The Lulu.

When you blog, and your blog grows, you'll 'meet' people.  This phenomenon has enriched and blessed my life.  Maybe that sounds nerdy to you, but I don't really care.  Maybe in reality it is.  Then again, I never claimed to be cool.  The bottom line is this...{nerdy or not} these new people you'll find will be good. 

Trish from 'DAiSYS & dots' is one of these people.  Not only is she wonderfully nice and just plain lovely, she's crafty.  Much more than I.  She makes cool stuff.  Some of it, you can find HERE.  She also takes pictures.  Pretty, pretty pictures...you can see those HERE.  Sadly, she lives far away in a land called Michigan.  These days, Michigan might as well be China.  BUM-mer!

One of the great things she's been making lately is the 'Lulu Headband'.  I'm sporting one in the photo above.  I'm a huge fan of headwraps, even with short hair.  I have quite a few.  More than I probably should.  The 'Lulu' is my new favorite.  I get compliments whenever I wear it.  Even from strangers. {Which kind of creeps me out, but my irrational fears are a post for another day.} 

My only problem with this amazingly cute headband is that Rosie has quite a fondness for it, too.

Aside from the fact that she looks absolutely edible in it,  it bugs the tar out of me.  So, if you have little girlies, these headbands fit them great, too.  Just be prepared to fight with them over it.

Trish has kindly offered 'Odd Girl Out' readers a 10% discount on any 'Lulu headbands' purchased in her Etsy shop for the next 48 hours only!  All you need to do is use the code 'ODDGIRLOUT10' when checking out to redeem your discount!  How cool is that?  I would hurry though.  She sells quite a few of them.  

If you don't get one...well, you'll just wish you had.  So, do yourself a favor, and just order one already...or two, or three.

"I love it all"

Okay, so the 'Me & You' print won!  Sweet Monika over at 'i love it all' was a real pleasure to work with.  She responded to my emails in about 2.354803789 seconds, and was quick to show me a proof in my selected colors.  Isn't Etsy grand?

Anywho, Monika was thrilled that you all like her work so much, that she is offering a 20% discount to you.  Pretty sweet.

All you need to do is mention 'oddgirlout' in the notes to seller when checking out, and then, she will promptly refund 20% of your purchase total back.  Yahoooooooo!

Here are some of my favs from her shop:

Totally not important...

I wanted a print for the master bedroom that makes

a strong, bold, graphic statement.

My favorite is out of budget...

'For Like Ever' poster by Tracy Jenkins

So, enter Etsy, and the many, many, many {too many}

more affordable options I've found.

Long story short,

I can't make a decision.

Can you help?

Option #1:

'L is for Lover' by Dear Colleen

Option #2

'Fight for It' by Studio Mela

Option #3

'Love Candy' by Made by Girl

Option #4

'Me & You' by I Love It All

Can you help?

The Blues, the Ego, and the Mail.

I was down and out this weekend. 

A stupid arguement between friends. 

Both parties guilty.

Blown out of proportion by inflated egos giving into the id, pleasurable survival.

Feels right at the moment, but is so short lived. 

Ah, modern philosophy.

In a more ancient, biblical sense (one I prefer)...pride to the point of sin.

Sure, we might feel better if, in the end, we were right.

But, at what cost?

Things are resolved, now. 

The healing can begin. 

But, over the weekend, I felt like I'd always imagined it would feel to be dumped by a high school boyfriend. 

Really el crappo.

Briefly, on Saturday, I felt half-way happy. 

Okay, maybe a quarter happy.

'Cause the mail was beautiful.

Oh, how I love beautiful mail.

these clippies for my girls for Rosie's birthday party from here

this fabric for Ro's birthday shirt from here

something for said friend from here

the poster form 'The Swell Season' show I went to in December from here

I'm framing that bad boy to hang near the basement stairs. 

I love that print.

I love that I met Glen that night.

I love that this friend and others were there to share that moment with me.

I love that it matches my decor.

I love that I love it. 

And, even if it didn't match anything...I love it so much, I'd still hang it with a song in my heart.

So, for 2.2 seconds, I felt good. 

And, now, after we hashed it out...I feel even better. 

Almost normal.

Because I am convinced, I will never be normal.

