

I've sold a lot of these "Camera Love" Necklaces to photographers over the past year, which is really exciting for me! However, I was most excited to see a photographer who I really respect and look up to, proudly wearing one of my pieces.

High Five, Chelsea! You are epic.

Smart stuff right here...

2010-09-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

"It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are."

Damn you, Urban Outfitters!

2010-09-10T09:59:00.000-07:00

I know this is probably made horribly, and not worth the money at all, alas I'm still lusting after it. You'd look so nice amongst my collection of vintage style art and sea of red and green in my apartment. I really have no reason to buy this beyond it looking pretty and the personal satisfaction I'd get from walking by it everyday. Neither of those are reasons that are really valid enough to coax me to take the leap.

What is this? Am I growing up? Not purchasing on impulse? This is weird...

Damn you Urban Outfitters! I curse the day you ever started making furniture and advertising in key place that haunt my daily life!

Along Came Polly

2010-09-09T07:18:00.001-07:00

Don't you just wanna squeeze her? Her name is Polly and she is the cutest! I love puppies! She's not mine unfortunately, but I'm tempted to snatch her up sooner rather than later. Polly is a Fox Red Lab and has the sweetest temperament! Who doesn't love a puppy? I mean seriously, look that that mug! LOVE HER!

Horse Feathers covers "Drain You" by Nirvana! MUST WATCH!

2010-09-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, I lied, I have more to say today, and yes, it's about music. I know I know, all I ever do is talk about music, but...oh well! That's just how it's gonna be around here :) Music is ever present in my life, so it might as well be in my blog too :)

Anyway, you MUST, and I do mean MUST watch/listen to this cover of Nirvana's "Drain You" performed by one of my best kept musical secrets, Horse Feathers! Horse Feathers is pretty low key and folkiebut, Justin Ringle's voice has something that is truly undeniably magnetic. Dare I say it's magical? It's like a mix of honey and razor blades. Does that resonate with anyone else or am I just sounding crazy here? Their reinterpretation of "Drain You" is absolutely brilliant, coming from a long time Nirvana fan, I give it my seal of approval! I can't even begin to tell you how happy a combination of Nirvana and Horse Feathers makes me. I'm giddy. Seriously. YOU. MUST. WATCH! Oh yes, and, enjoy friends :)

Horse Feathers / Drain You cover from Lesley Graves on Vimeo.

Cujo!

2010-09-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

My little Mel has never looked quite so vicious and evil. Well, I guess it makes sense, because she IS an evil genius. That's about all I have to say today :)

Elliott Smith : Waltz #2

2010-09-04T05:16:00.000-07:00

I could listen to Waltz #2 endlessly, I really could, it's that good. Elliott Smith was a genius, it's always such a shame to see a life cut short that created art that was so impactful on YOUR life. It saddens me to think not that many people seem to know Elliott Smith's music, so this is my contribution to the world. Small yet poignant. This is a live acoustic performance of "Waltz #2" in a very intimate setting. While it's raw and imperfect, the emotion and vulnerability Elliott Smith gives off is hypnotizing and magnetic. Please take a listen, with your ears, and your heart. You will thank me later.

Snapshot of the Day : Metal

2010-09-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

I've been spending a lot of my time this summer with the musical boys of a local band called Pillowhead. This post isn't about Pillowhead though, we'll save that for another day and a proper introduction...

Anyway, as I was saying...I've been taking TONS, and I do mean TONS of photos at their shows, both for my own enjoyment and for their promotional use etc etc etc. Schwing!!! I love live music photography! It's becoming an obsession. While it's most certainly a challenge to shoot a live band in less than ideal lighting conditions, it is beyond gratifying getting a really intense shot when the odds are against you. This particular photo is one of my favorites from a show they played the other night. It's minimal, but epic none the less. Don't you think?

I love making jewelry, I really do. But when I grow up, I want to be a photographer :)

I've come to the realization that...

2010-09-02T09:42:00.001-07:00

Compassion is a gift and a curse. It's a double edged sword and simultaneously one of the greatest qualities a human being can poses. In my opinion at least...

But what happens when compassion clouds your judgement? Tough stuff right there. I'll let you know how it goes.

A Letter To Summer...

2010-08-31T06:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Summer,

I always look forward to you. In March, I always think I might die without you. But, by the end of August, I'm ready to see you go. It's not that I don't love you, Summer, it's just that, sometimes you bring more trouble than your worth. This summer has been sweet and sour to say the least. Made new friends, lost some friends, reconnected with some, saw others drift further away, saw my business continue to grow, questioned my path, questioned my decisions. Summer, you always seem so much more dramatic than I remember you being the year before. Why? I swear, sometimes I just don't understand you Summer. I just don't.

Now it's the last day of August, and I'm ready to say goodbye to you for another 9 months. I'm sure by the time Christmas rolls around I'll be begging to get you back. But thats just how life works. You always want what you can't have, the grass is always greener, yadda yadda yadda...

But hey, Summer, no hard feelings. Let's see where life takes us next year. Until then...

Your Friend,
Ashley

Revived Love for Sixteen Stone

2010-07-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am officially the worst blogger ever, I know this. But, I thought I'd give you a little peak into my life as of late. So here it is. I sat in on a late night jam session at a friends recently and had my love of Bush rekindled. Epic. Why so epic? It's simple really...

Sixteen Stone is one badass record, and I had forgotten how much I loved it until a friend began playing the riff from "Machinehead". AMAZING. I literally had not thought about that song in years and years but as soon as that riff came in, my 7th grade heart almost burst. Everyone joined in pretty effortlessly and it was a full on jam sesh that then moved into "Glycerine". Totally nostalgic and 100% enjoyable. In fact I feel badly that more people don't experience that sort of fluidity and connection with others via music. Its a magical thing. Saying "magical" makes it seem like I'm not being all that serious, but really, I am. There's something about the music you listened to while growing up that brings you, or at least me, such a honest and deep internal satisfaction. When you don't hear it for a while you might not even really realize that you miss it, but when it falls back into your lap, it's like you've been holding your breath underwater until you think you might pass out, and then you come up and take that huge gasp of air.

Thats what I love about music. It never really leaves you. It waits for you.

Enjoy the tunes.

Halloween is coming... OPINIONS PLEASE!

2010-07-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

OK, know I know, I'm rushing things here, it's not even August! However, one of my busiest seasons just happens to be early Fall/Halloween season! It's so fun for me to come up with new stuff to offer my awesome clients with a taste for Halloween whimsy!

So, this year, I'm thinking about offering Sugar Skull rings! But first, I want YOUR opinion! Would YOU like to see Sugar Skull Rings offered in the shop? Which Sugar Skull do you prefer? Heart Eyed, Flower Eyed, or both!?

Weeds Season 6 : PEEING. MY. PANTS.

2010-07-20T16:23:00.000-07:00

I think the title of this post says it all. The wait has been killing me! Season 6 is ALMOST here!

If you know me at all you know I really only watch 2 shows religiously. The Office and Weeds. And since The Office seems to be going down the tubes sooner than I would have liked, at least I'll still have the Botwin Family to see me through seemingly endless nights of packing orders and assembling chains when the holiday season rolls around.

In fact, now that I'm thinking about the holiday season...This is an open invitation to my friends to come watch full seasons of Weeds, in one sitting, any day of the week beginning Sept. 1st with me whilst I work. I have plenty of room, a comfy couch, a sassy hot dog and a couple jokes.

By the way, I'm not entirely sure how my train of thought moved so quickly from Weeds to the holidays???

Muse vs. Jes Hudak : "Time Is Running Out", MUST WATCH

2010-07-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

So, I hope your not sick of me posting about music because it's pretty much the biggest thing in my life besides my business...

Anyway, just a quick post to show off my friend Jes Hudak's disgusting talent once again. Here's her cover of "Time Is Running Out" by Muse. Love her take on it! And holy wow, can she sing the sh*t outta that song or what!!??

Great Job Jes! Woohoo! East Coast power!

P.S.: Jes just played the LA date of Lilith Fair...I forgot to tell you all! But anyway, yeah, high fives all around :)

Happy 5th of July!

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

No, that's not a typo. I've never been one who is overly enthusiastic about the 4th of July, nor am I really all that patriotic. That said, playing with sparklers is fun regardless. Pyromaniacs rejoice!

Here are a couple sparkly sparkler photos for your viewing pleasure...

And with that I say to you, my fine friends, Happy 5th if July to you all.

