Lizzi's blog

My weekend

2012-01-31T13:25:00.000-08:00

I attended a 30 year wedding vow renewal ceremony for the parents of some close friends, and ironically I don't have an pictures of them...but I have a cute pic of my sister and me, and my friends.

Sarah, Hannah, me, and Marli

How did you spend your weekend?

Elisabeth Arona

First male model for Arona Designs!

2012-01-23T19:06:00.000-08:00

I know, you're tired of hearing the same old refrain "I'm busy I'm busy..." but ...well...I'm BUSY!

Okay here are the first pictures of my "male model". I personally think he looks great although they were kinda rushed, but we can only improve from here I think!

I have a few new things I'm working on that I want to show you. Stay tuned!

Elisabeth Arona

Simply Sebrell and Arona Designs update

2012-01-13T20:57:00.000-08:00

Haven't felt much like posting lately. Life has a way of sometimes making normal things more difficult, but a few things have me inspired today. For one, I decided to model my clothes myself because it's just easier and I always know where I am (usually.) For two, a customer of mine is also an amazing graphic design student and created an advertisement for me that I have to post for you to see. Your thoughts are appreciated and don't forget to check out this guys fanpage!

Plaid hooded scarf

Advertisement for Arona Designs by Simply Sebrell

White scarf

Until next time...
Elisabeth Arona

Patrick Burris-everyone's favorite.

2011-12-14T09:51:00.000-08:00

This is my friend Patrick. I took this picture sometime near the beginning of this year right before he got sick. He immediately asked to have the picture when he saw it because it's the only one with him AND his two best buddies Dexter and Divo (aka those dogs I teasingly called "Rats on steroids") in it.

On December 7th, 2011 Patrick passed from this life after a brief battle with cancer and then a brain tumor; he was only 44 years old. We had a love/hate relationship. He was like a big brother, and constantly teased me about everything. I would say that I was just on the defensive because he always came at me first, but I'm sure he would say differently. Patrick once told me that he was surprised I had a good singing voice..."But then, I guess you have to have something good to make up for that face." he added. He always joked that he was everyone's favorite, and I was no ones but his.

He was known for his positive attitude, and when he was diagnosed he emailed me and told me that he was going to beat it. When he died, the doctors said the cancer in his stomach was gone...by that time he had lost too much weight and was too weak for surgery for the brain tumor. During our serious conversations he always reminded me that out of everything negative, there is a positive, and through his sickness he posted on his facebook page the things that he was thankful for. He is a shining example for those of us who take things for granted on a daily basis.

We gave him a surprise birthday party in March (my birthday was about a week after) and he said it's the only time anyone was able to surprise him. I had to laugh because I "canceled" on him at the last minute after he invited me to his birthday dinner.

I will miss him terribly. I can no longer get online and have facebook battles with him that alarm everyone who doesn't know we're joking. My consolation comes in knowing that he accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior and was sure of his eternal destination being heaven.

I love you Patrick. You can be everyone's favorite in heaven...

until I get there lol.

Elisabeth Arona

Hoodie hoodie hoodie...and scarf.

2011-12-06T20:12:00.000-08:00

I've been extra busy lately. For once, something is selling somewhat consistently. I'm enjoying it while I can (I'm sure you understand lol.)

This black and white scarf is my first men's scarf and was a custom request. After I made and posted the first one on my facebook fanpage another guy saw it and asked the price then purchased one himself right then! He has promised to take pictures in it, and since he's a graphic designer, I'm sure they'll be awesome!

Knowing how much I love love hoodies, I'm sure this next picture doesn't come as a surprise to you. This hoodie scarf is an idea I came up with last year, but didn't think anyone would be interested in. I made the hood pattern last winter too, and was actually excited to put it to good use. It turned out pretty well I thought. As a fashion designer I do realize that I wasn't matching, and since it was the middle of the night I hope you will excuse me :-)

Ah well, I am done ~~shirking work~~ keeping you informed and need to get back to sewing!

BTW...come back later in the week for pictures of my little elves working on scarf fraying.

Elisabeth Arona

Cute winter accessory.

2011-12-02T12:46:00.000-08:00

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am right now! A couple of my favorite people in the world suggested I make scarves...I stubbornly said no, and then realized what a brat I was being and agreed to it. Ironically, once I stopped and thought about it, these were the same scarves I was saying I would get around to making LAST YEAR.

Well...victory is sweet! I started making them last night, and had two sales right away! I now also have five orders pending! I'm beyond excited.

I took a break from making them last night to take pictures and when I walked past my little sister's room she giggled. "What are you doing awake?" I sternly demanded. "Well," she replied "we aren't sleepy, we're hyper." I had her take some pictures of me for that. I didn't like any of them, but I can post a few here for laughs.

If you'd like to order one, feel free to visit my shop or send me an email!

Elisabeth Arona

Apology for neglect

2011-11-28T20:43:00.000-08:00

Oh my lonely lonely blog. I apologize for the neglect. I am working on my part 2 of the natural hair series. It's been so delayed because I'm a somewhat of an overachiever mixed in with a bit of lazy bum; basically I wanted to add in some pictures of me when I was younger (with the style my mom always had my hair in) and I haven't gotten down to the basement to find any to scan on!

Also stay tuned for the latest and great of the Etsy shop highlights! You definitely need more really cool stuff to make your handmade Christmas just perfect!

In other news, my Thanksgiving weekend was absolutely fabulous (thanks for asking--or wondering), and I hope yours was too. I'm having withdrawal symptoms now that I'm back home and have to get back to life as I know it. I'm allowing myself only a tiny pout. While I have you here, please check out my latest listing which is an illustration that I did awhile back, but thoroughly enjoyed. Someone suggested that I list it, and I can honestly say it didn't cross my mind before that. A little dense sometimes? Maybe. Your feedback is-as always-appreciated and even possibly expected. IF YOU WOULD, please click on the picture so it can take you to the actual listing and you can see the original scarf that is in the sketch.

Elisabeth Arona

But darling, what about the children?

2011-11-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

While I've been doing holiday etsy shop features on my blog, I've completely forgotten about the children! Here I'm highlighting shops with adorable kids items that may have just what you're looking for. I love that handmade always means you have something unique.

1. Felicia is the owner/top boss/ceo of this lovely shop dubbed "eversewsweet". Her items are just adorable...In case you haven't noticed, the Holidays are a lot about food for me--right after family and friends lol. If little miss sous chef is going to make some cookies, she'll need an apron; this is the shop you can find them at!

2. Shannon is the owner of Baruch's lullaby. She has four kids and is adopting two more from Bulgaria. It's an exciting journey for her and her family, and one that I'm happy to have a part in by participating in fundraisers. When you buy from Shannon, you are also helping raise money for her to bring her children home. BTW, check out those adorable models--all her children :-)

3. Nowcreations. I don't personally know this seller, but I badly want a pull-toy on wheels for my wonderful niece who is a year old; I found this when I was searching around.

4. The Hickory Tree is a shop that I have never been to before either...but I ADORE buttons and wooden toys obviously. This shop is perfect for finding something for a little adventurer, and if you have an outdoorsy boy around you're sure to find something he'll love too-from compasses to whistles (my personal fav.)

Hope you enjoyed this etsy shop highlight for kids!

Until Next Time,

Elisabeth Arona

Going natural: the dark story behind it (past 1)

2011-11-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

My hair has been natural for two years. While I may play it down (it really doesn't seem like a huge deal sometimes,) let me give you the low-down, nitty gritty, bare bones story.

Imagine that everywhere you look the definition of beautiful hair is hair that you can never "naturally" have; you're taught that it is supposed to be your "crowning glory" but you feel like it's more of a "dunce cap." The girls on movies (i.e. princess diaries) always have straight shiny hair if they're popular, while curly hair seems to secure them a spot in the unpopular weird crowd. Every day with your hair is a battle again all natural elements: rain, humidity, and even too much touching. Although people say your hair is pretty, you have noticed that these comments are directly related to when your hair is straight. Your hair is not even normally called curly, it's kinky. It's tangly. It's impossible to comb. It's short. It's not shiny. It breaks off easily. Welcome to my world: you are black.

Relaxed and flat-ironed

Don't get me wrong...I could do the straight long hair. The hair that (mostly black) people touched and asked how I grew it (to which I shrugged and said "Ummmm I just don't do anything to it.) I did it by relaxing it. After I washed it though, it would curl up. I couldn't figure it out! Why was my hair not like my sisters where all you do is just blow dry it and then it's fine? After not feeling like going through the trouble I started letting it air-dry. Mostly in the summer. It was a big, half-curly, half straight, hot mess. I loved it. I felt free. It bounced, it had attitude, it angered and frustrated me, and at the same time was TOTALLY ME!

I hated getting relaxers and only had them done about every 3 months because they burned my head sometimes, they made my hair stiff and weird, and they never straightened certain parts of my hair...

In August of 2009 I decided that I'd had enough and just decided I was sick to death of relaxers. The beginning of the end. If I had time I would go on to tell you the rest of the story, the one behind the "Oh I'm a black girl going natural"! {The comments from family and friends (good and bad), the hair disasters, the styles that worked, and the frame of mind that it produced.} I just don't have time. You'll have to wait for part two.

Sign me a song

2011-11-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

Last week I started actively learning sign language. Because I thought it was cool, I'm also teaching my Sunday School class how to sign the song Give Thanks. So far they're catching on really quickly. I just hope that I'm teaching them the correct signs. I'll try to post pictures of them signing by Friday.

I checked out the book 1,000 Words To Sign from the library, and it's SUPER awesome.

In sideline news, I will be posting about something new I made in the kitchen this week so stay tuned! I'm working hard to coupon and budget and all that...it's quite difficult for me.

I also figured that I don't say this nearly often enough, but I appreciate all of my blog followers...and to those who leave the occasional comment here is my silly lil gratitude:

I...

love...

you!

Don't you love my ~~brain-piercing~~ bright background?

Autumn and rotting fruit

2011-10-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

Don't you LOVE Fall? I DO!

The title was supposed to get your attention, but it's also really part of my post today--and it's all good!
My dad is a very ~~ingenuitive person (okay spell check is saying that ingenuitive is not a word)~~ imaginative person. Some ideas he comes up with are just too ambitious, but this one is doable and has been fun for all of us. He decided to go to the little fruit and veggie store down the street and ask them for their food that can't be sold because it's going bad. You see, people don't want the ugly black speckled bananas even though they often talk about world hunger etc., they also don't want apples that have lil brown soft marks, so now we get them for free!
When dad first brought them home I was like "Oh no he didn't!" but mom and the girls were elbow deep in boxes of apples and just started out by boiling some, juicing some, making some into applesauce, and even cutting out the bad parts and eating some. Then there were the bananas, they look horrible on the outside, and are a little too softish on the inside to eat (even if I liked bananas which I don't.) I immediately began asking around for a banana bread recipe as well as recipes for applesauce muffins and cookies. Here are some pictures of the fruits of our labor.
These are perfect for all year round, but Fall just seems like the time of year that we should bake!

Apple Cobbler with the crumble crust that we did on top. It was delish

Applesauce muffins which were quite delish. I sprinkled sugar and cinnamon on top as an extra blessing.

What is your "Fall" thing? For recipes to any of this just ask :-) I may do a post later in the week just for that.

Elisabeth Arona

Cut! Cook! Decorate!

2011-10-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

Did I promise you more shop highlights for Christmas? Well here we are; the best of the best. This week we are going to look at some shops with great little things for preparing your holiday meals and decorating your home for the hordes of people that will come traipsing in!

1. Berkshire bowls I was very impressed by this shop. I love wood, and the picture of the bowl with the wood shavings (go look) just drew me in. Also in this shop are some great little puzzles to keep people occupied between eating :-)

2. Show off designs. This shop has beautiful cutting boards as well as lovely shelves. I'm talking about real conversation pieces here...

3. Skoope. This shop is from the GA Etsy Team which I recently joined. OMG, interior decor items are ahmazing.(<<<-period) Here is where you would buy the stuff to revamp the main areas of your house people will be in (the rest of the house can wait for now, just close the doors hehe.)
4. Good Neighbor Candle Co. Admit it, you want your house to smell great just as much as anyone else. You're afraid that people will come in and smell that thing you burnt. I cannot express how amazing this woman's candle skills are. Every scent you have ever imagined! Go ahead, take a peek!

Elisabeth Arona

...and the winner is...

2011-10-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hi! I know you have all been waiting to see who would win the apron! Well, head on over to Faith's blog (here) and see who won!

Elisabeth Arona

Etsy stocking stuffer shops highlight

2011-10-19T15:10:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year...the rush to buy Christmas gifts ahead of time (meaning before the rush.) Are we really getting in ahead of the crowd? Absolutely not, but it's nice to think so anyway. The popularity of handmade items has grown and grown-it's a handmade revolution!

Should you buy as many handmade items as possible? YESYESYES! I've made up a small list of shops that carry wonderful stocking stuffers that are also great shops for buying those things that will make you look beautiful for the rest of this year and beyond!

Shop #1/Mummumscrafts:
This is Lucy's shop. She recently reopened after maternity leave. You should see her baby--soo chubby and adorable! Anyway, she makes some absolutely fab stuff, I've only tried her chapstick/lipbalm. It's awesome, and she's even agreed to make some of it sweetened for me since I can't smell how wonderful the scents are with this darn anosmia!

