Hollyrocks

Cozy

2012-01-24T22:25:00.003-06:00

Everyone has a spot that is more comforting than any other place on the planet to them. I have a few places in my home that make me feel all cozy. There's a chair with a lamp next to it in our office where I like to read, I have definitively claimed my half of the couch, and I've even been known to find nice spots on the floor to relax. But one area of my home makes me feel more cozy than any other.

I love to curl up on my corner of the bed when I'm trying to wind down in the evening, and also when I just want to chill out a little during the day. Since I don't have room for a nightstand in my little corner and I'm often reading a book or two, I installed a little basket where I can easily stash my reading materials.

I've also decorated the area with a screenprinted book page by Weather and Noise and a lovely print I got as a wedding gift from Heather at Audrey Eclectic.

Just through my bedroom windows, I can see the sun setting through one of our trees during the evening and it looks like this:

Now that you've seen mine, tell me about your favorite place to get cozy! Especially if you've got a window seat...

Source: mydesignchic.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: purestylehome.blogspot.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com via JC on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Amberly on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Laura on Pinterest

...because that would make me deliciously jealous.

Winter White

2012-01-02T22:42:00.004-06:00

Hello and Happy New Year, my lovely friends! I always try to be open to change. Sometimes we fight it, but often what we really need is something fresh and new. A clean slate can be both frightening and invigorating. I've put together a collection of photos to help you start this year off with a bright outlook. Although I'm known to be a color girl, I'm thoroughly refreshed by white as well. It can be dreamy, crisp, clean, pure, plain, blank- anything you make of it really. I'm hoping we can all make something beautiful out of the upcoming year!
(Click photos to be directed to source)

Although I can't really complain that this winter has been incredibly mild so far, I must admit I wouldn't mind seeing a bit of white. Maybe I could do without record-breaking snowfall like we experienced last year, but just a little sparkling dust on the ground before the season's end. I'm wishing you a year full of love and magic!

Almost Famous

2011-12-10T10:45:00.004-06:00

I was recently asked by Christine if I would do an interview to promote the Indie Emporium shop. You see, Christine is a shy girl. She works really hard to do amazing things for the handmade scene here in Tulsa, but she's also modest and doesn't require much praise for her doings. I admire that quality in her, because I'm more of a "point that camera over here, baby, I'm gonna be a STAR" type of girl. Here's the interview I did with Rabyne Rogue and Gerald Harris of Shop Local.

In other holiday festivities, I posted a fun tutorial over on the make:Tulsa blog. This was one of the most enchanting craft projects I've ever done. You might have forgotten that my husband and I are pushing 30 if you could have seen the way our eyes lit up as we gave our new snow globes a shake. Here's a little photo collage of the process:

If you're interested in making your own snow globes this season, check out the full tutorial here. Happy crafting!

Pop Up Shopping in Downtown Tulsa

2011-12-02T10:51:00.006-06:00

Hello and Happy December! I've got some news for you and if you're local, it just might mean some magical winter memories are in store for you. The Deco District of Tulsa, Oklahoma has been transformed into a haven for all things festive. A multitude of local businesses have set up temporary shops through the month of December to give Tulsans an idea of how this area could be transformed with the help of retailers and consumers alike. One of the shops that has popped-up for this event is the Indie Emporium Shop!

You will be amazed at how many lovely, unique items you'll find in these shops (see a list of participating businesses here). They all have alluring window displays, and the street is beautifully decorated so you can go for a nice stroll and do a bit of window shopping.

This event is gathering lots of press from local sources, and I got the opportunity to work a shift at the Indie Emporium shop where I was thrilled with the response I was seeing from local consumers. A steady flow of people showed up and visited the area, buying lots of fun items from us and leaving behind a plethora of comments that warmed my heart. They believed in what was going on in Downtown Tulsa, and they wanted to support local businesses and artists.

I had a great time chatting with local shoppers, and I may have even recruited some of them for an upcoming class I'll be doing at the shop. We are going to be making polymer clay snowmen!

Registration is not required but if you know for sure you'd like to attend, you can respond in the comment section of this post or send an email to Holly@maketulsa.com. Drop-ins are also welcome and I will bring plenty of supplies, so feel free to visit the Indie Emporium shop this "Winter Wednesday" (carolers, Santa, $2 specials) from 5 to 8 to browse our collection of homemade goods and make a souvenir from your holiday outing in the Deco District of Tulsa. Hope to see you there!

Fitness Friday #12- A Healthy Pumpkin Recipe

2011-11-18T23:58:00.006-06:00

Technically, it's early Saturday morning or late Friday night, but I wanted to get this Fitness Friday recipe out in time for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday in case you're looking for a healthy contribution to any feasts you might be attending with family or friends. This low-fat pumpkin dip is served with fresh apple slices for an appetizer and/or dessert that is tasty, healthy, and completely reminiscent of fall. Here is my altered version of this recipe.

Healthy Pumpkin Dip with Spiced Apples

3/4 cup (6 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2-3 large apples (I prefer Honeycrisp)
3 tbs lemon juice
1/8 cup lite whipped topping

★ Place cream cheese, brown sugar, and pumpkin in a mixing bowl, and beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended. Add syrup and cinnamon, and beat until smooth.
★ Garnish with whipped topping and a sprinkle of cinnamon (an little dash of nutmeg is nice too if you choose).
★ Cover and chill 30 minutes.
★ Core and slice apples. Drizzle with lemon juice to keep slices fresh (this won't affect the flavor of the apples). Sprinkle a layer of cinnamon onto the apple slices.
★ Arrange on a pretty dish and you're good to go!

What are your favorite fall recipes?

The Blues

2011-11-13T12:47:00.004-06:00

Earlier this year, I put together a collection of photos representing my favorite color, purple. At the end of that post, I asked about your color preferences. Considering more people claim blue as their favorite than any other color, I wasn't all too surprised that many of you mentioned this calming hue. Blue can invoke a variety of concepts and feelings- the sky, cold weather, serenity, water, and even sadness. Here are a few photos I collected to represent this stunning shade.
(Click photos to be directed to source)

Perhaps this song will have you feelin' the blues as well. I do love a good blues tune, but let me just say that I like my blues the same way I like my men- strong, sincere, and slightly rugged.

What do you associate with the color blue?

Prepare for Winter

2011-11-08T00:27:00.003-06:00

According to one of the squirrels who visits the little feeding station on my deck, it's time to start gathering delicious treats to get you through a cold winter!

This guy was going a little crazy with the sunflower seeds on a recent chilly day. I've noticed they tend to do this when winter is on the way. Prepare your mittens, Oklahoma! In other crafty and winter-related news, I'm so happy that I learned how to crochet with the help of my talented friend Sherri.

I'm currently working on a scarf.

I've completed a few little scarflettes as well.

Do you crochet or knit? Both? Neither? I can officially say I know how to do both, and I think I prefer crochet.

Fitness Friday #11- Routine is Everything

2011-11-04T09:28:00.005-05:00

This may not be true for everyone, but many of the people who pursue a healthy lifestyle (myself included) claim that routine is everything when it comes to staying in shape. If you've tried to make changes in the past that didn't last, establishing a solid routine might help you stick with it.

Image source

In the health world, so many people swing violently back and forth between drastic measures and giving up completely. I think the perfect way to avoid this is to draw out a sensible routine for yourself and stick with it for the long haul. It's easier to hold yourself accountable for staying true to your plan if you actually HAVE a plan.

I'll tell you a little bit about my routine, but please keep in mind that everyone is different and it's okay if yours looks nothing like this. Basically, I work out 5 days a week with a combination of cardio and weight training. When I was losing weight, I did 45 minutes of cardio (power walking on the treadmill or a brisk jaunt on the elliptical) paired with weight training on two different muscle groups, which I switched up daily. So my routine might be 45 minutes on the treadmill followed by an ab workout and a thigh workout. Then the next day I might do the same cardio but finish by working my back and calves. While it's good to have a routine, you do need to vary your target areas so your body doesn't get too tolerant of the exercises you're doing.

RAWR

Now that I'm trying to maintain my weight, I'm still working two muscle groups but I've cut my cardio down to 30 minutes a day and I've been at my current weight for over 3 years. The days off are important- it's how I've been able to maintain this routine for as long as I have without getting sick of it. In fact, I look forward to it. If you get a good routine going, it's easy to work it into your life because you come to expect it. I've heard many people say they don't have time to work out. I understand it can be difficult to clear an hour out of your day, but if that hour is spent making you feel better the rest of the day and adding years to your life in the long run, I'd say it's worth it.

What is your ideal routine?

Of Course I was a Squirrel for Halloween

2011-11-01T08:46:00.003-05:00

As much as I love Halloween, I typically don't go all out for my costume each year. I might get a little more daring with my fashion choices and add a few fun accessories, but this year was different. I was scheduled to work on Halloween, and received an email saying that library employees were allowed to dress up in "tasteful costumes" and I decided to go for it. Since many people know about my obsession with squirrels, I thought it would be fun to take it to the next level.

And then I may have gotten a little carried away with my role as the squirrel girl...

Halloween may be over now, but the fall festivities are not. Tonight is the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival in downtown Tulsa. I'm debating whether I want to go out tonight or come home after work and curl up with the kitties and a book. The latter sounds very tempting, but looking through my photos from last year's festival is making it tough for me to decide!

While I enjoyed viewing all the shrines dedicated to beloved family members, this one really spoke to me because it's such a widespread issue. It's a shrine for those who have succumbed to addiction. So many brilliant people, yet none of them immune to their own excesses.

I am thoroughly enjoying the season right now. What is your favorite thing about fall?

Photos from B.A.zaar

2011-10-26T22:20:00.003-05:00

I had a lovely time this weekend sharing a booth with Somer at a nearby craft show. We got to hang out on a nice fall day, visit with many crafty friends, and take pictures of ourselves holding hands inside our booth space.

We were setup in a way that we each had a table dedicated to our own work, but it all came together with our items blended in the middle. Here's what my half looked like, all bright and shiny in the morning sun.

My prints are packaged with backing boards and protective sleeves in a wooden crate with framed examples to show the available images. Behind the bottom row of frames, I've stashed another crate of prints for restocking.

Other recent additions to my setup include post earrings and handmade craft supplies, which I hung from S hooks onto ribbon stapled to cardstock with painted vintage frames. These serve as a vertical display, while glass dishes in front contain additional stock.

Somer's half of the booth looked really nice and cozy with all her hand-knitted goodies.

I had so much fun doing this show with Somer, and I'm excited to say we'll be at it again very soon. We got accepted to do another split booth at Alliday on December 17th. If you're in the area, stop by to say hello to your local hand-holdin' crafty chicks!

B.A.zaar

2011-10-17T23:24:00.004-05:00

This Saturday, you will find me at a craft show that I'm very excited about for two reasons. First, I'll be setting up with Somer, who is quite the adorable pregosaurus right now. And secondly, this show is taking place in my area!

I've never done a craft show so close to home, since most of the shows I do are in Tulsa and I actually live in a suburb just East of the city. It's a really cute area that I have become quite fond of since I first moved here. This is the Broken Arrow Farmer's Market, where Saturday's show will take place.

I think the entire Main Street area is very charming, especially in the evening.

There are restaurants, boutiques, antique shops, and even a chocolatier! If you're in the area and you're looking for a lovely day, we'd love to see you. Just look for the Somerknits/Hollyrocks booth and two smiling faces!

Fitness Friday #10- Veggie Pita Sandwiches

2011-10-14T09:16:00.007-05:00

You may have noticed by following along with my Fitness Friday posts that I get really excited when I find ways to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor. Today's recipe is TREMENDOUSLY healthy, containing whole grains and a rainbow of fresh veggies. It's not only delicious, but also very versatile. You can serve it to a crowd for parties, cut down the recipe and have a nice weekend lunch, or make it on a Sunday to take to work for the rest of the week.

Veggie Pita Sandwiches

1 package whole wheat pita bread
2 zucchini squash
1 Roma tomato
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1 yellow bell pepper
2 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup hummus
2 tbs olive oil
Seasoning of your choice for grilling zucchini

★ Wash all vegetables and prepare a workspace with a knife and cutting board.
★ Cut zucchini into 1/4 inch slices. Spread the zucchini medallions face-up on your work surface, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with your choice of seasoning (I used a salt free, all purpose seasoning, but you could also use salt and pepper or whatever you prefer).
★ If you have an indoor grill (I have this one and I use it ALL the time), coat it lightly with nonstick spray and turn on the heat to medium. Place the zucchini slices seasoned-side-down on the grill. While this side is cooking, brush the other side with olive oil and season.
★ Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side or until slices are tender and grill marks are present.
★ Once cooked and cooled, cut the zucchini slices into quarters. Dice the Roma tomato and the bell pepper (you will probably only need about half of the pepper).

★ Place a single pita on your workspace and spread hummus to cover the entire top. Covering only half the pita, add zucchini first (the heaviest of the veggies will need to be closest to the hummus to keep it from falling out), then layer on the other veggies.
★ Fold the pita in half and press to pack everything together. Cut the folded pita in half.
★ Continue this process until all pitas and ingredients have been used.

This recipe yields 12 small sandwiches. They make a perfect finger-food for parties, and they keep really well when refrigerated. Pita bread is resistant to becoming soggy, so this is a great way to keep a healthy snack to get you through the week.

I pretty much just made this recipe up based on what sounded like it would go well together, so feel free to change it up! You could use different veggies, add fresh herbs, or experiment with different seasonings or even flavored hummus. I'd love to hear your ideas!

Generosity

2011-10-09T00:49:00.003-05:00

Some of my friends, the kind I know in real life and the kind I met online, have been treating me so nice lately. I'm a big gift-giver. I thoroughly enjoy picking up little things that make me think of the people I know, even if there isn't really an occasion. They say it's better to give than to receive, but I have to admit I do love getting presents as well. Today I want to show you some of the goodies I've been showered with lately because I'm just so thankful for the generosity. I'll go in chronological order.

First, I got a really cute shirt from Miquette over at Strawberry Anarchy. Her honey got a shirt design published on the Threadless shop, and she did a giveaway on her blog to celebrate. I was the lucky winner, and this was the shirt I chose.

It has quickly become one of my favorite tops. I even wear it when I act silly in my backyard, petting trees like the long-haired hippie I am.

And then Erin Bradley helped me find the perfect buttons for my blog. To see these lovely little tags in action, just check out the sidebar where I've linked to all the places you can find me on the web. ------->

Renee is one of my local friends and truly one of the sweetest people I know. She recently took a trip to Seattle and picked up this neat mushroom candle just because she remembered I love mushrooms. Isn't that thoughtful? It fits in nicely on my kitchen table.

And most recently, I ran into Amby at a meeting for make:Tulsa. She brought this handmade bag with her because I had complimented it at a craft show we did together. She decided she wanted me to have it just because I loved it so much. I started a job at the library a few months ago (which I REALLY enjoy, more on that in the future) and it has been perfect for toting around all the books I've been reading.

I just wanted to say thank you to my generous friends for making me smile!

Indie Weekend

2011-10-04T23:03:00.003-05:00

As I anticipated, this year at Indie Emporium was a blast! The new venue worked out beautifully, a ton of people came out, and good times were had by all.

Photo by Sherri.

Here are a few photos from the show to give you an idea of the atmosphere created by the decorations, the booths, and all the lovely people.

For the fifth consecutive year, I managed to get a few photos of my setup. Here's what I was working with this year:

This show features live music every year, but this time was special to me because my sweet husband and his BFF performed together. That's Mr. Hollyrocks on the mic.

And if you're wondering about my appearance on the local news, it went very well! It was tremendously exciting, and I had so much fun pretending to be a big star with my lovely friend Nikki from Gleeful Peacock.

Photo courtesy of Christine.

It has been a whirlwind week full of happy times and good memories. I can't wait til next year! This show is like Christmas to me- I look forward to it all year long. What are you currently looking forward to?

Motivation and Music

2011-09-28T01:00:00.007-05:00

I have been staying very busy in preparation for Indie Emporium this weekend. Shows, events, and other crafty plans can serve as a great motivator for me to make sure I'm putting in plenty of hours at my craft desk. Here is a glimpse at what my busy little hands have been making...

Glitter Star Charms

Tiny Animal Sculptures

Mushroom Garden Stakes

Lots of Glitter Acorns in fun new colors.

I've even got a pink acorn necklace with a baby acorn clinging to the stem. Because it's so special, someone will be taking this one home for free!

The first person to visit me at Indie Emporium and ask for the acorn baby will get it. Ask and you shall receive!

One thing that is almost essential for me to get into a crafty groove is good music. Although I'm a rocker chick at the core, my musical taste encompasses many decades and genres. I put together a playlist of songs I find to be soulful, inspiring, and above all, beautiful to inspire me while I work. If this sounds like your cup of tea and you decide to click play, I've designed this playlist so that your crafty little soul will be satisfied within five seconds of doing so.

I will make sure to report back after the show with plenty of photos. As for today, I'm getting ready dress up and head to the tv station to promote Indie Emporium on the local news! I'm super excited and a little nervous, but considering I could talk about this show in my sleep, I'm hoping it will come naturally for me no matter how many cameras and fancy equipment are in the room. I hope this week finds you happy and inspired!

My Dog Wears Rainbows

2011-09-17T23:48:00.003-05:00

I guess I'm officially one of those people who forces her style on her pet, but at least I'm not dressing her in sweaters and tutus (yet). Instead, I decided to buy a rainbow collar for my sweet Gypsy girl. I have been reading a lot about German Shepherds as a breed since she came into our lives a few months ago, and I discovered they have sensitive skin. So when I came across the handmade hemp dog collars in this fabulous shop, I knew I had to get one for her. To be fair, I did ask for Gypsy's input. She agreed with my decision to go with the rainbow design.

She's such a lady!

Her hips are still a little slender, but you might be able to see that she's putting on a little bit of weight in her chest. She's living a nice, comfortable life here with us and we're still very happy this sweet creature found us.

I hope your week is full of rainbows!

It's Indie Time!

2011-09-10T09:06:00.002-05:00

Well folks, it's that time of year again! If you've been following along since last year, you may already know how hyped-up I get about Indie Emporium. This year, I'm even more excited than usual because there are some fun new developments I want to tell you about.