Snapshot of the Day

2010-06-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

Here's one of my favorite shots that came out of a A.N. Original Jewelry promo shoot in May. A little late in showing this off, although you may have already seen it on my website, but anywhooo...

Penny For Your "Deep Thoughts": Thought #1

2010-06-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I can read through "Deep Thoughts" by Jack Handy for hours and sit and laugh by myself in a corner until I cry, eventhough I've read them all before and have most of them memorized. I think it's the fact that I often have my own non-sensical "deep thoughts" running through my head on a daily basis, so I'm happy to know someone else in the world thinks these weird things too. Jack Handy is my mythical unicorn soul mate

"Deep Thoughts" never get old to me. So I was thinking, I'm gonna start posting a random deep thought from the series from time to time, along with a photo. Now, this photo may or may not have anything to do with the quote. It's just a fun little way to share some of my photos I've taken, along with the comedic genius that is Jack Handy. So, here it goes, Deep Thought #1 of many more to come...

"Sometimes when I feel like killing someone, I do a little trick to calm myself down. I'll go over to the person's house and ring the doorbell. When the person comes to the door, I'm gone, but you know what I've left on the porch? A jack-o'-lantern with a knife in the side of its head with a note that says 'You.' After that, I usually feel a lot better, and no harm done." ~ Jack Handy

*This pretty little sunset photo is one I took just a few days ago in Lake George. Lovely, if I do say so myself :)

Summer Snapshot: "My Best Friend Tommy"

2010-06-21T20:13:00.000-07:00

This is Tommy and Lucie. They are cousins. In fact, they are my cousins as well. However, Lucie refers to Tommy as "My Best Friend Tommy" on a regular basis. She frequently asks me if I know her "Best Friend Tommy" and when I explain to her that yes, I do in fact know him, and he is my cousin, silly goose, it seems totally lost on her.

Anyway, I took this picture of the two of them having a love-fest a couple weekends ago in Lake George and felt I just had to share it with you all because they are the cutest little dude and dudette ever.

"That's the beauty of music, they can't get that from you..."

2010-06-19T16:06:00.001-07:00

I think that this might be the most brilliant scene in a movie ever.

EVER.

Around the 4 minute marker is pretty much my exact feeling about music.

Time Warp Mind Trap

2010-06-15T20:12:00.001-07:00

Any time I listen to Interpol its a full on time warp. Back in NYC, back on the roof, back in time. And I'm always left wondering...

Trying to live without regrets is a tricky thing sometimes...it's a lot easier said than done. That's for sure.

The attached picture in this post is a view from my rooftop in NYC looking downtown. I wish I had appreciated it more back then.

With that, I'll just say... I miss you.

That was the life.

2010-06-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

My 18 year old brother had a revelation this morning when I went over to my parents house for a little visit. I've pretty much been laughing at it since it came out of his mouth.

"If I could go back to any point in my life it'd definitely be when I was 4yrs old. Think about it. Grilled Cheese and Chocolate Milk. Imaginary Friends. Gushers. That was the life. - Cody

And, a little background on this picture...Cody was the Evil Kinevil kid who has had 11 sets of stitches. Roughly 3/4 of said sets of stitches occurred by the time he was like 7 years old. This picture, (which just happens to be him, post stitches and totally jubilant ) perfectly illustrates him, even now, as an 18 year old man-boy.

Summer Concerts: First up, Kings of Leon

2010-06-07T05:09:00.000-07:00

Back again. I'm the queen of inconsistent blogging :)

Anyway, last night I went to a Kings of Leon concert in Saratoga. Good times with friends and good tunes. I must admit though, I was pretty distracted by the fact that I have to pee about 2 mins into the show. Why did I drink so much beer before hand? Silly silly girl.

Unfortunately, my dudes in Kings of Leon didn't play either of the song's I was really looking forward to them playing, but I will forgive them for that. Maybe.

One of those songs I was looking to hear is called "Manhattan", and I've been listening to it a lot lately since I've been going through a bout of homesickness for my former home in NYC. Gahhhhh, why didn't you guys play it? What, you don't take singular requests from a crowd of 25,000 people? Well, thats just ridiculous!

On a more positive note, Caleb's (the lead singer) voice was on point and Nathan (the drummer) and the husband of the one and only Jessie Baylin, was a joy to watch. I wish I could play drums and blow superb bubble gum bubbles at once as Nathan has seemed to master. And, you know, these boy's aren't bad to look at. Riiighhhhttt? Good lookin' family...

So now, I'll leave you with a pretty picture and a song. This is "Manhattan" by Kings of Leon. Thanks for the show boys!

I'm in LOVE with a 5D!

2010-06-04T12:46:00.001-07:00

As my photography hobby grows into an obsession and quite possibly a new side gig, I find myself dying to upgrade my camera! In my down time, I've spent countless hours perusing camera body's online in the dead of night, reading reviews, and scouring flickr groups for photos taken with different Canon Camera Bodies...

And now, I think I'm in love, or maybe in lust... with the Canon 5D Mark II.

Yikes. It's a little pricey. But, when I figure just how much use I get out of it I think that greatly eases the sticker shock. I think it'd really help bring my images to the next level. And now you can take video on this little baby! I can't do that with my Canon 30D! While I love my 30D, I think that an upgrade is in order asap. I've been working with my 30D for 4 years now, and sure, it's a great camera, and I'd certainly keep it around but....

...the allure of a new fancy schmancy camera body, like the 5D Mark II is haunting my dreams...

What do you guys think? Any photographers out there have thoughts to share?

Snapshot of the Day: Thing 1, Thing 2 and Thing 3.

2010-06-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

I know I've been a bit MIA lately but I'll be back! SO much going on and business has been booming! Thanks to all my awesome customers :) I really appreciate all you guys and that your all spreading the word about my work!

Anyway, here's a quick little photo for you all. This is my best friend Lindsay (center) and her twin sisters, Cat (right) and Aliza (left). Beauties! I love the crap out of those girls. And so does my camera!

Hi girls! Don't hate me for posting this :)

Snapshot of the Day: The Mill Rock Kids

2010-05-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

Sometimes going to a really funky townie bar is just what you need to unwind. This place was way out of the way, and it was every bit the bar you'd expect it to for being at the end of a really dark road in the woods.

When I asked for a Heineken Light, I got the deer in headlights look. Which was followed by..." Uhhh I think I saw some way in the back of the fridge?". The lovely lady bartender then disappeared for what seemed like 45mins, and came back with a Heineken Light, which was a year old, no doubt. Skunky beer only added to the ambiance of the night though.

We're fun people. We can go anywhere. We have photographic evidence.

Help get Jes Hudak on LILITH FAIR! Please VOTE!

2010-05-26T15:01:00.000-07:00

Remember my friend Jes Hudak? I've introduced you to her and her music a number of times via this blog. Now, I am here asking you to pitch in and help Jes get a spot on the upcoming Lilith Fair Tour!

All you have to do is listen and vote on OurStage.com, you can sign in with your Facebook info OR just quickly sign up with OurStage. I know it's a pain to have to sign up for things but I'm asking you this ONE TIME to overlook that and help Jes out, since you know, it's just her future we're talking about here! SHe needs to get into the Top 10, right now she's at 15! Woohoo! So close!

Here's how it works:
Ourstage.com is an awesome website that allows fans to decide what makes it to the top of the charts. You can set up a profile or use facebook to login and start judging right away! Head to the following link to enter the judges chambers, and all you have to do to help out is vote "National Holiday" #1 when it comes up in the judging. CLICK HERE TO START VOTING!

So come on guys, be a pal and vote for my girl Jes! The website is kind of a pain it might take your through a couple other artists as well as Jes, but PLEASE hang in there and get that vote in :) Your efforts will be VERY VERY VERY much appreciated!

Song Lyrics & Opinions FROM YOU!

2010-05-25T06:02:00.000-07:00

WANTED: Awesome song lyrics to immortalize in METAL

(Well until it's melted down and turned into dental fillings...)

Whilst I love making cute little Dinosaur and Camera silhouettes for the (semi)masses, I need to diversify and challenge myself to keep myself engaged in my work. Plus, if I don't change things up once in a while I fear my brain might liquify and drip out of my ears. Too much information? Perhaps. But, it had to be said.

So, I come to you asking for your opinions. What is your favorite ONE LINE (maybe 2 if theyre fairly short) song lyric? Maybe you have a few? Maybe you'd like to share them with me ? :)

Don't forget to include song title and Artist :) And no worries, so long as you don't choose a Miley Cyrus or Madonna lyric this is totally nonjudgemental...

