My 12 in 12

I know I'm a little tardy for the party, but I was having a nice little 2 week break from work, and since I was placed in an Air Cast boot to heal a serious sprain in my ankle, I was forced to take it easy. The horror! I'm back at work now, and it's...chaotic. Nothing like jumping right back into it!

2011 was a good year for me. I made a new friend (and she will totally catch a reference in the above paragraph), worked on growing petal & pink, joined IFB, was smarter with my shopping, ate better, and overall improved just about all aspects of my life. I also turned 30. When I was 25-26, 30 seemed so scary to me, I dare even say I thought it was old. As I turned 29, I had a more "bring it on attitude", and now that it's here, I'm bringing it. I'm excited at all the things I have planned, and hope to grow and take in so much more than that.

I'm not one for resolutions. So, instead of making those, I'm making a list of things I'm looking forward to, and even sharing here on this blog. I'm calling it "12 in 12", because I like to give things corn-ball titles. So here goes:

12. Run an uninjured 5k (see air cast mention above).
11. Take in more outdoor activity. 2011 was marred by a rained out camping trip, too few hikes, and even less bike rides.
10. Expand petal & pink. Big plans you guys, stay tuned!
9. Take a photography class. To be honest, I use my camera so much on jewelry pictures, I haven't even scratched the surface of what it can do. I will learn more!
8. Build quality into my wardrobe. I have a good functioning closet now. It's time to up the ante and start investing! (I'm looking at you, coveted MBMJ bag)
7. Start a garden. Okay, so this will probably be husband's doing, but I will contribute by picking veggies.
6. Get 100 more Etsy sales. I hit 100 sales this holiday season* and now I want to bust my booty to carry on the momentum!
5. Celebrate our 4th wedding anniversary with a grilled dinner at our house.
4. Buy a house. (Which is why a lovely grilled by husband dinner would be amazing. We miss charcoal grilling.)
3. Get a dog!
2. Visit Paris (and London, too).
1. Be more open to where this year will take me! I've got such big plans in 2012, I don't want to over look the smaller things, those can turn into the big memories of life.

*to celebrate my 100 sales, I'm running a 10% off promo in my Etsy shop. Enter "Happy12" at checkout! Ends January 10th.

DIY: Bow tie necklace

I've been coming across a lot of bow tie style necklaces lately while browsing stores online. I am loving them. Bow ties are huge right now. Headbands are adorned with them, shoes are bedecked with them, and the pussybow blouse is having a moment. It was decided. I, too, would take on the bow.

The inspiration:

1. Asos 2.Max and Chloe 3. Modcloth

What you'll need:

1 Bow (I found this at JoAnne's)

Chain (to the length you want)

Clasp

4 small open jump rings (I used 3.5mm)

2 slightly larger open jump rings (I used 4mm)

1 closed jump ring (I used 5mm)

Pliers

Bead reamer (or pin/needle)
I happen to have jewelry making supplies on hand, but Michael's and other craft stores sell these supplies.
Be aware most craft stores won't have sterling silver, which is my preference. You'll most likely need to go to a beading store for sterling, or order online. 

Pierce hole on the side of your bow (for the connections).

Repeat on other side.

Open your larger jump ring. 

Using both pairs of pliers, find the seam and push/pull in opposite directions.

Place smaller jump ring on the open one.

Attach through the hole you made, close jump ring.

To close, repeat how you opened it, be sure to make sure there's no gap.

Repeat Step 2 and 3 for other side.

Measure your bow.

Based on the size of your bow, determine the amount of chain needed.

I wanted my necklace to be about 16 inches, so I cut 13 inches of chain.

Be sure to keep in mind the clasp will add some slight length as well.

Cut the chain into 2 equal lengths.

Open smaller jump ring and attach a piece of chain, then close tightly.

Repeat for other side.

On one side, attach another smaller jump ring and your clasp.

Close tightly.

On the other side, attach the smaller jump ring and the closed one.

Close tightly.

Voila!

And on. 

Please pardon my no makeup'd Sunday crafty self.

If you do this for yourself, I'd love for you to share it with me! What's your stance? To bow or not to bow? I'm excited to wear this with tees, button ups and dresses. I mean everything is classier when you're wearing a sparkling bow tie necklace, right?

Where we're going, we don't need roads...

Back to the Future and Shoe fiends rejoice!

Nike has announced that they've created the limited edition "2011 Nike Mag" shoe. This shoe, is a replica of the one from the classic movie trilogy "Back to the Future" complete with glowing logo. While maybe in the year 2015 (when the movie takes place) we will have flying cars, and all that other awesome 80's futuristic technology, for now super fans and shoe collectors alike can have the chance to purchase these bad daddies. Let's take a look, shall we?

Mmmhmmm. Not too shabby. The limited release of 1,500 pairs is available for auction on Ebay now. Bidding currently ranges anywhere from $3,000-$9,000. Bidding opened up last night and will continue through the 18th. All proceeds from this auction will go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's disease research. Michael J. Fox has not hidden his battle with this debilitating disease, and it's great to see Nike taking a role and helping raise awareness through something that is too retro, nerdy, and awesome all at the same time.

Now...if we could only get someone to work on those hoover boards and flying cars...