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It has been so much fun to watch this show develop over the years. Tulsa had never seen anything like this, so Christine Sharp-Crowe took it upon herself to fix it. Now in its fifth year, I am honored to have been a part of it since the very beginning (and blogging about it most of the way). Here's a little peak at how I'm preparing.

The first 50 guests to arrive on Friday evening will receive a swag bag stuffed full of handmade goodies, samples, coupons, and fun little presents. Since so many of the attendees are themselves crafty, I decided to include a handmade button in each coveted bag. Maybe they will come in handy when people leave the show feeling inspired.

At my booth, I'll be offering my prints for the first time ever at a show! Here they are all packaged up in acid-free bags and mounted onto backboards. Many new photos will be making their debut at this show. Of course you can expect these prints to be colorful and fun, a common theme I strive for with just about everything I make.

I've also been working on my game face, because I'll be taking part in a serious craft competition. It will be myself vs. the lovely Holly Hall in a hardcore craft-off TO THE DEATH!! Okay, nobody will die. But somebody will be defeated, and it won't be me. Watch this hilarious promotional video for details on how you can participate.

If you live nearby and are planning to attend Indie Emporium, I hope you'll be there on Saturday at 3 pm to cheer me on for this fun new segment of the show!

I've read many articles on what people like to see at craft shows, and I learn a lot from them. It's nice to know what kind of preferences people have when it comes to signage, pricing, displays, etc. So now I'm asking you- what do you like to see when you visit a craft show?

Fitness Friday #9- Low Fat Lemon Cookies

2011-09-02T08:55:00.005-05:00

Hello and happy Friday! Today I have a recipe to share, and it's a small miracle in my opinion. As I mentioned in my last low-fat recipe post, I get really excited when I find something that tastes like heaven without the downside of being full of fat and calories. This wonderful recipe fully fits that description, so much that I have made it twice since I first discovered it! It's easy, lemony, and contains very few ingredients. Let's get started!

Low Fat Lemon Cookies

1 box lemon cake mix
1 small (8 oz) container lite whipped topping
6 tablespoons egg whites
1/2 cup powdered sugar
★ Empty the entire container of whipped topping into a mixing bowl. Add egg whites and mix thoroughly.
★ Pour the box of cake mix into the bowl. Mix to create a thick, sticky batter.
★ Since the batter is so tacky, refrigerate for an hour or so before attempting to form your cookies.
★ Once cooled, drop a spoonful of the batter into a bowl of powdered sugar. Roll to coat. Continue until all the batter is gone, and use any remaining sugar to dust the tops of the cookies.
★ Place cookies on lightly greased baking sheets and bake at 350° for 10-14 minutes.
★ Check at 10 minutes and every two minutes after. Remove cookies when they are a light golden brown around the edges.
★ These will firm up a little as they cool, but they are meant to be a light, fluffy cookie.

If you're not into lemon, you can use any cake mix flavor. I've heard chocolate works out really well too. This recipe was adapted to make it even healthier than it already was, but you can see the original version here.

What recipes have you been loving lately? Feel free to leave links in the comments. I'm always on the lookout for new goodies to try. Have a happy weekend!

You're All Winners, But the Prize Goes to...

2011-09-01T10:17:00.003-05:00

Of all the giveaways I've done on my blog, I must say the recent Random Act of Kindness Giveaway was by far my favorite. Big hugs to every single person who participated. There were 60 entries in the end, so thank you to everyone who committed to do something kind. The world is a wonderful place because of people like you.

Although you are all kindhearted and loved beyond words, only one of you will have a sparkling angel wing flutter into your mailbox. And that person is...

Babalisme, whose blog I have adored for many moons now. She offers up free printable goodies that will certainly bring a smile to your face. If you feel like it, go say hello and congratulate her! She's a sweetie, I promise.

Now, what to give away next.... Any suggestions?

Vintage Finds- New Shop!

2011-08-25T09:54:00.005-05:00

Today's vintage finds are special because they can all be found in my brand new vintage shop on Etsy, Hollyrocks Vintage! I opened this shop because I come across so many vintage treasures when I'm setting up estate sales. I couldn't possibly keep them all for myself or my little house would be entirely too full (the husband might argue that it already is). Sometimes I see vintage items that are just too sweet to pass up, so I've gathered a small collection of things I'm offering for sale in this new shop. I've already made a few sales, so I think this will be a fun way to send these once-loved items to new homes where they can be cherished again. You can follow the link above if you'd like to see everything I have in the shop, because I'll just be highlighting a few of my favorites here.

Atomic Starburst Rhinestone Brooch

Retro Tulip Pedestal Mugs

Antique Sheet Music Punches

Sunny Vintage Powder Box

Shimmery Purple Fluted Beads

Funky Woodgrain Snail

Mid Century Modern Dish in Aqua and Gold

As you may have gathered, my goal with this shop is to offer vintage goodies that are happy, fun, and whimsical. What are you typically on the lookout for when you hunt for vintage treasures?

Random Act of Kindness GIVEAWAY (closed)

2011-08-16T22:55:00.006-05:00

Let me begin this giveaway by telling you a little story. Last week, I walked into the store to buy a gallon of milk. I just needed that one thing, so I grabbed it, took it to the counter, and took out my wallet. Before I could hand the money to the cashier, a man walked up and paid for it. I'm certain I had a look of utter confusion on my face, so he smiled at me and said "I got it." He didn't try to talk to me or take any credit for the fact that he just acted so generously toward a complete stranger- he just bought my milk, accepted my thanks, and went about his day.

You would not believe what this simple act did for me. I wasn't down in the dumps by any means, but my spirits were lifted in ways that I would have never expected a four dollar purchase would be capable of. I was completely inspired, my faith in the overall kindness and goodness of mankind restored. The whole experience got me thinking. I wanted to pay it forward in a way that the message I received would not be forgotten. Kindness is what makes life so wonderful, but only if we spread it.

UP FOR GRABS

I'm giving away a hand-sculpted angel wing pendant, made by yours truly. One winner, chosen at random, will receive a pendant made from polymer clay, drenched in silver glitter, and sealed with a shiny varnish. These are comfortable, versatile, and meaningful. I made one for myself, and I wear it all the time.

Now THIS is where the fun begins! Let me tell you how you can win.

TO ENTER

♥ Your entry will serve as a pledge to commit a random act of kindness. You can simply leave a comment that looks something like this: "Hi, Holly! I promise I will do something nice for someone in the near future."
♥ Your act of kindness doesn't have to involve a monetary investment. The rules are flexible: you can give some of your time, a helping hand, a sincere compliment, or anything else you can think of. It can be someone you know or someone you don't. If it makes somebody feel good, it counts.

I think it would be amazing if numerous acts of kindness were occurring all over the world! To gain additional entries after you've completed the first step, you can help get the word out by doing the following things (feel free to use the buttons at the end of this post to make these easier).
♥ Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Leave a blog comment with your Twitter username.
♥ "Like" me on Facebook and share a link to this giveaway. Leave a blog comment to say you're a fan.
♥ Blog about this giveaway and leave a comment with a link to the post.

This giveaway ends at midnight U.S. Central time on Wednesday, August 31st. It is open to international readers- all are welcome to enter! The winner will be chosen by a random number generator and notified via email (make sure to leave your contact info in your comments). If you are the type of person who doesn't mind doing things that are simple yet meaningful for others, this won't be anything out of the ordinary and you might just end up with a sparkling new bauble. Let's all be an angel to somebody!

How to Create a Backyard Habitat

2011-08-11T17:47:00.004-05:00

You may have noticed by now that I am a big-time animal lover. I don't discriminate- pets of all kinds are precious to me, and I've also got a soft spot for wild critters. For many years now, I've been providing food and water for all the neighborhood animals who care to visit. I can't even tell you how much joy it brings me to have a yard full of wildlife chirping, singing, and happily flitting around with plenty of fresh water and bellies full of food. It's as simple as providing food and water, but I've got a few little tips in case you're interested in creating your own little wildlife haven.

VARIETY
For starters, it helps to set up multiple food and water sources to accommodate a variety of animals. Some birds prefer to feed in the trees, while others are ground feeders. And although I have seen squirrels in my birdbath before, I like to provide little dishes full of food and water on my deck where my four-legged friends can easily reach them.

SEED
Sunflower seeds are the favorite of many bird enthusiasts. Almost all seed-eating birds love them, and squirrels do too. If you purchase a cheaper seed variety, such as millet, many birds will throw it aside looking for the good stuff. To avoid waste and attract a wide variety of beautiful birds (sparrows, cardinals, mourning doves, finches, chickadees, blue jays), pure sunflower seeds or a mix with a high percentage or sunflower seeds will be your best bet.

SUET
An effective yet thrifty way to feed birds is to purchase a suet feeder. The feeder itself is shaped like a small cage and is very inexpensive, and the suet cakes typically cost about a dollar apiece. These high-energy cakes are a great way to keep your birds healthy in the winter, and they also attract woodpeckers! Although ground-feeding birds will be left out, suet feeders would be a good starting point for someone wanting to try their hand at attracting birds to their home.

WATER
If you enjoy seeing birds wildly splashing around in puddles, setting up a bird bath would most likely bring a smile to your face on a daily basis. One thing to remember if you have a birdbath is that a few stones at the bottom of the birdbath will allow birds of all sizes to drink and bathe. Even the tiniest of birds will be able to find a spot that is not too deep. Place your bird bath a good distance away from any trees or hedges so that birds can drink and play freely without the fear of something hiding nearby, waiting to attack.

CONSISTENCY
If you plan to attract wild animals to your home, be aware that they will come to depend on it as a food source so you should refill the feeders as soon as possible once they're empty. If it becomes a reliable feeding ground, the birds will introduce their young to your home as a safe place to get their grub on.

REWARDS
I can promise you one thing: If you provide food and water for local animals, they WILL hang out near your home. It doesn't matter if you live on a farm or in an apartment, if you've got even a tiny slice of outdoor space to call your own, you can enjoy the company of feathered and furry friends. You never know what kind of animals will show up. The birdseed I buy has sunflower seeds, peanuts, and berries, and I've often noticed a little bunny enjoying breakfast with the birds!

Even when I lived in a third floor apartment, I had an abundance of creatures on my balcony at any given time. If you want to know more about my adventures with these little friends of mine, click here to view past posts and you will see that it's been an enjoyable part of my life for many years now. What kind of wild animals would you most enjoy having around?

This project is linked up with other fun tutorials here!

Coffee Love

2011-08-04T07:58:00.004-05:00

If you keep an eye on my Etsy shop, you may have figured out that I'm a coffee fanatic. Only the things I truly adore, like rainbows and squirrels and glitter, express themselves in my work. Coffee is one of those things. I love the rich, distinctive flavor, and I love the jolt of energy it gives me in the morning. Let's not pretend, caffeine is a drug and I'm not ashamed to admit my excitement about partaking in one cup, sometimes two, of said drug when it's early in the morning and it comes in a tasty, familiar form.

I discovered earlier in the year that August is National Coffee Month, and since then I have been planning a little celebration in my shop. Throughout the entire month of August you will receive 15% off your entire order when you purchase any coffee-related item from my shop! Just enter the coupon code "COFFEELOVE" when you check out to receive your discount. To see what kind of coffee goodies I have to offer, click here!

Are you a coffee lover too?

Meet Gypsy!

2011-08-01T22:06:00.004-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, we recently welcomed a brand new pet into the family. She has an interesting story, so I'll tell you a little bit about how this Gypsy girl wandered into my life. It all started when I made a stop at my bank on a Monday afternoon (2 weeks ago exactly). As I walked in, I noticed a very skinny German Shepherd laying near the walkway, panting in the heat and covered in burrs. But before I tell you how I ended up with her, let me give you some history.

My husband and I have never had a dog together, but we had them as kids and we've always loved them. Since we moved into a house with a yard 1.5 years ago, we have plenty of space for a dog and we had discussed getting one. We had even talked about getting a German Shepherd because we had heard of certain traits they possessed that appealed to us (loyalty, intelligence, no barking). So when I saw this underweight, overheated dog in front of my bank, I couldn't help but ask about her.

I was told that she had been there for days, nobody had come for her or claimed her. Someone had left her some water, but it didn't look like she'd eaten much. I went home and called my husband to let him know the situation, and he surprised me by telling me to go get her and bring her home. So I bought a leash, went back to the bank, coerced this sweet girl into my car, and took her straight to the vet. I found out she's about 2 years old and in perfect health other than needing a bit of extra weight.

We checked local ads, even posted an ad ourselves to see if she had a loving family out there who missed her. But she acted very timid and fearful, so we came to the conclusion that she was probably dumped and possibly treated badly. She was very sad when she first came to us...

...but now she's happy!

We have been loving on her and making her feel secure about having us as a family. My husband came up with the name Gypsy since she probably did a bit of wandering before she ended up at the bank. She's doing very well, and she's even put on a little weight since we got her. We've been spending a lot of time with her, going for walks every evening and taking advantage of her intelligence by teaching her commands (she now knows how to sit, stay, lay down, and come). Having her around has been so rewarding.

Isn't it strange how people, friends, and pets just wander into you life sometimes? I feel like it was meant to be...

Fitness Friday #8- Inner Thigh Leg Lifts

2011-07-29T09:12:00.002-05:00

Happy Friday, my fitness-loving friends! I have a brand new video for you, and I actually worked up the courage to speak in this one. I got a little shy for my first workout video, which is weird because I am in no way a shy person. I guess it just felt a little strange, like talking to myself. But I thought this particular move would be a lot easier if I talked you through it so I put down my ego and decided that if I sound like a cheesy fitness-instructor type, so be it.

This is one of my absolute favorite workouts. It targets an area that can make all the difference in the world when it comes to clothing. Don't you hate it when your pants are so tight on your thighs that you almost feel guilty for subjecting the fabric to such stress? I am here to help! All you need is a yoga mat or a carpeted area and a weight (or a jar of pasta sauce, whatever). Ready?...

Here's a little breakdown to help you remember the details:
-Lay on your side, leaning on your elbow with your palm down. Cross your top leg over your bottom leg and position the weight on your inner leg, right above your knee.
-Do 16 full leg lifts and 20-40 pulses.
-Switch sides and do the same with your other leg.
-Repeat on each side, but don't overdo it. A little bit of soreness is part of the fun, it means your workouts are effective. But you don't want to be too sore, so take it easy!

Simple, right? Please feel free to add your own inner thigh workouts in the comment section. I also love to hear about readers actually attempting these workouts, so let me know what you think if you try it!

Garden Update

2011-07-21T09:14:00.005-05:00

Happy Summer, my loves! I've got some exciting news on the horizon regarding a 4-legged addition to our family, but I need to take proper photos so you'll have to wait for a future post. Today I'd like to give you a little tour of our garden! I showed you the beginnings of our square foot garden in this post. Other than a few minor setbacks due to the CRAZY temperatures this summer and the fact that we're still beginners when it comes to growing vegetables, it has been pretty successful. Here are a few photos I've taken throughout the season. Instead of rambling on about every minute detail of our gardening adventure, I'll do less talking and more identifying.

Pole Beans

Romaine Lettuce

Dill

Sugar Snap Peas

Summer Squash

Garlic

Corn

Have you successfully grown anything this season? I'd love to hear about it! I'm always on the lookout for new things to plant. I'm wishing you a gorgeous, sunny day!

Leaf Ring Dish Tutorial

2011-07-10T13:46:00.007-05:00

Welcome, crafty people! I have got a tutorial for you that will bring a shimmering hint of nature into your home. It's simple, inexpensive, and the result is something that is both functional and pretty. Keep reading if you'd like to know how to make a polymer clay ring dish!

Here are the supplies you'll need:

Materials
Clockwise from left

-1 package of green polymer clay
-Pearl Ex pigment or other shimmery powder (try eyeshadow if you don't have any Pearl-Ex!)
-A leaf
-Small rolling pin
-Blade

STEP 1: Prepare a clean workspace. If you have wax paper or parchment paper, tear off a sheet and tape it down. If not, wipe down your surface until it is free of any dust or other particles.

STEP 2: Take a good sized chunk of green clay. Work it in your hands until it is soft, then roll it into a ball.

STEP 3: Roll one side of the ball at an angle to create a teardrop shape.

STEP 4: Press the teardrop flat with your thumb.

STEP 5: Use a rolling pin to further flatten the shape.

STEP 6: Place the clay and the leaf side-by-side and plan the placement of the leaf pattern.

STEP 7: Press the leaf down onto the clay. Use the rolling pin to ensure the leaf pattern is fully imprinted onto the clay. *Note- this would be a good time to start preheating your oven. Check the packaging of your clay to determine temperature.

STEP 8: Slowly peel the leaf from the surface of the clay.

STEP 9: Use a flat blade to remove the leaf from your workspace.

STEP 10: Sprinkle a small amount of shimmer dust onto your workspace. This step is optional, but the pigment does help bring out the details of the leaf.

STEP 11: If you have a paintbrush, use it to lightly brush the powder onto the surface of the leaf. You can also use your finger, but be gentle so you don't wipe away the pattern.

STEP 12: Sculpt the edges of the leaf so that you create a bowl. Slightly pinch both ends to emphasize the leaf shape.

STEP 13: With a new piece of clay, make a small ball and press it flat.

STEP 14: Press the medallion shape onto the bottom of the leaf as firmly as you can without distorting the leaf. This will serve as a base for your dish.

STEP 15: Almost done! Place your leaf in an oven-safe pan or baking sheet. Bake according to the directions on the package of clay you used.

STEP 16: Allow your leaf to cool for at least 15 minutes once it's done baking, and then it's time to varnish. This step is optional, but a coat of varnish seals the pigment and adds shine and durability to the finished piece. I use water-based Minwax Polycrylic, but you can also use clear nail polish if you don't have any varnish.

STEP 17: Allow the varnish to dry overnight. Once it's dry, you can begin to use your lovely new nature-inspired ring dish!

This project is linked up with lots of other fun tutorials here!

New Stores!

2011-07-06T22:25:00.002-05:00

Hello, my beautiful friends! I am really excited to announce two new shops that are now carrying my work. One is here in Oklahoma and the other is all the way in New York! They are both very charming with tons of character, so I just thought I'd take a moment to spread the word about these little gems.

We'll start with a newly opened boutique in Norman, Oklahoma. It's called Merry Belle's Gifts, Art & Tea. Isn't it the cutest?