Shop #2/lusciouslathers:
This is Diane's shop. She is being the wife that you read about in books while her husband deals with some medical problems right now, and she still manages to keep her shop open. I wrote a post about her AHA toner in one of my posts right after I bought it; at that time I hadn't tried it, but I can honestly say that it is working. My hyperpigmentation on my face has been noticeably lightening and disappearing. Side note: make sure that you use sunscreen with it as it makes your skin sensitive to the sun. Along with that she has some lovely creams and lather-y bubbly stuff, and even a few items for your pets and male loved ones.

Ahhh, and I did say this stuff will improve your appearance as well as be great stocking stuffers, right? Well here we are...
Shop #3/heavenlyknitchet
I have not personally bought any of her items, but she has some really cute inexpensive earrings and to be honest it's really the hats that grabbed my attention. I just saw one of those hats today when Heavenly (yup the owner's name is Heavenly) posted in the team thread and I know that I will be looking her up as soon as I have some money!

Shop #4/TJlundinco
I haven't bought from this shop either, but Tiffany aka TJ is a frequent poster on my Etsy team thread and she shows off her new listings often as well. She has an array of colorful unique hair accessories and some jewelry too.

Here you are with four shops to choose from...If you didn't find what you're looking for, don't worry, I'll continue these posts for awhile at least once a week. I have so many wonderful shops and artists to show you! Aren't you excited?

Elisabeth Arona

Etsy Artist Feature and GIVEAWAY!

2011-10-16T21:45:00.000-07:00

Today I would like to welcome my very first fellow etsy artist feature! I'm so excited! Faith of StitchPrincess was kind enough to answer some question I had for her and at the end you will find the instructions to enter the giveaway to win her super cute fall leaves apron!

How long have you been sewing? Can you tell us the story behind you learning to sew? I've been sewing for 17 years! When I was four years old, my crafty grandmother taught me to hand sew. I loved making clothes for my Barbies! When I was ten, I took my first sewing class and learned how to use the machine--and I basically taught myself from there.

What is your favorite item to make, and why? I absolutely love making dresses! There is something so satisfying about making a beautiful object, especially one that will make a woman/girl feel like a princess. Skirts are a close second. Then purses, aprons--easier stuff--are what I prefer more than more complicated things.

Who and/or what inspires you the most every day? I am very inspired by fabric and dresses.

When I see fabric, I imagine what I can make of it--scraps turn into purses, cute prints turn into sundresses or aprons, glossy fabrics turn into formal dresses. When I see designer dresses (in bridal catalogs or on tv shows, especially), I think about how I would tweak the design or I pull parts of dresses together in my mind.

What would we find you doing when you're not sewing? When I'm not sewing, I'm cutting fabric (does that count as sewing?), cooking, or playing games with my husband (we were married in May!). When I need to keep my hands busy, I knit.

Is there anything new we should look out for in your shop? I'll be turning out some new aprons and purses soon. Also, I have some awesome "happy birthday" fabric that I might make into table runners or something. In the spring, I'll list some simple bridal veils I'm working on.

What crafty thing do you not know how to do that you've always or even recently wanted to learn? I want to master every craft, but that's probably not possible! Jewelry would be fun to do, but I'm not so good with little details.

Thanks Faith for agreeing to be featured! I'm sure everyone is excited about this giveaway.

...Now for the details on how to enter:

First of all, please don't forget to put your email address with each entry so we can get in contact with you if you win!

Mandatory:

Follow my blog or Faith's blog here

Extra Entries (each count for one entry and should be each posted in separate comments):

1. Visit Faith's shop and come back here and leave a comment with your favorite item.

2. Like Faith's facebook fanpage

3. Tweet (using #GiveawaybyFaith) with a link to this blog and let us know

4. Blog about the giveaway and come back and post the link

Good luck everyone!

Elisabeth Arona

(Sorta) Silent Saturday

2011-10-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

Newest listing on Etsy for me!

Expect some~~thing~~ person special here on my blog on Monday along with a giveaway! Also grab my blog button if you like reading my blog--it took some brain cells for me to make it so I'd totally appreciate it.

Elisabeth Arona

Solopreneur--(heartheart)

2011-10-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

I love the word solopreneur. I'm not sure if the other day was the first time I'd ever heard the word, or if it was just the first time it had really hit me. Maybe it has something to do with me noticing that there are a buncha mompreneur blog sites and stuff, but there are no single-girl-preneur blog sites! I only bring this up because I am "at" a twitter webinar about being a solopreneur and it's making me feel special *silly giggle*.

I know I keep reminding you that I said I was gonna keep you posted (business thingy) but it's only because I don't want you to feel like I am just showing off all my new stuff for no reason ~~even though I kinda am~~. Last night I was up late and just was so excited because I bought a craft knife to cut pages out of a vintage dictionary during the day and had been cooking so no time to use it! BUT I used it:

I took these pictures with my phone because my lame batteries for my camera are outta power. Boo!

By the way, in case you were wondering what I cooked/was eating the reason I didn't have time to craft here it is below:

Fried rice, stir-fry veggies, wontons with cream cheese and spinach inside, and coconut chicken drummettes :-)

Elisabeth Arona

What keeps you from working?

What is your latest/greatest creation?

Onit, bachelor chair, dream come true?

2011-10-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to a huge yard sale that I go to twice a year. I was waiting outside (it's indoor) for it to open at nine and just hoping for some treasures. My main goal was to buy some vintage books that I could use for illustrations...but I also found something that I wasn't actively looking for (but had mused about needing).

Before I get to that I want to tell you that old dictionaries are funny. The descriptions are super long and my mom nearly passed out laughing about an explanation for the word euphemism that somehow included the term "breaking wind". Any of you other young people know about that? Yeah it means passing gas lol. My mom said between gasps "I haven't heard that in the longest time, I gotta call my sister and ask her about the last time she heard it." Okay mom, whatever suits you!

Anyway, this is my main treasure from the sale the other day:

See it's like an ironing board and step stool--best known as the "onit" or "bachelor chair"-Thanks for that info Monika! You can find out more about it on youtube and on the web. It's the perfect addition to my bedroom/sewing room because it's great for sitting, ironing, and stepping on; basically you can do everything on it!

Elisabeth Arona

Progress you say?

2011-10-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

Ahhh yes, I have been all business. Here is a little of what I've been up to this week.

Julia's shirt.

1. Just started couponing and spent all Monday cutting out coupons and checking out the krazy coupon lady website for deals and came in under budget for our weekly groceries! WOOT!
2. Made one of the shirts-that I designed-for Julia/jeweleighab and will be sending it out tomorrow hopefully.
3. Am halfway through with another dancer illustration.
4. Cooked a different meal (bleu cheese chicken) and was successful.
5. Gave my little sister her first sewing lesson.

As you can see, I'm really feeling something special about how this week has gone :-) Now time to get more accomplished!

Elisabeth Arona

A quick update...

2011-10-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

Did I not tell you that I would keep you posted on how this whole starting a business thing is going every step of the way? Well, here is my latest step:

I made a pattern and made this shirt from it. Pattern making is not my favorite thing, because it doesn't necessarily come naturally to me; however, I was told by a friend that only dying comes naturally. Not so sure about that one...

What do you think? I will obviously have to take more (and better) pictures, but right now I'm not at the place where I can buy a lot of fabric and make it in a buncha different shirts, but soon I'll probably have them in S, M, L and you'll find them at my super-convenient etsy shop of course! As for progress, I'm in the middle of making one shirt for one lady, and two shirts for another. AGH excitement!

Elisabeth Arona

Vintage plaid 50s storyboard

2011-09-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

Do you just love vintage?
I got on polyvore and made a lovely vintage-y collection that you will die to wear...or at least I am.

Lovely dress and shoes at www.neldasvintageclothing.com...
I found the sweater and purse at www.modcloth.com

I can imagine wearing this to go out for lunch
or
going with my significant other (if such a creature existed) on a picnic.

Do you love it too?
Elisabeth Arona

Tongue-tied Thursday?

2011-09-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

Everyone has wordless Wednesdays, but I'm afraid anything I say will not do the pictures justice :-)

My niece turned one this month + she has dogs=precious

Elisabeth Arona

I love the way you hold me

2011-09-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

Although I didn't get to stay and say hi to Jamie Grace, I did get a really close-up where I called "hey smile" and she obliged. Such a sweetie.

At the beginning of this week (actually the same day I arrived home from Virginia) I was able to attend the album release party for Jamie Grace's first cd. I took some pictures and videos that I hope you'll enjoy. Bear in mind that this video took forever to upload and that it was my sister's camera and someone should have told me that every time you zoom in or out it cuts off the sound. Oops.

The name of this song is 1945. Cute to death. It's the only video that was fairly clear because it had no bass.

Mine and a couple friends showing off our wristbands at the album release party (mine is in the middle.)

Elisabeth Arona

Meeting up with Etsy friends

2011-09-21T10:35:00.000-07:00

Cinder the dog and I

This past week I went to Virginia and told all of my etsy/Christian Arist Street Team members that I was going to be in the DC area. Those who knew more about the area than me, knew that Bowie, Maryland was "right around the corner". Forty-five minutes isn't really that close, but in the greater scheme of things it is.

Fun Fact: D.C. is approximately 10 hours from where I live in GA.

In actuality I was going to Virginia to visit a friend with a friend of mine (Tanee) from Thursday through Sunday. Everything was busy all the time, but I was only going to have free time on Saturday evening luckily.

I was so happy to hear that Angel of BamCraftyMommas would be close enough for me to see! The friend I rode to VA with wanted something fun to do and invited herself along and I ~~needed a driver and~~ agreed! After forty-five minutes of non-stop talking and a few mistaken exits, we made it to Angel's parent's house. I checked the mirror--yup, I still looked the same, then I called to say I'd arrived. I think I was too shy to go up to the door and knock.

Bammy/Angel came bounding out of the house and we did one of those slow motion running into each other's arms things...not really, but we did hug and squeal like we had known each other for a good 10 years (half of my lifetime.)

Let me use just a moment and insert that I actually did take a quick break to go look on youtube for an appropriate running into each other's arms video but couldn't find one...oh well.

I'd been at Angel's house and met her adorable daughters, as well as her parents, awesome husband, and other miscellaneous family members for about 2 hours maybe, when there was a knock at the door. She jumps up and goes "I'll get it!" I was like, "Wow, she must not have seen that family member for awhile!" She opened the door all dramatic and says "Well hello my special friend, it's so nice to see you!" I'm sitting calmly watching until I recognize my other etsy friend Sheila (of sewfaithful on etsy) that I email like at least several times a week...

.............................

.............................................

..............................................................

..........................................................................I would like to say that being the mature person I am, I stood gracefully and walked over and said hi.

But I can't.

I jumped up screaming and ran and almost squeezed the life out of her. Hey, I was living in the moment! Like a few teenagers, we took a picture and posted it to twitter right away (Click here to view).

Then we talked and talked and talked. There is nothing like meeting someone(s) you already have connected with online, and finding that they really are truly as special in person as they are in cyberspace.

Here is the first picture. I love it because we're all laughing and looking a lil crazy (check out my eyes lol)

Bammy's question: "Do I look like a dork?" Why yes you do, so do we all lol.

This picture is the best one of us all--we jokingly called these double oreo pics, but really it has to be one of those like sand-colored double oreos

Left to right: Tanee, Sheila, Bammy/Angel, and me.

And here I am again with Cinder the dog, who I joked loved me because someone else black was in the house and she felt less outta place:

Have you met up with a cyber friend? I would love to read about it. Post a comment with a link and I'll check it out.

Elisabeth Arona

Working Wednesday

2011-09-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

My left hand is really hurting (I'm left-handed) because I've been really working it with drawing so much, typing, ~~playing angry birds~~, and even a bit of serging and sewing thrown into the mix. I've been generally busy for the whole two days of this week, and I have to say I'm pretty darn proud of myself.

I don't know if everyone remembers my last post about a shelf and cabinet that was specially custom-made for me. No? Well, it's pretty awesome. I've filled it with fabric and I know a few people asked me if they could see it. Well I took a picture. I also want to show off my latest illustrations and get opinions on them. I mean honest opinions.

Sitting in front of it is my serger and now that I'm looking at it maybe I should stack the fabric in a more interesting -or neat-way.

Here is my illustration...I have another one that I recently did that you can see here.

Elisabeth Arona

Make it Monday--picture frame earring holder

2011-09-12T10:10:00.000-07:00

Since I got my ears pierced in March, I haven't had anywhere to put the few earrings I have. I've lost a few, and the rest I've kept in a cup on my dresser. Today I decided to make an earring holder out of a picture frame, I'd heard that it was fairly simple to do so I went looking for some screen. Turns out, it's simple to do if you can find screen hanging around somewhere! Sometimes you just have to use a little ingenuity.

Here are the things you will need...screen or lace (I used pink lace I found in my fabric supply), a picture frame, scissors, earrings, glue gun, and sustenance aka cereal to eat while the glue gun heats up.

Using a sharpie I marked out exactly the size I needed the lace to be to glue it in place

Then glued one side in at a time...

FINISHED!

I think it looks pretty good...but it won't stand up by itself :-(

Soooo find a sturdy piece of cardboard-in this case I used the piece I'd taken out of the back of the frame itself-and squeeze out hot glue onto it in a nice line...

Press that sucker onto it nice and firm...

And there you are with the finished product.

In retrospect I think a sturdier fabric (think cross stitch fabric stuff, or screen, or lace that isn't stretch) would have been a better option. I may start carrying these in my new etsy shop.

What do you think? Is this something you would be interested in making?