Oh, yeah...and I love that friend even more than beautiful mail.

:)

Oops! I forgot.

I just bought the most amazing PDF file from Twig & Thistle's's etsy shop.  

Why?

Because it was cute, cheap, and it never fails that I always forget a little something for someone somewhere along the line during the holidays.  Not a gift, per say, just a little somethin' somethin'.  For a party hostess, a great-aunt, a neighbor.  You get the idea. 

I have a box of unbreakable ball ornaments I got for 90% off last year and tons of ribbon (because I'm a ribbon floozy), so I'll make a big sack of them and keep them on hand for those, "Oops, I forgot" moments. 

photo from 'twig & thistle'

photo from 'twig & thistle'

The other thing I really like about this PDF is that it's black, so you can print it on, virtually, any color of cardstock.  I'm envisioning some unlikely Chirstmas combos.  I love the unexpected. 

Aren't they sophisticated cool? 

I love them, and it just reinforces my philosophy, "It's all in the details, and that doesn't mean expensive". 

Peace out, girl scouts!

paint and prints.

First and foremost, I would like to say that spray paint is entirely underrated. If it weren't for spray paint, there is no way I could redecorate and remain with in my budgetary limitations. I cannot tell you how many times I've reused lamps, shelves, frames, curtain rods, hardware, just by harnessing the magic that is spray paint. My love of spray paint started about 9 years ago, and it has blossomed into one of the greatest affairs of all time. I am amazed how in 9 years, the breadth of available colors has exploded. If it's a color you can think up, they make it in an aerosol can. My sister even spray painted a ceiling fan bright candy apple red. AND...it looks great! Take my word for it, it's a DIYer's dream.

Secondly, I finally settled on a poster for a huge blank space above the chairs in the basement. I got it here at How Fabulous Designs' etsy shop. In terms of this house, I think it, really, just sums it up. It is the final piece I'll be needing. The floor will hopefully be put down this weekend, and then I can begin the fun part!

C'ya!

I 'heart' the mail.

Especially, when it's got goodies like these...

wallpaper for Rosie's room.

lanterns for Betsy's room,

an extra eyelet lantern I didn't order OR get charged for (luna bazaar told me just to keep it),

and awesome fabrics (from Fabric Worm) for a project in the boys' new garden apartment
bedroom (that's below ground for you non-urbanites).

Fun Stuff!

candles.

It's a candle kind of day in the lou. It is overcast, and rainy. The air is so thick, I am convinced it is not oxygen at all, but some soupy gas that has the reverse effect of O2. It sucks the air clear out of your lungs. The house is pretty clean, and I just wanted a little ambiance and candley happiness, so, I got out a bunch of candles that my friend, Lisa, made for me in a craft swap. (Do any of you swap your wares? I love doing this!)

Anywho, her candles are what wax in heaven must be like. Assuming heaven has wax. Their smell is continuously strong, but not overpowering, and they burn long, and clean. Come to think of it, she should really be sellin' these bad boys on etsy.

Perfection.

I really like Lisa. Yet, another reason I am thankful for the computer, at times. Lisa and I would, probably, have never had more than a handful of exchanges in 'real' life (our husbands are friends), but now we chat all the time.

Hmmmm, if only we could put our shyness in our pockets, and catch dinner and a movie!

And, yes, believe it or not...in real time, I am painfully shy. True story!

Now, go light a candle and chill...

...even if you have to fold laundry, while doing so. ;)

the new "thing". revealed.

This was my idea...

now it is reality.

I am sure there are some like it somewhere.

But, for now, I am content.

I think it turned out great.

I haven't stitched the inside of the glasses yet,

but I wanted to show you all today.

I haven't decided a price.

It takes a bit longer than other shirts I've done,

and it requires a couple of more materials to get the job done.

Idn't it cute though?

I can applique it on anything, even something for boys.

I just put it on a cute lil' shirt for Ro.

I'm going to do one on a polka dot tank for Bets.

I guess all you need is a good muse...

thank you, DJ Lance Rock!

new idea.

Okay, so I have not investigated if this is original, but I have a new "thing" going in the etsy shop. Let's just say it is gonna be awesome. And, it will make you smile. I will give one clue...

Yo!