This sweet little shop contains an abundance of unique items, handmade by local artists and crafters. They've got an entire box filled with my Mushroom Garden Stakes in a rainbow of colors.

The next shop is The East Avenue Cafe located in Larchmont, New York.

Not only can they provide you with a delicious lunch, they also carry a huge variety of fun candies and gifts. As for my line of work, you can find my Rainbow Bubbles necklaces (wearable candy!) gracing their shelves. Here's what they look like naked...

...and here they are all packaged up and ready to sell.

The thought of having my work featured in stores throughout the country, and maybe even throughout the world eventually, absolutely fills me with joy. I've been so excited about these new developments in my business that I just had to share. What's bringing YOU joy lately?

Patriotic Message to the Ladies

2011-07-04T09:44:00.009-05:00

This 4th of July holiday, I'd like to highlight a woman who is one of my personal heroes. Abigail Adams did not let her circumstances stop her from reaching her intellectual potential. She lived in a world dominated by men, and even though it was all but unheard of for a woman to take part in political debates, she did so frequently with some of the greatest minds in what would become the United States of America. She was opinionated, honest, and wise beyond words. Her eloquent letters provide a unique insight into the American Revolution and the formative years of this country.

To give you a glimpse into the nature of her wisdom, here are some of my favorite Abigail Adams quotes, starting with one of my favorite quotes of all time.
★"Well, knowledge is a fine thing, and mother Eve thought so; but she smarted so severely for hers, that most of her daughters have been afraid of it since."
★"Remember the ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands...If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to foment a Rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation." (She was very disappointed by the fact that this new country, with so many grand ideals, did not provide voting rights for women).
★"I've always felt that a person's intelligence is directly reflected by the number of conflicting points of view he can entertain simultaneously on the same topic."
★"Wisdom and penetration are the fruit of experience, not the lessons of retirement and leisure. Great necessities call out great virtues."

I think there is an important lesson women can learn from this amazing historical figure, no matter what country you're from- don't be stupid! If the greatest aspirations we have for ourselves are to have a great wardrobe and a ditzy personality, we are selling ourselves short. Considering the fact that history has not always been kind to females, and if you look at the world around us you will see that modern society still places us below men in many cultures, you will realize that it is not only our right, but our duty to educate ourselves. If nothing else, do it for the women who never had access to things like a higher education and a political voice.

I wanted to focus on Mrs. Adams as a celebration of the 4th of July because I don't think she gets as much credit as she should. This holiday has become a time of partying, cookouts, and spending time with family, and that's great. But let's not forget the people who came before us, especially when there is so much to be gained from what they had to say. Speaking of family gatherings, my big brother threw a party at his new house this weekend. He stocked up on fireworks to the point that his wife was questioning his sanity, but it made for a great show.

I hope all my U.S. readers are having a wonderful Independence Day! How do you celebrate?

Grandma's Photography

2011-06-30T23:29:00.003-05:00

My grandma recently took a road trip to Idaho for a family reunion, and I got to see her photos while my mom and I were visiting last weekend. I was really impressed by her captures so I asked her to send me a few of her favorites. I've mentioned before that my grandma reads my blog, which I think is the sweetest thing and it makes me feel very loved. So I thought I'd return some of that love by spotlighting my grandma's beautiful photos! I was told that most of these were taken in Idaho and Montana.

Now I'm beginning to think that my tendency to wander around pointing my camera at everything is inherited...

Craft Heaven

2011-06-25T08:55:00.001-05:00

Good morning, sunshines! I've got a very exciting event to tell you about. The Tulsa Swap-O-Rama-Rama will be taking place at the Philbrook Museum today from 12-4 pm, and it will be the perfect environment for all things crafty. By bringing a bag of unwanted clothing to the swap, you will receive free admission and access to sewing machines, supplies, screen printing, and all the free clothing you'll need to make magic!

Click here to view my post about the last swap we did in Tulsa.

You can find me alongside fellow make:Tulsa members helping attendees with their creations. On top of all the potential craft projects, there will also be demonstrations throughout the day. I'll be getting all wrapped up for the "duct tape dress form" demo like the one I did at Indie Emporium.

For those of you who aren't close enough to attend this event, check out the Tulsa World article on Swap-O-Rama-Rama for instructions. And if you ARE local, find out more about this event here. Whether you'll be coming to this event or not, I hope you get the chance to create something beautiful this weekend. ♥

Fitness Friday #7- Go Raw

2011-06-17T07:52:00.003-05:00

Happy Friday! Today's post won't make you sore, it won't leave you sweating, and you might even find it enjoyable. I want to discuss something that's been heavy on my mind lately because the approach I try to take with my Fitness Friday posts is the acquisition and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. It's not always about looking good, because it's more important that you feel good (and as an added bonus, looking good can easily result from taking care of your body). The focus of today's post is raw food.

You really just can't go wrong eating raw fruits and veggies. They are low in fat and calories, yet high in vitamins and nutrients. They are easy for your body to process. In their natural state, these foods are completely free of chemicals and preservatives. And on top of all that, some of the most delicious things you'll ever taste come directly from nature! It is absolutely possible to eat the most healthy food possible without skimping on flavor or enjoyment.

If munching on raw fruits and veggies is not something you find inherently rewarding, I can provide you with a bit of motivation to help you incorporate more fresh produce into your diet. There is a fantastic documentary that will open your eyes to how kind you are being to your body when you sit down for a meal.

I was really affected by this film. I typically think of myself as an overall healthy person, but the honest truth is that a lot of my diet is overly processed. Much of what I was eating came from a box, can, or plastic bag. Here's the trailer if your interest is sparked.

Since I watched this documentary, I've been shifting my focus from calories and fat grams to the amount of human interference involved in my food. If I'm eating fresh produce, fat content is not much of an issue anyway. And as far as lifestyle changes go, this one has been quite painless. I just make sure that fruits and veggies are present in every meal and snack. Visit the Food Matters Website for more information and to watch the film online.

Now that I'm done rambling on about the benefits of raw foods, I'd like to know what your favorite fresh fruit or vegetable is. Lately, mine has been ice cold watermelon. It is HEAVEN on a scorching summer day!

Win a Custom Pendant!

2011-06-12T13:34:00.003-05:00

I mentioned a few posts ago that I had a giveaway on the horizon. Now is the time to win something you can personalize to fit your style! If you follow my work on Etsy, you may have noticed an item I introduced recently. The Custom Glitter Spiral Pendant is one of my personal favorites because of how versatile it is. The geometric style is interesting yet simple.

These pendants are completely drenched with glitter and sealed for a smooth finish. They're available in a rainbow of colors- 16 to be precise.

Since they are available in so many colors, even those with a more subtle style could incorporate them into their wardrobe by choosing one of the neutral colors. I personally have this pendant in many colors, and the black one is by far one of my most often-worn pieces of jewelry. I even wore it on my "Hippie Pilgrimage" to Haight Ashbury when my mom and I were in San Francisco.

If you're wondering what color the winner will receive, the answer is any color they wish!

I will be making a CUSTOM Glitter Spiral Pendant for one lucky winner! Visit The Type A Housewife's Hollyrocks Feature to find out how to enter. Good luck!

Sweet and Happy

2011-06-07T23:53:00.002-05:00

I recently started a Flickr group called Sweet and Happy for photos that are just that. I thought it would nice to have a collection of uplifting photos for viewers to browse for a bit of a perk. I also intend to select photos from the group pool to bring a touch of sweetness to my blog! If you're on Flickr and any of your photos fit the theme, feel free to join the group and contribute. Here are a few of my favorites so far.

Left foot by Chrisseee

Peace by RedDirtChild

Shabby Glitter Easter Eggs by Sugar Pink Boutique

Cat Nap by made in lowell

Girl & Bunting by Vintage Amethyst

5-16 prairie by audreyeclectic

If you have photos that are sweet, happy, bright, funny, colorful, cute, cheerful, or positive (and at least 500 pixels wide), come join the group for a chance to have your work featured on my blog. Have a happy week! :-)

Something for Summer

2011-05-30T23:13:00.003-05:00

I will tell you a little something that you probably could have guessed- I try to be an overall sunny person. I may not be bright and cheerful 100% of the time, but staying positive is very important in my book. And honestly, I feel my very happiest when I go outside and allow the warm sun to shine on my face.

It just recharges me to bask in the glorious weather. I can't be anything less than content when I'm spending time with loved ones at a family cookout or wandering through the tall grass, reveling in the simple joys.

The summer months have arrived, bringing with them an invitation to step outside and spend many hours admiring the world around me. My moods are always reflected in my work, but I think I've noticed a pattern of my newer items being even brighter and funkier than usual and I'm sure it's because I'm all geared up for summer.

Tea Time Magnet Set

Barbie Shoe Earrings

And to celebrate the sunny season, I'm having a sale in my shop!! Just use the coupon code "SUNSHINE" when you check out to receive 10% off your entire order. You can also watch for a giveaway on the horizon (and the prize will be something custom made just for the winner). I hope your days are sweet and sunny!

Fishing With Papa

2011-05-18T12:21:00.004-05:00

Last weekend, I took a trip down to my hometown to visit my grandparents. It was more than just a visit though, we were on a mission. My husband and I have taken up fishing as a hobby, and my Papa has been an expert fisherman for most of his life so I thought he might be able to give us some tips. It turned out to be such a perfect, beautiful day and I could tell as it was happening that these good times with family would be something I will fondly remember for many years to come.

We packed up our gear into Papa's truck and drove down to the Deep Fork River, where we parked in a dusty lot situated next to an old cemetery.

Then we headed off down the trail to find a good spot on the river bank.

We let Papa lead the way because he's walked this trail many, many times.

He led us to a nice little spot with beautiful views of the river to the East...

...and to the West.

The muddy waters of the Deep Fork are the perfect habitat for catfish, so we got our poles ready for action.

My husband stayed with his pole the whole time.

I, on the other hand, propped mine up on a stick and began to wander around with my camera. I photographed the little rays of heaven shooting down through the trees...

...the sparkles they created on the streams...

...and my sweet teenage cousin, who is beautiful and creative and of whom I am so very proud (I was being sneaky and hiding in the grass so I could capture this rare creature in her natural habitat).

This little outing with my family was completely priceless. It warmed my heart beyond description when I saw my Papa passing his knowledge onto my husband, who will surely pass it on to our children someday as well. I can't wait to go fishing with Papa again!

What are your favorite things to do outdoors with your family?

Don't Be Afraid To Say It

2011-05-14T11:25:00.002-05:00

Say it when you think it, but mean it when you say it.

Some people think this phrase gets thrown around too much, to the point that it loses some of it's power. I'm the opposite. I think the more we say it and feel it, the more power it gains as we spread it along. There's no such thing as too much love, whether we're getting it or giving it- at least that's my standpoint. How about you?

Crafting Just For Fun

2011-05-09T23:06:00.002-05:00

I have a theory that the business of being creative sometimes steals the whole spontaneous, free-flowing nature of creativity itself. You see it all the time- musicians who make it big and suddenly have no inspiration, talented people who are burnt out on what they love because the drive to succeed has overshadowed the desire to express themselves. Anyone who pursues their passion or hobby knows that enjoyment is one of the main reasons you spend portions of your life dedicated to whatever it is you create or do. But sometimes, the pressure grows to the point that much of the original enjoyment is diminished by the constant drive to sell your work, make money, and be desirable to your market. Making a profit doing what you love is a wonderful scenario but in the end, the ability to truly unleash your creativity is the real reward.

This theory has led me check with myself regularly to make sure I'm creating for the right reasons. Of course there are times when I have an order to fill and there are specific items I need to make. And there are also times when I make things because I want to sell them in my online shop. That's not to say I don't have fun with projects such as these, because sculpting little things out of clay or revamping vintage goodies are things that make my heart happy every time without fail. But I also make sure to set aside a little bit of quality time between me and my supplies every once in awhile so I can create freely with no regard for profits or marketability. I make things just because I want them.

I can give you an idea of what happens when these leisurely craft sessions take place. I've basically got a big, fat, overactive imagination and when I make things just for fun, anything goes. Perhaps I'll decide my life is not complete if I don't have a snail figurine with little hearts on his antennae or a jewelry tree sculpted from polymer clay and a recycled fork. Random, yes, but also tons of fun and good for my crafty little soul.

What do you make when you create just for the sake of creating?

Dish Gardens

2011-05-05T22:24:00.003-05:00

I've got a creation to share with you today that is very special to me, because these happen to be one of my favorite things in the whole world to make. In previous posts, I've shown you how I like to plant succulents in vintage containers. Well I've got a brand new batch for a show I'm doing this weekend, and boy am I proud of them!

Sometimes I find dishes that are funky enough to truly match the array of interesting plants I use. And there's a lot more to this process than just mindlessly tossing a plant into a new container. I've got a little formula I use, a multi-layer process that will allow these plants to live happily in their dishes for many years.

Unfortunately, I do not sell them in my online shop because I worry that these lovely plants would get hurt during the shipping process (perhaps I'm a little too protective of them considering there are many people who sell succulents online). The only way to purchase one of these funky little creations from me is to come and see me in person at one of my local shows. As a matter of fact, you can find me at Ida Red this Saturday in Tulsa! You may remember the holiday show I posted about in December at this same venue. It was a blast! So we've decided to have another go- this time with a spring theme.

We'll have all kinds of spring goodies for you to browse, and if you have yet to acquire that perfect Mother's Day present we'll have you covered! I think these little dish gardens would be a perfect gift for your sweet mama. It's a unique twist on the tradition of giving plants and flowers for Mother's Day. If your mom loves gardening, she'll appreciate the unusual shapes and colors of the succulents. If she hates gardening, these are very easy to care for and will allow her to add a touch of nature to her home or office without much effort (a little mist once a week and a sunny window is all they require). I can personally attest to how much they cheer up a room. My husband doesn't like it when I sell them because they are so much fun to have around. ;-)

This show will be consuming most of my Saturday, but I intend to head down to to my hometown to visit with family on Sunday. I'm so excited about spending time with the amazing ladies in my family, showing them how loved and appreciated they are. How will you spend your weekend?

Plant Babies

2011-04-29T18:10:00.002-05:00

I am taking my gardening a step further this year by growing an all-out vegetable garden. Container gardens, houseplants, and landscaping are all things I've had recent experienced with, but I want to get back to the kind of food production I witnessed as a little girl. All of my grandparents (I'm lucky enough to have 3 sets of grandparents, some blood and some not but grandparents to me since birth all the same) have been growing their own food for as long as I can remember. I'm hoping to carry the torch and grow vegetables to share with my loved ones too, starting this year.

For our backyard garden, we decided that square foot gardening was the best use of our space. It's basically a method of organic gardening that utilizes densely planted beds to grow a large variety of produce without the wasted space of rows. It's a very interesting method, and I think it will suit us well without sacrificing too much of our yard. Here's our current setup:

Ours looks a little sparse since the plants are still very young. To see what these gardens look like when they are packed full of large, thriving plants, click here and here for a lovely selection of square foot garden photos.

I'm the type of person who thinks all babies are adorable- baby people, baby animals, and even baby plants. So when I saw that our seeds had sprouted, I went a little crazy taking photos of those sweet plant babies.

And if you're wondering where I found a set of colorful, custom garden stakes to mark my plants with, let me just show you.

Custom Garden Stakes by Hollyrocks on Etsy

I made them myself! I figured I'm probably not the only one who enjoys things that are both functional and decorative, so I decided to offer these garden stakes for sale in my shop.

I am so very excited about this new gardening venture. I will keep you updated on the progress of our garden and let you know how this technique works out for us. I think the kind of plants people grow says a lot about them. So tell me, what does YOUR garden grow?

Community Love

2011-04-18T22:54:00.003-05:00

I participated in an absolutely wonderful event last weekend, and I had to spread some love for the city that put it all together. You can see the full post I did for the make:Tulsa blog right here. Here area a few photos to entice you into reading about it...

Looks fun, doesn't it? It was! It's so refreshing to see people come together like they did for this event. And to be honest, I really needed a show like that. What has lifted your spirits lately?

I Believe in Something

2011-04-14T09:10:00.000-05:00

While this blog is usually dedicated to lighthearted, casual topics, there are times when I want to do more than just brush the surface. I want to share things with you that I believe so strongly they sometimes shake me to the core. And since I am not a pushy person regarding things of a spiritual nature, I want to make it clear that you can believe something very different from me, or nothing at all, and I will still have every bit as much love and respect for you.

I Say A Little Prayer For You by Christine on Flickr

I won't try to change you- that's not what this is about. This is my way of shouting from the rooftop that I have found an abundance of joy in my beliefs, and it's taken me a lot of soul-searching to find my path but I feel like I've finally figured it out FOR MYSELF. It's not a path I blindly follow because it was laid out for me by my family, a church, or society. It is something that I've put together piece by piece as I learned lessons and gathered truths throughout this life.

~free~ by AlicePopkorn on Flickr

Religion has been a hot topic in my mind ever since I was old enough to think for myself. My quest to learn more about spirituality and has led me to experience feelings of fascination, horror, curiosity, and inspiration. And now, I have come to the freeing realization that we can decide for ourselves what we want to believe. Essentially, I grew up in church, began to ask questions, lost my faith, and slowly sought out the knowledge I needed to build it back up again to where I could TRULY believe it. It's as if I have taken down a painting of the sky so that I could knock out the wall that was obstructing my view of the actual sunshine right outside my house.

Azure and Crimson Twilight by Eden Brackstone on Flickr

Like I said before, I'm not into converting people. I think that if they believe something to be true, they'll come willingly. That's why I'm not even going to tell you what I believe. Instead, I'll just tell you that I believe something. It doesn't cause me to denounce science or condemn other human beings, but it is something that enhances my life and helps me see a purpose in all of this.

Christians Protect Praying Muslims During Protests in Egypt

Do you believe in something? I dare you to answer. I know it's not considered a polite topic, but it doesn't have to be that way. Can we agree to love and accept each other, no matter what our beliefs may be?

Brighten Up Your Walls

2011-04-12T16:37:00.005-05:00

Hello, friends! I am really excited about a brand new idea I'm trying out, and I wanted to tell you all about it. I'm selling prints! I probably should have waited until I had a few more listed before sharing them on my blog, but I just couldn't help myself. So far, you will find the following three images for sale in my Etsy shop, but I've got a lot more to add!