Elisabeth Arona

Deer and chicken and pork...

2011-09-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

Today was a normal Saturday...

I ran errands and didn't get any rest...

Believe it or not, I attempted several naps and didn't get past the dozing stage even once (out of three tries.) ~~Does that make me a little pathetic?~~

Generally on Saturdays I cook for Saturday evening meal, and the afternoon meal for Sunday. So after a quick run to the grocery store, that's exactly what I did. Tomorrow we will be having baby lima beans and curry chicken. I know I should have prepared some starch, but I wasn't feeling it. Tonight's meal was also a bit meager-pork roast with diced potatoes, and some steamed mixed veggies. I heard no complaints.
I read in a book about blogging that if your blog is not ALL bible-based or religious, then you shouldn't mention religion, it also said that you should be yourself. I'm confused as to how I can be myself and never talk about something that means so much to me!

This morning my mom called my little sisters downstairs to the kitchen (there's a big window in the kitchen that looks out onto into our backyard) to see some deer eating breakfast. I took some low-quality pictures through the window. It reminded me of a verse:

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so my soul panteth after thee, O God. Ps. 42:1

May I seek you daily, even moment by moment Lord...earnestly in a way that only one with true desire and need can. Amen.

Elisabeth Arona

This is what I do--I think...

2011-09-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

For those who don't know, ~~I am attempting to start a business.~~ I am starting a business. I have an Associates Degree in Fashion Design and I think it's about time I used it. Part of the reason I haven't promoted much before, or really made a full decision to do this is just mostly my own silliness. I am insecure and nervous, and fear the unknown. I was asked by an intelligent person "How do you know if you don't try?" Hmm, you have a point there...

I am currently filling up my shop. First, I'm going to switch shops for the name that I had planned to use all the way through school anyway. I won't tell you what it is yet, but when I have done it I'll let you know so that you can go give me your heart (I'm not demanding, just requesting.) Though I may seem calm, this is a big step for me. I've been poring over business books and articles, asking questions of people who are highly competent at what they do, and just praying that I won't have a nervous breakdown.

In the meantime, I want to show my latest creation (if you will.) Since I lack at self-promotion skills, this is my attempt at it :-)

Above is my rather junkie sewing machine (don't worry it's clean junk) and the shorts I made for a friend. I'm working on my designs for shorts, I'm going to change them up soon and all my friend in blogosphere will be the first--or at least firstish to know.

Elisabeth Arona

Past and Future (hair)

2011-09-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

Today I came across this picture of myself and was in awe of how long my hair was then. I also noticed it was more naturally brown than it is now that I no longer have it relaxed (I have goldish highlights now though.) I am currently growing my hair out, and it takes so much longer than I remembered. I was about 18 in this picture and didn't "do" anything to it, my hair just grew. Now that I've chopped it and am trying the natural thing it's a little more difficult. As of now my hair is a couple inches past my shoulders. I'm excited to see what my hair looks like curly and that length. Woe, we'll see if I can handle that. Here's my hair length now straight:

(After GA humidity)

What's your favorite hair length and style?

Elisabeth Arona

My summer vacation

2011-08-31T13:32:00.000-07:00

This is my niece Brooklyn. As you can see she is beautiful. She will soon be a year old, and is already proving herself to be quite bright too. I promise, none of this is me being a little biased because she's my only niece. Never! In case you don't believe me, here is another picture.

Yeah, that's cutest baby award stuff right there lol. I honestly hate this picture of me, but I think she looks phenomenal. I know this post seems like it's all about "Cookie", but really I just had to start out that way so you would understand where I'm coming from. I just arrived home yesterday from a two week vacation at her house. It was so difficult to leave, and as much as I know I need to be at home working and doing all those grown-up things she is already so missed. Now for a couple other pictures of my vacation.

Here is a picture of my sister, brother-in-law and Brooklyn on the beach. It was taken farther away using zoom because they didn't know I was taking the picture of them, but it was too perfect to pass up.

...and of course I can't leave out Reba the dog...

We took the puppies to get their tails shortened and she went and found a puppet to cuddle with sadly. I know...such a cute pathetic picture. This dog loved me to death and sat watching me for half hour periods, sometimes laying her head on my lap. She also lets the baby climb all over her. I'm looking forward to my next visit, and will definitely be sure to take plenty more pictures too.

What did you do this summer for fun?

Elisabeth Arona

Still

2011-07-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

There was days when encouragement doesn't come as easily as other, when everything is frustrating and a minor crisis...in those times be still. There are a million verses to support this suggestion, but I'll just give you one.

Psalm 4:4 "Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still."
You know how some people count to ten when they're upset or about to say something that they might possibly regret? Well, this is the same kind of thought. Just be still, connect with what it is you are feeling and come up with a solution or realize that you can't come up with one and that you will just have a good attitude anyway.

At the moment I'm sitting still preparing myself to scoop the dead fish out of the fish tank. I really wish my dad had sat still and thought on his grand idea to dump a dozen minnows left over from fishing into the tank in the first place, but I give up.

Elisabeth Arona

P.S. Linking up with (in)courage on this great idea to write a blog post on one word on Fridays (not sure I even explained that right, but that's okay.)

One of them days...

2011-07-27T20:46:00.000-07:00

On those days when the baby poops and it oozes out of his diaper, and then he spits up on your clothes...

On the days when you want to cry out of sheer exhaustion...

On the days when every time you tried to take a nap someone does something stupid...

On the days when you want to have an encouraging word for a friend, but you can't find it anywhere...

On the days when go out, only to realize when you arrive at your destination that your hair isn't done...and worst of all you don't even care...

On the days when the baby fell out in your arms and banged his head into your lip so it hurts like the dickens...

On those days take a deep breath and realize you're not alone. I know this because I just had "one of 'them' days".

Elisabeth Arona

natural hair and the park

2011-07-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

I promised some friends that I would keep them posted on my hair and how being natural is (or isn't) working for me. I have started using the brand Kinky Curly, and I have to say that I really really like it! They have a leave-in conditioner that keeps my curls more alive and shiny than anything else I've used. Here are a few pictures from the other day when I let my hair dry naturally and went to the park right down the street. Notice the book in my hand :-)

This park is one of the most peaceful places (at the right time of day) with this little stream and the little minnows darting about. I made a mental note to bring bread with me next time to feed them.

Elisabeth Arona

Shorts

2011-07-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

I decided to stop for a brief moment in the blogosphere to show off my latest. I made these shorts (finally) for a friend from my etsy team that has wanted some since last summer (I know I'm a shameful slacker.) The picture was taken latelate last night so give me a break on the photography lecture lol.

What do you think?

I must run...I'm headed out to see about buying some satin for his and hers shorts to sell in pairs on etsy! We'll see how that goes!

Elisabeth Arona

Dolls and fabric shelves

2011-06-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I'm so happy to be here with you again! These are completely pleasant circumstances too, how blessed are we? I can hardly believe I want to blog after I blogged yesterday, but I am so so excited and can barely contain it. I had a fabric shelf custom made for me, and felt I must show it to you. I will happily link you back to the creator-though whether he would happily make you one or not is not currently known. Let me start by saying that it was made to my exact specifications ~~(I feel so important being able to say that),~~ and it turned out SO beautifully.

Here is the full-length view. It's beautiful! The shelves are nice and deep and can fit so much more fabric than if I'd bought a bookshelf or some nonsense!

Here is the picture of the shelves inside the cabinet part. Don't you love the ornate little handles he put on! This same man (and his son and grandchildren) makes pens to sell!

Okay...now moving on to my other latest and greatest news. While you may be uninterested, indifferent, unappreciative, or any other long word, about me making a big deal of this, I have to!! A friend of mine-Sheila of sewfaithful on etsy named a doll after me! I realize that you really dignified people are like, "And?" I'll answer that short question "And it's awesome, and you're at least a little impressed!" Here she is in all her innocent glory :-)

Click on her picture to see more pictures of her or to buy one just like her...OR one just like you (she does custom work.)

Whew, I'm worn out after all that chattering on.

Elisabeth Arona

So I am told...

2011-06-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

I am told that if you're having a block, and can't think of anything to write in your blog, write anyway, because the longer you take a break from it all the worse off you'll be. I didn't listen to this advice, and turns out, it was correct.
I don't have much to say, so I will show you two things that I was given or bought lately that I'm super happy about:

My birthday earrings:

Rita, from Sammysgrammy made the earrings I'm wearing in this picture. I love them to death! Check out her shop by clicking the link-or the picture-and maybe you can find something almost as cool :-)

I have a problem with hyper pigmentation on my face from an acne problem (which I am now diligently working against.) Now that I've found all these cool natural ways to lessen the break-outs, I still needed something that I knew worked for the marks left behind. I asked a friend Diane, from lusciouslathers because I LOVE this chapstick that I bought from her, and she said she had something for me with AHA somethin' or another. I was like "aha!!" (yeah I know, lame) and went straight to her shop to "heart" it, so I could buy it on payday. ~~I really hate drawing extra attention to it, so let me just give you the link.~~

This stuff is partially organic too! Hallelujah! I would ask if you want before and after pictures, but you can forget that...you WILL see after pictures though :-)

That's all for today folks...

Elisabeth Arona

Weddings...and makeup?

2011-05-16T07:03:00.000-07:00

To be honest, I haven't blogged because I've been afraid someone would remember that I STILL haven't posted those pictures of what I received for my birthday from my Etsy friends...but oh well. I promise I will eventually get around to it, even if it's a full six months before it happens. Today I am blogging to de-stress, because in less than a week (five days to be exact) my sister will be getting married!

I know I know...It's supposed to stress her out, but she's not much of a planning person, so up until about a week ago, she left most of the planning to my mom, our friend, and me! Saturday I bought some Mary Kay for the wedding, and I ended up spending way too much. I'm so low maintenance that it should be illegal! I didn't even realize makeup could be so expensive! I'm scared to death of wearing the foundation, and I'm afraid everyone will look at me strangely once I put on the eyeshadow...and yet I bought it anyway. Can anyone give me so tips for makeup application?

Elisabeth Arona

Blog and creativity everywhere. How does everyone do it?

2011-04-26T21:19:00.000-07:00

Today for the first time in a long time I signed into my blog and went to the dashboard to check up on all the blogs I follow. ~~I admit this was due to boredom more than anything...~~ I immediately became inspired; there are so many of you crafty people out there just being creative all the time and you have left me in the dust. I will be joining you in creative-ville soon. I have a bad habit of putting things off ~~(like those pictures that I'm supposed to upload of the things I got for my birthday along with a million thank you cards for those same gifts)~~ and I'm really trying to figure out how to best overcome it. Today I got a lot done, so I started to analyze how that happened. Lists are helpful, but I have to put them up where I will see them and they can't get lost. Rewarding myself with cool things I get to do if I get something done is helpful too.
So I got off on a tangent, what I was going to say is that telling people what you think (at least if it's positive) about things they've done makes them happy, and it actually feels really good not only to enjoy someone's interests with them, but to interact also. Sooo, go check out those blogs! Please remember to leave a comment, AND make sure that if you have a suggestion for helping with my lack of discipline you leave a comment... :-) I'm counting on you.

Birthday fun-piercing drama

2011-03-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Hey...some of you asked for pictures of me getting my ears pierced, soooo here I got a little friend of mine to do a video clip on my phone (hence the lack of really clear picture.) This is only the beginning because tomorrow is my birthday DINNER! Although I didn't so much like the number 23 (it's not as mature sounding as 24, but it's not as cute as 22 hmmmm...) I really have enjoyed it so far.

The pre-piercing drama :-) Starring Elisabeth, Tanee, and little Onna (briefly)

And here we have the real deal...

And picture time with the earring technician (or whatever lol)

We took this one and her mouth was closed...soooooo

We took this one and her eyes were closed...but ironically we didn't know. Just imagine her eyes open lol

Have a happy Elisabeth Arona day!

New 'do...a birthday...WOO!!

2011-03-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

So I have a list of things I want for my birthday...but so far I've gotten so much cool stuff that I've gotten rid of my list ~~(unless you wanna buy me francesca battistelli's new cd this is the stuff, or some wrist guards.)~~ ANYWAY, I got highlights for the first time...they're basically a brown...I...like...it! :-) Tell me what you think!

The week after my birthday I'm going to put up pictures of a lotta "stuffs" I got, so those of you who thought you were operating on the basis of anonymity, forGET it! lol I'm sure someone will recognize your handiwork (seriously though, email me if you don't want your stuff/name out there.)
Sooo...my new 'do...*drumroll*

Elisabeth Arona

In-line skating and life with the kiddies

2011-03-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make...I don't always comb my hair, or iron my clothes, and I'm not even 25 yet. I have the haggard mom look down to a tee. I refuse to become fat though, so at the notice from my dad that I'm "getting a little plump" I strapped on my skates and got some exercise today.

And yes my shirt says "I'm out of bed and dressed, what more do you want?"
I'm making fresh air a priority around here too...Check it out:

Elisabeth Arona

Unfashionable day

2011-03-15T11:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a day when you didn't feel fashionable, but still felt happy? That's what today was like for ManMan.

Elisabeth Arona

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

2011-03-15T05:50:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I visited the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial with a couple of my friends. If you are ever in the Atlanta area, you should go. I'm not saying this just to say it, it's something that I think anyone would learn from. Some of my family members (as my grandmother is wont to remind me) were actually historical "first black" people to do things (check out Mary Ann Shadd Carey my super great aunt,) so I've read about a lot of this historical type thing, but oh my oh my...The depth of human suffering will never be truly felt by those of us who will never ever truly know racism as it was back then, but this comes pretty close. In the first picture below Steph (my friend) and I posed by the wagon that carried Martin Luther Kings body to it's final resting place. Ironically, people assumed that his death would be the end of his movement; it was only the beginning.