Crowd participation is encouraged. Help me pool together the most excellent of song lyrics and help make the world a better place :)

Let's all just go ahead and live inside this song...

2010-05-23T16:10:00.000-07:00

Shall we? Why yes, yes we shall. Just ignore the Fight Club stuff, listen to the tunes and free your mind. Exactly. Enjoy.

Yikes! Lets play some Catch Up & Pearl Jam...

2010-05-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

Just when you thought I was back on track with my blogging, I go and ruin it by not blogging for a whole week! Jeez! Get it together, Ashley!

While I haven't been able to blog this week, I can assure you there was very good reason.

The first reason...
Business has been booming! It's been so exciting for me to have such a great flow of sales and press mentions, I feel like things are FINALLY starting to come together for my brand :) Oh took what, 5 years? Hey, I'm no complaining, at least its happening!

The second reason...

My little sister Alex graduated from Endicott College! So I had to travel to coastal Massachusetts, to the beautiful Endicott College campus, right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, and watch as my sister and 500 of her classmates graduated! It was a VERY windy day, so lets just say it was NOT a good hair day for most people in attendance, including myself. However, there was an especially cool aspect to graduation... award winning actor,Forest Whitaker, was thier keynote speaker! It was quick interesting and exciting to sit and listen to him speak. He even stood up there and shook every single one of those 500+ graduates hands as they walked across the stage. Very cool, Forest, very cool!

The third reason....

Shortly after returning home from a marathon weekend of graduation excitement my sister and I got in the car yet again to drive 3+ hours to Newark, NJ to see Pearl Jam. Wow, Newark is seriously yucky! But WOW, Pearl Jam is AMAZING live! The Newark crowd was not very energetic, and I unfortunately sat behind a section of the tallest people on earth, but the band still sounded incredible and I CANNOT wait to go to another show! I'll be ponying up a whole wad of cash to get a better seat, and better my chances of not having to watch the show from behind Sasquatch.

Anyway, I guess I'll leave you with a Pearl Jam tune to enjoy! Stay tuned to the blog, I have a couple new pieces getting ready to be rolled out into the Etsy Shop and I'll make sure to announce them here first!

So without further ado, here's Eddie and the guys performing an AMAZING live version of Crazy Mary, for your listening pleasure!

Snapshot of the Day: Vemelope Frolics

2010-05-13T06:11:00.000-07:00

I hope at this point you've all gotten a chance to see me at work in the video from my last post, "The Making of the 'By Heart' Ring"! I especially proud of it and I've even had it reposted by a lovely local media/news blogger! How fun!

Anyway, I don't have too much to say today because I'm a busy bee once again. I'm preparing for another trip out towards Boston, but this time, it's for my little sister Alex's college graduation! We're all growing up so fast, it is officially freaking me out!

So I leave you with a lovely spring snapshot I took of my darling Vemelope Sweetie Pie Lover Lambchop! Just a day in the life of a super spoiled but equally sweet Miniature Dachshund :)

Video Alert: Watch Me Whistle While I Work!

2010-05-11T04:38:00.000-07:00

Ever been curious about what goes into making a piece of jewelry? Well, curious-itize no more my friends! I thought I'd share with you all a fun little video I made of myself making one of my signature 'By Heart' Rings from start to finish. So I guess I don't really have much else to say in this post other than, I hope you enjoy my cinematic blog debut :)

Making of the 'By Heart' Ring from Ashley Nizolek on Vimeo.

P.S.- A suer huge thanks to Sarah Daly and Lizzie Mackie for providing the soundtrack to this video :)

I Love You, Mom!!!

2010-05-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say Happy Mothers Day to my lovely mother! I love you Mom, you sure are swell :)

This is a picture of me with my very pregnant Mom when I was roughly 3 and a half! My little sister Alex is in there somewhere too :) Thanks for always dressing me in style Mom! Your THE best!

Anchors, Whales, GSD's & Dino's! YIPPIE!

2010-05-07T03:53:00.000-07:00

Good news blog buddies! I found some time in my busy schedule to work on some new cuties for my Etsy Shop! YAY! Let's all jump for joy! I had a lot of fun with this round of new designs, I'm especially excited about the little Dinosaur. Is he not the cutest thing EVER? Let's name him! Please leave suggestions below :)

In other news, today I'm heading off to the Boston area to attend a lovely Gem Show and then continue on to see my little sister, Alex, who is about to graduate from college! Yikes! The time really does fly by! So, I'm headed out there to help her with round #1 of moving some of her belongings back home. Should be quite the task because my sister has a shopping problem...

I love you Al, but I'm just sayin'...you need help :)

I'll be sure to take some pictures while I'm wandering the Gem Show and then fiddling around in Beverly MA to share on this here blogski :)

WHile I'm gone, make sure you check out all the fun NEW GOODIES in my Etsy Shop! Pass it along to your friends :)

Damian Marley? Yes please!

2010-05-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

I have gone through "musical phases" for as long as I can remember. Some are longer than others, some are more deeply connected than others. It's not to say that any of the music pops out of nowhere, it's always something that I've listened to along the way, but it's like a true reawakening to certain sounds and words. It's a welcomed phenomenon in my life. Music is probably my single biggest creative inspiration. Does it always relate directly to my designs? No. But it is what gets my creative kinetic energy moving again when I feel like I'm dead in the water.

Right now, I'm in a full fledged Damian Marley phase. I've ALWAYS listen to him, always loved his music, but it's almost like I wasn't HEARING the music until more recently. And now it's like a rainbow bomb went off in my head. I'm so much more motivated, feeling creatively strong, I'm having a new appreciation for things I was maybe beginning to take for granted. Maybe it's not ALL because of the music, but the music certainly was the catalyst. It's a weird phenomenon, this musical phase thing. I'm always in awe of how struck I can be with music almost instantaneously. It's like a light switch goes on and the sun comes out. I think it's my one TRUE love. Music is always there for you. Or at least it's always been there for me :)

Anyway, I just thought I'd share my thoughts with you all. Thanks to Damian Marley's music I'm feeling renewed right now, and I can't say I hate it! Can't wait for the Distant Relatives album on May 18th! Woohoo! Ok ok, it's time for me to be productive but I'll leave you with the song I woke up with in my head this morning...

Cinco de Mayo & NEW Jewelry!

2010-05-05T06:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo! And a very Happy Birthday to my cousin Annie!
I love May, it's half Spring, half Summer! Woohoo! Perfect! Ok, just had to get that out of my system.

Anyway, you'll find some new jewelry in my Etsy Shop and I have more to add in the coming days! I'm even going to a gem show on Friday so lets all cross our fingers that I find something amazing and inspiring! I think I'll be searching for vibrant chunky stones but I can't say I won't be lured in by other things too. I always am.

So, while I work on some more new designs today, you can check out the new stuff I've listed in the shop, like the items shown above, to occupy you for now :)

Enjoy a Cinco de Mayo Margarita or two today! :)

The Little Things: Thing #3, Sugar Snap Peas!

2010-05-04T15:33:00.000-07:00

Crunchy. Fresh. Sugary. Healthy. Green. Delicious. Snaptastic!

I don't know what happened to me, but all of a sudden I'm obsessed with raw Sugar Snap Pea's! But they MUST be raw! No cooked Pea's are welcome in my house! It reminds me of those dreaded days as a child when my Mom would choose to make peas (I could never figure out WHY because they were disgusting!) as the vegetable with dinner even though we all hated them. I was forced to eat at least a spoonful. A SPOONFUL! Like, a big spoonful. That of which I tried to swallow whole and not allow to touch my tongue. I'm telling you, I suffered as a child! My eye's are watering at the thought alone! Good story, I know...moving on...

Back to the kind of peas I actually don't gag at the thought of...Crispity Crunchity RAW Sugar Snap Peas! Do you ever like the "feeling" of chewing a certain something or other? For example I LOVE the feeling of those Vanilla Wafers that taste kinda like ice cream cones. And my best friend Lindsay, HATES the feeling of chewing the marshmallows in Lucky Charms. It's weird to say you like the feeling of chewing something, I know, but, if you haven't gathered that I'm marginally eccentric in my ways by now, I guess it's about time for you to catch up with the rest of the class!

Anyway, I love the "snap" of Sugar Snap Pea Pods, it's so satisfying! Snap, snap, snap. Simple yet glorious all at the same time. I've been enjoying my Snap Peas with a little but of homemade Dill Dip. Highly recommended.

Dear (RAW) Sugar Snap Peas,
YOU. ARE. AWESOME.

(If you are cooked, that statement is immediately rendered false.)

