Dreamin' of New Collars

Stay tuned. Ralphie's dreams may come true sooner than you think.

New collars tomorrow. If you want a sneak peek head over to my Etsy shop.

:D

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Love

Just, Me, & Stephnay

These are the people who I love the most. My "House Fam."

:D

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Let's put it on the fridge

In some homes the fridge is a place to keep food, in others it's an art gallery for kid's drawings and painting. In our household it's a bulletin board where you can find bills, coupons, and pizza ads.

Currently, I'm trying to teach myself how to use my hand-me-down version of Photoshop CS and this is a cute and not so quick project I worked on last night.

Just was sitting on the couch next to me last night while I put this together. Her reaction was, "What are you doing?"

Me: Making a graphic of our fridge.
Just: Why?
Me: Because I want to learn Photoshop.
Just: Oh, but why a fridge?

I might be crazy, but now we have a very cute graphic of our fridge.
Enjoy!


:D

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Shhh!

Shhh. I have a secret project I'm working on. It's not for sale or anything like that. It's more like a personal project. I can't wait to show you all.


That is all for now.
Stay tuned.


:D

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New Hair Doo

Well, it has been over two years since I last dyed my hair. Meaning my dull naturally black hair has dominated my photos on Myspace and everywhere else I am online. Turning 21 made me want a change. Something that represents who I am. And so, I chose red. Bright red to be exact.

Red has always been my favorite color, and ever since I can remember people have always complimented me when I wear the color red.

I have gotten a few compliments already, but in all honesty I did it for myself. And, I'm glad I did.


:D

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Pet Poll

Hey Readers! Can you please take a moment to answer this quick poll.

Thanks!





:D

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Crazy kitties

Last night Justine and I took a car ride out to Manteca to visit my parents. While we were there just sitting around, my mom urgently called me to the garage. I ran over and she was kneeling in the garage peering under my dad's golf cart. The family cat, Freddie, was meowing and howling and growling all at once.

My mom lowered herself even more and said, "Erika there's another animal under the cart, you're aunt thinks its another cat but I don't want it in here."

"Mom, what are you talking about?"

I had no idea what was going on and all I could tell, Freddie was pissed. Justine came in the garage and brought the family dog, a 7 year old Golden Retriever, Rex. Rex sniffed the cart and whimpered and ran inside. Freddie was yelling louder and hissing so we called for my dad. He came in to get a flash light and while he was sitting in the cart rocking back and forth the other cat shot out from under the cart and lunged at Justine. She dodged out of the way and Freddie chased the cat into the neighbors yard.

The strange and yet funny part of this story is that Freddie is a smooth coat, black cat and the other cat that was hiding in the garage was a smooth coat black cat. It literally looked like Freddie's evil twin. Freddie came back to the garage shortly after the other cat's departure and we swiftly closed the garage door and settled back into our non-eventful evening.

There's never a dull moment at my parent's house.

Oh, BTW, my birthday is in exactly 1 week.
:D

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Advertising

Advertising is fun when I'm making graphics and images to add to the blog, but advertising is not fun when you don't know where to post the new graphics.

In the past week I've sold 3 items at my new Etsy Shop, and I believe the success is due to constant updates of my Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, and posting the pics of items on Flickr as well.

I'm slowly but surely tackling ads online, but soon enough I will have hard copies of postcards to place at local pet related establishments. Word of mouth is actually doing really well too. When I see a cute pooch with a blah collar I'll chit chat with their owner and plug my handmade collars.

Certainly, I will jump back into the craft show game, but I'm taking it slow and steady. That and I work every Saturday, so I can't take too much time off of my real paying job to sell my items. I just keep asking myself, when will McMartin Realty's second Saturday start again? Night events are always fun and I don't have to lose out on pay to promote my pet crafts.

:D

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101st post

Hey! This is the 101st post on the blog. I didn't realize it till right now.

I just wanted to let you all know my birthday is in T-minus 16 days.

I got denied a loan to buy a house BUT with my mom being the co-signer I can buy a house after all.