Electric Mimosa

Farmers Market

Lucid Landscape

What do you think so far? Some of the upcoming prints will have altered colors, some will not. I can promise you, however, that the common thread you will find among the prints I offer is that they will all be bright and cheerful. But if you know me at all, even if it's only through my online presence, you've probably come to expect that all of my items will fit that description. That's just the way I am. It's easier for me to put my heart into my work when I'm creating things that I personally would buy, wear, or use.

What do you look for when you're shopping for artwork to jazz up your walls?

Fitness Friday #6- Tricep Workout

2011-04-08T08:53:00.004-05:00

I'll save my extended rant about weights for another post (seriously, watch for it), but I want to preface today's workout by saying that weights are your friend. Do not think of them as something reserved only for bulky men who are looking to completely beef up their physique. Instead, think of them as a highly effective way to tone your lovely, feminine physique.

Today's workout will tone your triceps. Your triceps are on the underside of your upper arm, opposite to your biceps.

Image Source

This is a problem area for many women. I've known lots of adorable gals who felt self-conscious in sleeveless shirts because they were not happy with this part of their body. If you don't strengthen these muscles, they are one of the first parts of your body to get flabby and out of shape, swinging back and forth in the wind (I've been there, it's not pretty). Fortunately, it only takes a little bit of training to make this a part of your body you can be proud of. Free weights are the way to go if you want to have toned, sexy arms.

Here is what you will need for this simple, yet highly effective workout:

-A body ball
-A single weight. I use a 10 pound weight for this workout, but I recommend a 5 or 7 pound weight if you don't regularly work your upper body. Then you can work your way up as that becomes too easy.

For the starting position, rest your shoulder blades on the ball. This is a great example of how a body ball can be used in place of a weight bench, and it's actually more effective because you have to work harder to keep your balance. Your feet should be firmly planted on the floor with your knees at a 90 degree angle and your midsection flat (I tend to let my butt droop when I'm not paying attention, so watch out for that too). Hold the weight with both hands with your arms straight up.

Using a slow, controlled motion, lower the weight toward the floor behind your head. Keep your elbows close to your head, don't let them bow out to the sides. This will ensure that your triceps are doing all the work to control the weight. Lower the weight until it is near your head, then raise it back up to the starting positing, maintaining a steady, controlled motion.

Each time you lower the weight and bring it back to the starting position, that counts as one rep. Do two sets of 12 reps, resting for about a minute in between sets. Then, once your triceps are nice and warmed up, we're REALLY going to work them. You want to be ready for tank top season, right?

The starting position for your final set will be similar to the first position, but you will be holding your hands flat around the top of the weight instead of grasping it at the center.

The reason this version is a bit more intense is because gravity will be working against you. Use the same motion as before to slowly lower the weight toward the ground. Feel the burn yet?

Instead of doing two sets of 12 reps like before, go for a double set of 24 reps without stopping. Think of this as your grand finale, and pour all your strength into this final set.

If the phrase "weight lifting" conjures visions of big meatheads in your mind, try to change your way of thinking. I promise this exercise will not turn you into a body builder (unless that's your goal, in which case you'll need a much heavier weight than what I've recommended here). Weight training burns fat, so if you do enough workouts like this, you will actually end up with trim, petite arms that do not ripple when you wave goodbye. If you've got the necessary equipment, I hope you'll give it a try and let me know what you think. And as always, I'm more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Just leave a comment and let me know what's on your mind. Have a great weekend!

This exercise is linked up with lots of other fun tutorials and how-to's here!

Photo Collage Tutorial

2011-04-04T12:42:00.007-05:00

If you're familiar with buying or selling on Etsy, you probably know that sellers are allowed to include 5 photos in each listing. For online shopping, pictures and descriptions are all you have to go on when deciding whether to purchase an item or not, and for this reason I always appreciate sellers who make good use of their photo slots. In my own shop, I make sure to include as many angles as possible to really show my work. Sometimes it seems that I actually need more than 5 photos to accurately show all the details such as closeups, clasps, color choices, etc. My solution is to include a photo collage when necessary so that the buyer can make an informed decision about purchasing my items. Here are a few examples from my shop:

Daisy Bouquet Locket Necklace

Summer of Love Guitar Pick Earrings

Retro Owl and Mushroom Charm Necklace

Book Lover Locket Necklace

Mama and Baby Snail Magnets

Mushroom Garden- Maintenance Free Mini Terrarium

Global Love Necklace- Proceeds Donated to American Red Cross

Creating a collage is actually a pretty simple process using photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop. And for those of you who have no interest in product photography, I'll show you how you can use these collages for personal photos too!

Here's a little template I've put together to demonstrate a layout I often use for my collages. All image sizes are measured in pixels. The largest photo is 600 pixels wide by 1,000 pixels tall. The smaller photos along the side are all 400x325.

The first step is to open Photoshop and create a new image. Click "file" and then "new".

When you click "new", a box will pop up that looks like this. Create your blank image so that it measures 1150x1150 pixels with a resolution of 200 dpi.

Now you will need to open 4 photos which you plan to use for your collage. Keep the template in mind when choosing your photos to make sure they will work well with this layout.

Once you have your blank image and all 4 photos opened, it's time to start cropping! Select the crop tool and set the width to 600 px and the height to 1000 px. Make sure to include the "px" after the numbers or Photoshop will assume you mean inches, which is WAY too big. You'll also want to set the crop resolution to 200 dpi.

Now that you've determined what size you'd like to crop the image, apply the tool to an area of the photo you'd like to use in your collage. You may want the entire item to show, or you may want to create a closeup affect. Just go with what looks right to you and hit enter to crop the photo.

Adjust your crop dimensions to 400 px by 325 px for the smaller images.

Crop all three of the smaller images. Now that you're done cropping, your workspace should look something like this.

To drag the photos to the blank image, select the move tool.

Click and drag the largest photo onto the blank image. Drag it to one side of the blank image, leaving only a small border of white at the top and side. Don't worry about the larger border at the bottom, we'll trim that off when we're finished.

Now use the move tool to drag the smaller photos onto the blank image.

Move them into place one by one, leaving a thin white border between them.

Almost finished! Now you will want to crop the excess white border from the edges of your collage. Before you start cropping, clear the numbers in the boxes on the toolbar since you're no longer trying to crop the image to a specific size.

Crop your collage so that the thin white border around the edges is about the same size as the border between the photos.

All that's left to do now is resize your collage. Click the "image" tab and then click "image size".

This little box will pop up on your screen. If you'll be using your collage for your Etsy shop, you'll want to size it at 1000 pixels wide. If your collage will be used on your blog or your facebook page, you might want to go with a smaller size. I made mine 500 pixels wide. It won't be a perfect square, but it will be close.

Viola!

Sweetheart Charms

These collages are also great for compiling personal photos in a memorable way. So if you had a wonderful day at the park with someone special and you'd like to remember it forever, pick out some of your favorite photos from your trip and make a collage!

Working in Photoshop caused me quite a bit of frustration when I first started selling online. Now I've come to a point where I actually enjoy editing my photos, and I hope you'll find it enjoyable too. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and I'll be happy to help.

This project is linked up with lots of other fun tutorials here!

Fitness Friday #5- Go Outside

2011-04-01T15:27:00.002-05:00

Do you tend to get burnt out on your workout routine? I do! For me, it is vital to change it up to make sure that I don't get bored. After all, taking care of your body is much easier to do when you find ways to make it enjoyable. So rather than running around like a hamster on a cardio machine, take your beautiful self outside and enjoy the sunshine!

According to this article, 10 to 20 percent of the U.S. population suffer from seasonal depression, with women making up three-fourths of this percentage. Perhaps Dr. Holly has the cure for you, girls: GET SOME SUNSHINE!! I always feel so satisfied after a walk outside on a pleasant day. I grab my water bottle and some upbeat music and head right out the door. Oftentimes, I find myself smiling as I wander through the neighborhood because I just can't contain my happiness when I see the beauty of the world around me.

Once the weather is no longer cooperating, regardless of whether it is rainy, freezing, or just miserably hot, you'll be glad that you took advantage of those nice days while you had the chance. Rather than constantly working out in a stuffy indoor environment, take it outside where you've got an endless supply of fresh air. When you notice that the trees and flowers are growing, the trees are blossoming, and the birds are singing, go outside and join them for a little time in the sun. Chances are, you'll return home feeling happy AND healthy. :-)

Weekend Photos

2011-03-28T14:19:00.004-05:00

I had a fun weekend hanging out at Persimmon Hollow with a few of my crafty friends. So much fun, in fact, that we've decided to go for another weekend! So if you're in the area and you missed us this time, come back this Saturday and Sunday (April 2nd and 3rd) and you can still catch us! We have a total of 8 make:Tulsa members represented in our booth space, and I'm very happy with how well all of our items blended together. Our little storefront is just so cute, and we filled it up with plenty of handmade lovelies for visitors to browse.

Come on inside and I'll give you a closer look!

My wonderfully supportive sister-in-law came to see me, and she brought my baby niece. This sweet girl brings a relentless smile to my face every time I'm in her presence. But once you see her trying on this handmade baby bonnet, I'm sure you'll understand. She's just so adorable, how can I NOT be completely smitten with her?

*Some of these photos are my own, while others were shamelessly stolen from Somer's blog.

From what I understand, the weather should be beautiful next weekend. Persimmon Hollow would be the perfect place to stretch your legs, have a picnic, wander around in the sunshine, and browse for treasures. Bring the family and come say hello! And if you've got cute babies, we're obviously not opposed to having those around. Not at all.

Fitness Friday #4- A Quick Tip

2011-03-25T07:43:00.004-05:00

Since I'm busy preparing for Persimmon Hollow this weekend, today's Fitness Friday post will be a short one. I've got a little tip that might help you with portion control when you've got a gigantic plate of food in front of you.

Source

If you're like me, you might experience a momentary lapse of self control when you're eating at a restaurant with ridiculous portions. Of course it seems silly and gluttonous to eat to the point that you're uncomfortable and feel like you might explode, but sometimes we forget that when there's a massive bowl of pasta staring us in the face. If you're afraid you'll keep nibbling far past the point of being full, try this little trick: Get your fork dirty. If the handle of your fork is smeared with spaghetti sauce or salad dressing, you'll be much less likely to pick it up and start digging in again.

I hope your weekend is full of smiles and sunshine!

We're Heading to the Hollow!

2011-03-23T23:59:00.003-05:00

Do you remember the magical place I introduced you to in this post? You know, the quaint little village where you can stroll through the trees and browse antiques and crafts? Let me refresh your memory...

Yep, that's the one. I'm setting up a booth there this weekend! I'll be teaming up with a few lovely members of make:Tulsa to offer a large variety of handcrafted goodies. This little gem is located on the Northeast corner of 71st and Garnett (turn in next to the Salvation Army thrift store). Head over to our post on the make:Tulsa page for more details. If you're in the area, I hope you'll think about spending a sunny afternoon exploring this fascinating place!

My Squirrely Visitors

2011-03-21T07:40:00.003-05:00

It's been awhile since my squirrel friends have made an appearance on my blog, so I thought I'd gather some photos to show you what their typical visit looks like.

First they jump onto the railing of my deck, where I leave little cups of food and water for them.

Being the nervous creatures they are, my squirrels usually look around to make sure the coast is clear before jumping onto the deck.

Before too long, they head toward the bowl of seeds and dig in.

I don't know if you've ever seen the look on a squirrel's face when he's got his little paws full of delicious sunflower seeds, but I would call it a look of satisfaction.

I've also added a new nature-themed item to my shop. I'm pretty excited about these. I can personally attest to how much cheer they will add to your home.

Mushroom Garden- Maintenance Free Mini Terrarium

There are some things in life that are simple, yet uplifting. For me, seeing an adorable woodland creature filling its little cheeks with plenty of food right on my back porch is one of them. What's a surefire way to make YOU smile?

Fitness Friday #3- Fat Free Cake Exists

2011-03-18T07:25:00.002-05:00

Good morning, cuties! For this week's Fitness Friday post, I'll be sharing a recipe with you. This recipe is special because it is a trifecta of awesomeness- it's easy, delicious, and FAT FREE! I am always looking for tasty food that isn't terrible for my diet, and I've been pleased to find an abundance of healthy treats over the years that taste so good I sometimes forget that I don't have to feel guilty about them. I love it when that happens!

Are you starting to get curious about this yummy cake I speak so highly of? I won't draw it out any longer, because you will probably want to start gathering ingredients and heating up the oven before you even finish reading this post. I introduce to you my new favorite dessert- Pineapple Angel Food Cake! I have to give the credit to my Grandma, who introduced me to this lovely dessert a few weeks ago. Apparently, it's a Weight Watchers recipe. Grandma also reads my blog. Hi, Grandma! Look at me, I'm cooking!

This may look like your bland, run-of-the-mill angel food cake. Don't be fooled! I am not even a fan of angel food cake by itself, but for this recipe, the magic is in the pineapple. It makes for a moist, interesting dessert that is certain to satisfy your sweet tooth without the overload of fat. Let's get started!

The only two ingredients required for this recipe are a box of angelfood cake mix and a 20 oz can of crushed pineapple. I told you it was easy! And when I use the word "easy" to describe a recipe, you can believe it. As much as I love to make tasty things to eat, I'm not a natural in the kitchen by any means. ;-)

The first step is to preheat the oven to 375° F (or 325° if you'll be using a dark or nonstick pan). Pour the cake mix and the pineapple into a mixing bowl together. Do not drain the pineapple- you'll want to use the entire contents of the can.

Now mix the ingredients until the batter starts to foam. I used a hand mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds. The mixture should be nice and frothy.

Pour the batter into an ungreased baking pan. I used an angel food cake pan, but you can use a loaf pan or a regular cake pan instead.

If the oven has finished heating, go ahead and place your cake on the middle rack and bake it for 35-45 minutes. You'll know it's done when it has achieved a lovely golden brown color. When the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately place it upside-down to cool. I used a wine bottle, but you can use whatever method you see fit. If you used a loaf pan, lay it on its side to cool.

Once the cake is done cooling, use a butter knife to go around the outer and inner edges of the pan to release it.

Flip the pan over quickly while holding the cake over a platter. Place it on the dish, slice it with a serrated knife, and enjoy the sweet, sweet taste of dessert that won't make your jeans any tighter.

This recipe is very versatile, so you can experiment with different toppings such as icing, whipped cream, nuts, fresh fruit, or perhaps a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt. I don't add anything to mine, because I think it's perfect just the way it is and I like the fact that it's not ridiculously sweet. Please feel free to let me know if you decide to try this recipe and what you may have done differently. Enjoy!

Winner!

2011-03-15T23:51:00.005-05:00

My latest giveaway was so much fun, and I thank everyone who participated. For the first time since I've started giving things away on my blog, there were over 100 entries! Some of the last few came in after the giveaway was closed, so only 98 of them counted. But I was still excited to see such a turnout! I used a random number generator to determine the winning comment, which was....

The winning entry was comment #44. Jel, I will be contacting you to find out what color ring you'd like and where to send it! I love doing giveaways on my blog, so don't be sad if you didn't win this one. There will be many more to come!

Speaking of giveaways, I was also lucky enough to win one recently. There's a sweet blog I love to read called icandy, and I was thrilled when I found out I'd be receiving a bundle of goodies from the lovely Christina. Just look at all the cheer and color I had delivered to me!

My kitty immediately claimed the tissue paper as her own...

She burrowed into a nest of hot pink polka dots and decided to take a nap.

Isis and I thank you, Christina, for sending these little wanders our way. ;-)

Fitness Friday #2- The Elusive Abs

2011-03-11T08:14:00.003-06:00

Good morning, my gorgeous readers! I think one thing every girl wants is a flat stomach. When setting realistic goals, we may not even try to attain a 6-pack that is perfectly chiseled in every way, but I think it is one area that gets a lot of attention in the fitness world. There are so many gadgets, videos, and diets floating around out there, all claiming to trim your middle. I know it can get a little overwhelming if you're simply looking for a no-hassle way to target this area.

I've got quite a few tricks up my sleeve for this notorious section of a woman's body, and all of them are tried and true. Today I've got a Fitness Friday post that your abs will love. It's a set of two pilates moves that are simple to understand but will seriously work your stomach. And in case you're a visual learner like I am, I made videos! The reason I'm showing these to you today is that they don't require any equipment whatsoever, so if the whole fitness thing is new to you and you have yet to acquire any supplies, you won't be left out. You can do these moves on your living room floor! I would recommend using a yoga mat if you have one, or choosing a carpeted area of your home to cushion your back.

The first move is what I'll refer to as "The Scissors".

Start by laying flat on your back with your arms alongside you, palms down. Lift both your legs straight into the air so that your body makes an "L" shape. Move your feet so that one crosses over the other, then alternate. As you are taking these little scissor steps, you will lower your legs toward the ground. Count each time you move one foot in front of the other- it should take you about 8 steps to get to the bottom. At that time, you will take 8 more steps to get back to your starting position. Each time you scissor your way toward the ground and then back up again, that counts as 1 full move.

Dr. Holly* recommends: If you are new to working your abs, you should probably start with a set of 4. If your abs are accustomed to occasional exercise, do a set of 8. And if you are a seasoned pro whose abs are so trained that you find it difficult to make them sore anymore, do 2-3 sets of 8.

I call this next move "The Figure 8".

You will be starting in the same position as the last move. Keeping your feet together the whole time, trace a large figure 8 with your toes in a very controlled motion. Your feet should be close to the floor as you complete the lower part of the shape. Once you reach the top, back to your starting position, do another figure 8 in the opposite direction. Each time you complete a figure 8 in both directions, that counts as one full move.

Dr. Holly* recommends: The same as the last move- a set of 4 for beginners, 8 if you consider yourself intermediate, and 2-3 sets of 8 if your abs can handle advanced training. I would like to add that while you are doing either of these moves, DO NOT HOLD YOUR BREATH! They require a lot of concentration and control, but make an effort to take regular breaths. You will get fatigued much more quickly if you're depriving your body of oxygen. So breathe deeply and often if you want the stamina to really work those abs!

*Disclaimer- I am not a real doctor, just a know-it-all fitness enthusiast who wants to help others find the fun in living a healthy lifestyle. Please do not attempt any exercise moves unless you can do so without injuring yourself.