That's all for today :)

A Fawn is born!!!

2010-05-01T09:15:00.001-07:00

Well, not REALLY, but sort of! I've added a darling little Fawn necklace to my shop :) I'm totally smitten with it myself, so I hope you love it just as much! I've also added a happy little Ice Cream cone silhouette necklace, you can see it here.

Anyway, I'm off to enjoy this sunny spring day and play around with my new lens! YAY! My neighbors have a whole mess of tadpoles in their pond, I think I might try to capture some on film...or...digital pixels?

Oh yes, and Happy Kentucky Derby Day to all you racing fans!

Decisions Decisions...

2010-04-30T05:35:00.000-07:00

I've been driving myself crazy trying to decide on a new duvet cover. Why is this such a hard decision? I've been thinking about this for a solid 9 months now! And I keep coming back to this one from Pottery Barn. It's so bright, and fun and completely different from what I have right now. This is a trend in my life, I need to switch things up frequently or I become painfully bored by my day to day. I think it's the curse of the creative because I know there are plenty more people out there like myself driving themselves crazy with silly things like this.

Anyway, back to the duvet cover. Love it. REALLY love it. Here's the problem though, none of my wall art really goes with it, at all. Thus forcing me to pretty much redecorate if I do in fact choose to purchase this. But...is that really so bad? I mean apart from the fact that I'll be spending more money of course. I feel like I must really like this if I found it like 9 months ago and I still keep coming back to it...

What do you guys think of it? Thoughts?

I clearly can't make a decision on my own. Oy!

Come to Mama...

2010-04-29T10:20:00.001-07:00

I've been hemming and hawing over buying myself a spiffy new lens to use on my photo journey. If I'm gonna get serious about photography (or at least have it be a serious hobby) I need the equipment that will help me grow. After a TON of research, countless hours reading reviews and all that fun stuff I decided on this lens...

The Canon Telephoto EF 135mm f/2.0L USM , very spiffy indeed! I can only hope that it helps me and photography grow as much as it's made my bank account shrink :)

As I type this I am patiently or not so patiently awaiting the delivery of that pretty little lens. Waiting for that magical moment when UPS pulls into my drive way, walks up to my door and asks me to sign for my package. I will never again be so happy to awkwardly sign that weird electronic tablet. As soon as I get it in my hands I am going to play around with my new investment until there's no light left in the sky. Or at least until I fill my data card :)

Come on UPS, get here already!!! Your killin' me , Smalls!

Brand New Cuteness!

2010-04-22T06:54:00.001-07:00

So, finally after much time of inactivity and general boringness from my end, I bring to you some new cute stuff! I know I'm a little late for Easter with the Bunnies but ya know what? I don't care. Bunnies are cute. Isn't that reason enough? Anyway, all the items you see above have been added to the shop, so feel free to peruse the new cuteness :)

Check em out in more detail in The SHOP :)

P.S. I'm going to try REALLY hard to get back into the groove of blogging! I've been spending a lot of time enjoying the beautiful Spring weather after a long winter. I'll be back to normal soon enough when the novelty of sun and flowers wears off :)

Best. Video. Ever.

2010-04-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

If this doesn't fully entertain you I don't know what will.

Yes, I'm Alive!

2010-04-05T06:19:00.000-07:00

It's true! I'm alive! Phew! I bet a lot of you are very relieved to hear that :)

So yeah, wow, a whole month without blogging, what's the deal with that? I've been a bad blogger, but I promise to whip myself back into shape! Promise, promise, promise!

Anyway, I'm loving the sunny Spring transition right now! Here in Upstate NY it Spring is usually pretty non-existent but this yr I think were going to have a pretty solid Spring season instead of jumping from Winter to Summer, which is good because Spring is fun, and happy and looks pretty too! I'm itching to start taking pictures of everything blooming, we've got buds but nothing is in full bloom yet. I guess I'll have to be patient.

Hmmmm, what else can I update you on? Oh yeah! We found a Mama Mouse with 5 (or 6?) lil baby Mice in my studio the other day...now I'm petrified to go in there and work. They're cute and all but I'm a little paranoid one is going to crawl up my leg while I'm working. Also, my whole family was home to enjoy a relaxing Easter Sunday, always a good thing. My Miniature Dachshund Mel came a little over dressed to the event but as most of you already know, Mel is kind of a big deal, and she knows it. She really loved this dress.No, really, I'm not joking at all, she REALLY loved this dress, she walked around in it like she was hot stuff, lots of booty shaking and sexy poses. I think she most enjoyed the full bodied skirt and light weight material. SHe didn't wanna take it off! Crazy little chicken nugget, that little Melvin!

Alright, time to brave the studio and hope I don't get attacked by these tiny baby mice! Hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday weekend!

CHAMPIONS!!! : Celebration Video :)

2010-02-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah, your looking at the champs right there! You must have all sent a whole lotta good vibes our way because my brother Cody and his team came up victorious in last nights Sectional Championship Game! Woohoo! Saratoga hasn't taken home the Sectional Championship in 10 years! The game was a total nail biter and the crowd was VERY energetic. There was some serious electricity flowing through that arena! I'm so happy I was able to be there to support the team, and scream until my vocal chords felt numb :)

In honor of this momentous occasion in my little brothers life, I made a little "Music Video" of the end of the game and the team celebration at the end, otherwise known as a "celly" in the hockey world. Watch Cody and his team celebrate, accept their trophy and generally love each other :)

Congratulations, Saratoga Varsity Hockey! Everyone is so proud of you! Good luck a the NYS Quarter Finals in Utica!!!

My Little Brother's Momentous Day...

2010-02-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

World, meet Cody. Cody is my youngest brother and the youngest of the 4 of us kids. Today marks a big day for Cody. It may or may not (let's hope!) be the very last game of his High School Hockey career...

Cody has played hockey his entire life and is quite talented on the ice ( and does a pretty spot-on Borat impression ). Now, at the ripe old age of 18, and in his Senior Year of high school, Cody finds himself the Captain of his Varsity Hockey Team headed into the NYS Sectional Hockey Championship Game tonight at Union College. Before the game there will be a little awards ceremony where Cody (and others) will be receiving recognition for being chosen for the "All League" Team. Yay, Cody! What a loaded night! Made more dramatic by this awesome winter weather we are NOT enjoying here in Upstate NY.

So with that said, I ask you to send some good vibes our way, as we bite our nails and cheer Cody and his team on tonight!

GOOD LUCK CODY! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Another Sweetness Alert! SO HAPPY!

2010-02-22T12:17:00.000-08:00

Can I just tell you, my heart is exploding from all the love I've been getting from friends and customers lately. It truly makes my days more magical! Especially now since those of us in the North Country are stuck in the middle of February without much sun or greenery...

Anyway, Amy of Amy Holton Designs, wrote up the sweetest little blog feature on me I think I have ever gotten! She's totally made my day. Thanks to her, my coffee is a little tastier, my sweater is a little warmer, and my day is just a little bit sunnier. Amy has added sprinkles to my cupcake of life and I just have to give her a little shout out and a BIG BIG BIG 'Thank You' from the 'Up North' to the 'Deep South' :)

Check out the lovely little feature Amy did on yours truly, HERE!

And don't forget to check out Amy's fantastic work, HERE!

THANK YOU AMY!!!!

Video Reaction: Sweet Butterflation of The Heart...

2010-02-21T06:20:00.001-08:00

Have you ever had the most excellent opportunity to see someone react to a package you sent them in the mail as they are opening it? I was lucky enough to experience this recently and found out it's an adrenaline rush of joy! I sent this little "By Heart" Ring off to Lexy out in Los Angeles and was absolutely elated to find out via this video just how much she loved it! The ring made a long trek from the Left Coast to the Right Coast in about 2 days and was greeted with such warmth when it arrived. It's always nice to see one of your babies go to a good home :)

Thank You Lexy! This video provides instant butterflation of the heart every time I watch it :)

Coming Soon...

2010-02-19T05:25:00.000-08:00

...as in later today! But here's a little sneak peak since I love you guys :) ! I have a whole buncha new items to add to my Etsy Shop today, including this adorable camera pendant, as well as some other pieces that relate to it. I'm SO SO SO excited about these little camera's I hardly know what to do with myself!

So, since I am suffering through a bout of The Black Plague I am going to force myself to stay away from the dusty, chemical laden studio and instead sit on my couch, with my pups and of course my laptop, and work on these new listings. I'm hoping to have everything up on Etsy by mid-late afternoon. Wahoo!!!

