New Sachets in the Works

I am pleased to say my lavender sachets have been a hit. So, I am making more to take to Oklahoma City and to sell at Enid.

Flowers on my Desk

Hat + Flower

I was wearing this hat the other day while working at Sprout. This poor little bloom fell off its stem, so I gave it a new home on my hat!

Sprout

I have really enjoyed working at Sprout lately. With all the weddings in town this fall Sprout has been busy making flower arrangements, bouquets, boutonnieres, etc. Above are some creations I made.

Stuff I Made

I've spent the last few days making lavender sachets and a new batch of skeleton key necklaces for Renegade Chicago. They will be in my sister Lara's booth 62 along with her handmade pillows, necklaces, prints, and more!

Oklahoma Mission Trip

A couple of weeks ago I helped lead a junior high mission trip to the Osage Reservation in Pawhuska, OK. We spent a week doing yard work, painting, serving food in a soup kitchen, and playing with kids. When we were not doing service projects we had personal devotions, "free time" (in which we played a lot of spoons and Egyptian rat screw), prepared meals, went to "club" (a worship/sermon service), and ended the night with individual church group time. Despite the long days, 115 degree heat, and community showers it was a rewarding trip. Here is a picture of the 11 rambunctious junior highers with Kelly (red shirt) and me (neon heart shirt).

Etsy Shop!

I am in the process of taking pictures and creating images of all the vintage things I have collected. I am excited to share them on my etsy shop!

Horse Hair Firing

The last day of ceramics class we learned a firing technique called horse hair firing. I'm not crazy about the outcome, but the process was a lot of fun. When we arrived to class our pieces were already in the kiln. My dad was the brave one who volunteered to take the pots out of the kiln. Once out, we used strips of newspaper and horse hair to create the black lines on the pots. Kind of an odd technique, but seeing the newspaper and horsehair catch fire when it made contact with the pot was thrilling!

Ceramics

This is what I have to show for my ceramics class. I love the way the glaze turned out, not too glossy and a perfect shade of green.

Peach Margaritas

Last night I made my Aunt Cynthia's Peach Margaritas for my sister's birthday. They were a hit! Here is the recipe...

1 6oz can frozen limeade
6oz tequila
6oz Triple Sec
6 Tablespoons lime juice
2 cups fresh peaches
4 cups ice cubes

1. Combine all ingredients except ice in blender. Blend well.
2. Pour half of the mixture into a container. Then add 2 cups ice to the mixture in the blender and blend well. Pour the blended margarita into a container for the freezer.
3. Pour the remaining half of the mixture into the blender and add 2 cups ice to blend. Place in the freezer until ready to serve.

Serves 6 to 8

Perfect Pairs:

Beer and Vogue/Butternut Squash Soup and The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. This is how I plan to spend my evening.

Sword of the Spirit

A month or so ago I decided I wanted to design a sword pendant. I was inspired by a couple of things; the Sword of the Spirit found in Ephesians 6 and Joan of Arc. Here is the final product. I love the way it turned out. Next up: the Shield of Faith.

Vintage Prints

I love how these antique botanical prints look in the shiny freshly painted frames. Lara will be taking them to the Dallas Flea this weekend.

Lambies

Today one of my dad's ewes had triplets! I helped him move them from the pasture to the pen so we can keep an eye on them and make sure they are getting enough to eat. So far so good, but we have lamb food ready just in case.

Things Found on a Walk

I've been walking a lot lately; to work, to the store, etc. When I spy something interesting, I pick it up. I thought this made a cool collection.

Separated at Birth

Never in her wildest dreams did Vivian expect to meet her long lost twin today. It was a short, but sweet reunion.

Happy

Enough said.

Bad Day Treat

I've given up caffeine except for a cup of coffee in the morning, but sometimes a bad day just calls for a special drink to make it all better. Goodbye bad day. Hello iced latte.

Skeleton Key Necklaces

I made these necklaces today just in time for the Renegade Craft Fair in Austin this weekend. You can find them at booth 109 along with my sister Lara's printed tees, handmade jewelry, refurbished frames, and planted succulents.

Bamboo Chair

This is my latest find. It is in perfect condition. And it swivels!

No clothes for a year!

Yes, tis true. I have given up buying clothes, shoes, and accessories for a whole year. To some that might sound like a piece of cake. To others it might sound impossible. I have held my promise for 4 months and I am here to tell you it is not impossible. Hard, yes, but not impossible. There are several reasons for this decision. One reason is to practice self-control. Another is that I have enough clothes, shoes, and accessories to clothe an orphanage. The main reason, however, is that I am trying to become less materialistic. I think it is working. I highly recommend it.

P.S. It helps to have a really cool sister and awesome roommate who give you a little black dress with gold owls on it for your birthday. Thanks Lara and Katie!

A Beautiful Mess

Here are a couple pictures of my desk. I think most would find it a bit messy, but I think it is beautiful. Stay tuned for some more snapshots of my home.

3 Little Indians

Ali's band, Little Indian, has their first gig this Thursday. So Ali, Hope, and I hunted for flowers and feathers and fashioned these cool headbands to wear to the event.

Meet Haylie

So, I ran into this girl on Main St. and I thought she had the coolest outfit. I mean, c'mon, a yellow pillbox hat?! I ran after her and asked if I could take her picture. She was very obliging. I just might be the next Sartorialist. And she might just be the next Jackie O.

Weekend Finds

Here is the loot from the past weekend's treasure hunt. The groovy plate, clear horse head bookends, and metal rooster letter organizer are all available for sale at etsy.com/shop/LaraCollins. I decided to keep the tin canister for myself. It's perfect for holding my matcha green tea.

VW Rally

This last Sunday I went with my two friends, Ali and Hope, to the Volks Wagon Rally in town. I would love to own a Volks Wagon bus someday. I can see myself cruising the countryside with the windows down and my dog Scout in the passenger seat. Sadly, my camera battery died as soon as I got there, but I came away with a couple cool pictures.

Treasures

Here are some treasures I found this weekend. Treasure hunting is one of my favorite things to do. I consider myself a genuine scavenger. These items can be purchased at enidlifestyle.com.

Hokahay Days

Welcome to Hokahay Days. I know I know, you are wondering what the hell Hokahay means. Well, let me tell you my friends...

It all started one summer in high school, my dad and I went on a backbacking/rock climbing trip in California. Our guide, Dave, taught us the word, Hokahay, which he said was an America Indian word meaning "to suck the marrow out of life." My first thought was gross! but, once I put bone marrow out of my mind, I found an idea that portrays richness and fullness and deepness; a way of life that takes risks and is full of experiences. Since then it has served as a motto for my dad and me. My regret, though, is that I have not lived out this concept. My desire is that this blog serves as a journal/record of my life, starting at this pivotal point that jump starts a journey to discover what it means to truly live, what it means to know myself, and to find what it is that "makes me tick", as a good friend put it.