Lomo Burritos.

I just got home from Moe's and after eating what was quite possibly the largest burrito ever made, I think I may be dying. Instead writing a long fancy post about some sweet vintage craft or trying to figure out how to take good pictures of my tiny bathroom to share with you, I'm totally copping out.

Last summer, I went to this place called "The Popcorn Zoo". It's a zoo where sick and awkward animals go to be fed popcorn and peanuts while rehabilitating. (Popcorn is low in calories, so I guess it's considered a healthy snack?). It's actually a really cute place and I had a nice time.

I took my Holga 120n and loaded it with slide film that I wouldn't send to be developed until a year later.

Here are the shots from that roll. Most of them are terrible and blurry, but I'm still learning. They have a decidedly "lo-fi" appeal. Any one of them could be an Ariel Pink album cover:

Okay, that was almost more than I can handle. I'm going to go lay on the couch, watch that show where people do those zany water logged obstacle courses, and rub my tummy. I never should have eaten that much!

Have a good night!

Coming up...

-Styling Thrift Store Finds with Tram

-A Vintage Inspired Birthday Card

-Our Bathroom Makeover

-Vintage Tissue Paper Peonies

...and so much more!

<3

Robbie.

List: Free Photoshop Actions

I always get 3,675 comments about my photos, and I really enjoy reading every single one of them! It's fun to pretend that I have a tons of fancy SLRs and toy cameras that I use regularly. Sadly, I'm a fraud. To be completely honest, I have a cheap point and shoot that I bought at the drug store for less than $50.

This is the camera I use:

It's a Fuji Finepix A350.

Now that I've told you that, I guess I also have to tell you that I edit EVERY SINGLE SHOT in Photoshop. I'm not even that good at it. I mean I know a handful of "tricks" (that I do intend on sharing very shortly) but I mostly just use a bunch of free actions.

Here's a list of the actions I use, where you can find them and a before/after shot of each:

1. Coffee Shop's Honey Retro

2. Vintage Film Effect by Fallout_75

3. Old Toy Camera

(remove both "greyscale" and "grain" from action)

4. Fascinate Me

And that's just about it! Buy a cheap camera, and download some free actions and your photos can look just like mine (almost)!!!!!

Coming up...

-Styling Thrift Store Finds with Tram

-A Vintage Inspired Birthday Card

-Our Bathroom Makeover

-A Roll of Slide Film

-Vintage Tissue Paper Peonies

...and so much more!

<3

Robbie.

Tutorial: Confetti-Dipped Gifts

I want to make it abundantly clear that I'm not taking credit for this idea.

I was inspired by a post found at Tokketok, last week. After seeing it, I rushed to the craft store to buy confetti. I was the most excited. They give a quick run down on how to do it on the blog, but I though it would be fun to do a step-by-step "tutorial" with pictures.

1. Wrap gift in tissue paper. Place double stick tape (or packing tape turned inside out) on the places where you want the confetti to stick. Take 75 pictures of it. The tape is invisible, it won't show up. Change batteries in the camera.

2. Dump confetti onto the tape. Do this as haphazardly as possible. Make sure to get it all over the room. If you're not making a giant mess, try holding some in your hands and blowing it around like fairy dust. LOCK THE CATS OUTSIDE OF THE ROOM. They will be very excited, and possibly start sliding their paws under the doors. This is a trick. They just want to eat the sparkles. DO NOT LET THEM IN!

3. This is approximately what your mess should look like. An oval shape is pleasing to look at. If you have a rectangle, you're doing it wrong. Push the confetti around with your hands. Extra points if they are kind of sweaty and you can get the confetti to stick to them. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP!

4. After shaking off the excess onto the rug this is what your finished gift will look like. Be sure to vacuum after having the most fun ever. The recipient will laugh at first, don't get upset. After that they will look sort of confused while they slowly peel the "safe" end open. Vacuum again. Eat cake!

Coming up....

-Styling Thrift Store Finds with Tram

-A Vintage Inspired Birthday Card

-A List of Photoshop Actions I Use

-Our Bathroom Makeover

PMV: Jeremy Larson

source.

See that guy up there? Most of you probably know him as a-list blogger Elsie Larson's husband, Jeremy. Besides having an awesome lady by his side and a really sweet beard, this guy is an uber-talented musician. I'm kind of upset that it took me so long to check his stuff out.