I'm so excited for you all to see the new stuff!

The Little Things: Thing #2, VitaMuffin Tops!!!

2010-02-18T16:45:00.000-08:00

Great Grandmothers Spatula! VitaMuffin Tops, where the hell have you been all my life!? These are my new obsession! I was skeptical of these VitaMuffin Tops at first, I wasn't expecting to like them, but alas, I do! I admittedly have a serious sweet tooth, if you know me well you know that frosting is my kryptonite! Lately I've been looking for healthy alternatives to satisfy my inner raging frosting monster. And while nothing can ever TRULY replace frosting in my heart, these babies are a seriously excellent distraction! They are 100 cals per 'top, 5 grams of fiber, and brag that they are more healthful than having an Apple! I don't know that I believe that but I'm pretty sure I'm in love with chocolate that tastes like chocolate that can be considered as healthy as eating an apple, thats for sure! So far I've only tried the Deep Chocolate flavor and the Corn Bread flavor, both are SO delish with coffee. I think I've found my new favorite breakfast and/or after dinner snackeroo! I think A.N. Original Jewelry is officially endorsing VitaMuffin! Well, kinda...via this itty bitty blog :)

Dear VitaMuffin Gods, feel free to send me free 'tops and swag :)

Snapshot of the Day

2010-02-16T06:24:00.001-08:00

If your like me, and you live in the Great White North country, your probably dying for Spring, greenery, flowers, bunnies and baby birds. I know I am...

Today, as I try hard to ignore the snow coming down outside my window, I am taking a trip inside this picture, Magic School Bus Style. I hope there's a snack shack somewhere around this flower though, I could really go for some Lemonade and Cape Cod Chips :)

I took this picture in Lake George, NY this past summer whilst rolling around in the grass and taking Macro pictures of bugs. This lone little flower caught my eye and I decided I had to give it it's 15 mins of fame :)

Whistle while you work on President's Day :)

2010-02-15T06:25:00.000-08:00

Ya know what's weird? The music I work best to, that I'm able to totally zone out to, especially whilst sawing for hours upon hours, isn't necessarily the music I'd choose to listen to later that night when I'm unwinding and kicking about in my apartment. I have certain artist's on my iPod that I really work best to, in fact, I feel I'm MOST productive and efficient if I'm listening to Counting Crows. However, other than while I'm in my studio, I don't really listen to them all that much. Something about Adam Duritz' voice must level me out in some way or another. Don't get me wrong, I love Counting Crows, always have, always will, but I seem to really only listen to them when whittling in my workshop.

Why am I finding this so weird? I just had this sudden realization and now I'm fascinated by the psychology of my own work habits. I guess I need to study myself more to find out why it is that when I'm working I automatically turn on Counting Crows and when I get home at night, I turn on Horse Feathers almost instinctually. Is this strange/interesting to anyone else? Probably not, haha, but I felt the need to share with you all...

Happy President's Day to you all! I'll be spending mine in my workshop, working on fun new designs and listening to Counting Crows :) Luckily they have like 7 albums for me to listen to, hours of productively mindless zone out listening pleasure. Wahoo!

OK, OK... Seacrest, out!

P.S. Here's a lovely Counting Crows song for you to zone out to, too :) Although, you might as well really LISTEN because I DO absolutely LOVE the lyrics in this song :) Here is " Anna Begins "...

Betty White, You Crazy Kid!

2010-02-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

Can I just tell you how much I love this commercial? I wish Betty White was my Grandma!

Hummingbirds and Opals Abound!

2010-02-12T06:44:00.000-08:00

"Remember to remember me
Standing still in your past
Floating fast like a hummingbird"
- Wilco

Let's lighten the somber mood from yesterdays awful loss of Alexander McQueen and talk about cute pretty things! YAY! Hummingbirds and Opals, Blue Peruvian Opals to be more specific! What a great way to start off my weekend :) I'll be adding a couple new items to the ol' Etsy Shop today, including these little babies!

I'm so excited about the Hummingbird Studs :) And how gorgeous is this Blue Peruvian Opal Necklace for Spring/Summer? A refreshing alternative to the typical (but of course still gorgeously fabulous) Summer Turquoise Necklaces :)

Anyway, keep checking the shop for the new additions today! I have lots of new designs up my sleeve for Spring/Summer and I will be adding them steadily as I make them rather than releasing them all at once :) ENJOY!

*P.S* Don't forget to checkout my new "Brain Squeezed" Interview Series! Feedback would be great since I've only got one little post under my belt! The lovely Kaitlin Cassidy was my very first "Brain Squeezed" guinea pig! CHECK IT OUT! And please let me know what you think of the questions etc! Feel free to suggest a question you'd like to see added to the list :)

R.I.P. Alexander McQueen

2010-02-11T07:54:00.001-08:00

The world has lost a true genius. Although, his creative genius will live on in the legacy of his work long after we are all dead and gone. So sad to see the demise of such a talented and clearly troubled man, with so much more potential within him, now left unfulfilled.

R.I.P. Alexander McQueen. There just might never be another like you. The fashion world grieves for you.

BRAIN SQUEEZED #1: Kaitlin Cassidy

2010-02-11T05:10:00.000-08:00

Tada! That's right! It's here! The very first installment of 'BRAIN SQUEEZED'! I'm so excited about it, yay! Anyway, onto the squeeze..

Today's Brain Squeezed victim is Kaitlin Cassidy. You may or may not recognize her from Paris Hilton's BFF Reality Show on MTV, "Paris Hiltons New BFF". If you do in fact recognize her from the show, don't worry, she is not at all the crying manipulator she was portrayed to be on the show via the magical wonders of video editing. Kaitlin and I are actually old friends, and I can promise she's a sweetheart with a great sense of humor so I figured she'd be a great person to kick off this little Brain Squeezed series I'm doing. Anyway, without further ado, meet Kaitlin...

Getting to know Kaitlin:

1. Name & Location? : Kaitlin Cassidy - Hollywood, CA
2. Pimp your link : http://www.twitter.com/kaitlincassidy http://kaitlincassidy.blogspot.com/
3. If you could create an alias for yourself, what would that be? : I already have one: Trixie!
4. What’s your day job?: Nanny/ Personal Assistant, freelance graphic design, freelance entertainment jobs
5. Your dream job? : Still have yet to figure it out.... maybe a nutritionist! Or to own my own restaurant !
6. Last time you laughed so hard you cried? Care to elaborate? : Last time I went home and hung out with my friends...I do everytime I'm with my friends from home!
7. What is the single most defining moment in your life thus far? : Moving out to LA on a whim!
8. Who inspires you most in your life? : My mommy... she has accomplished so much with the little she was given!
9. Best gift you’ve ever received? : My computer! I run my whole life on it!!
10. Name 1 item you’d like to put in a time capsule to represent you years from now? : Some of my wacky outfits....maybe one of my beloved ugly jumpsuits.
11. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? : I'm overly obsessed with skin!
12. First thing you’d do/say if you were to meet Johnny Depp at random? : Haha, being in Hollywood has changed my celebrity reactions...I would probably just shake his hand. Lets just put it this way: It wouldn't be a stretch to meet him.
13. What is your guilty pleasure? Wine & Cheese
14. What are the TOP 3 things you want to do before you die? 1. Travel more 2. Have a daughter 3. Meet Lady Gaga!

Lightening Round:

1. Swan Dive or Cannonball? : Neither, not into swimming!
2. Favorite Variety of Cupcake? : Red Velvet or Chocolate Cheesecake like my Mom makes!
3. Plane, Train or Automobile? : Train! So easy!
4. 1 album EVERYONE should own? : Sarah McLachlans "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy"
5. 1 movie EVERYONE should see? : "Forrest Gump"
6. Guitar or Piano? : Piano, I play a little.
7. Most underrated Actor/Actress/Musician? : My boss, EG Daily.
8. Karaoke song of choice? : "Greatest Love of All" Whitney Houston
9. Most prized possession? : My Louis Vuitton Bag
10. Christian Bale or Christopher Walken? : Bale...sexy!
11. Black & White or Color photos? : Depends on what light you look better in lol!
12. Guns N’ Roses or Bon Jovi? : Bon Jovi!

*FINAL QUESTION!: Now that you’ve been Brain Squeezed, who would YOU like to see Brain Squeezed in the future? : Actor Chris Riggi, a fellow Saratoga Springs native who you may have seen on Gossip Girl :)

**HAVE SOMEONE IN MIND YOU'D LIKE TO SEE BRAIN SQUEEZED? LEAVE A COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW! PLEASE LEAVE A LINK TO THE NOMINATED PARTY AS WELL AS A REASON WHY YOU THINK THEY'd MAKE A GREAT BRAIN SQUEEZED VICTIM! THANKS!