Check out the tidbits below:

Thank God we have come so far :-)

Btw, pictures (and video clips perhaps) of my new inline skates coming soon. Woot!

Elisabeth Arona

Dreams and dreamers.

2011-02-28T18:43:00.000-08:00

As I was watching a really cool cooking show (Chopped) tonight, I had a brief dreamy moment where I said to myself...one day...
I know you have had one of those moments too. It's a moment when you set aside all the reasons that you can't, or won't be able to do something and you just dream about what "will" happen "one day". I believe that these child-like moments are good for us; they give you a moment of complete satisfaction with yourself. Of course this is all in my opinion, though I would definitely argue it with you like it is scripture. Would you like to hear my dream?
I went to school for fashion design. I rarely have time TO design, but when I'm doing it, I get in the moment and LOVE it. I love to cook. Over the last year, I have pretty much taken over the cooking in my house. My mom saw that I liked it, and gave it over to me without giving me much of a choice actually :-) I don't always enjoy it, because between all the other things I have to do in a day, sometimes I don't have time for any really inspired cooking...other times though? Well, I hit home-runs, and although I still get a lil squeamish when I have to skin chicken, and refuse to clean fish, I definitely have my moments. How do these two things fit in together?
Wellllll, with a clothing store restaurant of course! It would be more like a little cafe though, and after you eat, you could walk through to the clothing store part. The clothes would have food names (not like fried chicken, but like chocolate mousse lol and cream cheese icing.) On the walls would be fashion illustrations (which I love) and each one would feature an outfit inspired by a food. All of this may sound silly to some, but to me, it sounds like just what the doctor ordered. Who said that my dream had to make sense to everyone else?

What's your dream?

Elisabeth Arona

Life bogged me down again :-)

2011-02-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

I have been ridiculously busy lately. In the past month my charger for my laptop broke (oh horror!), as well as my phone, and I have been babysitting twins 5 days a week. I also have been battling carpet beetles in my bedroom/workroom and finally finished at the beginning of this week. I bought a new charger for my computer which began to melt (huh??) and an android phone which I've fallen in love with...and Wednesday I bought some rechargeable batteries for my camera which means you guys will be seeing many more pictures soon.

Sooo, unfortunately I don't have much more to say than that...but I am looking forward to more time spent reading blogs I follow, and comments on posts I've made.

I like interesting history

2011-01-27T21:01:00.000-08:00

In school I loved history...I HATED learning dates. I loved reading about and imagining the way people lived in a different time and different place. I liked to read, and could read two or three novels based on true stories--especially significant people and events. This movie is bound to be good. I'll probably cry, but I think it'll be worth it. I read that it was researched for years instead of just made into a movie for sensation like the craigslist killer. Sooooo, looking for a little history? What do you think? Worth the time?

Goals for the year

2011-01-19T08:54:00.000-08:00

Over the new year, I got carried away in the resolving that was going on and went so far as making a couple myself. I like to think of them as goals that need to be made into habits that will last years...not just this year. My first is to read my bible every day. So far this one has been difficult because I usually forget, or don't get around to it until evening, but I still manage to find something that makes me happy that I didn't neglect to do it. One night I was so discouraged and while lying in bed in the dark I realized that I hadn't read my chapter for the day. So with a little muttering and groaning I grabbed up my bible and flipped it open. It fell open at a chapter in Psalms that spoke of praising God even when things aren't going good...and David named off a few things he had gone through and ended basically saying that God had brought him through anyway :-) Love it.
My second goal is to create something every week. This one isn't hard, but I also must photograph it. So far I have met this goal, but it's hard especially since the twins are back this week. At the moment they are fussing for absolutely no reason (they've been changed, aren't hungry, and seem to just want entertainment. Anyway, just thought I'd share those goals along with the picture of the first completed project.

Onna in the leggings I made her.

The year in lessons

2011-01-02T23:15:00.000-08:00

While this past year was rough in so many ways, I grew in so many more ways and learned a lot of grown-up lessons. Among these lessons were the following:
1. Big girls do cry sometimes. I cried a lot this year, this may have been one of the teariest years of my life lol. I went through a mini personal crisis which I explained in one of my posts as a reason that I stopped posting for awhile, and it turned out that it just helped me grow. I dealt with my mommy leaving me to be with my sister; I took over the house, and as a result I appreciate my mom so much more and realize that mothers that are like her are just plain awesome. Sadly, the year ended with me losing a friend of mine (and it wasn't a death,) so that was another bucket of tears. If God really does keep all the tears we cry, I suppose heaven is a swimming pool right now!
2. It's possible to "be the bigger person" almost all the time. I tried this, it wasn't easy, and I must say it's even quite painful a lot of the time. When you take the high road, you're sometimes alone :-/ As Anne of Green Gables said "If you only knew how many things I wanted to say and didn't."
3. You can accept yourself and still make everyone else happy-sorta. This year I've looked at myself and said "I need to lose weight" many times, but I think that's part of being a female. I've also said to myself "God made you, He made you with big hips, curly hair, and obvious skin problems and He said 'This is a good one!' and I can too!" In an attempt to make everyone happy I wore my hair curly all summer (to make myself happy,) and I'm planning to wear it all straight (mostly) for the winter for those who keep telling me to. I think that this year I heard more negative about my looks than ever, but I've also heard a lot positive--so I think everyone is just being more vocal in general.
4. Friends are blessings sent from above-just make sure they're friends. This year I made new friends. One of them was Taylor-my fellow crafty girl, and the one who introduced me to my latest love (sushi). I've also bonded with several bloggers (in a bloggy kinda way) and many of my fellow CAST team members on Etsy. I grew closer to some friends, and even rebuilt relationships with one or two. The most painful was letting go of someone close. You have to realize, I'm a collector (it's technically called input) and basically what this means is that for fear of needing something later, I instead keep it even if it's harming me (ex: taking up space, making me cry more than laugh, or generally being useless.) When you lose one of your "closest" friends, you feel vulnerable and like you can't trust yourself, but it's only for the best. When you are always needed, and you're never allowed to need, you know it's time to let go...
5. God is in control. I have struggled so much this year with letting go of control! Through it all God has been faithful. For those that aren't believers, this may seem ridiculous, but every time I felt things spiraling out of control I could reach out and embrace the knowledge that God was holding me up every time; I was stressing out thinking I was falling, but he was saying "I got ya baby girl!"

I am ~~not ready~~ bracing for this coming year knowing that I have the tools I need to get through it successfully, and I hope you do too. In closing check out this cool blog...It was just what I needed, and it's way shorter than mine too :-) Just imagine! We were God's bright idea!

Happy YEAR People!

Elisabeth Arona

Big tees and baby zs

2010-12-30T17:11:00.000-08:00

Remember when I had "mommy syndrome" because my mom left me for a month with three kids (not counting my dad) to take care of, and I wore a shirt with black bean stains on it just because I was so frustrated after a long day and didn't give a care? I'm pretty sure I posted about it back in September, maybe here. Anyway, at that time my dad looked at me and decided against saying anything--wise, wise man-and NOW I am back at that place. I won't complain per say, but I will detail how my last few days have been in a short little nutshell. ~~Who am I kidding? We all know I don't do short.~~
Their nicknames are Zay and Zap, and they are five month old twins. They are absolutely too chunky, cuddly, and adorable, and although one is a pound heavier, they look so much alike that it takes a second to tell them apart unless they're sitting side-by-side. If you read my September post (I keep referring to,) you know ManMan, the adorable little human that has recently learned how to open doors; his mom told Zay and Zaps mom about us, and she decided she wanted us to babysit her twins. This week has been the first time we have had them for three full days straight. Ironically they're teething so diarrhea is in the books and everything is x2! Today my mom was here, but yesterday and the day before she was too busy to help so I had to form some sort of routine. A friend wanted to webcam me then kept complaining because I kept getting up to take care of the babies. My answer: "I told you I had kids!" My favorite time of day? NAPTIME!!!
Tuesday I wore a huge tshirt (I actually have a collection now,) and then got spit up on and had to change it, yesterday was the same, and so was today. I'm sure their parents wonder if I own anything else to cover my top half. The twins are a delight, but I'm beginning to think that one is a sympathetic crier :-/ As much as I would love to expound upon all of this, I must quickly hand out pats-on-the-back to every mother of twins that I know and don't know. You are amazing. I mean that. Now, unless "my" twins stop having reflux soon, or stop being babies maybe (since they're about to go through the messy baby food stage,) I will need to go wash my big tee collection so that I can have them ready to wear next week :-)

Elisabeth Arona

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

2010-12-25T20:45:00.000-08:00

Me (left) and my younger sister Sarah

Don't ask me why my hair looks like it's not black in this picture, but Merry Christmas to you all :-)

Elisabeth Arona

Sharing while sitting in traffic

2010-12-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

Today was grocery shopping day. The road that leads to the Walmart I shop at is always packed. There are two lanes going each way, and it's ridiculous. The store is two or three miles away, and yet, it takes about 15 minutes to get there! As usual, I was intermittently singing Christmas songs, listening to my little sister yap in the backseat, and yelling at the driver in front of me (bad habit.) Monnie (little sister) told me that the guy in the car over waved at her. I smiled because it was an elderly man, and he had a dog in the passenger seat. Next thing I know he pulls even with my window and motions for me to roll mine down. I do, and he calls over "Jesus loves you!" Me: "Awwww, He loves you too!"
I'm the type of person that would've started a conversation with the guy right there in our cars at the red light, but he rolled his window back up after that with a smile on his face. I wanted to tell him I was a Christian, and how much I appreciated that, but he may have read it in my huge smile...the one that stayed on my face the entire ride to the store. This is why I love Christmas season. I thought, then revised it: This is why I love the South. Then revised it again to: This is why I love Christians!
For unbelievers/non-Christians, oftentimes Christmas is their happy place. It's the time of year that they must be happy, say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone, leave extra big tips, think of others before themselves, and generally be a nice/nicer person. They get in "the spirit" of Christmas. As a Christian, all year round should be my "happy place". I have Christ in me so I'm already in the Spirit! Each of the things that Christmas is about, it's only about because of Jesus! I know, I know, you're saying "Wow, real deep thought Elisabeth!" but to me, it was a deep thought. All of this because of an elderly man with a dog, that decided he was gonna share his joy, the thing that makes him smile. He didn't know if I was a Christian or if I was an Atheist and would say "I don't believe in God old man, keep your religion to yourself!" He just went for it. I love that.
So here is what I have to say to you with a big smile: Jesus loves you! If you don't love him back, and need to hear all the great things about Him (as if His birth/Christmas isn't impressive enough) let me know...my email address is right here on my blog.

Merry Christmas!

Elisabeth Arona

Tempting Tuesday-Portfolio

2010-12-06T22:24:00.000-08:00

Do you know what? I would like to grab a bunch of my girlfriends and go out to eat (I love doing that)...I would like for all of us to dress fabulously and get our hair done beautifully and have a personal photographer taking pictures of us the whole time. We would have the greatest time and pretend that we had paparazzi following us. I would LOVE for every girl to be wearing outfits I made myself and I could fill my portfolio with a bunch of awesome pictures...*sigh* It's a very tempting thought, one I may even act on eventually...

What tempts you?

Ahhhhhh...

2010-12-03T21:55:00.000-08:00

Has it been almost a week since I posted? Yeah, it really has. Let me assure you that I am alive and well...unfortunately health is something that we can never be too comfortable with. For instance, my mom's sister had a blood clot removed from her brain after having a headache that wouldn't go away for days, and is still in ICU. This is only one case-another family member also announced a serious health problem this week. It's a very scary thing to face unknowns in life.
Humans are resilient, we're some of God's only creations that understand circumstances around us to a great extent and yet still have the ability to bounce back. So, life goes on, and we may be burdened in our spirit, and worried, but we laugh, tease, and smile in the midst of it all. My sister has come to visit with her husband and my niece-y (who made her debut on my blog two months ago or so.) I'm SO so glad to see them, and am just trying to focus on them being here.
I put up a new item in my etsy shop also (go check it out) and even though I need to revamp my shop and take all new pictures I'm still smiling because at least I put something up, right?

Expect some recipes this coming week!

Elisabeth Arona

It's the little things...

2010-11-28T18:41:00.000-08:00

Like how Nece wore swimming goggles because she was chopping celery while I was chopping onions and didn't want her eyes to tear.

Or getting to take pictures with my lil darling Sunday School baby...

Elisabeth Arona

Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Expectations.