See for yourself!!! :

My New Haircut!

So, there it is.

I told the lady i wanted it "kinda swoopy and vintage-like".

I'm not very good at explaining things.

I listed my hair idols (james dean, elvis, morrissey), but didn't show her any pictures.

I'm hoping it will grow into a decent pompadour.

Let's come up with a list of guys that have great hair!

<3

Robbie.

Coming up....

-Styling Thrift Store Finds with Tram

-A Vintage Inspired Birthday Card

-Super Fun Gift Wrapping

-A List of Photoshop Actions I Use

-Our Bathroom Makeover

Caturday; A Video Blog (sort of).

Hey kids!!!

On Thursday after class, Dave and I stopped by Starbucks for Frappaccinos. It was super hot and class was insanely boring, so I needed a little reward :-)

I left my drink on the coffee table while I scanned the DVR for new episodes of Martha (is she on vacation? there have been a lot of reruns). Anyway, when I turned back to my drink (a grande mocha coconut) this is what I saw.

Our eight-month old Somali kitten, Pumpkin, had already given it a little taste!!!

(Don't worry, she didn't drink any coffee. She just licked all of the condensation off of the cup).

This got me thinking. The cats are always doing cute stuff, why don't I share their adventures on Saturdays? The internet loves cats, right? I hope so.

I hope you have enjoy the first installment of Caturday, and I promise to get better at using the FlipCam.

<3

Robbie.

Vocabulary Lesson: "Inspirit".

Inspirit- (verb) to fill with vigour; inspire.

Someone special has a birthday coming up this week, so I've been collecting sort of celebratory ideas to make this one special. I've been working diligently on a few projects that I'll share with you sometime next (including a super awesome vintage craft that I can't wait to show you!). I hope you enjoy this week's collection. I'm really excited about each and every item. What's inspiring you this week?

I've been using this eraser stamp technique all week! The most cute!!!

(Get Spotty @ lil' magoolie)

Confetti-dipped gift wrap!!!! I bought a bag of confetti and I'm ready to go!!!!!

(Dipping Confetti @ Tokketok)

Ferociously adorable air plants!!!!

(Dinosaur Planters @ BloominHappy)

Rollin' with the Gnomies!

(Young Gnomes @ BunniesandAvacado)

The most magical wands!!!!

(Make Nice @ ReadyMade)

Coming Up...

-My New Haircut

-Styling Thrift Store Finds with Tram

-Caturday; A Video Post

-Vintage Inspired Birthday Cards

... and so much more!!!

tuesday night knitting club; holgaroid edition.

ABC Game.

I've seen this on a handful of blogs this week, and since I have a few new readers, I thought it was appropriate to share a little about me. If you decide to play, post a link in the comments!!!!

A. Age: 28

B. Bed size: Full, but I always fall asleep on the sofa.
C. Chore that you hate: Pulling weeds; I don't mind a wild garden.
D. Dogs: Loud, spontaneous, kinda scary.

E. Essential start to your day: Music + Coffee + bubble bath.
F. Favourite color: green.
G. Gold or Silver: GOLD. Obvs.
H. Height: 5'7"
I. Instruments you play:I am so terrible at playing music. I would love to learn to play the piano.
J. Job title: Assistant Manager, Kitten Wrangler, Baby Sitter.
K. Kids: Not gonna happen.

L. Live: Jersey Shore :-)
M. Mother's name: Kim
N. Nicknames: A boy in middle school used to call me "Pickles", I guess that's like a nickname.
O. Overnight hospital stays: like 2, maybe?
P. Pet peeve: People who share too much, sweatpants, white sneakers.
Q. Quote from a movie: "You go, Glen Coco"-mean girls.
R. Right or left handed: Right

S. Siblings: 2; a brother and a sister
T. Time you wake up: as late as possible; I love sleeping in!!!!
U. Underwear: um, what about them?

V. Vegetable you hate: I'm not sure there is one. I really like vegetables.
W. What makes you run late: Procrastinating
X. X-Rays you've had: teeth and feet.
Y. Yummy food that you make: pork schnitzel!
Z. Zoo animal: Goat. That's a zoo animal right?