Today started off pretty lame, but I think it might end on a good note.



:D

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I Want...

This is an "I Want..." post. Yes, it is self absorbed. No, it is not all materialistic. Maybe, you should sit down and take a moment to think what it is you want as well. It's very therapeutic.


1. I want to have a career.
- For the past few years I have gone back and forth with what I want to be in life, what I want to do, what I need to accomplish. At this point in time, I want a job that will take me places, not to be the richest woman alive, or even be well known and liked by many. I want to be financially stable in this rocky road of an economy. I don't want June to come and be left high and dry without a penny to my name or left to fend for myself in the jobless economy.

2. I want a house to call my own.
- Justine and I finally agreed that this will be the year we take the plunge and purchase a house before the housing market starts to rise again. I have gypsy blood in me, I know it. Ever since I graduated high school (2006) I have moved once a year, and in 2007 I actually moved twice. I want a small house that Justine and I can start a family in. A place, where the boys can dig in the yard and pee on the trees and know they won't have to pack up their toys and huff them somewhere else. I want to put my roots in the ground and let them sink in deep without worrying whether or not someone will break the lease and we'll have to leave or struggle to find another roommate.

3. I want to graduate and be an adult.
-Even though I pay my way and am responsible, employers and other people see me as just another college student. An over educated punk. I want to make my parents proud and be the first on my Dad's side to graduate a 4 year university and hold a degree higher than high school or GED.

4. I want to start living.
-Going to school and working part time, makes me feel like I'm waiting for something. I can't do what I want because I'm still in school and my parents see me as a child still. I want to do what I want to do and when I want to do it. I don't want this feeling that I'm waiting for something to happen so I can finally start living my life.

What do you want?

Best Damn Snack Around

Man, oh man! A sweet and salty craving came over me on the way home from class today. Chocolate? No.

Candy? No.

Cookies? NO! ARGH. An epic battle started going on in my brain and I couldn't decided on what to snack on. Then it came to me, peanut butter. Mmm. Honey. Mmmmm. Ritz crackers! YES!

So, here it is. The best damn snack I've had in a while. Peanut butter, Clover Honey, and Ritz crackers. It's best to put the peanut butter first on the cracker and then a little squeeze of honey and mix them together by swirling a knife (or your finger) around the honey. The amount of peanut butter is all based on preference, but the honey should be less than peanut butter.

Enjoy.
:D

Poor Baby Brutus

Last night at about 1:27am Brutus woke up screaming his head off and holding his arm to his chest. Justine and I immediately woke up and grabbed him out from under the covers. He continued to stare us blankly in the eye screaming and crying. Once we noticed he had in some way, shape or form hurt his arm, I began to rub it. He still continued to cry.

I asked if Justine had rolled over on him or if he fell from the bed. She did not squish him, and he had not fallen. We started blankly at each other baffled as to why he would awake screeching like a howler-monkey.

After about five minutes of moving, pushing, poking on his arm it seemed to "hurt" him but nothing we did caused further pain. He snuggled up close to my side and fell back asleep and Justine and I decided his arm must have fallen asleep from him laying on it and it freaked him out.

This morning when I woke up, about 6:30am, Brutus was still nursing his arm and holding it next to his body. For the next few hours he refused to walk, and if he did move, he hobbles. After work at about 1:30pm I went to Walmart, bought him some baby aspirin. As I take a moment from packing for Disneyland, Brutus is now laying on the bed sleeping like a baby, BUT every now and then he remembers his arm hurts and starts to whine and hold it up.

I honestly think he's pretending and just doesn't want Justine and I to go to Disneyland without him.

Poor Baby Brutus indeed.

Changes

If you have not been over to the Charming Co. website lately, please take a gander at some of the changes. I am taking a mini vacation for the next week in Disneyland (again), and so these temporary changes will be up from December 30th-January 7th. I'm fiddling around with colors and layouts and overall just trying to find the right feel and look.

Please take a look and let me know what you think.

