small changes can lead to big differences.

Monday, June 13, 2011

oh hey!

Wow, i'm really not much of a blogger. it was like pulling teeth.. but then again, i was never actually blogging about things I cared about. a lot has changed since I last posted an entry. Where do I begin?

in the beginning of march, i found my dream apartment on craigslist. after numerous emails and texts, i persuaded the guy to show me the apartment first. I loved it, and now it's mine! at the end of march, i went to Portland, Oregon. I took the amtrak there and back, something everyone should try once. I was only gone a week, but in that week, my whole outlook on my life at that moment changed.

When I got home, I moved in to the apartment. I was to start school that week, and after 2 classes, I had this gut wrenching feeling that I was not in the place I needed to be. I debated, posted on facebook for opinions, and after some thought and an email asking me to come in for an interview to be a flight attendant, i dropped out of school.

It wasn't the easiest decision to make because school was my safety net. It was the reason I didn't need to get a job. I could just go to school, get money for rent and do whatever I wanted. But the thought of being in the fashion industry made me cringe. It wasn't for me. In fact, I hated it with a passion! I don't even know how I let it go on for so long, but as they say- things happen for a reason.

Oh, about that interview - I got the job. (or more like, invitation to go through the training in St Louis, because, as I would learn, you didn't actually have the job until you graduate from the program.) I left for STL on May 8th, and wouldn't you know it - I'm still here.

We are on the home stretch of training - we have a larger class (19 people -- we started with 31) so it takes longer to get everyone through each part of the program. I laugh when I remember when they told us "it'll be about 4-6 weeks of training) -- it's been 5 weeks to the date, and we're not even scheduled to graduate until, at the earliest, the 24th (which may be pushed back because we haven't even been called in to go to class yet today). You know, some people here complain - they want to get out of this hotel and start flying. But if there's one thing i know about this industry, it's that you have to take it as it comes to you. A schedule for me is almost nonexistent until the end of summer. I will never know when I have to fly or how long I'll be gone until I get my itinerary. So if they tell me they don't know when we'll graduate, it's not a big deal to me. What's the rush? I'd rather be 100% confident in my knowledge before I start flying than rush through this and make mistakes while I'm working.

So that's what happened. Would I say I'm a lot happier than I was a few months ago? Oh HEALL yes. but ask me that when I start working, because my answer will probably be 10x more enthusiastic.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

SNOW STORM!

OMG SNOWPOCOLYPSE! School is cancelled, I can't even get out of my HOUSE! to celebrate (?) 10% off of everything! Use coupon code: OMGBLIZZARD while checking out :)





Thursday, January 13, 2011

Kenya 2011!

I am Kenya Bound! well...almost!

I'm going to be volunteering through a New Zealand program called IVHQ and I chose to be placed in Kenya. I am requesting to work in the orphanages teaching, but also hope to be working in the garbage slums. Riveting website, right?
a slum in the landfill, made of items the families found in the garbage. 


I also found this facebook group called Fashion Love Africa and my heart started racing -- programs like these are EXACTLY what I want to do in my life! Create stylish, unique items made with love & care from recycled materials and to profit people who really need it. A.m.a.z.i.n.g. Just seeing that group really shed some light on the fact that there are programs out there like that that I would be ecstatic to be part of. I am really, really excited. It's sort of like a small realization- I am always struggling with trying to figure out what I want to do and how to combine my love of fashion, travel, the environment and people all into one, and something like that just shows there are possibilities. Hooray!

the women with the bags they've made-- amazing! 


Anyway, I am trying to make the money (and save it too) to go on this trip. I plan on using one of my mom's empty credit cards to book my flight, but as with everything, I'll have to pay that back plus interest. bummer!

If you've seen anything in my shop that you had your eye on, now would be a perfect time to pounce! I am also listing lots more too. You can buy knowing that your money is helping me out so, so, so much. Not just with bills or something, but an opportunity to change lives including my own, help others in need, and really make a huge impact. Here are some of my favorite items in the shop right now:

my "lightning mountain" pillow - made from a recycled skirt & fabric I found. one of a kind and super awesome! 


birds of a feather - the colorful pieces on this pillow have a bit of fray to them, and they remind me of feathers. very colorful, pastel feathers! 
one of a kind patchwork hoop, ready to hang! made from recycled materials. hoop has also been thrifted.  

awesome contemporary pillow. I took fabric I found and added a vintage Sears tag to the bottom corner for a little pop. Great for home decor and very comfy! 

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Catch a Tiger @ the Metro

If you grew up in or on the outskirts of Chicago, then you know what the Metro represents for us 20 something kids...aka adults. Ever since I was 15, I was sneaking downtown to go see shows play there, from punk rock to geek rock. When I found out my friends were invited to play, I knew it was a huge deal!! The show was Friday, and I was lucky to get a backstage pass.


backstage







after show

check them out on facebook as well as their new music video for Daggerz 


Wednesday, January 5, 2011

miu miu Spring 2k11



                                  





















Get the look: 

           
  

                              
                            

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

TWINS!!!

is it wrong for me to absolutely love these guys? 


What is it with twins?? John and James from a few seasons ago (whose elimination was so very premature) and these guys! I am rooting for you, you are adorable! hahaha. 


etsy > the mall

Ok, of course if you're here you probably love Etsy as much as I do. Does any other shopping website even come close to the epic-ness that is Etsy? Where you can buy directly from people much like yourself, knowing your money isn't going to a corporation but to someone's pocket to help them feed themselves or keep growing their business? The world needs less corporate power and more independent businesses, sellers, and people doing what they love. And as a seller, I can verify how satisfying it is to sell something I picked out, created, and spent time making perfect. It is such a great feeling to get the "etsy transaction" email. 

Anyway, that being said, I've been hitting up Urban Outfitters and other hip stores a lot lately because of where I've been placed to work, and while they have great clearance, I can't even imagine spending the kind of money they ask on something I can totally get on Etsy! You have no idea (or maybe you do) the striking similarities between Urban's accessories & clothing and the vast selection on Etsy. It's like they go to Etsy for ideas or something.. I don't know! 

So while I know going out to the mall or shopping is an experience within itself, think of Etsy next time you hit up Urban or Forever 21. You can get one of a kind pieces with history & character for SO much cheaper! and I'm here to help you do that! 





PJ by Peter Johnson for Urban Outfitters
Cotton/Poly blend, Imported
$88
Polar Bear Cropped Sweater in S/XS - $20! 


dancing bears cropped sweater in small - $30

Amazing Carousel Horse sweater in Medium - $36

Giraffe Sweater (amaaaazing!) in s/m/l - $42