***update***

it won't be going in for a couple of days...

stay tuned!

Introducing...

My etsy shop!

Please stop by and

check it out!

ps

Let me know

what you think...

more will be added soon.

So, stay tuned...

Thanks!

should I?

I've been wondering, lately, if I should put some stuff up on etsy. I love doing applique especially, and the sewing part is therapeutic for me. The extra fundage would be marvelous. But, I just don't know. I'm afraid my items wouldn't sell, or my product wouldn't be good enough, or I'd charge too much or too little, not to mention the fact that these kind of etsy shops are a dime a dozen (I would need something unique to bait the customers in.) Ahhhhhhh!

What's a girl to do?

Help!!!

Mopsy.

Happy Spring!

I am sorry, but this is possibly one of the cutest prints I've seen on etsy. You can purchase it here from badbird's etsy shop. (Check out 'Snow White and the Usual Suspects', too.)

And, what better way to welcome the first day of the spring equinox than with a picture of a bunny with an alter ego?

See ya!

Goodness.

Not only does this dress have goodness written all over it. BUT, Tiffany, the woman who makes it is goodness in human form. Let me tell you a story about her AND this dress that is pure goodness...

My beautiful, Miss Betsy Jane, was chosen as a recipient for the Rosemary Zander Award. Yeah! I wrote about it here many weeks ago. It is the highest honor the St. Louis Special School District bestows upon students who show outstanding achievement. Yeah, again! Anywho, I wanted to get her something special to wear on the night of the big award banquet in April. I knew I wanted something a little bit more custom, definitely handmade, and undoubtedly, from etsy. The search began, but, luckily, I found that little number above, fairly quickly. The problem is, that I like Betsy to have bloomers or leggings with dresses because she still wears a diaper. April is more like a bloomer-kind-of-month. So, I had to contact Tiffany of the etsy shop, princessister2, to see if she could help me out. I mean, I needed that dress for Bets. I explained the potty training situation because of Betsy's disabilities (sometimes I feel the need to explain myself, guilty as charged), the award banquet, the special dress, etc., and not only is she going to whip up bloomers in a size 7, but she is doing it FREE OF CHARGE as a gift to Betsy. How freakin' cool is that? That, my friends, is the embodiment of goodness.

I don't know about you, but these kinds of things always happen to me just when I am starting to doubt the human race. Wowza, God is a mastermind, THE mastermind, isn't He? Giving us just what we need, right when we need it. Incredible and good.

Later, gators!

Tutu fabulous.

I love etsy, but sometimes the things that I like I am determined to make myself. It is self-gratifying and easier on the pocket book.

Lil' Ro's birthday party is Saturday morning at Build-a-Bear Workshop, and I wanted her to look like an urban princess. I am pleased with the results. Rosie thinks that the Tutu Fairies have bestowed one of their greatest gifts onto her. It's a win, win.

Now, I just have to finish the applique.

I was pretty confident that I knew how to assemble the tutu, but I did lean on the detailed instructions from DesignMom.com, here, just to be sure. So, I hope you enjoy, and I will post pics of Betsy's digs when they're finished. She has to look glam, too.

Happy tutu making!

Inauguration.

image taken from stonz etsy shop

Okay, so here goes.

I am not a democrat. Most people that I know accept this about me and move on with their lives. After all, variety is the spice of life. I am not militant about my party affiliation (most of the time). In fact, if a democrat, libertarian, or independent, can come up with intelligent, valid reasons for their political tendencies, more power to 'em. Just have something halfway reasonable and well thought out to back up the reasons why you lean the way you do. Whichever way that is. (By the way, 'because, it's cool' is NOT a reason).

There are many things that I lean to the left about. The environment, gay rights, civil rights, stem cell research (of the NON-embryonic variety), animal rights, basic human rights, I prefer peace over war (unless, there doesn't seem to be any other way), yadda, yadda, yadda. Basically, like with most things in life, I do not believe every single thing the conservative right believes. But, at the core, I believe in capitalism and hard work. I believe that there is a severe lack of morals and values in this country, and that a little bit more God, or whatever spiritual being you believe in (seriously, I know not everyone is a Christian) wouldn't hurt any of us. I could go on, but who has the time, and do you really care?

