tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5903761072739357812012-02-16T21:29:43.911-05:00Quirky creations and random ramblings from the heart of Southern JerseyIt's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comBlogger351100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-65313376141558852562009-12-01T13:45:00.000-05:002009-12-01T13:45:30.325-05:00

This house DESPERATELY (and I emphasize desperately because it's so true) needs food. Can you believe we only got one plate of Thanksgiving leftovers?! I contemplated on what I could make for lunch today and realized there's nothing here. Oi! So on a whim, I put together some chicken broth (with salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, and thyme) with some egg noodles, frozen corn, and peas..hoping

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-31505421650131102272009-11-26T03:12:00.000-05:002009-11-26T03:12:05.959-05:00

The past week has been a whirlwind. Work has been picking up and the Christmas season is rapidly upon us. As I end my evening with thoughts of Thanksgiving, just hours away, I think of how thankful I am for the friends and family I have in my life and the MANY blessings that I have (no matter how much I complain).  ;) Enjoy your Thanksgiving tomorrow. Don't feel bad if you overeat a little (or a

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-74335414010136349672009-11-20T22:22:00.000-05:002009-11-20T22:22:39.003-05:00

It's amazing how quickly time flies! I can't believe how long it's been since I last posted (I really was trying to be better about it-- optimistically once a day and, what I thought would be more feasible, at least once every other day). It's proof that the season is upon us! And maybe I shouldn't beat myself up if I can't keep up. It is the first time I've truly made an effort to post more.

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-71314254150596425842009-11-13T11:25:00.000-05:002009-11-13T11:25:04.986-05:00

Tuesday I was unproductive and Wednesday I was, as well. I had just about enough energy to lie on the couch and get myself glasses of orange juice. I tend to let colds run their course; I don't really like to take medications. However, yesterday I did actually take some DayQuil. Thank you, DayQuil! I was so productive yesterday! I made homemade chicken noodle soup in the slow cooker and cut

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-21354825845007363362009-11-10T22:39:00.000-05:002009-11-10T22:39:06.386-05:00

I love this time of year-- the chill in the air (although it's been a bit warm the last two days), the remaining leaves hanging from the boughs of branches, and the dry, crackly leaf piles up and down the neighborhood streets. However, what I don't like is that it's almost pitch black by five o'clock. I really wanted to take photos of the new fabrics I got on Monday so they could be viewed in the

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-20544101121121042332009-11-08T16:15:00.000-05:002009-11-08T16:15:03.711-05:00

For Stephen's birthday (in late October), I bought him two Boxwood plants. I know it's not a conventional birthday gift but Stephen and I aren't your conventional couple. He loves Boxwood. Really loves it. It reminds him of when his family would go on vacation to Colonial Williamsburg when he was younger. He says the smell is "so classy." Our front garden area, on the left side of our house, was

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-41930744469130277262009-11-06T11:41:00.000-05:002009-11-06T11:41:38.857-05:00

Guess what's coming in the mail today?   I love Fabric.com! What do you think I'm making with them? Well, "gifts" is obvious...but what kind of gifts?

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-19656604965208049002009-11-05T15:36:00.000-05:002009-11-05T15:36:54.300-05:00

I signed on to my blog with intentions of posting today and thought, "Hey! I wonder who else has posted today." I saw about 6 or 7 posts from some blogs that I frequent regularly and almost started catching up. But there will be NO DISTRACTIONS! ...At least until I'm done my post. I made pumpkin pie yesterday. Well, TWO pumpkin pies, actually. I wanted to make one for our neighbors across the

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-90221021658802204502009-11-04T13:18:00.001-05:002009-11-04T13:21:55.756-05:00

I hopped on over to Alicia Paulson's blog this morning (my most favorite blog) to see what was going on in the life of Posy Gets Cozy.  She had a link to Polyvore, if you've ever been there. I completely forgot about this little gem of a place! So inspired was I by Alicia's fashion layout, I decided to do one of my own. Naturally, I created looks for a holiday get together since I've had

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-88948051536449022482009-10-31T22:51:00.012-04:002009-11-06T13:03:52.693-05:00

So, Stephen and I planted his birthday boxwoods (or should it be boxwood?) today. (Our memory card was full at the time and we had a rather rainy day, so pictures to come tomorrow.) Afterwards, we headed off to pick up some pumpkins for the front steps and fresh apple cider donuts. Yum! Look at that hottie! Wow, I really got lucky, didn't I?

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-83847051426911327522009-07-10T15:07:00.002-04:002009-07-10T15:09:53.334-04:00

In case you haven't been in the Bags & Purses Showcase on Etsy today, go check it out! My bags are being featured. :)

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-50449149141890366002009-06-27T15:00:00.001-04:002009-06-27T15:00:35.149-04:00

I've been sewing a bunch of satin, pink rosebuds. What should I use them for?