I'm hoping you will find these to be a worthy addition to your fitness routine. Don't overdo it, just give them a try and see how they work out. If your abs aren't even the slightest bit sore the next day, take it up a notch the next time. The important thing is to find a good balance for your body and go from there. Stay tuned for more Fitness Friday posts!

Springtime Giveaway! (Closed)

2011-03-07T10:02:00.002-06:00

I do believe it's time for another Hollyrocks giveaway! When I was thinking about which item in my shop I'd like to offer to the winner, I thought it would be fun to choose something bright and happy in celebration of the upcoming spring season.

These Neon Glitter Cocktail Rings are probably one of the more colorful items I carry. Here is the description for these rings my shop.

"Need a way to add an easy splash of color to any outfit? Made from polymer clay and tons of glitter, these rings are lightweight and comfy without skimping on color. They are varnished for a smooth finish and to keep the glitter from rubbing off. Each ring measures .75 inches (2 cm) in diameter and is securely attached to an adjustable silver toned ring base, which won't turn your finger green no matter how many times you wash your hands. I've personally tested them."

The winner will even get to choose which color ring they receive! Your color choices will be pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple.

HOW TO ENTER

Head over to the Hollyrocks Etsy shop and let me know which item you'd like to see offered as a prize in my next giveaway.

Follow my blog. If you are already following, that counts too! Just leave a comment telling me that you follow.

Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Comment with a link to your twitter profile.

Like me on Facebook and post about this giveaway. Comment with a link to your post.

Blog about this giveaway. Leave a link to the post in a comment.

Each of the above options counts as an entry, so please leave a separate comment for each one. Make sure to leave your email address or Etsy username with each comment so that I can contact you if you win.

This giveaway is open to all countries- everyone is welcome to participate! The contest starts now and will end at midnight (U.S. central time) on Monday, March 14th. I will draw the winner with a random number generator and post the results on my blog. Once the winner is contacted via email, they will have 3 days to respond before I draw again. Good luck, friends!

Fitness Friday #1- Getting Started

2011-03-04T07:27:00.004-06:00

If you've been visiting my little slice of the blog world for very long, you may have noticed certain recurring themes. Vintage finds have become a regular part of my blog, and of course you can expect crafty happenings and tutorials from time to time. But I have been dreaming up a new idea for quite a while now, and I am finally ready to get this ball rollin'. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the very first installment of Fitness Friday here at Hollyrocks!

Over the years, I have established a personalized fitness routine through good old fashioned trial and error. I have experience with weight loss, exercise equipment, healthy eating, and gathering the motivation to make these things a permanent part of my life. By incorporating this new segment into my blog, I hope to share exercise moves, recipes, tips, product reviews and hopefully a little bit of enthusiasm and encouragement along the way!

I figured a good way to start off this new series would be to give you a tour of the basic items you can acquire to create an inexpensive home gym. If you have a gym membership, all of these things will still be available to you. But I don't believe have to go to a gym to get a great workout. In my opinion, this is everything you need to stay in shape.

(1) Treadmill: $0 This used treadmill was given to us by my husband's coworker. Buying a brand new treadmill can be expensive, with lower-end models starting at around $300. But if you're just looking for a cheap way to get in a bit of cardio when the weather is not cooperating, a used machine might be a better option. Search local newspapers and online classifieds such as Craigslist if you're in the market for a used treadmill, elliptical machine, or exercise bike.
(2) Free Weights: $4-$40 per set, depending on weight. I prefer neoprene dumbbells because they're easy to grasp and comfortable to use. I have a set of 10 lb, and set of 5 lb, and a set of 3 lb weights, which equals an investment of a little over $60. But when you compare this to the cost of a gym membership, it's not so bad. And if you know the right moves, you can tone pretty much every part of my body with just a few sets of weights.
(3) Exercise Ball: $19 You can find these for as low as $6, or you can drop $100 for a crazy expensive one. But mine was fairly inexpensive, and I absolutely love it. You can find the exact ball I use right here.
(4) Yoga Mat: $9 Again, you can spend much more on these if you are after a certain brand or material, but the cheap one works great for my purposes!

And just what exactly can you do with this equipment? Everything! Come back for my next Fitness Friday post, because I'll be showing you a set of pilates moves that do amazing things for your abs. Until then, here's a playlist I've put together with upbeat, energetic songs that are great for working out. There's quite a bit of variety, so hopefully you can find something that will get you moving!

I'm so excited about this new blog venture! If you have any suggestions or requests for upcoming Fitness Friday posts, feel free to leave a comment and let me know. Want skinny arms? I can help you with that. How about a workout that will seriously tone that cute butt of yours? Girl, I've got you covered. And if you're always on the lookout for yummy treats that won't cost you a billion calories, I have a few tasty tricks up my sleeve. What health and fitness topics are important to you?

Creative Space

2011-02-26T18:37:00.003-06:00

When we still lived in a small, one bedroom apartment, I showed you the little corner of my bedroom that I used for a crafting space. Now that we've moved into a house, I have upgraded my creative area and I thought I might show it off a little.

I've still got my beloved vintage metal shelf and my trusty craft desk, but I've also got the whole wall for my computer setup as well as a little purple cart that holds all my shipping supplies. I've been collecting vintage frames and painting them bright, funky colors for all the lovely artwork I like to have in my space, serving as a reminder to stay happy, colorful, and inspired. I've still got more prints to frame and hang on the adjacent wall, but I'm liking the way it looks so far. There is also quite a bit of daylight that enters this room from a window facing our backyard, so I can often hear the birds singing while I craft.

My desk opens up to provide a bit of storage for my most frequently-used supplies, as well as a nice flat surface. I like to keep lists of ideas attached to my metal shelf with magnets so that they'll be within plain sight when I'm in craft mode.

My metal shelf holds some of my favorite knick-knacks, including a vintage Avon mushroom candle holder and an adorable snail pincushion that I got in a trade with Holly, my crafty friend from Sweetheartville. It's a vintage ceramic planter that she made into a pincushion. Isn't she clever?

I added some jeweled pins from Sugar Pink Boutique for a cute way to keep my pins at close range when I'm crafting.

For my evening craft sessions, I like to burn candles. It makes the space feel so cozy, and it seems like my imagination flows more freely with warm, earthy scents drifting through the air.

While my craft desk houses many of my supplies, I've also got a few more stashed away in the other room. I found these bins at Target, and I love them way more than anybody should really love a storage bin. But with that adorable rainbow heart pattern, what am I supposed to do but love them?

I recently gutted my craft desk, did away with a bunch of clutter, and reorganized my supplies. Now I've been spending much more time with this space because it's nice and clean. Sometimes a good cleansing is the most inspiring thing in the world. What's your current inspiration?

I Hope My Aura Is Purple

2011-02-18T12:21:00.005-06:00

If I could choose any color in the spectrum to represent my entire being, I would want it to be purple. Why? Simply because, in my eyes, it is capable of bringing me a sense of joy and inspiration that is incomparable to any other color. It may seem a little silly to state that such strong powers belong to a reflection of light, but there is something about your favorite color that releases something in your soul when you see it. And purple is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite color. Let me show you why...

Click images to view sources

And as for auras, I don't know that I've ever seen such a thing. I may be able to use a color to describe somebody's personality, but I can't claim to have ever seen explicit colors emanating from a person. So if any of you do possess that ability, will you tell me if mine is indeed purple? And even if it's not, will you lie to me and say it is?

Is there a color that brings about a deep happiness in you the way purple does for me?

Rainy Day

2011-02-10T16:44:00.003-06:00

I'll just come right out and tell you these photos are old. I guess you could say I was saving them for a rainy day. The first two are of an actual rainy autumn day in the latter half of last year....

..And I took these photos of my mother-in-law's twin kitties when they were still tiny. They're all grown up now if that tells you anything about how old these are. The little guy in front is a boy, Jasper, and his sister, Sabine (or Beanie as they call her) is behind him.

Better a rainy day than never, right? Even though I didn't get around to blogging about these at the time I took them, I figure it's never too late for rain drops, mushrooms, and adorable kitten faces!

Vintage Finds Valentine Edition

2011-02-03T12:05:00.004-06:00

If you like to stay up to date with current events and weather trends, you may have heard about the massive snowstorm that hit the Midwestern United States. Here in Oklahoma, everything has pretty much shut down due to the record-breaking amount of snow we received. Other states may be accustomed to this kind of thing but this is a rare occurrence around here, and our cities do not possess the proper equipment to get the roads cleared. So while most businesses and government offices are closed, people have been trapped inside their homes for 3 days straight now because the temperatures have not been high enough to melt the massive piles of snow surrounding their houses and vehicles. Since I just witnessed a brave neighbor getting no further than the end of his driveway before getting stuck in a mountain of ice, I think it's safe to say I won't be going anywhere until it clears up a little. And I'm quite alright with that. I'm all holed-up with my love, my kitties, plenty of food, and enough craft projects and blog ideas to keep me occupied for a year or more. It's turned out to be a pleasant, impromptu staycation.

A waist-high snowdrift on my deck.

Since I've got plenty of downtime, I thought I'd take a moment to show you some of the vintage valentines I mentioned in my last post. Even when I was single, Valentine's Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. I would daydream about possibilities, about what kind of Prince Charming the future might bring to me. I passed out valentines to friends and classmates well into high school (and I'm talking Care Bears and Hello Kitty, the kind you would expect to receive from a preschooler).

Over the years, my fascination with this holiday has matured a bit, but it's still going full force. When I was about 19, I started collecting vintage valentines. It's just one of many collections, but it's very dear to me. Even though unused valentines hold more monetary value, I place a higher sentimental value on the ones that have been marked on. Seeing a child's handwriting, faded with time on the back of a worn piece of cardstock, my imagination runs wild. I get swept away in a sea of childhood memories, classroom crushes, and curiosities about what happened to these people and the experiences they went on to have as adults.

Here is just a small selection from my stash of vintage valentines. They were sent and received many years ago, stored in a safe place, and eventually passed around until they reached the hands of a certain starry-eyed pack rat.

I could show you valentines all day, but variety is nice too. So here are a few more sweet, vintage goodies to warm your heart.

Vintage fabrics in dreamy patterns.

I purchased this necklace at an estate sale for $2 quite some time ago. I figured for that price, I could at least use the beads to make something new. But the more I looked at it, the more I realized that this piece of jewelry is far too beautiful to be destroyed.

It's made from faceted German glass beads in a gorgeous shade of red.

These illustrations are part of a sweet little book about friendship, published in 1972.

Vintage storybooks are yet another collection of mine. Now you see why I started a "Vintage Finds" series on my blog. I have endless items to show you, and it's nice to have an audience who can appreciate such things. Out of all the things I come across working estate sales, the things that were a part of someone's childhood are the most special to me- even thought they are not a part of my own family's history. What kind of things do you become attached to?

Be My Sweetie

2011-01-26T15:03:00.001-06:00

Love is in the air, my friends. I stay in a Valentines state of mind pretty much year-round; I walk around with stars in my eyes, falling in love with all the pretty things in this world that catch my eye. I enjoy love stories, I'm sentimental as can be, and I'm quick to throw my arms around people when I'm happy to see them. As you can guess, I'm feeling especially lovey-dovey this time of year, and it shows in my work. I have noticed that my Etsy shop is quickly filling up with hearts, glitter, and other romantic notions and I wanted to take a moment to share some of these creations with you. If they make just one heart flutter, I will be a happy girl! ♥

I'm putting this item first, because it is the most important in my opinion and is very close to my heart. Why? Because 100% of the proceeds are donated to The American Cancer Society. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT!! So tell your lover that you want to help fight cancer this Valentine's Day, or use it as a lesson on being charitable by purchasing it for the little girl in your life.

Have a Heart Pendant

I'm trying to incorporate more handmade supplies into my shop. These are my latest addition!

Sweetheart Charms

If you watch my shop, you may have noticed that little pieces of my vintage button collection appear every once in a while.

Blushing Bobbies- Vintage Button Hairpins

I may or may not have fantasized about packing my bags and moving into this tiny house...

House of Love Mini Sculpture

And since we can't eat decadent desserts every day of the week without it showing (unless you're my husband, whom I secretly resent for his ability to eat whatever the hell he wants without gaining a single pound), I've made you a fake dessert for those days in between.

Strawberry Cake Magnet Set

I'm kinda in love with the necklace like this one that I made for myself. It's been getting lots of wear lately.

Glitter Acorn Necklace in Red

I've recently started making lockets for my shop. To me, there's just something special about a locket. Don't you agree?

Floral Locket Necklace

For the coffee drinkers...

Coffee Lover Earrings in Sterling Silver

I think one of the most romantic things in the world is a good, old-fashioned love letter.

Love Letter Pendant

I had fun photographing this pendant with a few of my favorites from my collection of vintage valentines.

And speaking of that collection, I do believe my next post will be another installment of Vintage Finds. I'll show you some of the vintage valentines I've collected over the years, as well as a few other treasures.

I'm sure that by the end of this post, you are fully aware of my stance on this particular holiday. I obviously adore this time of year, but I know there are many people out there who view this as yet another unnecessary, greeting-card holiday. What is your opinion on Valentine's Day? Do you love it as much as I do, or do you take a more laid-back approach to all the hullabaloo?

My First Craft Swap

2011-01-17T10:15:00.002-06:00

In my last post, I gave you a tour of my backyard and showed you how much I'm inspired by nature. The little creatures bring me endless happiness, and one animal that has been bringing me joy for years now is the squirrel. The real squirrels that come to my house have sparked an addiction in me- I've started to collect squirrel figurines and artwork to bring a little bit of their quirky ways into my home. When Jessy, my blog buddy from Apparently Jessy, contacted me about participating in a swap with her, I happily agreed but I had no idea what she had in store for me. Today, I will show you what a great job she did of pegging my personality, style, and interests.

Jessy told me that she had a tote bag idea in mind, and I was very excited about that because I had seen her work before on her blog and her Flickr page. Her unique style of tote bags have always appealed to me with their elaborate stitching and customized scenes. When I received my package on Christmas Eve, I was thrilled to discover that the scene she had sewn onto the middle of my bag was a sweet little squirrel!

Clockwise from top: Handmade squirrel tote bag, vintage mushroom salt and pepper shakers, handmade ornaments, star hair ties, cupcake magnet, and a pouch to match the tote bag.

The amount of detail was so impressive. He has a precious face, and he is surrounded by a sprinkling of acorns, flowers and leaves.

She made me a matching zipper pouch to go inside, and I was so excited when I saw that it was personalized with the name of my business and my blog. I now have my very own Hollyrocks pouch!

And then there was this lovely cupcake magnet, which does a great job of adding a bit of sweetness to my kitchen. It also makes me think of all the yummy cupcakes Jessy posts on her blog.

She also sent these adorable mushroom salt and pepper shakers. I collect mushrooms, so this set definitely found a loving home.

Still remaining within the color scheme, Jessy made a set of felt ornaments. I just love this design!

I could not wait to load up my new bag with my things and carry it around town.

Now that I have personally tested Jessy's bags, I can vouch for their quality and comfort. I am VERY picky when it comes to purses. I have pretty strong opinions on an ideal size, the type of closure, inner pockets, the length of the straps, etc. Not only is this bag a complete work of art, it is also very functional and it appeased my picky ways.

To summarize my very first swap with a fellow crafter, this was a really fun, memorable experience. I was enchanted by the idea of these items traveling from the other side of the globe to my little home here in Oklahoma. The day I received the package was all smiles and giggles, and I would eagerly accept if another similar opportunity floated my way. Thank you so much, Jessy, for sending me a package full of happiness!

Nature Girl

2011-01-05T20:07:00.003-06:00

Hello and Happy New Year, my friends! There is something right in my backyard that brings me great joy, and I'm hoping to share a little bit of it with you. I am a total nature girl at heart, so I was thrilled when we bought a house with a backyard full of trees. If you've been following my blog for a while, you have probably seen some of the things I did to draw animals to my balcony when I lived in an apartment. Now that I've got all these trees, the possibilities have really expanded. We hadn't lived here for very long at all before I started hanging feeders from the limbs. I am happy to say that our yard has quickly become a major hot spot for all kinds of wild critters. I often joke that a Disney movie lies just beyond my kitchen window, and now I've got some proof to back up that statement.

Here's a short video to show what kind of action goes down in our trees. If
you look closely, you will see doves, sparrows, cardinals, and a very creative squirrel.

The squirrels eat the food spilled by the birds, but they also like to run up the pole of the shepherd's hook to shake down more when the supply on the ground runs low. Clever little things, aren't they? I know a lot of people consider squirrels a nuisance, but I always want animals to feel safe and welcomed here. I make sure they have plenty to eat and drink, and they have started to rely on my yard as a food source. They visit our place all year round, rain or shine.

Anytime I'm near a window facing this area, I like to stay for a moment and watch all the creatures eat, flitter around, bathe, and perch in the trees. I find a lot of my inspiration from this little piece of nature..

This Blue Jay Bookmark was completely inspired by the actual blue jays which eat right out of a cup of seed I have on the deck. Doesn't this guy have the cutest little beak?

My space reminds me of a tiny, contained forest. It's only 1/4 acre of land, nestled firmly into a suburban neighborhood. But we've got a wall of trees surrounding our backyard, and everything seems quite perfect in this one little spot of the world.

When I applied this concept to my work, this was the result:
The Enchanted Forest In A Jar Pendant.

And then of course there are these guys...

Since all of these things I make are so close to my heart, it is not unusual for me to make extras so that I can keep some for myself and list some in my shop. This was definitely the case with the Glitter Acorn Necklace I recently listed.

In fact, I ended up making one of each color to keep.

My backyard really comes in handy when it's time to photograph my items too.

The tree limbs worked out perfectly for photographing the acorn necklaces, and I actually used the birdbath as a backdrop too. I read that birds are more likely to use a birdbath when there are stones inside to draw them to the water and to provide many different depths for birds of all sizes. I was trying to achieve the look of a crystal-clear stream, but now you know the truth- it's my birdbath!

I truely love the inside of our house and the various nooks and crannies where I make myself comfortable, but I think this little outdoor world is my absolute favorite part of our home. Which part of your dwelling are you particularly fond of?

P.S. I recently participated in my very first swap with a blogger I completely adore. She perfectly grasped my personality overall, including my love of nature. Watch for my next post to see the magical things I received in my package from down under!