Speaking of changes, I have new glasses (tres chic) and a new hair-doo compliments of my fantastically talented hairstylist cousin, Karina.

I have decided to make some serious changes this coming year. In 2009 I will join a gym and actually go work out. I will be healthier and less lazy. I will take better care of myself and those I love. 2009 will be a great year. I can feel it.

Have a safe and happy New Years Eve tomorrow! Ring in the new year with those you love, I know I will. :D

I am alive

Hey there kids. Sorry I have not been around to update lately. I was crocheting my little heart out making gifts for family members. Not to mention I had the worlds worst cold/flu for the last two weeks as well.

I was down and out for the count, but after some much needed rest I am back in action.

I had a glorious holiday with friends and family. My dad changed tradition this year, and yes I was completely thrown off, by having the family open presents at Midnight on Christmas Eve. Usually we wake up at the butt-crack of dawn and open presents Christmas morning. I have to say I was a bit shaken that after 20 years of the old fashion way, my dad of all people became a mover and a shaker and switched it up on us.

This year I was designated, by volunteer, to be the present distributor. I made sure everyone had a gift and we began opening presents in rounds. It was by far the best Christmas I have had in awhile. Not to say that the past one's were in any way bad, but this year felt different. Justine was at my family's this year, instead of our usual "You-do-your-thing" and "I'll-do-mine." We finally did a holiday together. I could not have been more happy.

This holiday I made everyone's gifts. It took about three weeks, but I managed to crochet 5 beanies, 5 dolls, 4 scarfettes, three baby scarves, and one pair of slippers. I embroidered two baby onesies. Sewed 4 wallets, 3 key fobs, 3 crayon rollups and a handy holder rollup for my hairstylist cousin. I even made 6 bars of soap! I felt so accomplished and joyous when everyone opened their gifts and enjoyed them.

Next year will be another handmade holiday and I cannot wait to get a jump on more projects.

Happy Holidays everyone!

:D

Survey for this year.

This year is almost over. Let's do a quick recap.

JANUA​RY 2008

Who kisse​d you on new years​?​​
-Justine

Did you have a New Year'​​s Resol​ution​ this year?​​​
-Not this year, but I will next year.

Does it snow where​ you live?​​​
-We don't get snow. :(

Do you like hot choco​late?​​
-I LOVE hot chocolate. Especially the Disneyland hot cocoa.

Have you ever been to Times​ Squar​e to watch​ the ball drop?​​​
-I wish. One day maybe.

FEBRU​ARY

Who was your Valen​tine?​​​
-Justine.

When you were littl​e did you buy Valen​tine'​​s for the whole​ class​?​​​
-Yes I did.

Do you care if the groun​dhog sees its shado​w or not?
-I always hope he does.

What did you receive for valen​tine'​​s day?
- I think candy.

What did you give for valen​tine'​​s day?
-I think candy. Lol.

MARCH​

Are you irish​?​​​
-Very little.

Do you like corne​d beef and cabba​ge?​​
-When my mom makes it.

What did you do for St Patri​ck'​​s Day?
-Wore the color green.

Are you happy​ when winte​r is prett​y much over?​​​
-I like winter, but I like spring, so could go both ways.

APRIL​

Do you like the rain?​​
-I love it.

Did you play an April​ fool'​​s joke on anyon​e this year?​​​
-Thought about it.

Do you get tons of candy​ for Easte​r?​​​
-Oh yea.

Do you celeb​rate 4/​​20?​​​
-No thank you.

Do you love the month​ of April​?​​​
-I don't LOVE it.

Anyth​ing speci​al happe​n this April​?​​​
-Ralphie's birthday! April 6th.

MAY

What is your favor​ite flowe​r?
-Stargazer lily.

Finis​h the phras​e "​​April​ showe​rs…"​​​
-bring may flowers. And what do Mayflowers bring? PILGRIMS!

Do you celeb​rate May 16th:​​ Natio​nal Pierc​ing Day?
-I had no idea there was a national piercing day.