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-76453251074287217152009-06-24T20:00:00.001-04:002009-06-24T20:00:48.462-04:00

So, hubby and I were somehow functioning with one car since September and, honestly, I'm not sure how we ever made it. Now that I'm working again, it was necessary to get another vehicle. Especially because of my ever-changing shift schedules. And I have to say, I'm ecstatic with our choice! Check out that shade of blue (and don't mind the excessive weeds in my driveway). ;)

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-41153418212663073912009-05-31T21:12:00.003-04:002009-05-31T21:24:45.755-04:00

First shore trip of the summer season! Aaaah! The clean, salty air. The soft, grainy sand on my toes. Not to mention the first gelato of the season at Shriver's (I was too excited to take a photo beforehand but trust me...it looked DEE-LISH-IOUS!).I'm so excited for the summer. And although I don't have as much freedom to go down on the weekends like I used to, it makes those moments that I can

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-12686493983027355612009-05-27T09:23:00.001-04:002009-05-27T09:23:54.119-04:00

I feel I need to point out that Paramore us growing on me. I just heard one of their songs on the radio on my way to work and I've gotta say...I do like it.Guilty pleasure announced.

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-15555808962906960712009-05-15T18:37:00.002-04:002009-05-15T18:49:59.295-04:00

I feel like I've mentioned this plenty of times before but I've been stuck in such a rut lately. It's the feeling of helplessness I've had in regards to my job/school situation. School has not worked out. It was supposed to but, no surprise here, the state has made it so I can't attend. I was pretty mad about it at first since I have spent 7 months trying to get this situated (and everything was

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-70745805207901513142009-05-10T02:21:00.000-04:002009-05-10T02:22:07.301-04:00

> My New York trip was fabulous! I can't believe it's been about 5 > years since I was there last. I decided today that visiting needs to > be something I do more often. I just loved taking in all the sights > and sounds and just walking around. However, I am glad to be home in > my comfy bed. My aching feet need a rest...I walked at least 15 > miles today!

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-9319177135385457362009-05-08T23:41:00.004-04:002009-05-08T23:51:15.978-04:00

I feel like so much creativity is pouring out of Portland, Oregon. Like, literally busting out! Every time I look through crafts, art pieces, whatever, I find out where the artist is located and it's a loud and resounding Portland. What is in the water there? Talent juice?! Hook me up with some. So now I really want to go visit and experience all that Portland has to offer. First I need to secure

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-74131193347153187812009-03-01T20:14:00.002-05:002009-03-01T20:29:02.827-05:00

It's a little blurry and very grainy but taking photos with a flash while it's snowing wasn't faring too well. We've had one really good snow this winter (for New Jersey standards) and it looks like tonight will provide another before the Spring. Six to ten inches, they say! I love sitting in the house, watching the snow accumulate out the window, wondering if the morning will bring call outs

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-24869957254931502762009-01-31T13:32:00.004-05:002009-01-31T13:38:50.928-05:00

I set up a new Etsy shop to be more in line with my "business" name and blog name. My other shop was originally created to purchase items and supplies and I didn't think too much ahead. I should have assumed that I would eventually start selling items, as well. The new shop is www.itsahootjs.etsy.com (you can also get to it by clicking on the Etsy button on the right side of my blog. For now,

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-8037255600279294972009-01-26T12:27:00.009-05:002009-01-26T13:00:24.270-05:00

My posting has been getting more and more sparse it feels like. I'm having difficulty working with all the ideas in my head and then actually getting to work on them. I need to kick my butt into high gear!I think today I'm going to work on making some floral hair clips. Just as soon as I tear myself away from the computer. :) It's so easy to lose track of time and get lost in reading others'

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-47933615909724105482009-01-15T23:01:00.002-05:002009-01-15T23:11:24.491-05:00

The holidays have certainly screwed up the frequency of my posts. I don't know what's wrong with me but I've been having such a hard time getting back into the swing of things. It's already halfway through January! How did this happen?I haven't posted too much about my current situation...at least I don't recall. I'm currently out of work. I was let go, along with the entire creative department

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-65867880080528868182008-12-29T23:12:00.002-05:002008-12-29T23:25:30.260-05:00

Christmas has been a whirlwind! I still need to get my tree decorating pictures off of my camera and up on the blog-- although at this point most may not care. My posting has really been lacking...I'm such a slacker. But hubby has off until January 5th for the holidays (!!!) so spending time with him is first priority. We don't usually get a stretch of time like this together. I hope those who do

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-73834531556260586032008-12-18T15:58:00.003-05:002008-12-18T16:06:05.083-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been a week since I last posted. The days have just been flying by! I've been keeping myself busy with Christmas-related things and trying my very best to do what I can to secure myself some schooling. I've only had job interviews with one company and, if I had to choose, it's not really where I'd want to end up. That's why I'm really hoping unemployment pulls through