2010-11-26T22:14:00.000-08:00

The feeling is back. That sad mopey feeling...but for now it is identified as a mixture between missing the way our thanksgiving normally goes (my favorite holiday was okay, but nothing near the usual euphoric feelings on that day) the miserable black Friday, and expectations. Let me clarify.
THANKSGIVING for the last four years has been spent two states over with my sister (and before she was married, it was just with her fiancée and his family.) Generally there is a flurry of activity, every one of my sisters-and I-have a dish to make, and after it's all done then somehow my sister's brother-in-laws (all four of them) manage to show up and eat. Sometimes even a couple of our friends will come too, and after we eat we play cards or monopoly or talk and laugh, and make general noise. :-) This year for several reasons that didn't happen. My sister Sarah is in college, and my sister, brother-in-law, and their new baby are at home two states over, while the rest of us stayed here in Georgia. I started off the morning by calling my younger sister-aka partner in crime-and then went downstairs to help my mom in the kitchen. It's about time we got the two youngest involved so we put them to work chopping onions and stirring things and washing dishes. We had a good time. The dressing and macaroni (neither are my normal dishes) we quite the hit, and my apple cobbler was tasty too. Long story short: After dinner I went over a close friend's house and hung out with her and her family, then went to pick up my cousin from the airport and drop her off at our grandmother's house...Cue beginning of Black Friday.
BLACK FRIDAY. Technically it wasn't even Black Friday, but my mom had a vacuum cleaner at Walmart that she had her heart set on. Julia (other sister) and I arrive around 11:15 and I went to wait for the plastic to be torn off of the vacuum cleaners. I was tired...had run around the kitchen too long...my cell phone battery was dead so no communication with the inner circle so to speak...We didn't leave there until 1:20! I made myself a plate, checked in with my friends, and was ready for bed by 2:30.
I woke up at 5 AM to meet my friend at Michaels. I took my sister. Due to some strange miscommunication, we ended up in the same car although we had discussed that I didn't want to go to Target and she did...when we finished at Michaels I told her to go ahead to Target and I'd ride to my friend's house with my friend, and she (my sister) could pick me up as soon as she was done shopping.. Five hours later my dad was picking me up at my friends house because my sister drove home (five hours before) without picking me up. I will admit that I did have a few violent thoughts, but they will not be acted on because Christ lives in me. Lol as my sisters and I like to quote from Madea "Jesus just saved her life."
Ironically, while I was tired to the point of tears people kept telling me "calm down". I was not screaming. I didn't raise my voice. I simply vocalized in my confusion and frustration with the events surrounding my being left somewhere other than my home when I started out driving. Pardon me.
EXPECTATIONS are funny things. If you expect too much from others you get disappointed. If you expect too much from yourself it can cause a plethora of problems. If other expect too much of you and vocalize them constantly it can cause frustration, irritation, sadness etc. I don't have a happy medium. I try to give others what I would expect from an average person that loves me--or even likes me a little-but when I give and give and then only hear negative feedback it feels pointless. I will admit that although I won't go into who said it, or why it matters, or any of that nonsense, I will say that the things someone assumed about me today were inaccurate. It discouraged me. Yes, I will get over it, and yes, I am still thankful for the many blessings that are too innumerable for me to even name, but once in awhile in spite of all the wonderful things going on it's still possible to be just a little...human.
And I miss the rest of my family.

Elisabeth Arona

After the dust clears: The Accessory Exchange/Swap

2010-11-24T11:56:00.000-08:00

Remember the blog swap I held here? I do!! What I received in the swap had me smiling for days :-) Since I had included that my favorite color was blue Debi (my swap partner) sent me a blue bracelet that she made herself just for me! I was surprised to see a sweet card with a handwritten note too! THE best partner, seriously!

Beautiful, right? I immediately put it on :-)

The box had this great little zipper pull on it, and my mom was so busy examining it, that she didn't realize there was another gift IN the box lol.

The pretty card included...

Yes, I'm blessed.

Feel free to check out her shop and see some more of her pretties!

Elisabeth Arona

Tempting Tuesday-Educate yourself first

2010-11-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

The following clip strays a little from my usual "Hey, this is a funny/cute movie you should watch" stance. This film is about the dire straits our nation is in. I literally teared up when I saw this movie. Take what I'm about to say with a grain of salt (since it always seems like I'm chiding my own people), but minorities in the US are constantly saying that they're being done wrong and that everyone is out to get them...but my thoughts have always been that no one can bring another person down if that person has educated himself.
As for everyone, minority or no: you can't fight wrongs that you see done if you can't read or write, and you can't expect the world to become a better place if you're not learning how to make it better. What I see in this trailer makes me sad--but I think it's spot on-because it's a sad reality. So for this Tempting Tuesday, I'm hoping I can tempt you to educate yourselves, by first watching this trailer, and then watching the movie. I will...

Elisabeth Arona

Monday Madness

2010-11-14T21:42:00.000-08:00

Thought you might need a laugh...

I sent that forward to ten people, and I'm still waiting for that miracle...

:-) Elisabeth Arona

Farmer's Market visit

2010-11-13T18:26:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I took Taylor to the Farmer's market near us (DeKalb farmer's market) and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. When I was very small, my parents use to take me there. My sister's and I loved going over to the HUGE live catfish tank and have my dad dip his hand in the water and make all the fish jump and splash water at us. We would all squeal and dodge the water before begging him to do it again and again. Once I reached about the ripe old age of ten I started to think of the Farmer's Market as synonymous with the strong fish odor that would greet you at the door...and since my dad stopped going with us because he started working normal shifts, it was no longer "fun."

Taking Taylor brought back so many memories, and the only thing more fun than seeing her discover all the wonderful items they have, was rediscovering them myself. Here are the pictures :-)

Taylor enjoyed the samosas in the cafeteria (mmmm fresh cooked food!)

From chicken salads, to cole slaw, to baba ghanouj (no, I didn't make that up, it's a dip made of eggplant,) the dip area is a mouthwatering sight!

The amount of cheese there will blow your mind :-)

Elisabeth Arona

Honesty is the best policy.

2010-11-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be very honest and tell everyone why I haven't been keeping up with my blog so much lately. I want my blog to be a positive place, a place where you can find a laugh, maybe some cool recipes, and interesting advice...I've been going through some "moments" as I call them, and I didn't want to rain on the lovely parade. Maybe I can help you though, as I find my way back to sanity.

I've never been the type of person to going through long periods of sadness. I'll have a burst of moping on bad days, be very dramatic, then move on. The last couple of months have been difficult though, as in can't-seem-to-have-two-good-days-in-a-row kind of difficult. It was as if I was always thinking of the negative. I believe I've found the root of my problem, or at least part of it. My mom asked me today if I really do feel that because I'm the only one left at home that makes me less important or less able to be happy, and if I were honest, I would say yes...It stinks for everyone else to be headed toward exciting things while I am at home struggling to be more disciplined with sewing and creating, be helpful around the house, and find the smile that I used to have so much more often!
I'm not off at college (I did love college,) I'm not loving on a new baby, and I'm not preparing for a wedding--those are the things my sisters are doing, and I am happy for them. Perhaps I'm a bit jealous also (ya think??) Sometimes life isn't all flowers and hearts; sometimes you have to take what you have and be grateful to God for all the bad things that aren't happening to you. This is me sucking it up. Want to come along for the ride? I'm sure this won't be the only lecture I give myself...

Coming up later this week...

1. Pictures from the blog swap.

2. Pictures from my attempt at making apple cobbler.

Stay tuned!

Elisabeth Arona

Toy Story 3

2010-11-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

How many of you have watched, or are planning to watch Toy Story 3? I caught about half of the movie yesterday and saw the part where everyone seems to be crying, but maybe I just wasn't in the mood...Either way, this seems to be a fairly good movie for those of you who don't want to be bored stiff while having movie night with the kids :-) This trailer has most of the best moments in it lol.

Accessory Exchange/Swap Update

2010-11-05T20:05:00.001-07:00

Today is the day...or almost! The deadline is November 6th, which is tomorrow (Saturday.) Don't forget to send out your package if you haven't already...someone is waiting to receive it :-) More on the exchange later...

Elisabeth Arona

I am a brand-and you are one too.

2010-10-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

I belong to a great team on Etsy. Etsy.com is an online location for handmade and vintage sellers and buyers to gather and change the world (but just check it out to really GET it.) Joining a team is like being in a club, people who understand you, your frustrations as a seller or creator, and in this case (since it's a Christian team) also discuss topics that apply to your every day life as a Christian. All of this is just me rambling though. Today one of the members of the team said she pulled an "Arona" by sleeping in, because obviously I am Arona, and I have been sleeping in a LOT lately and come in to say good morning when morning is almost over. I joked about how I am a brand, because someone named sleeping in after me...and yes, I realize that this isn't the best thing to have named after you but follow me here, it's gonna get interesting.
When I graduated last year from college, our commencement speaker spoke about brands. You know, his job is to make everyone that just graduated so ridiculously excited about getting out there and being successful that they actually get out there and become successful. He said something that will probably stick with me forever. Are you ready? Okay...
............................
........................................
.....................................................
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You ARE a brand.
Wasn't that deep? Maybe not without explanation :-) When someone says "I ate Cheerios for breakfast." You immediately picture cereal, because that's what Cheerios is! No one has to describe what they look like, or what ingredients are included, Cheerios IS the all-encompassing description of this food. In the same way, when someone says your name, everyone around immediately has a picture in their minds of what or who you are. Some will automatically think of you as nice, others as industrious, and of course sometimes there are some negatives (we're all human after all.)
You and I are constantly shaping-and hopefully improving upon-our personal brands. Yesterday, I heard on the radio that a large, well-known store is trying to change the way people look at them. To do this, they are lowering prices, and for those who don't want to go into their stores, they are making an online version with low shipping. By doing this, they show that they "care" about their current and prospective customers; they make it impossible to dislike them by making sure no one can find the items anywhere else so conveniently and inexpensively. I attempt to be the type of person that can always be put out for others, and the friend that can be called any time. Since people always call me no matter what I'm doing, and I even get texts demanding to know why I would go to sleep early (when they are still awake and need someone to talk to) I assume that I am now known for my availability...While this is perhaps a branding "don't", there are many things that you can really do with this idea both in your personal mentality, and in the way you improve your business acumen.
Just think, you are completely responsible for how people think of you! You can build your brand to be known for all sorts of wonderful things! Go for it, go complete your brand!

Elisabeth Arona

Oh happy day

2010-10-24T19:53:00.000-07:00

So a few of my friends in cyberspace told me that they wanted to hear my sing (I guess because I'm always mentioning choir practice or something that I'm singing in church on Sundays.) Well, this video was taken by my mom, and on a rather cheap camera, but I think it did pretty well. The song is Oh Happy Day, and I'm singing lead with a group at our church. Ignore the flaws and listen to the words :-) Enjoy.

Elisabeth Arona

Accessory Exchange/Swap Update

2010-10-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Hi lovely bloggers! I'm updating the info on the accessory exchange. I moved back the deadline because I realize that the current one is a little soon especially if you're going to make something especially for your exchange recipient. I'm moving it back two weeks!! If you haven't received your info yet about your exchange partner, it's because I haven't received your email or know that you tried to contact me :-(
The deadline for sending out your item is now the sixth of November!
I hope you all can work with this...and happy swapping!

Elisabeth Arona

Tangled

2010-10-13T21:24:00.000-07:00

While all of you may not actually like animated films or think they're childish, I always have (and hopefully always will) loved them. They're the best! They're like daydreams come to life! How can you not feel happy watching one? At the end of this post is one I'm looking forward to watching as soon as it comes out :-)
I'm the type of person who enjoys all the creativity that goes into movies, whether they are animated, or partially animated, or with real live actors and actresses (a mixture of both would be Enchanted which I have to comment the makers and especially the costume designers on!) I have weakness for musicals too-sound of music or seven brides for seven brothers anyone? Am I the only one that thinks it would be so exciting if for one day the whole world turned into a musical and everyone was bursting into song willy nilly? Yeah, okay, maybe I am. So, I'm thinking of actually putting previews of movies that I'm interested in on my blog once in awhile-any thoughts on that? One more question: what did you think of this preview? Is it something that you would take your kids to, or watch yourself?

Fat? No. Roundish? Yes.

2010-10-12T10:33:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying I'm neither obese, nor depressed about my current weight...but sometimes, y'know you just get that urge to shape up. My problem is that my two sisters that live at home still (both early 20s like me) are both tiny little things. One is 5 feet tall and wears a size two or occasionally children's sizes and the other wears size 6 and she's 5 feet 4 inches tall. I don't remember ever actually wearing either of those sizes, and it was never something that I worked toward, but I like to assume that my sisters by point of reference make me look large. Every time my mom wants to lose weight, she wants me to lose weight with her, and every so often my dad tells me I need to change my eating habits or exercise more for my "health".

My sisters and I. Left to right: Sarah, Mary, me, and Julia in front.

I can at least take comfort in the thought that when Mary was home, she was always getting the same kinda suggestions. Since she got married and moved away though, she's had a baby and no one bothers the mom of the first grandbaby :-)

My point? Oh yeah, forgot I had to have one of those. Although I don't feel large usually, I would like to tone up and get some exercise in just so I won't always feel like a lazy hag. I went to the skating rink with some home school kids from out church and it was great! I forgot how much fun rollerblading is, and how much of a sweat I work up(especially since normally I don't sweat much)...I also forgot about how achey my legs would be the next day. With all this being said, I have come up with a plan. I want to buy some rollerblades. I've never been that person that enjoys working out just because it makes you healthy, I want a workout to be fun! If anyone knows of any nice inexpensive rollerblades around let me know-size 9. I've also considered jumping rope, buying some zumba dvds of my own, and playing frisbee with the girls more often. If you know of any good "exercise fun" feel free to suggest it. My allergies are horrible right now, so anything indoors is best!

Elisabeth Arona

BTW don't forget about the blog swap I'm hosting! Check it out in the post below this one!

Accessory Exchange/Swap!