Vintage Finds Holiday Edition + Healthy Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

2010-12-24T11:11:00.003-06:00

I'm making one last stop in the blog world before Christmas to share some cheer with my dear readers. I'll start by giving you a little tour of our holiday decor, but there's a bit of a story to explain why I'm so pumped up about this season. We lived in a one bedroom apartment before we moved into our first house together in January, so we never really had much space to decorate. This year, we decided to go all out in celebration of our first Christmas as husband and wife. I thought a vintage setup would best fit our quirky style, so I'll give you a little tour of the things I've gathered to give our home a bit of retro flair this season.

Here's a glimpse into our living room. I was trying to achieve a warm, cozy atmosphere by tucking the tree into the corner next to the bookshelf. Judging by my kitty's willingness to snuggle up and pose for photos, I think I succeeded!

All of the vintage ornaments and decorations I'm about to show you were purchased at my job (if you're new to my blog, I work for an estate sale company). Starting in the late summer, I had my eye out for vintage awesomeness to spice up our home for the holidays.

Isn't he the chubbiest Santa ever? I fell in love with him when I saw him, and knew that our tree would be more complete with him dangling from it.

Our angel tree topper is vintage AND handmade. Bonus!

When you come into our front door, this entry table in front of the stairway is the first thing you'll see. So I paid special attention to this area in my holiday decorating. Come on in, my friends!

Back row: Vintage holiday gnome figurines, modern holly mosaic candle holder. Front row: Modern pewter angels and cookie-cutter candle holders (head over to my tutorial if you're interested in making some of these for YOUR home!).

I hate to choose favorites, because I can already tell that all of these items will be precious holiday keepsakes we'll use for years, but I really do have a crush on these little guys. I think they may be some of my favorite vintage finds I've acquired so far, and I might even have to display them year-round.

Mrs. Clause is ice skating in the ivy.

I even dressed our table for the holidays with embroidered linens, holly glasses (not vintage), and a ceramic Christmas tree candy dish with peppermints.

To finish it all off, we hung some fresh mistletoe. We have it growing in our trees, but it's too high to reach so I mostly daydreamed aloud about how much I wanted some for the house. When my husband climbed onto the roof to trim some tree limbs that were scratching our windows (a super creepy sound to wake up to in the middle of the night), he was nice enough to clip a few pieces of mistletoe for me too. As if I needed it to make me want to plant kisses all over that sweet face of his...

His acts of good husbandry didn't stop there, either. To continue our jolly mood on the outside of the house, he put up Christmas lights!

Now that I've given you the holiday tour of our home, it's time to share some cookies! I found a recipe online that claimed to produce some of the softest, tastiest oatmeal cookies there are. I made a few substitutions to create a reduced-fat cookie, and I was pleased to discover that they were still incredibly moist and flavorful. Plus, I think it's nice to be able to indulge in something delicious without throwing off your healthy ways. It's a rare occurrence during the holidays. ;-)

Reduced-Fat But Not Reduced-Flavor Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients:

1 cup Smart Balance Light butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
6 tbs egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups quick cooking oats
1 handful of golden raisins (optional)*
1 handful of chopped pecans (optional)*

*Sorry for the imprecise measurements on those last two ingredients. That's just how I roll when I'm in the kitchen.

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, cream together white sugar, butter, and brown sugar. Beat in egg whites, then stir in vanilla.
2. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda,and salt. Stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in oats. If you are using nuts or raisins, mix into dough, combining well. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (I chilled mine overnight).
3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. Roll the dough into balls, and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.
4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes approx. 36-60 cookies, depending on how large or small you make them.

That pretty much wraps up my holiday post, but I do want to wish you all a wonderful holiday full of family, friends, and as many smiles as you can handle!!

A Make:Christmas

2010-12-19T12:01:00.003-06:00

Hello and happy holidays, my lovely friends! I'm sorry I've been neglecting my blog a bit. I keep thinking of all the wonderful things I'd like to tell you and show you, but I've just been all wrapped-up in work, events, crafting, and other fun things. I participated in a neat little holiday gathering last night that I just had to post about, because it was the kind of event that leaves me beaming afterward. I'm a member of a local craft group called Make:Tulsa, which has been a very enjoyable endeavor for me. We get together for social gatherings, craft parties, classes, and in this case, a wonderful holiday craft show in the heart of Tulsa.

A Make:Christmas took place at a shop called Ida Red on Brookside. Ida Red is "a rock and roll boutique" with all kinds of unique goodies such as old-fashioned candy and soda, Cain's Ballroom merchandise, and items made by local artists. Sounds like a neat place, right?

{image source}

In fact, it turned out to be the perfect setting for this event. Tulsa people came out in full force to get in on the festivities and support local businesses. Make:Tulsa members were allowed one table apiece to set up their wares in the back of the store, and each of us brought a homemade dessert to feed hungry shoppers. Ida Red provided hot cider and live music to spice up the atmosphere. Here's a glimpse at all the tasty things that were available to everyone who attended.

I made the oatmeal cookies in the front. The recipe was altered to make a reduced-fat dessert, and I was quite happy with the results. Keep an eye out for the recipe in my next post!

I incorporated a mini tinsel tree into my setup to display the ornaments I was selling and to add some holiday flair without deviating from the sparkly mood I strive to achieve at every show.

Since all of my friends who participated in this show are familiar with the ins and outs of craft shows, they had very appealing setups.

I really enjoyed spending time with friends and customers in a warm, lively setting.

{photo courtesy of Somer}

This event was very well-received by the public. Just look at the line of people waiting to purchase holiday gifts from this locally owned and operated business! This is something I love to see.

It was so nice to be able to sit back behind my table, all curled up on a big comfy couch, and watch local musicians perform original songs as well as holiday favorites. Whitney Fenimore and The Del Toros played, and I was super impressed with both. Seriously, I went and looked them up after the show because I wanted to hear more.

And as if I had not already given plenty of reasons that I enjoyed myself, I was also accompanied by my mom and my sweet baby niece. Being in good company makes the best of times even better!

I want to send out a HUGE thank you to Ida Red for hosting this event, as well as the people of Tulsa for supporting it. This is the type of show I would happily take part in year after year.

I am planning to squeeze in one more blog post before Christmas, because I want to show you how my house is decorated and share the recipe I mentioned above. In the meantime, I want to know all about your holidays. What are your plans? What tasty treats are you looking forward to making and/or eating? And what are you hoping Santa will bring you this year?

Holiday Happenings

2010-11-28T16:40:00.007-06:00

With the holidays right around the corner, I've been kicking into gear for a few seasonal craft shows. I recently decided that I need a new business card holder for shows, and I wanted to make it myself. The idea was to make a mini-sculpture out of polymer clay to showcase my abilities so that customers would leave with a good impression after taking my card. I wanted something that would truly represent my style- something bright and whimsical. This vision became a sketch (something I almost never do because drawing is not my strength and sketches usually don't do me much good) and eventually came to life at my little craft desk. Here's the end result.

I breathed a sigh of relief when the finished product looked exactly like my mental vision and my sketch. I love it when things work out like you want them to!

My intention was to create a little world, one that would match the items I make and sell. Planet Hollyrocks, as I have termed it, consists of glittery grass, a lollipop garden, a dragonfly hanging out near a little pond, golden daisies, a mushroom, and a shooting star/rainbow.

I'll get to debut it at my next craft show, which will take place in my hometown on December 4th. I'm planning to bring all kinds of fun seasonal items with me. And as for my online friends, I've got something special for you as well. I'm having a holiday sale in my shop! Between now and December 1st, you can receive 20% off your entire order by using the coupon code "Hollydays2010" when you check out.

This sale is just in time for a major update in my shop. I've recently listed some brand new items, and I've got a little sneak peek for anyone who'd like to see the new goodies!

Coffee Lover Earrings

Internet Acronym Magnets

Miniature Teacup Ring

Antique Sheet Music Bookmark With Vintage Cardinal Letter Seal

Coffee Bean Magnets

To discuss the holidays on a more personal note, I am SO excited to spend my very first Christmas with my husband in our new house! The whole thing has me feeling all sentimental and lovey-dovey. What are you excited about this season?

San Francisco- Part 2

2010-11-20T10:54:00.003-06:00

Happy Saturday, my friends! I'm here to take you the rest of the way through my trip with my mom to San Francisco. This post will cover the last two days of the trip, and we'll start off at one of my favorite places we visited- Haight Ashbury.

I have been fascinated with the counterculture of the 1960's since I first learned of the happenings of that era. I love the fact that the youth of that time were courageous enough to stand up for their beliefs in such great numbers. So I refer to this part of the trip as my "hippie pilgrimage" to a gathering place for so many dreamers, activists, and confused wanderers.

My mom enjoyed the area too, even though she's not as enchanted by the hippie movement as I am. She SWORE that it was something she wanted to see, and that she wasn't just humoring me.

For the ice-cream lovers, we were standing in front of the original Ben & Jerry's for those photos. This one intersection is only the tip of the hippie iceberg though. A large portion of Haight Street is home to all kinds of colorful shops and people.

We ate lunch at a cozy little diner. I wish I could remember the name of the restaurant so I could recommend it, because everything was delicious.

Let me tell you, those San Franciscans know how to make a rather tasty veggie burger. I guess it's all part of being in a place where so many people are health-conscious, which was a nice break from the "Who cares if it's healthy?" mentality I often encounter here in Oklahoma. I'm sure that's the same mentality that gives this state one of the highest obesity rates in the country (I speak the truth), but that's a whole different blog post.

Haight Street ends right as it bumps up against the famous Golden Gate Park. This massive park is full of trees, critters, tourists, and the aroma of one of California's most well-known crops... This little nature girl had a pleasant time walking along the winding paths on a perfect day for a walk in the park.

If you know me, you know that squirrels are a huge source of joy for me. So this chubby little guy certainly brought me a giggle.

The architecture in San Francisco is so unique and inviting. I often found myself daydreaming about living in a row house with flower pots on the doorstep in a cute part of town, riding a trolley to work every day.

On our last day, we went for a walk in the city.

Even the downtown area has an abundance of parks and landscaping.

In the last few hours before we needed to head to the airport, we made a mad dash for Fisherman's Wharf. I'm so glad we were able to make it to this area before our trip ended. Since I've lived my whole life in a land-locked state, I've always been fascinated by the ocean. This seaside attraction was unlike anything I could see back home, and I'm pretty sure I walked around with in childlike stupor, excited to be somewhere so different from the sea of grass I'm accustomed to.

I managed to get a shot of the Golden Gate Bridge in the above photo. Although it's miles away from the wharf, it's so large and so bright that it was still clearly visible. And let's not forget the rowdy group of sea lions so many people look forward to seeing when they visit Fisherman's Wharf!

This guy decided to pose for a photo with mom and I.

Since the sea lions guys were so much fun to watch (and listen to!), I made a little video clip so that my lovely readers could share the experience. About 30 seconds into the video, I accidentally captured one of the sea lions losing his lunch, which is why you'll hear a few people in the crowd saying "Eeeeew" in response to his outburst.

Something I noticed when I uploaded the video was at the very beginning, you can hear a woman saying "Happy Anniversary" in a sweet voice. I did not hear it at the time, but I think it's precious. I wish I could find the lovebirds who were standing next to me that day so that I could share this video with them. They could have footage of the gentle words spoken, followed by a sea lion belching and barfing. How romantic!

Fisherman's Wharf was our very last stop of this trip. As we were waiting for a cab out on the sidewalk, I snapped one last photo of a beautiful mural that had been painted on a parking garage.

And as we hopped in the cab, I donned my new sunglasses with no concern for the fact that they were incredibly silly and touristy.

This little getaway was exactly what I needed. As much as I've come to love Oklahoma, there are times when it seems very mundane to me and I just need a little taste of something different and new. My mom and I had so much fun together, and I was aware throughout the whole trip that I was experiencing things that would forever be fondly remembered.

And now I've got a question for you. I used this as a creative writing prompt during my student teaching, and I found it to be a stimulating and exciting topic. If you could travel anywhere in the world, with no restrictions based on time or money, where would you go and why?

San Francisco- Part 1

2010-11-09T22:00:00.002-06:00

I mentioned in my last post that I had photos from my trip to California, but what you didn't know is that I have a TON of them! Our trip only lasted four days, but you would have never known by the amount of pictures I came home with. Fortunately, I've weeded through them and compiled my favorites to show you. And to keep from overwhelming your lovely eyes, I'll split the trip into two posts. You'll see the first two days in this post, and the last two days in the next. Sound good? Okay then, let's go!

My mom approached me last month to ask if I would want to accompany her on this trip. She had business in San Francisco, but was going to be stuck there for four days with nobody to hang out with. I happily agreed because I've never had the chance to travel with just she and I. I figured the two of us would have a blast together, and I was right!

Here we are in our plane leaving Tulsa.

We ended up with a layover in Dallas, so I went for a walk in the Dallas Fort Worth Airport, which is gigantic by the way.

This airport has lots of neat things to keep travelers occupied, such as this cute little candy shop...

...and this beautiful glass sculpture.

It's open to walk through so that antsy children (or photo-happy bloggers) can play in it to pass the time.

Shortly after I returned from my walk, our plane was ready to take us the rest of the way to San Francisco. Here's a shot of Dallas through the window of the plane.

I was SO glad that I ended up in a window seat, because this flight took us over The Grand Canyon. I've been there twice before, and it was enough to take my breath away both times. The aerial view, however, was like nothing I had ever seen before. Viewing this huge gash in the earth through the clouds was completely unforgettable.

We arrived in San Francisco that evening and my jaw dropped as we walked into the hotel lobby. This was by far the nicest hotel I'd ever stayed in, everything was very posh and modern.

All we really had time to do that night was grab some dinner and head back to the room for the night. The next morning, I was able to capture the view from our hotel window.

Chinatown was on our list of must-see places, and it was close to our hotel so we walked there as soon as we woke up and got ready.

Mom and I both fell completely in love with this area. Everything was so colorful and festive.

I see good things in your future.

We went back to the hotel to dress up all fancy for a party with my mom's coworkers. The event was held at a winery across the Bay Bridge.

We sipped wine and rubbed elbows, and I tried to act as if I attended events like this all the time.

The casks of wine were visible from the loft area where the party was held.

Toward the end of the party, I wandered outside and was greeted by the crisp ocean air and the sight of the Bay Bridge at night, twinkling lights and all.

That pretty much summarizes the first half of our trip. But I hope you'll come back for the second part, because you'll get to see Haight Ashbury and Fisherman's Wharf!

Indie Emporium 2010

2010-11-01T13:02:00.003-05:00

Howdy, friends! I know of a certain blogger named Holly who has been very busy lately. Since my last blog post, I've traveled to the edge of the county and back, returning just in time to set up at a craft show that I look forward to all year. What a whirlwind of good times! I'm currently enjoying a bit of downtime before I go back to work, and I've got plenty of photos to share with you while I catch my breath.

I'll start where I left off with my last post- Indie Emporium! The community continues to support this celebrated event, and my friend Christine, who organizes the show along with her husband, did an amazing job as always. Since the show took place over Halloween weekend, vendors were allowed to come in costume. I decided to be a hippie on Friday night, but most people didn't even know I was dressed up, which should tell you something about my normal attire.

Here's my full setup for this show, as well as a few different angles of the goods I brought with me.

Here you can see one of my absolute favorite craft endeavors- succulents planted in vintage dishes. I only sell these at shows, because I am too worried that shipping would be a nightmare if I sold them in my shop. They did pretty well at Indie Emporium though! I love it when I find an audience who "gets" me.

My Mama helped me out on Saturday, and she made an appearance in the photos above and below. Isn't she cute in the little devil horns I made for her? We had plenty of jokes about those.

Since I was set up at the end of a row of tables, I was able to utilize the space at the end of my table. I used a cute little shelf to display more of my items, such as the flower pins from this post and some collages. They're made up of vintage illustrations and ephemera in painted vintage frames.

The other vendors were fabulous, as always.

There were all kinds of fun things going on, such as craft demos, live music, and lots of pretty decorations.

This year's show was every bit as fun and successful as I had hoped. I'm really proud to be a part of such a unique, inspiring event. I'm planning to do another craft show a little closer to the holidays. What kind of festivities do you have planned for this season?

Come back soon, because I'll have pictures from California in my next post!

It's About That Time Again

2010-10-21T10:45:00.003-05:00

I try to incorporate my various craft show excursions into my blog, but I'll be honest- there is one show in particular that has my heart. It's a show I've participated in since the very first year, and it's never failed to provide the good times. Since I didn't start blogging regularly until last year, I've only been able to share this show with you once. But if you read about it then, you could probably tell how much I look forward to this event each year. So I could not be happier about the fact that this year's Indie Emporium is just around the corner!

My goal this year is to make my space look better than it ever has before. I've been a vendor at Indie Emporium for three years now, and this is how my booth has evolved.

2007

2008

2009

It's almost embarrassing to see some of the displays I've set up in the past, but it helps me to recognize what works and what doesn't. I've already been visualizing how I could improve this year. And of course, I'll have photos so that you can come along for the ride.

It's no secret that I love to set up as a vendor at this show, but something I didn't tell you about last year is that I actually modeled in the fashion show! I typically don't consider myself the "model" type. I have a hard time taking myself seriously, so I was a little nervous that I'd look goofy out on the runway. But it sounded like tons of fun too, so I accepted the offer when my friend asked me if I'd be willing.

It started with professional hair and makeup. I do enjoy getting dolled up when I'm at home, but I can promise you that I never go to these lengths under normal circumstances. I didn't even know what they were doing to me most of the time, I was just hoping that I'd look hot when it was over with.

I ended up having a blast modeling for the show! It was a little nerve-wracking having all those eyes on me, but it was also quite a thrill. And I managed not to embarrass myself!

I have been asked to model again in this year's show, and I'm a little less nervous this time. If you're in the area, I hope you'll think about coming! This show is truly unforgettable, and I know you'll be hooked like me once you know how much fun it is.

Well Color Me Surprised!

2010-10-12T21:53:00.003-05:00

I got a message from a friend of mine last week, and the end result was so exciting that I just couldn't wait to share. I know Amy Perotti through her blog, where she gives glimpses at her gorgeous illustrations and describes the inspiration behind them. I've also provided a home for some of the prints she sells in her Etsy shop. She has all kinds of adorable illustrations, but one recurring theme you'll see is Matryoshkas. This print, for example, now belongs to me:

Since I admire Amy's work so much, I was really receptive to her ideas when she contacted me about a Holly-inspired Matryoshka illustration. And then, she completely amazed me.