Life in 1970 vs. 2010

2010-02-10T17:47:00.000-08:00

My, my, what 40 years can do to a culture! What is it about great retro pictures that make it seem like life was just so much more fun and colorful decades ago? Don't get me wrong, 2010 is cool and all, but theres a certain charm from days gone by that unfortunately isn't a present in the modern day world as I wish it were.

This is a photo of some of my family, circa 1969/1970ish, and the little doll in the mod flower dress is my Mom! How cute was she as a munchkin??? She's not actually itching her head, or thinking hard, but she is saluting. In fact she is doing the "Woofum Poofum" salute. What is that you ask? Well, the short answer to that is, I have no friggin' clue! It seems to be some sort of family thing since most of my Mom's generation knows what it is, but I'm still in the dark about it. Either way, it's just as awesome.

Mom, you should have been a child model. :)

Dachshund Love: I'm OFFICIALLY a Crazy Dog Lady!

2010-02-09T18:13:00.000-08:00

Greetings, my darlings! Just a quick post to let you all know I've entered into the realm of Crazy Dog Lady. My darling little love nugget, my Miniature Dachshund, "Mel", inspired these adorable little studs. I can't lie, I'm pretty much obsessed with them. Are they not the cutest little things EVER??? Don't judge me people! I just love my dog, OK???!!! Geez!!!

Anyway, if you love these as much as I do, you can find them in my Etsy Shop pronto! Right over HERE :)

A Show Of Hands , Please....

2010-02-09T11:13:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been thinking about doing a fun twist on a "Featured Seller" type interview and ask some of my favorite Etsy Artists and maybe ever some people outside of Etsy to keep it fresh and interesting, to answer some no-so-typical interview questions. You know, a little of this, a little of that, mostly fun stuff but maybe throw in a bit of business to go with the pleasure. I'd like to begin a little series of these posts and entitle the series "Brain Squeezed" or something along those lines.

So what I need from you is a show of hands. Is this something you'd be interested in reading? Yay or Nay?

If this is in fact an idea you'd like to see get off the ground,PLEASE take this time to nominate someone (not yourself though, sorry!) to be 'Brain Squeezed'. I'm very interested to see who your most interested in seeing on this blog :) It doesn't need to be Etsy exclusive, but do make sure to leave links in the comment area to let me know where to find these little gremlins :)

Jessie Baylin - "Leave Your Mark"

2010-02-08T05:50:00.000-08:00

Many moons ago, I discovered my buddy Jessie Baylin, her unique voice and her sweet disposition. I even was fortunate enough to make a few pieces of jewelry for her based on lyrics from her songs somewhere towards the beginning of this jewelry journey I've been on. Really gorgeous words, so beautifully written. She has a little bit of a jazzed up Stevie Nicks feel that I find SO refreshing. Anyway, I've been listening to her a lot lately when I'm looking for chill inspiration music to have going whilst working on new designs etc, so I thought I'd share her with you :) It really bothers me that more people don't know who she is, because she really deserves a lot more respect and attention than she gets. I realize that music is just as much of a rat race as the fashion design world, but alas, I will help her fight against the droves of singer/songwriters running alongside her, one dinky blog post at a time :) It's the least I can do, right? :)

You Can buy Jessie's album on iTunes, HERE!

Here Jessie is singing on of my favorite songs of hers, "Leave Your Mark", LIVE :) She is a breath of fresh air :) Enjoy guys!

Flight of the Hummingbird

2010-02-07T06:57:00.000-08:00

Today I'll be adding a few new designs to my Etsy Shop, including this sweet and delicate little Hummingbird! What do you guys think of it? I'm considering doing some stud earrings with this design...Yay or Nay?

I'm also brainstorming new darling silhouette ideas for my shop in Spring, so if you have a request, please speak now or forever hold your peace :)

Can I PLEASE Live Inside This Song???

2010-02-05T09:36:00.000-08:00

Seriously, can I? It's heaven. It's absolute perfection. Why don't more people know about Horse Feathers? It's a damn shame, I'll tell you that much!

The lyrics kind of contradict the music that accompanies them, but I think that's what I love :)

Cupcakes vs. Zoloft

2010-02-05T08:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I made some cupcakes for my little brother, well, he's 18, but still 'little bro' status in my mind. I figured I'd make them bright and springy to break up the icy cold whites, greys and cool blues of an Upstate NY winter and bring us all thoughts of spring :) Who need's Zoloft for their seasonal depression when you can whip up a batch of cupcakes with bright yellow buttercream frosting? I'd rather self medicate with frosting, it's so much more enjoyable :)

Wait, have I told any of you guys just HOW MUCH I love frosting??? It's a problem...

'Single Ladies' in the form of 5th Grade Boys...

2010-02-04T05:03:00.000-08:00

I gotta make this quick because I have a day full of shopping for home goods, laundry, making cupcakes for my little brother and working in the studio for a bit ahead of me. But, I had to share this video with you all! I am dying over here!!! I've pretty much been peeing my pants over it since I saw.

This lovely little video is from my cousin Drew's 5th Grade Talent Show. He and about 8 of his buddies all got together and decide it'd be nice to channel their inner Beyonce. Seems as though their decision to perform 'Single Ladies' whilst dressed in black leotards and stockings is something that will go down in history at their school. Now, I know about a million people have spoofed the 'Single Ladies' song/video but I think this 5th Grade Boys version takes the cake.

Check out Drew & Co. shake, wiggle and neck bob to Beyonce. Clearly, they brought down the house :) Yay, Drew!

Let's Play Catch Up : Sundance & Home Decorating

2010-02-01T07:08:00.000-08:00

Wowza! I haven't blogged in quite a long time! What's going on with that?! So sorry all, sometimes my brain gets all A.D.D. on me and it's all I can do to just hold on for the ride :) I promise I've been absent for good reason! Let me explain...

Well first off, as you may or may not know, The Sundance Film Festival was this past week! To my utter euphoria, I was involved in an amazing art collaboration of video shorts that screened at Sundance on Friday! So exciting! Wahoo! So, that ate up quite a bit of my time last week, taking away from my blog of course :( It was all worth it though, I watched the screening via a Live Feed on the internet and I'm not sure I've ever had such an extreme overwhelming sense of pride in my life! It was truly otherworldly to see some of my contributions make it to Sundance! YAY!

Aside from the hoopla of Sundance, I've been spending a lot of time conceptualizing/sketching new designs for my Etsy Shop! As well as coming up with fun new ideas to make your A.N. Original Jewelry experience more fantastical! Oh yes, I'm also putting together some bead DESTASH lots to make room for new gemstones...yippie! Stay tuned if you want to get a sweet deal :)

Last but not least, I've been obsessed with trying to revamp my bedroom. I'm in an apartment so I'm avoiding the paint situation, although I'd really LOVE to paint, gah! I searched far and wide for a new duvet cover but opted to stay with the one I have for now and choose to revamp the artwork in my room. This is where you come in...

See, I have lovely Red/Cream Toile patterned Pottery Barn bedding, with accents of red around my room, as well as very vintage-y old hollywood looking lamps and floaty drapes that are a gradiation of sage green.Now, what I need from you is your assistance in choosing a huge ol' painting for above my bed! I have a thing for Vintage Ad Art, they are all over my apt so I think thats the style I'm going with! I also have a thing for monstrously oversized art...so all of these prints would be purchased in a very LARGE size :)

I've narrowed it down to these 3 options, HELP ME CHOOSE! Which one do you think would be most majestic and fabulous?

Oh, Sweet Nostalgia: 8th Grade Flashback

2010-01-20T18:27:00.000-08:00

Tonight I'm feeling a little nostalgic. Rummaging through old pictures, keepsakes and some of my favorite songs growing up. So I figured I might as well take a quick moment and say hello to my 8th Grade self...