Is May anyth​ing speci​al to you?
-Justine and my anniversary is on May 30th.

JUNE

What year did/​​will you gradu​ate from high schoo​l?​​​
-2006

Did you do anyth​ing fun durin​g this Month​?​​
-I did training for my new job.

Have a favor​ite baseb​all team?​​​
-SF Giants. By birth.

JULY

Where​ were you on July 4, 2008?​​
-Visiting my parents while they were camping at the Delta.

Did you go to the firew​orks?​​​
-The fireworks came to us. Almost literally. Good times.

Did you blast​ the A/C all day?
-Somewhat.

AUGUS​T

What was your favor​ite summe​r memor​y of '08?
-Going to Puerto Villarta with my family.

Did you have a sunbu​rn?​​​
-Almost!

Did you go to the pool a lot?​​
-Not really. Just once or twice.

SEPTE​MBER

Do you like fall bette​r than summe​r?​​​
-Oh yea.

What happe​ned this month​?​​​
-Fall semester started.

OCTOB​ER

What was your Hallo​ween costu​me?​​​
-Nothing. Boo.

What is your favor​ite candy​?​​​
-Peanutbutter cups.

What was your favor​ite thing​(​​s)​​ about​ this month​?​​​
-Justine's 23rd birthday.

NOVEM​BER

Whose​ house​ do you go to for Thank​sgivi​ng?​​​
-My parents house.

What are you thank​ful for?
-My loves and my life.

Do you love stuff​ing?​​
-With gravy.

Anyth​ing speci​al in this month​?​​​
-Five and a half years with Justine.

DECEM​BER

Do you celeb​rate Chris​tmas?​​​
-Yes I do.

Have you ever been kisse​d under​ the mistl​e toe?
-Nope.

Get anyth​ing speci​al last year?​​
-Sure did. A really fancy purse and we got Brutus.

What do you want this year?​​
-A new sewing machine.

What do you love most about​ Decem​ber?​
-Christmas eve and Christmas.

BRB.

Hello all. Sorry for the lack of updates this week, but I'm in DISNEYLAND.

So, here's a picture from today.


I'll be back Monday morning.

Enjoy your weekend!

:D

My tag cloud

In one of the classes today an instructor brought a new site to my attention. Wordle is an awesome site where you can create a "tag cloud" based on text you provide. This tag cloud I created expresses who I am as a person.
Pretty nifty eh? Check it out for yourself the possibilities are literally endless. Or, go to Wordle and checkout their galleries of tag clouds created by people all over the world.

:D

Winner Winner!

We have a winner! Congratulations to our winner Stacey!
Her pup Whiskey has a bit of the flu (poor bebe) and I hope this musical collar helps him to sing a new and healthy tune.

Thank you again Stacey, for your contribution and suggestion.

Please stay tuned as for later this week I will have a quicky tutorial.

Moments like these

Moments like these I really enjoy having puppies that cuddle. This past week I joined Weight Watchers, registered to vote, paid a bunch of bills, and started planning my winter line of dog collars and accessories.

Stay tuned for more information. Sorry for the lame update but today was a busy day. I actually went into the office to do some training. I work early tomorrow morning so I'm just going to chillax for the rest of the evening.

:D

I taught myself a new trick

I have been keeping myself busy with a new trick I've taught myself. Ok well not a new trick per say but I have taught myself how to crochet! I'm not crocheting to make items to sell but just to keep my hands busy. While I'm working at my real job all I do is doodle. I've gotten quite tired of doodling and decided to learn to crochet in order to keep my mind thinking.

So far I know how to crochet a single crochet and a double crochet stitch. When it comes to reading patterns, they still all look like gibberish. Right now I'm making my little sister a small purse/bag and then my mom a scarf. Keep it simple. That's what all I can really do at the moment. One day I'd like to get good enough to make the cute little dolls my fellow crafter Tamie Snow of Roxycraft makes!

Check back tomorrow for a big Charming Co. announcement!! :D