She decided to draw me wearing this dress.

You know, the one I wore for this winter wedding.

And since Amy's the type of girl who pays attention to detail, she even included the same jewelry I wore on my wedding day.

What she came up with pretty much astonished me when I first looked at it.

It is INSANE how closely her illustration resembles me, especially considering the fact that the artist has never actually seen me in person.

Here's the description, taken from the etsy listing for this item:

"'Holly 21st Century' is the first in my new series of American Women Matryoshka! Holly is a beautiful, bright, American woman who embodies the handmade movement of today. I was inspired by the real Holly Embry of HollyRocks.etsy.com (also HollyRocksJewelry.blogspot.com). We have become friends though Etsy and our blogs. She has a generous and kind spirit that resonates through everything she does and all her interactions. With a degree in education, she shares her entrepreneurial knowledge with others by teaching a class about how to start an Etsy shop at a local community college. Holly was kind enough to allow me to draw her portrait as my 21st Century American Woman. Thank you Holly and bravo!"

I seriously think I started blushing when I read that! Thank YOU, Amy!! I'm honored to know someone as kind and talented as yourself. ♥

Fall Giveaway!

2010-10-06T11:11:00.004-05:00

If you read my last post, you could probably sense my excitement over the fact that autumn is well underway in my part of the world. And now that it's October, that excitement has grown exponentially because I've got all kinds of fun things planned for this month. I'll be taking a trip to San Francisco with my mom, I'll be setting up a table at Indie Emporium a.k.a. my FAVORITE craft show of the year, and let's not forget Halloween! Since this will be our first Halloween in our new house, my husband and I are planning to hang out at home, watch a few scary movies, and pass out candy to the trick-or-treaters in our neighborhood. I can't wait!

To celebrate this time of year, I've got a quick giveaway for you! Somebody will end up will one of these fall leaf pendants in their mailbox.

Rather than doing the giveaway right here on my blog, I'm having it on my facebook page because I'd like to do more giveaways and promotions there. I've also been thinking about doing a few giveaways on other blogs. Are any of you interested in hosting a giveaway on your blog?

As always, this contest is open to all countries, so all are welcome to click right here and claim your chance to win little piece of the season. Good luck!

Halloween Hype!

2010-09-27T09:43:00.003-05:00

Where I live, we're starting to see signs of a brand new season. For the first time since early spring, I'll have to take a jacket with me on my morning walk. The air is filled with the smell of crunchy, dead leaves. The days are getting shorter, the lattes are getting spicier, and everyone seems to be excited about the fact that FALL IS COMING!

Even if you've never met me in person, you can probably tell from my blog alone that I love getting all pumped up about the simple things in life, and changing seasons have always been a huge source of happiness for me. For some reason, fall is usually the one I welcome the most and this year is no exception! One of my local friends requested some Halloween charms, and I ended up diving head-first into a spooky world of glittering, glow-in-the-dark goodness. Here are the results of my first fall crafting session.

If you're all worked up about Halloween like I am, come check out my shop to see which of the above items are available for purchase. If you don't see what you're looking for, feel free to contact me because I may have it ready or be able to make another. Happy fall, my friends!!

Country Roads

2010-09-21T08:53:00.004-05:00

Growing up in small-town Oklahoma, I've become very familiar with the country roads that connect one area to another. Even though I live in a much larger city now, I am still comforted by the simplicity of a rustic, bumpy road. Most of my family still lives in the same area I grew up in, and I make sure to take the scenic route when I go to visit them. Who needs highways and passing lanes when you can have a serene, casual drive through forests and pastures instead? Occasionally (okay, pretty much every time) I am known to roll down the windows and sing along with the music at the top of my lungs, because it's not like there's anyone to hear me releasing my inner ~~goofball~~ rock star.

Here are some images of roads, trails, and pastures I've captured along my journeys.

Where do you go when you need to just slow down and escape for a while?

Main Street Craft Show!

2010-09-17T07:40:00.003-05:00

Good morning, readers! I just wanted to drop a little piece of news that my local friends might be interested in. Tomorrow, I'm doing a craft show called The Heart of Broken Arrow. It will be happening in the Central Park community center from 9 to 4. This show is a staple of the area, and I think it will worth your time to stop by. There will be food, crafts, and free admission!

There are a few reasons I'm excited about this show. For starters, it's my first show to do in my new neighborhood! I can't wait to put myself out there and show the members of my community what I'm all about. Also, the booth fees benefit Broken Arrow Main Street Merchants. The Main Street area of Broken Arrow is a charming, wonderful place. I will happily support the businesses who line this lovely street, especially considering how much I enjoy window shopping as I go for walks. Isn't this a lovely backdrop for an evening stroll?

This will not be a group booth with the Tulsa Craft Mafia like I sometimes do. This time, I'm flying solo! I'll have a 12'x12' space of pure Hollyrocks goodness, so just look for the booth with my smiling face behind it. I can't wait to see you!

Crafty Happenings

2010-09-12T20:51:00.004-05:00

Here are some of the things that have been going down at my craft desk recently:

I made a fresh batch of mushroom charms...

...so that I could stock up my shop with these mushroom earrings.

For the shop listing, I photographed them in my hand to demonstrate size with my yard as a background.

Props to Janelle over at Dancing Mooney for giving me the idea on my recent post about whether merchandise should be photographed on the human body or not. See there, friends? I take every one of your comments to heart. ♥

I also made some new Rainbow Bubbles Pendants...

...and shipped out a few packages.

During one daytime crafting session, I turned around to see my kitty taking a nap in the chair. I had to halt my sculpting for a moment so I could grab my camera and take his picture. He's my lazy little crafting buddy!

What's your current creative outlet?

Philbrook Gardens

2010-08-29T10:20:00.005-05:00

Back in August, my little sister and I headed to Philbrook Museum of Art to catch the Egyptian Exhibit before it ends on September 12th. We saw some pretty amazing artifacts, and I felt very honored to be in the same room with so many ancient relics. While photography is not allowed in the museum, guests are welcome to take pictures in the famous Philbrook Gardens. The landscaping is gorgeous, professional, and very impressive to anyone with a love for plants. Here are some of the images I brought home with me on that lovely summer day. ♥

Where do you go to get your cultural fix?

Vintage Finds - Round 2

2010-08-25T12:48:00.003-05:00

Good day, friends! I am planning to incorporate my vintage finds into my blog on a regular basis, so it's time for round two! This time, I'm going to show you how I was inspired by some of the items I found. When I'm working an estate sale, certain things will just speak to me and I know that I have to buy them. An idea will spark in my mind, float around amongst my thoughts all day, and I'm bursting with anticipation by the time I get home.

For example, this vintage mug rack immediately caught my eye, and I started to formulate a plan for how it could be used. I thought it would be a nice way to display bracelets, but they would have to be as funky and unique as the rack itself. So I made a bunch of stretch bracelets out of vintage beads and hung them from the arms of this rack. Who would've thought simple piece of kitchenware would inspire a whole new design for my craft show setup?

Have I ever mentioned how much I love vintage beads? Just in case, let me go ahead and say that I love them a lot.

Next up is a set of mushroom ornaments. The metal wires they were hanging from were corroded from being hung above the oven for many years, so I removed them. I could have replaced them with new wires, but I decided that I wanted to repurpose these little shrooms into something different.

So I attached magnets to the backs and stuck them to my refrigerator. They added a nice retro touch to my kitchen. Even the husband likes them, which is good because he doesn't always share my love for kitschy things.

And lastly, I bought something that I believe was handmade. It's a vintage frame with a piece of cushioned, gold velvet in the center for displaying pins and brooches. I loved the way it looked with pins attached to the velvet, so I decided to make my own pins as a throwback to the adorable daisy brooches that were so popular in the 60's and 70's. I even used some of the funky colors that were typical of that period- brown, yellow, orange, and green.

I am having so much fun with all the unusual things I keep stumbling upon. Now I just hope that when I take some of them with me to craft shows, there will be other people who can appreciate my love for all things retro.

Have you ever found inspiration in an unexpected way?

Day-Trippin'

2010-08-08T22:51:00.005-05:00

Last week, I went on a little day trip with my grandparents and two of my cousins. The main attraction was a place called Mystic Caverns in Harrison, Arkansas (about a 3 hour drive from Tulsa). I was so excited about this trip for multiple reasons. For starters, I couldn't wait to spend the whole day with my wonderful family! But I am also very interested in caves, as you may have discovered when I showed pictures from my wedding trip. This place did not disappoint!

As you can tell by the raindrops in this photo, it was a cool, drizzly day, which was a welcomed change after the ridiculously hot weather I've been living through lately.

The caves were BEAUTIFUL!

This formation is called a wedding cake. I thought the name was fitting as I was looking at this huge, layered heap of glittering rock. Can you see the sparkles?

And while we're on the topic of food, check out the cave bacon!

At the very end of the tour, the guide showed us how the caves used to be displayed before a reporter insinuated it was tacky. They previously used colored lights, but the cave is no longer shown that way except for a brief glance because the owners wanted a more natural look. I must be tacky, because I love the colors!

Once we emerged from the caverns, I noticed how lovely the grounds were. The entire area was beautifully landscaped.

My grandma and I took a moment to pose for a photo together in front of the flowers. Isn't she adorable? She reads my blog too, by the way. Hi, Grandma!!

Before we left the area, we decided to stop at a nearby fish hatchery. I wasn't quite sure what the attraction of such a place would be until we pulled up to the gates and I saw the gorgeous scenery.

There were two winding creeks with crystal-clear water. The rainbow trout inhabiting these waters were clearly visible.

Since there was an abundance of trout (hundreds of them!), a hawk decided to help himself to some lunch. He was perched on a wall, guarding the remains of a fish he had caught.

It was so nice to spend time out in nature, since it's been too hot to really enjoy the outdoors for the past few weeks.

The ride home was pleasant. We stopped at a farm stand where I bought some homemade pickles, and I sat in the back seat taking pictures of the sky.

Have you gone on any fun outings with your family this summer?

Cupcakes + Feedback

2010-08-02T22:48:00.008-05:00

Hello, sweeties! Let's talk about cupcakes! I follow a few blogs created by lovely ladies who are passionate about the way they bake cupcakes. Erica, for example, runs a sassy business called Dollface Delights and posts lots of luscious photos on her blog. Another adorable blogger is Jessy, whose blog contains an abundance of cupcakes and other eye candy. But it's not just real cupcakes I crave. I have to admit that I am a full-on cupcake addict. It's true, I got in on the craze.

Over the years, I've sold many cupcake necklaces in my etsy shop among other venues. But it's something I never get tired of. I'm always inspired by these bits of sweet, fluffy goodness! These are the newest cupcakes I've cooked up.

Cupcake With Neon Sprinkles Necklace.

Tiny Cupcake Earrings With Cherries on Top.

Now for some feedback! I would love to hear your opinions on an issue if you've got a minute. I'm wondering if it is a good thing to post photos of items being worn or held in my hand to demonstrate size. I know there are customers (like myself) who like to have an idea of how wearable items will look, and it helps to have something in the photo for size comparison. But I don't want to put anyone off, and I know some people get a little freaked out when they see skin in photos of jewelry. Here are a few photos to illustrate my point.

I took this photo of a cupcake necklace in my hand to show how dainty they are. Do you think it would bother anyone to see my thumb in the photo?

When I made the tiny cupcake earrings in the photos above, I made an extra pair for myself. I am keeping the ones I'm wearing in the photo, and whoever purchases the earrings in the listing will receive an unworn pair. But still, do you think people will be grossed out by seeing a somewhat close-up shot of my messy hair and neon eyeshadow?

Just for fun, what is your opinion on purchasing an item that has actually been worn by a model? What would you be okay with and what would totally freak you out? Jewelry? Hats? Clothing? Shoes? Where do you draw the line? I'll weigh in on this in a while (see comments), but I want to hear you out first!

Persimmon Hollow

2010-07-29T09:52:00.005-05:00

I recently found out about a hidden gem right here in Tulsa (well, technically it's in Broken Arrow but it's pretty much all the same). I would have never known this place existed if it weren't for an article I read in a local newspaper, and I knew I had to check it out. Here is an excerpt from the article to give a bit of background on this charming place.

“Persimmon Hollow started out in the mid-1960s as Persimmon Hollow Antique Village,” said Darnell, who purchased the three-acre property and has made significant progress redeveloping and revitalizing the area over the past four years.

“It was originally going to be a museum,” he said.

Now, each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., visitors can experience nostalgia, artistry in its several buildings and purchase concessions from vendors along a Main Street set in an old western-type of environment.

“It’s like walking back in time along the Main Street of an old western village,” Darnell said.
-Broken Arrow Ledger, July 2010

Last weekend, I headed over to see for myself what this little village was all about. I was surprised to discover that the location was actually right in the middle of a very busy part of town (for the locals, you know how crazy the 71st and Garnett area can be). At first, I thought I had mistaken the address, because I didn't think there was any way that such a park-like setting could be hidden among strip malls and gigantic movie theaters. But as I turned down a quiet street, I discovered that the little jewel I was looking for was indeed waiting for me, tucked behind a housing addition. Here are some photos from my outing.

That last photo is of The Peach House, known for their amazing peach tea. If you look closely, you can see a jug of it for sampling on the front porch. I can personally attest to how wonderful their tea tastes when it hits your throat on a hot day.

You may be wondering if I bought anything while I was there. Of course I did! It's almost impossible for a lover of all things vintage to enter a place like this and NOT buy something. I came home with a set of two daisy glasses to remember this pleasant summer day by. I immediately washed them and filled them with ice water for me, and iced tea for the hubby (he's a Southern boy who likes his tea extra sweet).

I'm so glad I photographed these together, because that Southern boy of mine proceeded to break one of them later that night. I couldn't be mad at him though, because he was actually in the process of refilling my glass for me when he broke it. He's just as sweet as the tea he drinks.

If you live in the Tulsa area and would like to visit Persimmon Hollow, the address is 6927 S 115th East Ave (the turn-in is just East of Garnett on 71st street, right next to the Salvation Army Thrift Store). You may even spot a certain little blogger named Holly while you're there, because I get the feeling this is a place I'll be returning to in the very near future.

Clouds and Caterpillars

2010-07-25T15:08:00.002-05:00

Good afternoon, friends! The following photos are completely unrelated other than the fact that they all came from my camera, but I thought I'd go ahead and post them together anyway. First, I'll give you a little glimpse at a really wicked storm I encountered while riding with my husband to pick up a movie and some takeout. The clouds were unlike anything I'd ever seen, and I almost had to wonder if the apocalypse was drawing near. In the end, no deities came from the sky- just tons and tons of rain. But it was still very interesting to look at.

Moving on, here are the culprits who have been devastating our herb garden. They completely wiped out our dill before we could stop them, and then moved onto the parsley. My heroic husband tried to pick them off to salvage the plant, but he quickly discovered that they put off an incredibly foul odor when threatened. It was such a raunchy smell- similar to dirty feet or mildew. So please, dear readers, be warned that if you see one of these, admire their vibrant colors from a distance because they smell awful if you disturb them!

They're kinda cute if it weren't for the fact that they're wreaking havoc on my plants and they smell like butt, don't you think?

New Squirrels!

2010-07-15T21:14:00.005-05:00

Some of you already know about my history with squirrels. For those who don't, I can sum it up by saying that my husband and I used to live in a third floor apartment near a tree. Our balcony looked like this:

As you can see, the local squirrels loved our place because we fed and watered them. In January, we bought our first house together and moved about 10 miles away from where we previously lived. I saw squirrels near our new house from the time we first moved here, so I created a similar setup in an attempt to attract them to the deck in our backyard. The little dishes you see on the left are food and water. There are also multiple feeders hanging in the trees, as well as a bird bath.

This "if you build it, they will come" mentality has been successful, and I'm happy to say we've got a whole slew of critters hanging out at our house.

I think this one may be young, but not quite a baby. Maybe he's a teenager!

This chubby little guy gave me a laugh. He was standing like an old man while he ate.

Those cute ceramic dishes were only 99 cents each at Big Lots. I bought them for the pure purpose of filling them with seeds and water so that the critters who visit my yard will have a little treat. See how much fun you can have with $2.00? I recommend trying something similar at your home near a window so you can see what kind of lovely creatures turn up!

Showin' Some Love

2010-07-13T23:09:00.003-05:00

You may have noticed that I have little teaser photos along my sidebar to demonstrate the various sections of my blog. Well I've added a new one, and it's designed to show my readers some love! ♥ I visited some of your blogs, grabbed any buttons I could find, and linked back to you. You can view this page by clicking the image below, which is the same image you'll find on my sidebar.

If you've got a fabulous blog and an image you'd like to have featured on this page, just leave a comment or contact me on etsy and let me know. I suppose that's pretty much all I have to say right now, but I do have an update planned regarding my favorite woodland creatures- squirrels! More on that later...

Our Little Getaway

2010-07-07T23:39:00.004-05:00

We're back from our trip to Texas, and I managed to come home with plenty of photos just as I suspected I would. So grab your cowboy boots and join me, because I'm taking you to The Lone Star State!

It was gray and rainy when we left...

...but eventually, the clouds started to clear up...

...and the sun started to peak through...

...which made for a rather lovely sunset as we were coming into Texas.

Once we arrived, we not only got to see our Texas family, but we also got to spend some time with a few of our loved ones who live near us in Oklahoma. My mother-in-law was there, and so were her two tiny kittens. She just adopted them last week, and they were too young to leave at home during her trip. This little guy was busy doing what men do: spending long periods of time on the toilet.

We cooked out on the 4th of July and then went to watch a beautiful fireworks display.

On the last day of our visit, we went to downtown Dallas.

First, we ate brunch at a neat little restaurant that my husband used to frequent when he lived in the area. He found out about this place from an ex-girlfriend. She was evil, but his new catch is a total sweetheart. ♥

After we filled our bellies, we headed to The Body Exhibit to see the human body in a way that was informative and fascinating.

I was so excited about seeing this, but I've got to be honest- I felt a little lightheaded when I first laid eyes on all the body parts. If you're squeamish like me, my best advice would be to brace yourself before stepping into a place that has exposed organs and muscle tissue everywhere your eyes may wander.