I am not cynical to the point of hating our new President. Quite the opposite. I think he has a fantastic opportunity to bring this country what it so desperately needs. Hope and change. (That was his slogan, wasn't it?)

Despite who I thought would be best for the job, and who I ultimately voted for, I DO want our President to succeed. If you don't...you're an idiot! And, I don't feel bad saying that. The success of our nation's leader reflects on our country as a whole. Morale depends on it. It needs it like a drug, like a losing team needs a win. I hope the next four years are like one of the greatest comebacks in NFL football history (Bills vs. Oilers 1993 playoff game comes to mind...good gravy, I love wikipedia).

I wish President Obama all the success that could possibly be afforded to him. And, now that he is elected, I stand behind him. I may not agree with everything he chooses to do for this great country, but we can't all agree on everything. It isn't natural, or fun.

Now, let the next chapter for the United States be written...

image from sherrytruitt's etsy shop

Happy Inauguration Day!

also...

My dear cousin, Mel, is getting married in March. I will be a second-time bridesmaid at the ripe, old age of 31 (my birthday is in February...9th if you're wanting to get me a present). I am making their wedding cake topper, as a gift to them. Goosegrease makes them to your custom specifications, as pictured above, and they are incredible.

BUT, they also sell unfinished dolls. SO...

Stay tuned...

And, my other dear cousin, Kate, gave birth to her second baby boy on Monday. I was hoping to have a picture of baby Grayson, but I forgot my stinkin' camera when we went to the hospital.

Dang it!

Well, congrats, anyway, to Kate and Ryan, and their expanding family!

Word!

little people.

This is my new favorite from etsy. I mean can you say, 'total nostalgia'? I swear, hear and now, in front of witnesses, that when or if we move...I am getting this print, as big as 'Studio Mela' can make it, and hanging it, like, in my living room, so I can look at it, and smile. Everyday. Every, bloody, day.

In the mean time, I may get this for the girls' room. It just screams, Betsy & Rosie. Because if they could make their own choices concerning art for their walls, I am certain, without a doubt, that this would be something that they would pick.

I'd bet my life on it.

Nighty-night.

Ridiculously long Christmas re-cap.

Christmas Eve was celebrated with my mom's side at the hall at my Grandma Mary's nursing home. We eat, play 'rob your neighbor', the kids run around, eat some more, and just have a good time. This year my Grandma was very sick, so, the general Gubser splendor was a bit dim, but considering the circumstances, it is understandable.

Santa came to visit the whole family Christmas Eve. It was super-duper because we were all able to get family photos with him; all eight families. I don't know where Santa gets his patience. But, come on, the guy is magic, right?

In this photo, lil' Miss Kate wasn't havin' it. Sam did his best to get her to pose and smile, but, oh well. That's how it goes sometimes!

Christmas morning the kids tore into their gifts.

Having little ones makes Christmas so magical. It is truly awesome to watch them experience Christmas magic.

This was my favorite present that Santa brought. Betsy got these little people. I think that Santa enlisted the help of Etsy seller Too Cute. She even threw in an extra little baby. These will inspire many moments of imaginative play.


Then we went to Jake's folks' house. More presents. More excitement. But then...

disaster struck. Betsy barfed all over the table. Jake brought us home. She then proceeded to chuck about 12-15 more times. Merry Christmas, Betsy! Needless to say, she was absolutely pathetic.

Finally, I will leave you with an image of the iPod that my husband so generously bestowed to me.

What can I say?

I will attempt to articulate my feelings on this one. First off, I must tell you that I am a psycho-obsessive, lover of music. All kinds, but mostly indie stuff. This is my first iPod so, naturally, I am amazed at it's capabilities, and stunned with awe to finally have one. It is even orange, my favorite.

Second, I should share a little background. The family joke around here is that all of the women in my family keep a certain part of their spouses anatomy in a jar. Meaning: we are in charge. Generally speaking, I guess this is true. Okay, so, I know this is true. Anywho, my dear husband got the back of my trusty iPod engraved. Some of you may be horrified at the inscription, but I am mostly impressed. It's one thing to put, 'I love you', or 'you are the music in my heart', or something equally lame, but he came up with something personal, hilarious, and, for us, quite endearing.

...'til Tuesday