2010-10-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

While I was busy keeping house and home, I had some time to think even though absolutely no time to do. I decided that what I needed to recharge my blog as well as add more followers (hopefully) was a swap/exchange. Bear with me, this could be exciting :-)

I hope my fellow artists will join me! I am hosting a Fall exchange her on Lizzisays! If you're like me, just reading that gave you a little thrill lol. So let me explain.

How to Enter: Each person that decides to participate will be given a name, an address, and something about the recipient so that they can better know what to send...They in turn will email me with the following info: Name, address, blog and/or facebook fanpage (if they have one.) If you don't have a blog or fanpage, please write a few sentences about yourself. Here is an example: "My name is Jesse, I am a mom with two kids, my favorite article of clothing is my knit hat because it keeps me warm and I can still look good, my ears aren't pierced so no earrings :-( "etcetc. Just keep it interesting and use your imagination, try to ask yourself what you would want to know about someone else!

What to send: The swap is pretty much open to interpretation...You can make your package as big or small as you want, at least one handmade accessory item must be included but the package can also include other items of your choosing. Remember that there is a deadline, if you miss it by a day don't give up, but please TRY to send your item out before or by that day. Feel free to get creative with it and include a nice note, letter, or card. Who knows? You might actually make a new friend!

Deadline: The deadline for sending out your item is the 23rd of this month, so please, please, please be aware, and don't enter if you are not going to be able to make it. The deadline for entering is a week from today (10/09) so hurry and shoot me an email with your info! Feel free to email me with any questions also.

I would love, love, love to get photos of the items you send and receive so remember me when you pull out your cameras :-) Happy swapping!

Elisabeth Arona

P.S. A little bit of the fashion designer in me won't be silenced...so here are some things that are very IN right now: colorful socks, tights, and scarves (both knit-especially cowl ones, and cloth ones).

I'm baaaaack!

2010-10-04T21:14:00.000-07:00

I am sorry that I have been too busy to keep up with my blog. I hope it will never happen again, but since my sister is getting married this coming summer, I can see it happening again then...and if I'm really busy with creating from now until Christmas like I think I will, then it might happen again soon too. I will stop babbling and just say sorry again :-)

Now, let's get back to business. I have some pictures to load on tomorrow, so wait for them. It is inevitable that pictures of my beautiful niece will be up on my blog every week-I won't even bother to apologize to that lol.

Elisabeth Arona

I'm an AUNT!!!

2010-09-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

I now have a niece! Her name is Brooklyn. At birth she weighed 7 lbs 9 oz and was 19 inches long. I do believe that she is the most beautiful baby ever :-) and I have proof:

In this picture, I tried to give her a mohawk, but her hair wasn't acting right lol.

I'm in love!

Elisabeth Arona

Only so much I can take...

2010-09-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

There's only so much a girl can take, honestly, this is a fact. So far since this grand idea to leave me with three kids, a dad, and a house to take care of I've been taking a turn for the worst. My natural knack for drama has only reached it's peak, my personal image has crashed and burned, my self-esteem has taken a beating, and my resolve to be the best fake mom ever has strengthened.
So, this song (Everything Falls) has become my song of the day and soon may become my go-to song for when I want to scream and jump off of a rooftop (I did tell you the thing about only becoming more dramatic, right?)
So I'm going to give you a few examples of the above problems that I'm having.
Dramatic
The other day I burst into tears because my dad told me to calm down, I also called him yesterday and declared it to be the worst day of my life-I've been saying that waaaay more lately than I'd like. I updated my facebook status saying "My life is a perfect graveyard of buried hopes" which is a quote from Anne of Green Gables (movie.)
Personal Image
I walked around the house with the same hairstyle for a week, and only changed headbands to make it look as if I did it. Yesterday I spilled black beans everywhere (including on my shirt) and went to midweek church service just like that. I really felt everyone should have been grateful that at least I took the beans off and only had mud-like smudges on my pink and white striped shirt. To give it uniformity I was going to smudge all over the shirt, but I didn't have time--TRUE STORY! Since in "normal life" I can never find my shoes, and definitely in crazy life I can't find them I've been wearing the same sandals every day for over a week except for Sunday.
Self-esteem
While logically I know that I should be proud of myself, I see sooo many problems with everything I do. It puts me on the defense a lot. My dad joked this morning that my mom stayed up (after waking up at 4:50 AM) until he leaves out the door (at 5:20 AM.) I was so sleepy that the only retort I could come up with was "better go find the mommyloo then!" and a kiss on the cheek. Sorry dad. After I finally washed and restyled my hair yesterday someone at church KEPT saying (they think I'm hard of hearing too?!) that I must've stuck my finger in an electric socket. I was not amused, but I was resigned. The girls haven't once said "Momma doesn't..." or mentioned her in that way, so I'm grateful, but there have definitely been other such statements, all of which sting. To make matters worse, someone told me yesterday I should grow a backbone and tell everyone I refuse to do this any longer. I think that being that way would come back and bite me later when there's something really really want to do (like my mom wants to be with her firstborn when she has her first child.)
Resolve
The house may look more lived-in that it has in quite awhile, but it won't be for lack of trying, or for lack of calling out orders lol.

So I repeat (or retype) there is only so much a girl can take before she starts fasting and praying that her sister hurries and goes into labor so she can have her life back. I know, how selfish, but the selfishness has been saved as the topic for another post.

Elisabeth Arona

Tempting Tuesday-Mom temptations

2010-09-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

Are there any moms out there? Well, for a bit at least I'm joining your world...the world where whenever someone wants to talk all you can talk about is things that the kids did this week (because those are the only people you've been around...) The world where you really think the baby should be punished for something he/she did, but it's just too darn cute sometimes, so you just clean up the mess...The world where you try to write in your blog, but the kids keep asking you questions and at this moment the baby either keeps pressing the power button or holding onto your fingers as you attempt to type. This world takes some getting use to!

Sooo for my Tempting Tuesday these are the things that tempt me:

1. Naptime. I get excited at naptime now! The house is so peaceful and sleepy :-)
2. Quiet. I really don't know what this is anymore, but I have a faint memory...
3. Leaving the house. Since there aren't many cars, I rarely get to leave the house unless it's to run errands and then I have to rush back. Please don't leave your car anywhere near my house or I just may take off in it!
4. Another me. If someone offered me the chance to have a second me right now to do all the things I don't feel like doing (changing diarrhea diapers, putting a reluctant baby down for nap, or overseeing piano practice) I have to admit I'd be tempted to take them up on it.

Elisabeth Arona

Week in pictures

2010-09-10T01:32:00.000-07:00

The Week in Pictures

Illustration for Ingrid

Burn marks from hot oil splattering on my neck while cooking too early in the morning

At Stone mountain with the kids wearing the shirt that a friend gave me over the weekend (I totally love it.)

Elisabeth Arona

Weekday Wacky

2010-09-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

In life there are always priceless moments :-) Here are a few from my week.

1. The roach. At about 2 AM there was a giant roach in the bathroom...I am deathly afraid of roaches. If I'd seen this on a movie it would've been hilarious, but since it was me it wasn't so funny at the time. I quickly climbed up on the toilet and stayed there squealing (remember it's 2 AM) and wishing I had my cellphone to call for help. Since the only thing I could find handy was some air freshener (and I've heard how bad it is for humans) I sprayed that bug down with it, but alas it didn't work. Was that a slight limp I noticed? May it was getting sick, but it'd still be a good few hours at least before the thing died and I wasn't staying up on the toilet keeping vigil for THAT long! Ironically my little sister had taken a world history book into the bathroom and left it on the floor-go figure. The bug at one point crawled into the book and I thought about jumping on top of it, but I wasn't brave enough to hear the crunch...so when it wandered back out I gingerly snapped it up and at the right moment dropped it with a loud bang onto the roach.,..,and the roach is no more. My dad was hereby forced to remove the bug from the book--and floor-the next morning after I cooked him breakfast.

2. Suck it up. Yes, I took a moment to complain about my life at this moment to someone who asked, and they told me to suck it up. At the moment I swear tears possibly sprang to my eyes, because I was feeling especially sulky at the moment, but now I just laugh because someone actually THOUGHT that that was a great way to encourage me. People make life interesting, am I right?

ManMan sitting on the counter while I chopped potatoes

3. Toilet water. ManMan, the baby I watch during the day (about 14 mos) somehow wandered from my watchful eye and I found him vigorously "cleaning" the toilet-bowl with the lil brush in hand. His shirt was soaked. Since I was so busy cleaning him up I forgot about the bathroom, and later my dad addressed me about it--I had to assure him it was "just toilet water". I do hope that that's the last time I'll have to use that phrase.

Unfortunately I have tons more, but I will stop here lest I get carried away. I hope I at least brought a tiny smile to your face...because if I didn't I may have to tell you about the baby and the hot pink marker...

Elisabeth Arona

Homeschooling Help

2010-09-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

My oldest sister is having a baby. I know you're thinking "aaaaand...?" so let me explain why this is significant. She and her husband are the first among their brother's and sisters to get married, my sister is the first to get married out of all the grandchildren, and now she'll have the first grandbaby (on her hubs side and hers), great grandbaby, and niece/nephew! My mom is going to be a grandmother for the first time, enough said. She has decided to go stay with my sister for the remaining three weeks of her pregnancy leaving me to keep the house. This will consist of waking up at 5 AM to cook my dad breakfast every week morning, supervising my two little sister's home schooling, cooking dinner every day, and even babysitting the little boy (about eighteen months old) that Mom normally babysits. Whew. Yes, I'm tired already, but in my effort to be a great "mommy" I have trolled the web looking for resources, especially for school. You will get to benefit from the fruits of my labors. Most of these sites are great for any kids, not just home-schooled ones.

This site is great because you can decide how you want your worksheets more or less. I use most of the sites for math, but other subjects can be found on most of these too.
Kid Zone is a great place to find cool kiddie worksheets. They're cute, and there are lots of subject to pick from!
The Homeschoolmom site has all sorts of resources that will get you out of the house, from piano lessons, to art classes, and you can pick out your state. Now the home school kids that we know are going to a home school skate night with us at the rink in the near future!

Enjoy!

Elisabeth Arona

Happy September everyone!

2010-09-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't been around. While I was out of state I thought I'd still be able to post, but it just wasn't possible; I was much too busy and then I got sick...I'll update you right here.

Here I am the day of the wedding when the bride (and my close friend) is about to leave for her honeymoon. It's shocking that we didn't have huge bags under our eyes and crazy hair after all the hours of sleep we missed and the prep work we did!

To see her like this ^ is the whole reason I went. *sniff*

After the wedding the guys decided I should get out and get have some fun after chaperoning and working all week. So sweet.

My friend's little sister Gracie hung with the guys and me

And her big ol' younger brother was my chauffeur after she left-I paid him back by helping with his college homework :-)

All in all I felt so at home that I really didn't want to leave...but leave I did, and I am now home about to leave again to take my mom to stay with my pregnant sister until the first grandbaby comes along (in about a month.) In all the flurry the bride and I both caught something and while she was hoarse on her wedding day, it didn't hit me until a few days later and I'm still recovering from my friends making fun of me. They claimed that it was a relieve to finally have me silent...but we all know how they really felt.

Elisabeth Arona

Kentucky on Thursday

2010-08-26T23:19:00.000-07:00

Do your brothers constantly annoy you, occasionally have shockingly deep conversations with you, and teach you new things? Yeah, mine didn't. I never had brothers. I grew up with three sisters, and then eight years ago we added on two new ones. Still no boys. I have hung out with guys a lot, but sometimes I really get a little taste of what having brothers would be like; the good, the bad, and the ugly all come out.

I am at my friend's house and she is preparing for a wedding this Saturday so we are Busy (notice the capital B.) My friend (we will call her H) has eleven siblings, two of which are married, but basically it's a full house. I have realized several things from these guys.
1. They mean well. Sometimes guys say and do stupid things (from a girl's emotional standpoint,) but generally they mean well, they just picked the wrong time to tease. In their defense they really just seem to have a hard time judging when someone shouldn't be messed with...I'm a girl and it took me awhile too!
2. They can really teach you how to play xbox. I learned in about ten minutes and am now sure (with almost male enthusiasm) that I could beat my "teacher" at it if I tried hard enough.
3. They LOVE their sisters. Yes, they can be annoying, but they're showing their love in their own way. Really, having brothers is major awesome for protection from outsider males. Not only do they keep the bad ones away, sometimes they keep ones that they just don't like away too!

Anyway, I'm having a great time here...I really wished for almost a whole minute that I had brothers today :-) then I realized I could borrow someone else's with much less trouble and that's what I'm gonna do.

Elisabeth Arona

The flight

2010-08-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

The Flight

The flight to Kentucky was beeeautiful. The only thing more beautiful (and scary) is flying through rain. At the beginning of the flight there was only clean sky, then at one point we flew through tons of beautiful puffy clouds...And there was a time when I wanted to reach out and touch the them because they looked so soft and "delicious".

I looked around at the other passengers, but I seemed to be the only one impressed. Call this childish, but if enjoying God's creation is childish may I forever stay a child. I want to always find excitement in my surrounding and be awed by nature. This is one reason I enjoy traveling with others, there was no one for me to tell...and I couldn't even text :-)

Clouds were especially thick here

Elisabeth Arona

The...airport?