This guy was hanging out on the sidewalk outside the exhibit.

On the way to our next destination, we stopped at a shop where our little sister bought some silly glasses. Then we took turns trying them on. I guess I interpreted them to be something an angry teacher would wear.

My husband, on the other hand, was more interested in tapping into his nerdy side. I think he's just adorable (AND hilarious, bonus!). He's also very understanding, because he gave me permission to post this photo on my blog.

We eventually made our way to the memorial site where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. This is believed to be the exact spot where the gunshot fatally wounded him.

There were a few guys speaking for a crowd on the famous grassy knoll, so we stopped and listened to what they had to say. Ten points if you can spot us in this photo!

I was very moved by everything I saw at the JFK memorial site. He was truly a hero, and I was proud to see how many of my fellow citizens come to pay tribute to his memory every day. Unfortunately, it was time to hit the road and head home once we finished poking around downtown.

Although our trip was short, it was also very fulfilling. I had a bad case of cabin fever, and I enjoy getting out of town every once in a while to clear my head. Plus it's always fun being around family. The way I see it, my time is well-spent when I'm in the company of amazing people.

What place would you like to visit next time the travel bug bites you?

We're Goin' to Texas!

2010-07-02T17:37:00.003-05:00

Hello, friends! My honey and I are leaving tomorrow on a trip down South to visit family for the holiday. We're so excited about hanging out with great people and getting out of the house for the weekend. I intend to take plenty of photos during this brief getaway, because that's just how I roll. So maybe I'll have some picture love when I return. ♥

While I'm away, here's a little peak at the things I've created in recent craft sessions.

Vintage Button Hairpins made from a bag of buttons I bought while setting up an estate sale. AND they inspired the next idea:

Handmade Buttons! I made these from various colors of polymer clay. I had a great time with them too- I ended up making a ton of them and even altering a little box to display them in.

What's your current inspiration?

Good News

2010-06-25T20:31:00.003-05:00

I got a job!! Starting next spring, I'll be teaching a continuing education course at a local community college about how to start an etsy shop. I can't believe I found something that so perfectly combines two of the things I'm most passionate about (teaching + crafting). While I was in the process of pursuing this position, I took a temporary job setting up estate sales. But as it turns out, I really enjoy working estate sales, and I think I'll keep doing it even once I do start the new class in the spring. Both jobs are part-time, so I can easily do them together.

That's not all the good news I've got though! I'm also excited about debuting some of my terrariums at a craft show I'm doing tomorrow (well, technically it's today because I'm writing this in the wee hours trying to get sleepy). As you can see, I've got plenty of terrariums to spare.

But not all of these will be coming with me to the show. The only ones I'm taking are these small terrariums I made out of a vintage spice rack. It worked out perfectly, because I was able to clean the jars and turn them into terrariums PLUS they came with a cute little shelf ready to display. All I had to do was paint the wooden shelf and now I've got a fun little set of wonderlands to sell at our booth.

The show I'm doing is called The Alliday Show, and I'll be at the Tulsa Craft Mafia booth if you want to come say hello!

One final bit of good news is that I was lucky enough to win an amazing giveaway recently. I got two bars of AMAZING handmade soap, as well as a little wooden dish to keep them dry between uses from Posh Wash Soap. I can't even describe how wonderful the two scents I chose, lemongrass and sandalwood, smell in person, so I tried to do the next best thing and take a close-up photo of the bars. Can you smell it?

What good news do you have to share with the world?

Vintage Finds

2010-06-15T12:03:00.002-05:00

Many of you voiced an interest in seeing what kind of vintage lovelies I've got to show you. You're in luck! As my husband can attest, I've got old-timey treasures all over this little house of ours (which is itself a vintage find, built in 1965). This week, I've chosen a few items that I thought you might like to see. And you'd better believe there's more where that came from!

First are a few prized specimens from my massive collection of vintage and antique buttons. And I'm not exaggerating when I say massive- I've got thousands of buttons waiting to be brought back to life as rings, pendants, and hairpins. These are the ones that caught my eye the last time I went sifting through my stash.

Next up is a photograph I scored at a garage sale. I am so intrigued by this picture- the pose, the hairstyles, and the uniforms are all so charming. I'm planning to frame this one and hang it on my wall eventually.

The photo is stamped on the back with the brand, location, and date. Can you believe this sweet little image is 73 years old?!

The last vintage find I have to show today is a pink glass serving plate with lovely diamond and sunburst patterns.

This particular item will most likely end up being incorporated into my craft show setup. I'm in the process of transitioning to using nothing but vintage, repurposed, and handmade displays when I do shows. Manufactured displays are effective enough, but I would like to achieve a more unique look by thinking outside of the box and using found items if possible.

Have you come across any vintage awesomeness lately?

Tutorial: Polymer Clay Pixie Horns

2010-06-08T10:33:00.004-05:00

Are you ready for a fun tutorial full of magic and whimsy? If so, keep reading and I will show you how to make your very own pair of polymer clay pixie horns!

This project is great for children (with some assistance) and adults alike, and it may come in handy the next time you need to put together a costume on short notice. You probably even have most of the supplies already, making this a very inexpensive (we're talking less than $5) activity for you and your faerie friends. Let's get started!

Supplies:
-2 colors of polymer clay
-Glitter (optional)
-Yarn or string in a color that matches your hair
-A knife
-A toothpick or other sharp pointy object (I used a dental tool that I keep for crafting purposes)

STEP 1: Prepare a clean work surface to keep the clay from getting dirty. If you have wax paper, tear off a sheet and tape it to your surface.

STEP 2: Take a piece off your block of clay and warm it in your hands. Roll it into a ball measuring about 1 inch in diameter (or larger if you want larger horns). Do this with each color.

STEP 3: Squish the two colors together and mash them up randomly. Mix them up to create a swirled effect.

STEP 4: Once you are satisfied with the amount of swirling you've created, form a new, larger ball.

STEP 5: Roll the ball gently to form a short, chubby snake.

STEP 6: Use a knife to cut the tube shape in half.

STEP 7: Roll the two pieces into balls. If you want, you can squish the colors around even more at this point to make sure you've got a nice swirled pattern.

STEP 8: On the first ball, roll just one side to create a teardrop shape. Here's a tip to create a tight spiral pattern at the end- only roll in one direction. For example, don't roll back and forth. Just roll up, and you will notice that the colors will swirl together nicely around the tip of your teardrop shape.

STEP 9: Use your thumb and your index finger to squish the edges of the teardrop shape. The goal here is to flatten the bottom of the shape to create a cone that will sit flat on top of your head.

STEP 10: Repeat steps 8 and 9 with the other ball of swirled clay so that you have two horn shapes. You also may wish to start preheating your oven right about now if you'd like for it to be ready as soon as you're done with your horns.

STEP 11: Using a toothpick or other sharp pointy tool, poke a hole all the way through the base of each horn. The hole should be large enough to accommodate the string you'll be using.

STEP 12: OPTIONAL- If you'd like glitter on your horns, sprinkle a small amount on your work surface. Use your fingertips to lightly press the glitter into the clay. Don't use too much, or your beautiful swirls will be hidden.

STEP 13: Place your horns in a baking dish. If your oven is done preheating, you may go ahead and start baking them. Check your package of clay for precise baking instructions (it varies depending on what brand you use).

STEP 14: When your horns are done baking, allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before proceeding. Cut a piece of string so that it is long enough to go all the way around your head like a headband and tie in back. Tie a knot at the spot you'd like the first horn to be placed on your head. Make sure your knot is large enough that it won't slip through the hole you made in the horn. Thread the horn up against the knot and tie another knot on the opposite side.

STEP 15: Repeat this process with the second horn. You will need to leave a few inches of string in between the horns so they will sit apart from each other on your head.

You're done! Now comes the best part- try them on! Just place the horns where you'd like them to sit and tie the ends together at the back of your head. I recommend wearing them as you play in the grass on a hot summer day. They will make any backyard adventure a little more magical.

Enjoy!

Giveaway Winner!

2010-06-07T20:22:00.004-05:00

I bet you want to know who will be taking home the baby terrarium, right? Well, I'll tell you! I used a random number generator to draw the winner, and this is what I got:

The winning comment was number 42 left by Olive Street Studio! For those of you who did not win this giveaway, I've got these little terrarium pendants available for purchase in my shop if you feel like your life will be incomplete until you've got one of your very own.

I want to thank everybody for playing along. Not only did this giveaway receive more entries than any I've done in the past, but I also gained lots of wonderful feedback. To show that I take your suggestions to heart, I've got a fun tutorial in the works right now. I'm also gathering up some of my most recent vintage finds to show you, deciding what recipe to share next (my super-tasty homemade guacamole is the front runner at the moment), and even planning my next giveaway. So keep a close eye on my blog for lots of fun things to come!

You Asked for Photos...

2010-05-28T08:02:00.002-05:00

...And that's exactly what I've got for you! I have received so much valuable feedback because of your entries in the giveaway I'm doing right now. I love to post photos on my blog, but I have wondered before if my blog was a little TOO picture-heavy. I take my camera with me everywhere I go, and I love to wander around in parks, pastures, and in my own house looking for something to inspire me. Thanks for appreciating something that makes me so happy! Okay, enough talk. Here come the photos! I'll try to resist my chatty tendencies and keep it to a brief caption for each picture.

A statue near my house that makes me wish I was a dancer

The moon on a particularly lovely evening

One of these days, I'm going to curl up and take a nap in this clover patch in our backyard.

This is what I come home to. It's good to be loved. ♥

I've been known to daydream while sipping coffee and gazing out these windows.

One of my plants has red and pink leaves that glow like fire when the sun shines through them.

If you've never been to Oklahoma, I can tell you what to expect if you ever visit the rural areas of this state: Cows. Lots and lots of cows.

Downtown Tulsa

If you're a newcomer to my blog, this is me and my husband. Except he wasn't my husband yet when this was taken. We took our sweet time with the whole marriage thing.

So there you have it, a few little photos to start off your morning. I can't even tell you how much I appreciate the feedback I've been getting in your giveaway entries. I wish I could give each and every one of you a prize, because your input is so valuable to me. When I asked what you wanted to see more of, the next most popular responses other than photos were tutorials, vintage finds, and recipes. So my next blog post is going to be one of those things. I'm not telling WHICH one, because that's a secret! (Translation: I haven't made up my mind yet.)

You may have noticed that nature is a recurring pattern in the photos I take. Now I want to know what inspires you to take out your camera and capture the moment! Is it your kids? Your garden? Your sexy boyfriend? Feel free to post links to your flickr page or your favorite photo. I love eye candy!

I've got a GIVEAWAY for you!!

2010-05-24T08:45:00.004-05:00

Consider this giveaway a celebration of sorts. I have reached many of life's milestones within the past few months: marriage, buying our first home, and finishing college. In all the excitement of recent times, my blog and my etsy shop have been a tad bit neglected. I am so glad to know that my awesome readers are still here for me, no matter how busy I get. And now that I've got a little more time to devote to my online pursuits, I'd like to reward you for sticking with me, or if you're new to my blog, for stopping by in the first place!

You probably want to know what's up for grabs. Allow me to show you!

You could win one of these Wearable Baby Terrariums!

They are filled with REAL living moss, and they're super easy to care for. All they need is a drop of water every 2 weeks or so and indirect sunlight. They look lovely when worn as a pendant, or you can place them in your home or office to bring a tiny bit of nature into the room.

HOW TO ENTER
♥ Leave a comment telling me what you'd like to see more of on my blog. Here are some options:
-Tutorials
-Photos
-Recipes
-Reviews (books, music, movies, products)
-Features on other artists and crafters
-Vintage finds
-Opinions on touchy subjects such as religion, politics, etc.
-Fitness tips
-Anything else I've failed to mention
♥ Follow my blog. If you are already following, that counts too! Just leave a comment telling me that you follow.
♥ Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Comment with a link to your twitter profile.
♥ Blog about this giveaway. Leave a link to the post in a comment.

Each of the above options counts as an entry, so please leave a separate comment for each one. Make sure to leave your email address with each comment so that I can contact you if you win.

This giveaway is open to all countries- everyone is welcome to participate! The contest starts now and will end at midnight (U.S. central time) on Monday, June 7th. I will draw the winner with a random number generator and post the results on my blog. Once the winner is contacted via email, they will have 3 days to respond before I draw again. Good luck, friends!

Festival Recap and GRADUATION!

2010-05-19T08:13:00.003-05:00

I'm back from a week of excitement and bliss! Let me tell you about everything in order. First, I completed my student teaching last week. I felt mixed emotions, because I'll be glad not to work full-time with no pay anymore, but I also really grew attached to the students and staff I was working with and was sad to leave them. They threw me a surprise going-away party with popsicles and handmade cards. When I got home, I read through all 60 of the cards and was so moved by the letters inside. I read about how this kid will never forget me or how I made writing fun for that kid. They were so sweet- something I will always treasure.

Once the internship was over, I kicked into crafting mode to prepare for an outdoor festival I participated in over the weekend. The Blue Dome Arts Festival was SO much fun, even though we were a little worried that it would get rained out. The clouds were in attendance, and they brought with them a little bit of drizzle from time to time, but none of that stopped the show from going on. People came to shop, performers did their thing, and the Tulsa Craft Mafia girls were a blast to hang out with. Here are some photos of our booth.

I made a ton of garden stakes for this show, and I ended up selling about half of them!

Outside our booth, there were performers, art cars, and AMAZING vendors.

Once the weekend was over, I still had something very exciting in store. On Monday night, I GRADUATED COLLEGE!! I can't even tell you how happy this makes me, because I really didn't know if it would ever happen or not. The past few semesters, I've been very driven toward my goal of finishing. But it hasn't always been that way. It took me 8 years to get a 4 year degree because of all the times I stopped along the way. But now that it's done, who cares about all that? I did it!

As you can probably tell, I'm still riding a high from all the happy things that have been going on around here. And I always love to share in the excitement of others, so tell me- what kind of wonderful things have happened to YOU recently?

Come Into Our New Home!

2010-05-02T18:15:00.003-05:00

Hello, my sweet friends! I know it's been awhile since I promised to take you on a tour of our very first house, but I'm ready for you now. To be honest, I sometimes wish I could host every single one of my blog readers for an actual visit to my house for coffee and chitchat, but photos will have to suffice for those of you who live elsewhere and can't simply come on over. We'll start with the living room, which is the first room you see when you walk through the front door.

The kitchen and dining area are connected to the living room, just past the partitioned wall. Right next to our kitchen table, there are French doors leading out to the deck and the backyard.

If you were wondering what this area looked like in January shortly after we moved in, allow me to show you.

In the living room, there are stairs leading to the bedrooms. It looks somewhat plain because we've never had this much space, and therefor we haven't yet filled it with furniture. Plus we still haven't unpacked our wall hangings and framed art. Don't judge!

Upstairs, we are using one of the bedrooms as an office. I'd eventually like to get a nice, cozy chair for the corner by the lamp to serve as a little reading spot.

There are two other bedrooms, one of which is full of instruments and craft supplies and it doesn't look very pretty just yet. Here is the bedroom that we actually sleep in.

This mama robin has built her nest right outside our bedroom window. Day in and day out, we can peek through the blinds and see her sitting on her eggs.

We still have a ton of work to do in the landscaping department, but I did discover that we have FOUR redbud trees! Redbuds are the state tree of Oklahoma, and they bloom the most beautiful magenta flowers in the early spring.

Well, that's it for the tour! I think it's safe to say we're both absolutely in love with the place. We enjoy the area, and the house is a great start for all the wacky plans we've been cookin' up.

As for my recent crafty ventures, I've been trying to make some new things to include in the Tulsa Craft Mafia booth at the Blue Dome Arts Festival. It's been awhile since I've taken part in any craft shows, and I just can't wait for this one. I'm going to display my items a little differently this time. My goal is for my products to be neat, organized, and easy to set up. For example, these bird's nest necklaces are all packaged and ready to go.

I recently designed this new packaging. What do you think?

If you're in Oklahoma, feel free to come by and say hello! I'll be with a group of awesome ladies at the Tulsa Craft Mafia booth. We'd love to see you there! ♥

I've only got one more week left of my internship, and while I know I will miss my students like crazy, I am also glad that I will finally have the time to get back to the things I love. What kind of exciting plans do you have for the summer?

More Spring Fun!

2010-04-02T11:34:00.004-05:00

Hi, everybody! I'm in a fantastic mood right now, because I'm getting very close to being done with this internship and GRADUATING COLLEGE!! I honestly never thought I'd get here, but I will have a degree in elementary education in a little over a month. I'm not 100% sure how I will use that degree, because the job market is not looking so hot right now. But I'm just hoping and praying that the right doors will open for me so that I can fulfill my purpose in this world, whatever that may be. After a long week of parent/teacher conferences, I've got a day off. So I thought I'd use this time to update my blog and see what my lovely readers are up to.

You might be really sick of hearing about my terrariums by now, but I've got more to show you so I hope you'll bear with me. First, I thought I might jazz them up a bit by using hemp twine to embellish the rims of the jars with vintage and antique keys. It seems to add a nice touch. But if you look closely at this photo, you might notice another little surprise.

I guess terrariums provide a perfect habitat for not only moss, but also families of tiny mushrooms! In my head, I set up the scenario that this was a Mama shroom and her two babies shyly peaking out from behind her.

I spotted a psychedelic snail in another one of my terrariums, but I may have played a role in putting her there whereas the mushrooms popped up all on their own.

I bought a tiny shadowbox at a local antique shop, which I filled with little treasures. There are mushrooms and cupcakes that I made from clay, as well as fossils, shells that I gathered during my trip to Jamaica in 2002, a skeleton key, and an antique soda cap. I didn't know if these things would complement each other very well, but I actually like the contrast of the bright colors paired with the more rustic objects.

The lovely spring weather has inspired a few trips to local parks, where I am still excitedly jumping on any opportunity to observe signs of the coming season.

And at home, my daffodils have finally bloomed!

I love how happy and sunshiny daffodils are. One of my students picked one for me yesterday, and I wore it in my hair all day. The kids seem to get a kick out of their quirky, flower-child student teacher.

Since these photos were taken, I've found a lot more interesting things around the yard that I'd like to show you but they will have to wait til the next post. What's blooming in your yard right now?