Dear 8th Grade Ashley, anytime I hear the song "Volcano Girls" by Veruca Salt, I think of you and how excellently awesome you were even if you didn't know it back then. You had great taste in music, a really bad haircut with bangs that were most unfortunately cut WAY too short to ever be considered cool and really sweet glasses. You were an undercover cool kid, because you listened to WAY better music than most of the people you went to school with. SO elite that in fact you did not even clue into just how elite you were. You had an unhealthy obsession with a certain boy, which, to this day, I am STILL embaressed about and cringe at the mention of his silly name. You were a pretty decent soccer player I must say, but alas, you never went pro, sorry to break it to you. 8th Grade Ashley, I just want you to know...well...I guess what I'm trying to say here is... you were extra cool deep underneath your nerdlette exterior, your musical tastes were superior even then, BUT I think it's also fair to say that it was a huge mistake to wear that purple plaid shirt as often as did. But hey, it's in the past, right? I'm happy to report that in 10 years your cool factor will have risen greatly...two very enthusiastic 'thumbs up' go out to you, my friend.

So 8th Grade Ash, this song is for you...

Milestone Alert: 2 Years of Etsy Magic

2010-01-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

So, today marks my 2 year anniversary of signing up and opening a shop on that little site called Etsy. At the time, it was just a shot in the dark. I figured that I could get a few sales here and there to increase my online presence and help to supprt my fledgling small business. I never thought of it as much more than a way to have a little fun and be a part of a bigger handmade movement...

Two years later, here I am. Making my living on Etsy. Wait, did you hear me? MAKING MY LIVING ON ETSY! GROWING MY BUSINESS ON ETSY! f you told me that 2 years ago, I would have laughed at you. If you told me 3 months into my Etsy experience that in 6 months time I'd invited to that magical land of 'Featured Sellers' I would have scoffed, and laughed again. I kind of have a hard time describing or detailing exactly what has gone on in my life and the life of my business these past two years, because it's total blur. Everything has changed and nothing has changed, all at once. I'm still excited for every sale I get, I still blush a little anytime I get an especially glowing feedback left about my shop, and I still worry if I'm "cool enough" for Etsy. When I am lucky enough to make it to the fabled "Front Page" of Etsy, I still squeal and do a happy dance. Man, it's just so crazy that it's been TWO years! I'm smiling as I type this thinking about how truly insane that is. Sometimes I just wanna called up Etsy have an "I love you, man!" moment, complete with a chest bump and back slap.

Etsy is truly something that has changed my life in almost every way. It has allowed a young twenty-something designer, fresh out of college and totally green to the world of independent design, the oppertunity to do what I love, the way I want to do it, and thankfully, with little overhead costs :). I am counting my lucky stars for that, STILL.

I have certainly found a home at Etsy, but it's 2 years in, and I'm still putting my all into it everyday. It's a chore, a crusade and sometimes a real struggle for sure, but it's worth it. Etsy isn't something you can just let do the work for you, there's a good bit of sparkly Etsy magic you have to conjure up for yourself. Some people aren't prepared for JUST how much work it takes to get your Etsy business off the ground and to keep it going. I'm happy to say, I was able to weather the storm, even through the toxic economy. Where am I going with this? I guess what I'm trying to say is this, and I guess only this... 2 years later, and I'M STILL HERE! 2 years later and...

I. AM. STILL. HERE.

I love you Etsy, thanks so much for loving me back :) Here's to another 2 years of Etsy magic!

Mmmm Chocolate Raspberry...

2010-01-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post for today, haven't much time to chit chat but wanted to introduce you to my friend here, Chocolate Raspberry :)

I'm LOVING this new necklace style I added today. Simple. Fun. Chic. YAY!

I added 4 different color options in this necklace style today in my Etsy Shop, you can choose from Blue, Brown, Golden Yellow and a Limeade Green. Woohoo for productivity! Loving the Ruby accents personally, it adds some fun without making it complex :) The Rubies are what tie the 4 color options together :) Make sure you head to the shop to check out all the options!

Anyway, sorry for the lame blog today! I will be writing a more exciting blog tomorrow, because tomorrow is a VERY special day...

Until then, my blog babies...

Almost....

2010-01-15T12:32:00.000-08:00

I've been pushing myself to expand my Bridal collection so I've done just that. Or at least, almost....

Today I'm working on adding 15 new listings to my Etsy Shop! Including these pretty little lariats! They are so simple, but chic and unique looking in their asymmetry. They look really graceful and at the same time fun, when worn. I'm super excited about these because I just think they are the sweetest little things, especially for bridesmaids! I REALLY must do some new model shots with them, but alas, Winter is a big Debbie Downer in the world of outdoor promo photos. It's right about now that I REALLY wish I had the time/money and space to set up a small indoor photo studio at home...

Anyway, I'm working on adding all 15 new listings tonight and tomorrow, there will be other color selections of these lariats as well as some other fun stuff :) I'm hoping this will help motivate me to continue to work on bridal designs that are chic, unique and accessible... because as you all know, bridal season is almost upon us!

So, make sure to check the shop soon to see whats new :)

P.S. : What color combo's do you like for weddings? Which color combo's do you think are most popular/trendy right now? I'd love to hear your thoughts as I'm fiddling with all these bridal pieces :)

That's What She Said...

2010-01-15T06:03:00.000-08:00

To counteract yesterdays blog of frustration, I think a lovely compilation of "That's What She Said" is in order, to turn my blog frown upside down. In fact, I think you'll be seeing a lot more from "The Office" on this blog, because....well, because it's awesome. Clearly.

In a valiant effort to break up the monotony of a slow, frigid, gray January, I think I might take a trip to Marshall's Home Goods to frolic amongst the discounted, yet unique and almost always enjoyable home decor, kitchen gadgets and wall hangings. Yes, I just might do that. I just might...

Marshall's, here I come! (That's what she said!)

Quarter Life Crisis

2010-01-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

The feeling of spinning your wheels is one I will never get used to. That nagging feeling of helplessness. Working hard, being proactive, and getting nowhere in spite of all your efforts. Nothing changes. Your stuck. Your here. And maybe your never leaving "here". That's truly horrifying to me. The thought is enough to sink the strongest of ships.

It's easy to feel cheated. We're told to dream away as kids, shoot for the stars, we can be whoever we want to be. Yadda, yadda, gold star, thumbs up. But what happens when reality smacks you in the face? Life isn't much like how you pictured it to be back then. That's a hard pill to swallow. Welcome to my quarter life crisis.

I took this picture a few nights ago, a weird foreshadowing of how I'm feeling today. Thanks a lot, universe. Let's try for something marginally more upbeat tomorrow.

Big News for Jes Hudak and 'Another Day'

2010-01-11T05:52:00.000-08:00

Remember when I told you about my bud Jes Hudak and her musical stylings? The amazing singer/songwriter who is from the same little town I am? Well, a couple days ago she got some HUGE news. News that could very well be that boost that launches her into uncharted territory with her career...

What is it you ask? Well, Jes is being featured on a little old thing called AOL! Hey video was chosen to be their "Video Of The Day" for January 17th! Amazing! You know what, she can explain it all a lot better than I can, so watch this!

Isn't that not the MOST amazing news an artist can get? She's so excited, it's just so endearing! I've had a number of friends try to break into the music industry and know just how difficult and frustrating it can be. But, THIS is the oppertunity of a lifetime for Jes! I'm really pulling for her and hoping that this exposure is what she needs to get the ball rolling in the direction she wants it to! So with that said I'd really love to show you ONE more video. Jes was asked to write a song to go along with an independent film...the song is called 'Another Day' and it is amazing as usual, but the video that goes with it is pretty intense. Be forewarned, I got a little teary, not gonna lie...

Love Jes, and her music? Help me help Jes, to spread the word and give her a little shout out on your blog :) Hey, if nothing else, it's good karma :)

GOOD LUCK JES!

Homesickness, The Format & Origami...

2010-01-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

Crap, man...Homesickness is the worst! Have you ever felt homesick, eventhough your actually already home? It's like your homesick for your "home" but the way it was 10 yrs ago? Or 5? It's such a weird thing, and I can never understand it when it hits. It's kinda like having a little pit in your stomach, like the feeling you get when your missing someone/something terribly, but you can't even put your finger on it. Life moves a lot more quickly than you anticipate, and homesickness may strike around any corner. This is what I'm learning at least. Growing up blows, but I guess I'd rather be getting older than getting deader...is deader a word? I'm thinking not...

That was my deep thought for the day, and clearly I really dug deep for that so don't expect anything monumental in the near future. So profound, as usual. * chuckle chuckle *

Ok, I'm done making fun of myself for my weird, random, slightly whiney homesickness blog, I'll be more awesome tomorrow, so check back :)

For now though, I'll leave you with a little diddy by The Format, make sure to watch the video, it's filled with fun origami goodness...