2010-08-25T00:24:00.000-07:00

I have decided to post while I am away about being away. Hopefully interesting things will happen so I won't have to work too hard for them :-)

I am currently sitting in the middle of the world's tiniest airport-or maybe I just think so. Anyone been to the Birmingham, AL airport (BHM)? At least it has wireless, but when my sister and I arrived the place looked deserted! "Is it open?" My shocked sister asked. "Ummmmm..." I replied hesitantly. We are definitely city girls. I headed inside to check in my bag and there was no line! Are reading me? NO LINE! The Atlanta airport is never without a line, EVER. I thought it was kinda cool though. I asked the lady at the front desk if this was normal, and she said, "Yeah, pretty much!" People are really friendly here though, and the cheaper price was definitely worth it.

Elisabeth Arona

Tempting Tuesday

2010-08-23T21:08:00.000-07:00

These are the things that tempt me today.

I love Chinese food, and I hope that while I am away--oh btw I'm going to Kentucky for a friends wedding-I will manage to fit some Chinese food into the schedule :-)

Yum!

While I was in Virginia a couple of weeks ago, I managed to make it to the hot tub...I love hot tubs and pools...and well...clean water!

Ahhhhh....

My dear friend Taylor managed to get me somewhat addicted to frappes. I would love one or two or three right now!

Sighhhhhh

What tempts you?

http://www.mrcoffeecafefrappe.com/recipes.aspx

http://foodies.blogs.starnewsonline.com/tag/monkey-junction/page/2/

http://www.allaroundthehouse.com/lib.pqr.p6.htm

Mmmmm...chocolate everywhere.

2010-08-22T22:40:00.000-07:00

Due to being highly moody and stressed out, this post is filled with the things that would make me feel best at this moment. Find them all at Hershey's site.

Elisabeth Arona

Race? What RACE??

2010-08-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

My family and I (I'm in the red flowered dress)

As a forward, let me say that I believe racist crimes should be punished, as well as all other crimes...true crimes are not what this post is about. So let me begin:

Lately it seems like every time I turn around there is an issue where someone being "racist" pops up in the news, when there was nothing I considered racist about the incidents let alone the people. I will be the first to say that as a "lil bit of everything" type of chick, I find this somewhat annoying. To me, people are people. Yes, anyone can tell a white person looks different from a black person, an Asian person looks different from an Indian person, and so on...but when it comes down to it, it's really not worth all the drama. For those who don't get it, let me put it in perspective for you.
My mom was from the country-here in Georgia (things move a lot slower there--especially in the South) and when she was a kid, she walked to a one-room schoolhouse, while the white children rode the bus down the dirt road to their school. My dad was born in the U.S. to a Canadian mother (who is biracial) and a Jamaican father (also biracial, a descendant of Scottish and Irish natives), and though I really have never heard my dad talk about being treated differently as a light-skinned, green-eyed guy in Jamaica, my grandmother does talk about segregation and things of that nature. My mom said that her dad had green or grey eyes and it was rumored that one of his parents was white, but that couldn't be talked about back then because people could be hurt for that.
I said all this to say that I have it good. While I have heard a lot of "What race are you?" and "Is your dad white?" as well as a few snubs by people black and white, I don't really care. Most of it happened when I was too little to understand or care actually. I've been told that I shouldn't "think I'm all that" because I'm light-skinned by my own race, so far be it from me to tell a curious white person who asks what black people eat--out of true ignorance on the topic-that they are racist because they asked it.
Even though I find it highly annoying, there will always be people who don't talk to someone because they're too ugly, too handicapped, too tall, too skinny, too pretty, or some other just-as-confusing reason. I can't help this, and sometimes I think that perhaps people throw out the race card because it's the easiest and most obvious excuse for not being nice.
What is my point? I guess my point is that people are people; you can be what you want to be if you don't let anyone hold you back. No matter what race you are, people will insult you for something because even the nicest person is gonna have a bad day and lash out-not to mention those people who are just rude all day every day. So let's just all try a little harder to forgive and forget :-) and enjoy out lives. When God made us, he said that his creation was very good, and I truly believe he was right.

Elisabeth Arona

Friend Friday-Link up!

2010-08-19T21:23:00.000-07:00

Do you like to make new friends? I know I do...and I love finding new blogs to check out, so add your blog to my linky and check out some of the other cool blogs that have added theirs! Hopefully you will find some new friends and some new friends will find you in the process :-) Enjoy!

Elisabeth Arona

Wiley Wednesday--new ideas!!

2010-08-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

Although some of you have seen it already, other of you haven't...so here is my latest creation! I think I look absolutely horrible in this pic, but I'm working on that too lol-and I did like my crazy hair! I made this shirt especially for a trip I took to Virginia for a youth conference. I really hoped to advertise a lot, but that didn't happen so much. It's hard for me to advertise for myself because I feel like I am boasting or being obnoxious and no one likes that. It's most natural for me to deflect when people start praising me (it doesn't actually happen that often) so a couple times after I said "this is the shirt I made" and they started telling me it was great, I changed the subject. D'oh! I won't be able to sell if I can't do this! Any advice? I'm sure some of you have had a problem with self-promoting.

Anyway, you may be wondering what this has to do with Wiley Wednesday, and here it is. This shirt is a sneak peek at designs to come! I'm going to work with more ruffles and things soon. Any ideas on what I could be cooking up?

Elisabeth Arona

Tempting Tuesday

2010-08-17T06:28:00.000-07:00

For this Tempting Tuesday I put together an adorable outfit that I would so wear! I love hats, and this skirt makes my heart beat a little faster :-)

Find me on Polyvore

What tempts you?

Elisabeth Arona

I LOVE MAIL...and then I don't.

2010-08-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

Being an adult is hard. I used to be excited every time mail came for me, but today the hospital (read back to this post if you don't know the story) sent me a letter saying that they had done nothing wrong and I still owe them money. This either means (A) They have some lying doctors. (B) They don't know how to read-because since when was a sick nurse not against hospital regulations? or (C) They have lying doctors, nurses, and reviewing officials as well as horrible customer service. Yes, I had to vent.

On the other hand I received my Squiz cards in the mail today! These little darlings are so cute and tiny (aka mini hehe) and I got mine during a giveaway they were having, but feel free to purchase some for yourself HERE. They're waterproof and come with this adorable little holder!

I also participated in a blog recipe swap at this thoroughly awesome blog (I think I spoke about it once before) and have been receiving recipes in the mail from my swappy pals! I wish this were an ongoing thing! One recipe came all the way from Australia (soooo neat!)

Last week this and a hairpin came in the mail from an accessory swap on this blog! Does anyone see a pattern emerging here? I'm addicted to blog activities. I do believe that I will be having a swap this winter if I have time between all the things coming at me soo so fast!

So yes, I do love getting mail...until those adult moments come around and I receive a bill or bad news. Ohhh to be a kid again!

Elisabeth Arona

I miss my mommyyyyy

2010-08-12T22:15:00.000-07:00

In case anyone has been wondering why I haven't written on my blog, it's because I am out of town. I'm sorry!

We left one Wednesday at 2 AM and I drove the first shift. Driving from here (GA) to Virginia is ten hours. I had five hours and my sister had five. I got an hour and sleep and was sooooo sleepy, but I did okay. I had a teenage co-pilot, and then my sister Sarah would have our other teenage friend for hers. I believe my sister planned to get all of her sleep while it was dark, and then drive during the light; her plan worked. When I stopped driving at 7 AM it was light and I was starting to swerve a little.
Fast forward to arriving in Virginia. We met a friend at our hotel and he helped us unload our stuff, then we headed back out to get food. Only God knew what would happen next. Five literal minutes down the street we went to switch lanes and apparently someone else had the same idea (or was speeding) we met in the middle. It was on my side and I saw it coming closer and closer. I screamed. I really wished it was a nightmare.
We are planning to drive the car, somewhat smashed door, and ripped off front bumper included. It's the worst feeling being away from our parents and in another state when (God forbid) something like this happens. Anyway, as someone told us, "The car can be replaced, but you cannot. Be thankful you're okay!"
I'm grateful, and trying to have a good time and will hopefully be back to posting as soon as I get home (Sunday.)

I miss my mommy and daddy!

Elisabeth

Tempting Tuesday: Simply Delicious Site

2010-08-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

Bacon Wrapped Chicken

In case any of you have forgotten, it's Tempting Tuesday on Lizzisays! Soooo, here is the most tempting thing I found so far this week. In a way it's sad how much of a visual person I am. I love food, and this picture makes me want to weep. I can taste the bacon crust and the delicious tender chicken...*Ahem* Okay, I am back from my daydream. I didn't just come to tempt you with thoughts of chicken, but also with the desire to cook something up yourself.

Perhaps you too are a visual person. If you are, then this site I found is just for you! It is called Visual Recipes and it's basically exactly what it appears to be (from the name.) You get recipes and the step by step instructions with pictures! Is it obvious that this concept excites me? I did a couple recipes like that on here, and now you can find a really good selection too. So, what are you waiting for? I can't believe you're still reading my ramblings! I hope you enjoyed this Tempting Tuesday!

Elisabeth Arona

Marvelous Monday

2010-08-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

I haven't decided what to label my Mondays-and many of you would argue that they are anything but marvelous. I disagree! While I truly dislike Saturdays, I LOVE Mondays! I don't work outside the home, so instead of dreading all of the weeks work, instead I look at all the things that I will create this week and can get started on today! It's a very exciting thing for me, and I wake up ready to get started.

My Monday morning consists of getting a good stretch in...

I'm juuuuust kidding, I would never be able to do that yoga pose (I don't even do yoga) I just thought it would give everyone a chuckle if I put that picture up.

Then I quickly start saving the world...

One missed email, and Facebook status at a time...

After this, there is a jumble of cleaning my room, figuring out my next sewing project, and of course...doing my hair...

(no comment)

And of course I must eat!

What are your Mondays like, and why oh why do you hate them so?

Elisabeth Arona

Does that grass look greener to you?

2010-08-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

Today while I was in the pool with two friends, we started a discussion about insecurities. It was pretty deep (okay, so maybe I just thought so, but judge for yourself.) I said that people tend to carry their insecurities over to others, and for an example I will use clothing. Someone who is afraid of wearing a certain color for fear of how others will react (someone once told me after I bought a certain color that it wouldn't look good on me), will often go to others and react negatively to their clothing color choices (therefore starting a chain reaction of insecurity.)
My friend who recently shaved her head to regrow her hair natural-oh yeah, I'm proud of her because I love having hair and would fear cutting it-said that when she wears weave or different colored wigs people comment about how she isn't happy with who she is or how God made her. Her reply was, "And you are?"
In their minds, these people consider themselves "more content" with their natural appearance although they have relaxers or perms, complain about their hair, or color their hair. I believe that for me to get into the insecurities of humans (especially women) regarding their hair and body image alone I would be here typing on through the night and yeah, maybe even through next week :-). So let me leave my main point with you. It is okay to enhance your natural beauty, but don't let what a few others consider beautiful or ugly sway you too much. You look in the mirror at yourself every day, you live in your skin, and you have to be happy with how you enhanced your person.
My daddy taught me that when I am most critical of others is when I am not happy with myself. I hate when he points it out because it is super true. I am going to an event in another state, and I was--okay am-somewhat afraid to wear my hair natural because I generally get mixed reviews. You know what though? I am going to wear it natural, and I will rock it, because I am confident (self esteem boosting in progress) and when I am happy with myself as a wonderful example of God's handiwork I won't worry about dissing other people to put them on the level I believe myself to be on...instead I will lift them up so we can stand on the same level together. In conclusion, as a radio host used to say...
"Now go do the right thing."

Elisabeth Arona

A problem with a solution

2010-08-05T05:29:00.000-07:00

Every problem has a solution. I know this, and yet I still have a problem. I was a little nervous about broadcasting this, but I really felt peace about the idea; if that changes I will take it down. Those of you who are on CAST etsy team at least, know that in May I was sick for about a week with what (I didn't know then) ended up being strep throat. Here is the numerical version all neat and tidy (without the name of the hospital) as I sent it to the Joint Commissioner's office. Do you have a solution or suggestion? I would love to hear it. I am contacting the health department next...and someone tells me to pay the hospital a dollar a month and it won't go to collections like they keep threatening while I sort it out.

I visited ***** Hospital's Emergency room on May 5. 2010 because I was coughing up blood. I had been sick for about a week, and was finally convinced by my dad to visit the hospital. My complaints are as follows:

1.The nurse was sick. When I was called to the back waiting room, the only nurse on duty in the area had a hacking cough. She was told by the physician to go home and take care of it, but laughed it off; I was exposed to more germs by staff!

2. I was diagnosed with Strep Throat but was not given a throat swab or any form of a strep test. The doctor simply looked at my throat and told me that I had strep throat. I called the CDC and they confirmed that a strep test of some kind must be administered to diagnose someone with strep throat.

3. I was in the Emergency room that had hardly anyone in it for eight hours. Most of the waiting was done in the back office for the nurse to give me a shot, and then to sign me out. My dad missed some work because he drove me to the hospital and waited with me.

4. I didn't get better. This is a fairly big issue, because since the doctor didn't take the proper measures to diagnose me, she may have given me a shot that was incorrect. As a result of not getting better, I passed on my sickness to two of my sisters.

5. For all of the above reasons I don't believe that I should pay for the disservice done to me on May 5th. I also would like some reassurance that this won't be a common occurence although I plan to never go back to this hospital.

I am worried that if it happened to me it has happened to others, the doctor said that there had been a lot of cases of strep throat in the months prior to me being there. I had to wonder if perhaps she diagnosed those other "strep throat patients" in the same manner as she did me.