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-66179979622702807902008-12-11T13:40:00.004-05:002008-12-11T14:11:16.418-05:00

How is it that it's December 11th, exactly two weeks to Christmas day, and it's raining outside? It should be snowing. Come on, winter! Isn't New Jersey north enough for you to give us a little snow? It doesn't seem right to be listening to Frank Sinatra and The Carpenters crooning Christmas tunes and look out the window to see this....On a completely unrelated note, but still on my mind, since

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-59278724619824215452008-12-05T13:48:00.005-05:002008-12-05T14:05:27.033-05:00

My family and friends can attest to the first part of that title. I will have these amazingly involved freak allergy attacks and, usually, when I'm without tissues or access to tissues. This has happened on numerous occasions and, maybe I'm a freak, but I find it terribly embarrassing. I'm always hoping, "Please let me get to tissues, napkins, paper towels, burlap cloth...I don't care...before my

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-10821622905029000782008-12-03T00:41:00.002-05:002008-12-03T00:46:46.598-05:00

I am super psyched!!! I've made my first ever sale on Etsy today. I made another set of 4 snowflake embroidered gift bags and that $5 is going to be framed and hung in my sewing room. The snowflakes are much simpler than my previously embroidered snowflakes but still pretty cute.It's not really a big deal when you look at the big picture but I'm just so thrilled that someone actually wanted to

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-23589640367801777312008-11-26T13:59:00.012-05:002008-11-26T16:07:39.439-05:00

I've pulled out everything that I've done since my sewing classes with Becky and took photos. This post will be sort of a virtual progress report. As a side note, I need to set up an area in my sewing room that is suitable for taking photos. Dresses hanging from a closed closet door seem like they could be so much more visually appealing somehow (especially from someone who majored in photography

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-55765131292671943122008-11-25T23:16:00.002-05:002008-11-25T23:29:27.402-05:00

After spending some time going through and carefully choosing a template, as close to something I would like, and making sure the text matches the overall look I'm going for...I noticed that you can upload your own template to Blogger. Oh, brother! So, I'll be off tomorrow designing a template for my updated blog so I can have it look just so!I had originally intended for this blog to be a

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-79643870761903380712007-05-31T11:44:00.000-04:002007-05-31T12:07:52.397-04:00

LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics just has to be the best bath and body company out there. Not only are their products handmade (which is in the company title), but they're made with wholesome ingredients and all of the products are human tested, bunny approved. It's unknown to most consumers but a lot of companies that say they don't test their products on animals actually use ingredients from

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-28842093818415457272007-05-30T16:03:00.001-04:002007-05-30T16:40:00.941-04:00

As shown in my previous post, I'm all about airy dresses this summer. And what better way to add a punch of the exotic than to pair those solid-colored, simple dresses with a taste of the eclectic- bangles and bracelets with Moroccan and tribal themes. My favorite of the moment: Moroccan Bangles from Urban Outfitters in a Jade or Turquoise mix. Runners up: Sovereign Cuff by Anthropologie and the

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-26114819361541564802007-05-22T11:52:00.000-04:002007-05-23T08:51:26.264-04:00

...Is wearing dresses! It's the perfect time to break out those strappy dresses, show off a little tan, and romp on the beach. They're comfortable and oh-so-cute! Some of my favorites:Urban Outfitters Lux Knit Voile Dress in turquoise. It's so easy to dress up or down that you can wear it at almost any event. I wore this exact dress to my cousin's wedding and it was a huge hit! And it was so

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-25900993750706152962007-05-22T10:41:00.000-04:002007-05-24T13:06:59.579-04:00

I have two favorite looks of the moment for summertime: A nice pop of translucent color for us pale girls and, to beat the heat, an icy cool look-- which is nice for making the eyes stand out and giving you a more bronzed look.I've also been on a search (for the past 2 years) for the perfect, muted pink pout and have finally found the lipstick that delivers that look: Cargo PlantLove lipstick in

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-54395149396524631892007-05-22T09:53:00.000-04:002007-05-30T16:42:59.180-04:00

So, if anyone has actually been checking my blog, you'll notice that week two of my sewing project was very looooong (as pointed out by another blogger). I had the idea to track my progress on a whim and, because of this, I wasn't very dedicated to actually doing it. I did finish the project, I just didn't plan properly with blogging and taking photos along the way.I started on a tote bag for the

It's a Hoot!http://www.blogger.com/profile/14472692447394118846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-590376107273935781.post-23719180800598803152007-01-13T22:10:00.000-05:002007-01-13T22:29:39.516-05:00

I skipped right to week two because during week one we practiced sewing corners, straight lines, and a zigzag stitch and I don't think that it would be very entertaining to look at my scrap material and see my basic stitches. I'll have pictures to come, but this is what we accomplished during week two. We cut our pattern out for our "pajama" pants. They're more like oversized scrubs rather than

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