Etsy Lust: LadyLotus

2010-01-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

I am OBSESSED with camera's and photography in general lately, so when I happened upon this print by LadyLotus, I squealed! I really love the overall look of it. The image was originally a hand carved reduction linoleum that she turned into a screen print. I can't get over the detail! And I really love that it's an old Rolleiflex camera and not just a generic old camera that you often see prints of throughout Etsy, it's just so unique! The crisp black and white image would work PERFECTLY in my Black and White themed multifunction Guestroom/Office! Don't you think? I just need to find a couple spots on the wall for them and they will be mine!

What do you think? Good fit?

I'm itching to paint the walls of this room by the way! I'd love to use a vibrant Lilac color, or maybe even a Robin's Egg Blue! I think it'd just give it SO much more personality! Alas, it is an apartment and painting walls is a huge pain in the booty since I will need to paint them back before I move...boo! I really want to figure out a way to make this room have more zest but still love the crisp Black and White look. Damn you apartment rules!!!

All idea's/thoughts/suggestions are welcome :)

The Little Things: Thing #1, A Grapefruit Spoon

2010-01-08T16:24:00.000-08:00

I had a thought today, well actually, maybe it was more of a realization than a plain old thought. Anyway, however you want to categorize this brain function, here it is. The coolest stuff, the most enjoyable moments and the most excellent parts of your life are usually made up of tiny little things. Nothing too big, or too excellent in theory, just little things, little moments, little trinkets...

So, my thought is to have a running installment of "Little Things" I'm appreciating that day, or week, or moment. No set schedule because I want this to be free flowing and honest, I'll just be posting whenever the moods strikes. And, I'd really LOVE to hear what little things your appreciating that day too, whenever that day is that I post...

Now, for the first "Little Thing", I'd like to take a minute to appreciate an object rarely thought about but not any less awesome for having been forgotten by so many, so often. What I'm talking about ladies and gents is in fact, a Grapefruit Spoon. Sure, a Grapefruit Spoon is pretty much a glorified "Spork" with its serrated edges and all, but I can't lie, that's probably what makes it so rad. I'm gonna level with you here, I have like 4 Grapefruit Spoons...do you know many people who even have ONE? There's just something about the functionality that the Grapefruit spoon has that just makes me happy. Grapefruit Spoon, you make eating my Grapefruit so easy-peezy-lemon-squeezy that sometimes I just think you need a little recognition...

So, here's to the decidedly mundane but secretly awesome Grapefruit Spoon. May you continue making the lives of Grapefruit eaters that much more pleasant, each and every day :)

What's your "Little Thing" today???

**Amazing Grapefruit Photo Credit goes to the WONDERFUL simpologist over at Flickr :)

On their way...

2010-01-08T08:33:00.001-08:00

So, today I will be adding a few simple Valentine's Day inspired items but I thought I'd show you guys a little sampling first, sorta like a "WORLD PREMIERE!!!!". Ok, I thought if I wrote in caps and quotations I would feel extra awesome, like I was introducing a world premiere of a skanky Britney Spears video on MTV, alas it didn't feel much different from typing in lower case letters with no punctuation...go figure.

Anyway I had mixed feelings about doing these but in the end I'm really happy with how cute and sorta chic they turned out, even if they have hearts all over them...

Stay tuned, they should be up and available for purchase in my Etsy Shop by the end of the day at the latest :)

500 Days of Summer {to get you through Winter} Part II feat. Ikea

2010-01-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

After the huge response to yesterday's post I decided to share just one more scene from the movie that I consider a fave...I must be honest, it's pretty much a tie with the dance sequence for my favorite scene so prepare yourself for extreme awesomeness...

I don't know who wrote this scene (although I could easily find out with a 5 second google search, alas I am lazy..), but it's safe to say that the simplicity, quirks and playfulness of it is quite simply magical in the most un-magical way , thus making the writer/writer's my new creative hero(s). Simplicity is so overlooked and complexity is totally over-rated. This simple romp through Ikea makes me smile from ear to ear from beginning to end, and I'm not looking for any hidden messages or trying to decode anything! How refreshing is that!? Sometimes it's fun to bask in the rays of a light-hearted sun and smile...

My sister, who is a huge movie buff and film major in college made the comment when we watched it that she was relieved to see that other adults "play pretend" too. I think we're all a little relieved that it turns out that life isn't always that serious...

Hope this brings a little sunshine to your day or at least motivate you to go spend some time at Ikea! Especially if your stuck in the great white north, like me :) Enjoy!

500 Days of Summer {to get you through Winter}

2010-01-05T05:43:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen 500 Days of Summer yet, I pity you, I truly do. Hands down THE BEST movie I've seen in a very long time and like any good movie should, there is a spontaneous dance break in the streets...

I have so many favorite parts in this film because its just SO smart, and perfect in it's imperfections, but this part, leaves you with a smile glued to your face for the entire day. Honestly, since I've seen the movie, there hasn't been a day that's gone by that I HAVE NOT watched this clip. Perfection, absolute perfection. I dare you to watch this and NOT crack a smile, go ahead, I DARE you!

Enjoy, kiddies :)

I Resolve To Be AWESOME!

2010-01-02T06:36:00.000-08:00

"Stand on the edge, and don't be afraid to fall. Take a breath and tell me what you see." ~ Lifehouse

Hey kids, like the flower? It's so cute and looks like a new beginning, don't ya think? I took this outside my house in Lake George over the summer and it's finally applicable to a post topic, sorta, so I can finally show it off!

Anyway, I know this is a day late and most likely a dollar short but, I figured I might as well try my hand out at putting these sort of thoughts out into the universe in the new year. I'm not one for resolutions or that big on the idea of "New Years" being a momentous occasion, but I suppose for the sake of the impending year, I might as well give it a whirl right?

So here it is, my list O' 2010 New Years Resolutions....

- I resolve to be generally more awesome than I was previously...

- I resolve to push myself beyond my comfort zone both personally, professionally and creatively...

- I resolve to hunt down and marry the lead singer of Mumford & Sons...

- I resolve to continue to be proactive in changing the things about my life I dislike...

- I resolve to pretend to speak French whenever possible...

- I resolve to push myself to get more serious with my photography...

- I resolve to do more things for the pure enjoyment of it, like seeking out live music whenever possible...

- I resolve to schedule a monthly game night with my mix of excellent cousins...

- I resolve to learn photoshop more efficiently so I can spare the world my very analogue editing skills...

- I resolve to reconnect with old friends...

- I resolve to remain emotionally invested in the ever evolving story of Jim & Pam on 'The Office'...

- I resolve to cook more and eat out less...

- I resolve to steadily increase my coffee consumption but to never ever drink a Red Bull...

- I resolve stay focused on the positive whenever I can possibly manage it...

- I resolve to do it instead of talking about it...

- I resolve to dance to Hall & Oates every single morning...

Most importantly I resolve to improve my blog somehow! I don't know if that will come in the form of more posts, or generally cooler content, but improvement has been officially resolved...kinda...

Anyone have any sweet resolutions to share?

My Best Friend's Wedding: Meet Lindsay & Mike

2010-01-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

"Did we just become Best Friends? Yup!" ~ Step Brothers

It's so weird how quickly time passes. Years go by and you hardly blink an eye, at least that's how it seems. When all of a sudden you wake up and your best friend is engaged, it's a clear sign that your not 16 anymore...

World, meet Lindsay and Mike. Lindsay has been my best friend for years and years, my eternally goofy other half. We are known to have a unique sense of humor and no limit to the number of times we can laugh in one day. Mike entered the scene pretty soon after my friendship with Lindsay really blossomed and we all had a blast with our little troop of best friends being carefree teenagers with few worries aside from our dates to Prom and who was responsible for coming up with our weekly "Monday Funday" activities. I miss those days a lot lately. Life inevitably took us in different directions once college came around, but here we are years later and still friends. I think even if we don't see each other nearly as much as we used to, we still have that unspoken bond, which I rarely take the time to appreciate these days it seems, until I am reminded just how much older we all are and just how long ago those days were.

While it's sad to think of how fleeting my youth is, it's equally as cool to be able to say I was able to see Mike and Lindsay's relationship develop from the very beginning into what it is today. You might even say I had a little hand in helping to align the stars for them to initially get them together. I think bittersweet is the perfect word to describe this situation, so happy for the 2 of them and excited for their future but also a little sad to say goodbye to all of our former childhood selves. So, I leave you with my very favorite picture of the happy couple, taken at the beginning of it all, when they were just young whippersnappers...

Congratulations Mike and Lindsay! I am so happy for you both, and I love the crap out of you both, even if I'm not as present as I used to be :) Here's to you, and Magnolia.