I have spoken with a customer service representative at ***** hospital several times, and have voicemails of her saying she received my letter about this problem; I also spoke to the Vice President of the Emergency Room (NAME) twice and have not been able to resolve this issue. If we could resolve this quickly I would be so grateful.

Elisabeth

If you have a suggestion I welcome it. I am not giving this up (very stubborn person here,) and even if I don't get the bill dismissed I will get something done.

Wiley Wednesday

2010-08-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

I decided that since I'm getting so into my blog, I should have a theme for most days. So far I've only come up with two (Tempting Tuesday and Wiley Wednesday,) but that's okay, slow and steady wins the race. For Wiley Wednesday I will be giving you sneak peeks, having guessing games, or getting my midweek sneakiness out so that the rest of the week can go smoothly. I haven't come up with a complete plan actually (sorry, I'm just that way.) For now though, I was to give you a sneak peek my fabrics. Several of these fabrics are going to be made into new items by A WEEK FROM NOW! Isn't that exciting? Well, it is for me :-) Take a look!

Which one is your favorite? What garment would you like to see your favorite fabric made into?

Elisabeth Arona

Photographs taken by Taylor J.

Tempting Tuesday: Wishlist

2010-08-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

Money doesn't buy happiness...It's sad, because there are a few things, that I think would make me happier! I'm starting what I will call "Tempting Tuesday". Each post will be different, and yet I'll try to have something that tempts you, it will definitely always be something that tempts me.

Now, while I fully believe in not having some things being good for you -if you had everything, what would you wish for?- I also think it's nice to think of one day having those things you don't have now. Here are a few things I would buy if I ever became filthy rich (I know, I would stink as a rich person.)

An ice cream maker!

I love ice cream, and I love old fashioned things...so I would LOVE to get an old-fashioned ice cream maker. Actually, this is me being overly romantic. If I had to choose I'd pick one that had a button where you could turn it yourself, or press a button and let the machine do it. I remember making ice cream a couple of times when I was little.

A dress form...or two, or three...

Ohhh how I would LOVE a pinnable dress form . I have a dress form that's adjustable, but pins won't go in it so the draping I learned in college is going to waste.

Laptop vinyl decal

No, I don't want lips, I have lips. I want a decal for my laptop, I like this one, but I'd love to just have a set to switch around and personalize my baby with :-) This is what happens when you don't have a pet.

A man

Hmmm...in no hurry, but eventually a good man would be nice. Sorry, just had to throw in some comic relief.

Card Holder

This is by Lina on etsy. I love her stuff, and really, I just feel like I would be an all-around better person if I had this case :-)

A cellphone case wristlet

This is not a matter of WANT this is a matter of NEED! I have dropped my poor faithful phone altogether too many times on the unforgiving pavement. Yes, that was a little dramatic, but a little drama was needed to convey this point.

A vintage dress

Yes, I sew. No, I cannot sew vintage, I can copy vintage, but it wouldn't be the same. I think this style would look great on me! I have a definite pear shape body, and this would just work!

Whew...so after going through my wish list (or at least the beginning of it) I think it's your turn. Feel free to leave a link to your wishlist in the comments!

Elisabeth Arona

Little angels...

2010-08-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

Someone (you know who you are) inspired me to write a post I had been meaning to write for awhile. It won't be so much about writing, but about showing.

"Mine eye affecteth mine heart...."

First, our own little "angels"--okay lol when you live with these two you'll realize that's stretching it a bit.

Monnie and Nece. Now 11 & 8 years of age. Have been living with us for seven years. A past of abuse and neglect, and they don't even know what a past is.

There is a family in our church that takes in foster children. I have been telling them for the longest time I was going to make an album of all the pictures of the little children that have come through. Take a look:

Diamond.

Came to live with them at 6 mos, went back to live with family at a year old, and was back and forth a lot for free babysitting (you really do fall in love with children that stay with you so long.) Now? She just turned seven and has been living with her mom full time for quite some time.

Giovanni. Age 2

His parents were arrested and he had to go somewhere. He was with them for about a couple months; when his mom was released and didn't want him, it's anyone's guess what foster home he went to next.

Sean was three months old when he went to live with them. I don't know what age he was here, but he went to go live with his grandmother somewhere around a year later.

Trenton

Oh I love Trent. He left at around a year old and was only a 3 days when he came to stay with them.

Susan

Susan was born to a mother on drugs, who didn't want her, and already had two older brothers adopted by other people. She was a month old when she came to live with the Smiths because of a skull fracture, and was smaller than a newborn because she was so premature. She left at around 8 months old because the state wanted her to be with her brothers--although their adoptive parents only wanted the boys.

Samoria and Mya

These two cuties are as silly as they come. They moved into the Smith home when they were only three months old and Samoria (on the left) has since been adopted by them, while Mya's mom has become independent and can care for her. She went home about a year ago. They are both four years old now, with birthdays only a couple days apart. I see Samoria at least a couple times a week and she runs to give me a hug--my little Sunday school student since she was one (and not technically supposed to be allowed in my 4+ class.)

Many children here in the US and worldwide have had bad things happen to them and need permanent homes. These are only a few of the children who have passed from home to home and sometime I met them. No child should have a skull fracture that was inflicted on purpose. No child should spill marbles and go cower in the corner for fear she will be hit. No child should have a leg broken in three different places by his mom's angry boyfriend. No child should have a burn running from the top of his arm to the bottom. No child should scream all night long at only a few days old because it still has drugs in it's system that it's craving. I am incredibly blessed to have two loving parents, and I am also blessed to have met so many little angels.

Samoria

Malachi 6 mos

Currently in foster care living with the Smiths.

Elisabeth Arona

"Just say no."

2010-07-27T18:36:00.000-07:00

This week started out crazy. On Sunday morning a friend told me that she had a project for me. She wanted me to make scrubs in a size 6x for a family member of hers, and she wanted them by Monday morning at 6 AM. I said yes. As soon as I hung up I felt like an idiot, but I really have a problem saying now. I always wonder how much one will hate me etc. etc. Bear in mind that I'm at church from 10 AM til a little after noon, and then go on to another church from 3-5 PM. She said she would drop it off at 6 PM. She brought supplies:

A pattern in size 3X for me to revise up to 6X
Measurements for the bust and hips (I don't know what happened to the waist either so don't ask me.)
Fabric

Judge me if you'd like, but I'm still new at revising patterns when I've never seen the person, and well, period! Sooo it took me from 7 PM Sunday (with a few short, well-deserved breaks) all the way to 5:30 AM on Monday. No sleep. My room looked like someone broke in and left things instead of took them. I undercharged by a major amount, I felt horrible most of Monday, I didn't get my money when I was supposed to, and I had to do alterations today. Soooo dear internet people, whether you know me or not, I need you to help me say no. I have now come up with several lessons I learned:

~~Never work with friends.~~ Don't automatically say yes just because someone is a friend.
For custom orders (especially the more expensive and time-consuming ones) take partial or full payment before starting.
Make up a pricing sheet with the lowest price you'll charge on any given item so that people can't catch you off guard.
Just because people try to get you to do projects for less doesn't mean that you're actually worth a pittance. People do NOT walk in stores and take out an item to pay later, so no more letting people get a product without paying before it passes from your hand to theirs.

A friend of mine told me to just say no :-) and although I shall take that into advisement (that would mean no money ever lol) it is necessary to have some backbone and charge what feels right. Do you have any advice to add?

Elisabeth Arona

Pretties!

2010-07-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

Tay and I went to a bead shop call The Bead Shoppe :-) I liked all the pretties I saw. I'm going back soon...be super jealous that if you don't live in GA, because you can't go to her brick and mortar shop. Don't worry, after sharing my pics I'll post the link for her online store.

Y'know the best thing? She sells vintage AND buttons!! You all know I LOVE buttons! All of these are beads pictures because I was there for Taylor and her bead addiction, not my button addiction.

I even bought a few beads (because I couldn't resist.)

Wanna check her out online? You can find her at Bauble Bangle Beads on Etsy!

Her brick and mortar shop is here in Georgia:

2849 E College Ave.

Avondale Estates, GA, 30030

Elisabeth Arona

How to live a healthy life without killing yourself...

2010-07-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

Okay...Let's start at the beginning. I am trying to go vegetarian for a few weeks. If you knew how much I need to eat meat, you would understand, but you don't so you don't :-( Today I had flatbread, so I decided to make a pizza with the things I had in the house. I think the pictures are self-explanatory so just go with it and have fun!

I didn't have tomato paste, but what good is a challenge if it's not challenging?

Ripe tomatoes straight from the garden my dad tends diligently like his own children :-)

Mmmm, the finished product after popping it in the oven to cook. It was actually really good! What have you made when your kitchen was mostly empty?

Elisabeth Arona

I won I won!!

2010-07-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

I won a giveaway! I'm the type of person that enters giveaways just because, not really expecting to win. This particular giveaway was special because you have to give a prayer request and may get picked to be sent a gift so basically you get two gifts...prayer and a treat :-)

When I received my package I almost didn't have to rip it open because the envelope was torn up so badly, and it was taped alllll over which I thought was funny. I had to make up a story about it's journey from farfar away. Who knows what the poor thing went through at the post office! Let me explain my treats. These are sticky notes (which I love,) mounted on cardboard with pattern-y paper!! The lil flower covers a magnetic clip for the refrigerator. As for the sticky note, I have some already, but they get lost, so I'm glad this one is posted on something colorful; it's less likely to run away. The magnetic thingy is on my dresser because I'm afraid to take it downstairs to the fridge, I don't want anyone touching it! Selfish me...

If you want to buy some treats, or perhaps win some, go where I went Elgiftsandcards blog!

Elisabeth Arona

Fun stuff that's FREE!

2010-07-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be the fourth (and second to the last) day of vacation bible school. I am a teacher and a helper (Friday I teach my lesson.) You really do need a lot of sleep when you're dealing with children you're not used to, so remember, you heard it here first. I have a headache that won't go away, and I worked most of the day, but I actually had fun! We made octopuses (you can also say octopi for more than one, which I actually like saying more because it makes me sound intelligent lol) from yarn and Styrofoam balls. I feel a tutorial coming on-maybe. The kids loved watching us make their crafts, I have to say that today's craft was a bit ambitious for their ages.

Okay, so I love seeing the words "giveaway", "free", and "swap", so I'm gonna share some that I found on blogs I follow AS WELL as a link for those who have etsy shops to check out :-) Hey. I'm just trying to do unto others as I would have them do unto me!! (Btw I'm currently waiting for a package from a giveaway I won, and an accessory from an accessory exchange I participated in.)

Remember this blog post I did about a recipe I changed around and made and LOVED?? Well, the lady blogger I follow here is having a recipe exchange! I'm gonna definitely do it, but you can too! I don't really make desserts much, but I'll find a recipe from somewhere lol. Even if you don't want to participate in the exchange you should check out her blog anyway. If you don't believe me, let me just tell you that the picture below is from her page, she made it and although I haven't tried any of her recipes yet I'm definitely going to.

Yeah, I know, it's distracting you already--so check out the recipe exchange HERE :-)

That's not it though!!!

This blogger (and artist) caught my eye first because she's my age, but second because she's really good and I love to follow interesting blogs. If you wanna get in on a really neat giveaway (yeah I said that word) and follow a cool chica on her artistic journey please stop by there. You could win....

............

THIS

Whew...I'm running out of steam, but one more thing. If you're looking to make your shop "shopper-worthy" check out this link. I would wax eloquent here, but like I said, no more steam. Speaking of steam, I refuse to iron as a general rule, and especially refuse when I have to wake up early for vbs. I really think you should love me for that since I'm minimizing my carbon footprint, and whatever else, while saving energy to teach the future generations about God and being better citizens...Yeahyeah...so I'm obviously sleepy (I think that ironing statement was unrelated, hmmm) and I'm going to bed! Let me know if you loved any of the links that I gave you here because I sure felt like I had hit the jackpot when I found them!

Elisabeth Arona

Cyber friends!

2010-07-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

I learned some lessons. Be talkative when you have something nice to say. Comment. Reply. Convo. Interact.
Do you ever talk to the person in line in front of you, or the person shopping beside you? I do. Sometimes they look at me crazy, but other times they talk right back. I was told that this was my "woo" talent (the ability to win people over) or my communication talent. I think calling those talents is half the story, they're only talents when used correctly and I really have a hard time pulling that off. Okay, back to my point. Sometimes just "bothering" to answer someone when they ask a question, or giving you two cents is good; maybe all someone needed was two cents!
Sooo...here are my stories from the last month of how smiley faces came bouncing back to me by accident!
One person told me on the CAST forum that they enjoyed my blog. I didn't even know the person who posted it, but I went to check out her etsy shop and was thrilled with what I saw. She sewed! Not only did she sew, but pretty stuff! I emailed/convoed her and she emailed me back! For some reason I love getting convos especially when I think I'm gonna get fussed at and really it's someone sending me a happy note.

Another lady commented on here. She'd found me from another blog I commented on! That made me happy (hope you're reading this.) Best of all, she's in my city, so maybe we can even help each other find resources and places to shop! I already know a great fabric store that I send people to--it's cheap with better fabrics that some of the chain fabric stores.

I wrote a blog about working at home...I got 7 comments on it (to me that's a big deal.) I thought that was so great. Artsy people understand other artsy people, so sometimes when no one else understands me, I can come online and find people who are frustrated about not selling, or eagerly finishing up a project that will completely "get it."

Thank you to all who comment and convo and email and all those things...You made my day.

Elisabeth Arona