Raising for Daisy

As a pet lover/owner , Daisy's story has brought me to tears. I lost my own kitty few years ago, and it all began with a little cough. It's really touching that the crafting/blogging community has stepped up to help this poor baby in her time of need.

There are several ways in which you can help lil' daisy out:

-Donate with Chipin (by donating at least $5 you will be entered into a raffle, there are some great prizes!)

-30% off any purchase from A Giraffe in a Scarf's Etsy shop

-Send consoling words, prayer, thoughts to Daisy owner and follow Daisy's daily updates on A Giraffe in a Scarf.

Last night I bought a potholder from the shop, and I intend on also sending a few dollars through the Chipin link. I'm not a millionaire, but I really want to help.

According to the donation page, only $777 dollars of the $3400 cost has been raised. I hope there is enough generosity floating around the blogosphere to see a speedy recovery for this tiny furbabe.

Guest Blogger: Ten Tips with Tram Huynh.

Hi there! My name is Tram Huynh (see that smiling doofus in the picture below? Yeah that’s me…) and Robbie has asked me to be his very first guest blogger for this Tuesday!

I’m here today to provide some shopping tips and styling ideas for your thrift store finds. As we all know in this economy that nobody is paying retail for anything anymore, so why not venture into your local thrift store now and then? That’s where the real fashion treasure lies ;)

Tip #1: Location, location, location. Big cities and towns have marked up prices, so it is best to go out of your way to a more rural area because that’s where merchandise will be the least picked over and the prices way cheaper. If there are any New Jersey readers out there I suggest Hammonton’s Goodwill as your best bet! Also, if you ever get a chance to go down South- trust me on this- Oklahoma and Texas have the BEST thrift stores you will ever find the country. You’ll mainly find 50s and 60s fashion with the most incredible leather shoes and purses and who doesn’t love that?!

Tip #2: Always wear comfortable shoes if you plan on going into a thrift store because like a flea market or estate sale, you’ll be in there for at least 1.5-2 hours- plus, wearing flats or sneakers with flats are most convienent because the floors of most stores are quite dirty, fyi.

Tip #3: Carry a lightweight cross-over bag so you can keep your hands free.

Tip #4: Wear your most comfortable clothes. I’m not talking about your sweats but a maxi dress is good for taking things off and on without too much fussing. Don’t wear complicated things like button down shirts, laced up shoes or dresses. I usually wear leggings, a tunic and a lightweight scarf in case the air-conditioning inside is cranked up high.

Tip #5: Be aware that even if the price tag is low never forget always look at the care instructions! That silk blouse or wool jacket might be a bargain but the dry cleaning bill will most likely cost more than the item itself, unless that’s something you’re prepared to shell out.

Tip #6: While you can try out the trends that are already similar in department stores the same fashion rule applies while thrifting: just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean you should buy it if a.) it doesn’t fit you correctly, b.) the color doesn’t flatter your skintone, or c.) you can’t see yourself wearing it more than a couple of times.

Tip #7: The golden rule you can live by to avoid hoarding is that whatever you bring home, one piece of clothing from your closet goes out!

Tip #8: Keep an open mind. See that oversized blazer over there? It’s actually your new best friend, you can pair it with flimsy dresses, short shorts, skinny jeans, basically whatever you have in your closet you’re trying to keep casual for a daytime look. And see that rack of silk evening slips? Possibly the cheapest and versatile item in the whole store. It’ll be your best friend during unbearable summer nights and worn under over wool or cashmere tunics to make an ordinary date something exceptional (what guy can resist silk AND cashmere?:).

Tip #9: You can find the most unique gifts and home decorations from a thrift store. Wool ties are perfect for your significant other or brother. That kooky lamp? For your electic friends who’s moving to her new apartment soon. Most stores have discontinued or leftover packs of thank you and holiday cards so do your last minute selections here.

Tip #10: Bring your school ID or senior ID card, that is at least 10% off your purchase! Good will also offers a V.I.P. club card where after you receive 10 punches you get a 20-30% off your next purchase. Don’t forget to ask for special days where the sales will be going on. Weekday afternoons receive the least traffic in stores and new stock usually comes in on Wednesdays but ask to make sure.

Whew, thanks for sticking around until the very end! I really hope I inspired some relunctant shoppers out there today! Or at least provided some new tips to those who already have had thrifting experience. I'll be back later in the week with some exciting styling tips! If you want to contact me with any questions my personal email is tramvhuynh@gmail.com, and thanks for reading!!!!

PMV: Sarah Blasko.

Sarah Blasko is a total babeface.

This maybe the cutest music video I have EVER seen.

I've really been into Australian pop lately.
What are you listening to?

Acrylic Stash-busting Project #1: Make A Yarn Dog.

Every time someone finds out that I am a knitter, I instantly inherit several trash bags full of acrylic yarn from their aunt/grandmother/sister-in-law/boss/teacher/distant cousin/craigslist.

While I appreciate the sentiment, the reality of a room full of un-knittable yarn is looming. It's not that I am a yarn snob, I've just seen the damage that constantly knitting with unnatural fibers can do to your hands. I once watched a friend work on a red heart blanket until her hands were bleeding.

My friend Kellyn and I frequently host "crafternoons" in which we tackle the most heinous craft we can think of and giggle at the results. I was trying to come up with a way to use up some of the pallet o' yarn in my craft room and I thought about a craft that I had made 18 years ago in summer camp. After searching google for the phrase "yarn dog" for about twenty minutes, I'm pretty sure I found the exact directions the counselor had used a million years ago. I could remember the process, but needed help with the logistics.

This lil' guy took about two hours in all, and I couldn't be happier with the results. He's a far cry from the yarn-and-coat hanger mess the stood so proudly on top of my mee-maws dresser.

Make your own yarn dog and get rid of some of that inherited yarn!!!!

Recycled Wire Hanger Yarn Dog

Coming up...

-A Photoshop Tutorial

-My New Haircut

-Thrifting and Styling Tips with A Special Guest

FO: Woodland Wreath

I went into this project intending to finish the most perfect spring wreath. It was going to be oval, and covered in pastel mushrooms with a handmade cotton spun bunny standing in the center.

I had seen someone on TV soak the wreath and then re-shape it, removing the bits at the top top make a sort of oblong shape. I soaked it overnight. NOTHING HAPPENED. I soaked it for another day. NOTHING HAPPENED. I added dish soap and vinegar to the water. I am terrible at chemistry. NOTHING HAPPENED. This wreath refused to be re-shaped.

The perfectionist inside of me is on the verge of tears, but the wabi-sabi bro is telling me to just "chill-out, man".

I've already hung it in our little entryway and I'm slowly coming around. I think I would like it more if I could come up with names for the sheep (which I found at Sears, oddly enough).

Naming things always makes me feel better about them.

Let's make a list of really cute sheep names in the comments!!!

Coming Up...

-Acrylic Stash Busting Idea #1: Yarn Dog

-A Photoshop Tutorial

-My New Haircut

-Thrifting and Styling Tips with A Special Guest

Works Cited: Beatrix Potter Knitting

Sometimes, I just do random searches on Etsy to see what pops up. One day I was thinking about how I'd like to learn how to use watercolors, which eventually led me to Beatrix Potter. I mean, obviously, I knew who she was. A childhood friend of mine had had an affinity towards Jemima Puddleduck, and so we often read things from the Beatrix Potter body of work.

In addition to being an excellent writer, Beatrix Potter was quite an artist and after several pages of Beatrix Potter inspired china and figurines I finally came to this book. I couldn't find a fully scanned copy anywhere on the internet, but I did get to see a few shots of the patterns. I ordered it and prayed that there was some good stuff inside.

And I'm glad I did!!!! Can you believe those owl sweaters?! I'm definitely going to hone my color work skills because these need to made.

This is perhaps the cutest thing I have ever seen. I want to make this in a grown-up-man-boy size. I just hope I can score a nappy broom and a man-sized pair of wellies before the FO photo shoot.

I wasn't going to share this one. Can you believe how stingy I am?

All-in-all, the book is about 50/50 as far as "the good stuff" goes, maybe I'll do another post with all the heinous patterns I didn't share.

Coming Up...

-Acrylic Stash Busting Ideas

-A Photoshop Tutorial

-A Woodland Wreath

-My New Haircut

-Thrifting and Styling Tips with A Special Guest

camera drama.

The pictures for the next two posts are stuck inside of my camera!!! I don't know if it's the battery or the USB cable, but something is going on. I'll try to fix it in the morning.

Have a beautiful night!