Jackson Pollock Dress

Dress/Belt: Vintage/Handmade, Shoes/Tights/Socks/Cardi: Target, Coat: Old Navy circa 2009


This weekend ended up being a lot more fun than I had anticipated since I had absolutly nothing planned except for the upcoming art show. On Friday Jasmin and I went out for a lovely brunch at M Henry (could I be any more predictable?) then afterward we went to visit lovely Emilia at Mr. and Mrs. Digz, where she gave us a hot tip on some great vintage finds in the city, so we had to go visit it. Three hours later and an overfull cart, we left the thrift store with some golden pieces, and one I had to keep for myself. I've been searching for a dress like this for AGES! I can't seem to find a dress that has an interesting print in any of the stores I seem to shop at.

A couple of weeks ago I spotted this one on modcloth for way too much money, and the print wasn't even cool enough! It's things like this that kind of set me off. If I can find something like this at half the price, why can't everyone get these good deals? I guess that's where the idea of The Mockingbirds came from. We create (or "mock" if you will) affordable fashion, accessories, and home decor, for a thrift store budget. So this is what we are doing. We have slowly started building our inventory, and we will have our first sale at Handmade Holidays - so I hope to see you all there!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Okay, I have a confession: I was raised Muslim but my favorite holiday of all time is... you guessed it, CHRISTMAS.

It's so twinkly, happy, full of love, joy and shopping!

Whats not to like about it? I just ignore all the actual meaning of Christmas with church and things - and I find it the perfect holiday for me!

I live in a great neighborhood that seems to share my love. Gethsemane Garden Center is at the top of my street and every time I walk by it smells of pine, and it's decorated with beautiful Christmas lights and holiday cheer! It was filled this weekend with people buying trees, decorations, and more! I just could not help by smiling every time I walk by that store. It really makes being away from Maine (where forests surround you) a little bit better.

 Lena's new obsession: A fork.

Hectic Life

Life's been a bit too crazy for me to update. For one, my computer is almost always occupied *ahem* and I am hardly ever home! So many projects are underway that I can hardly fit in blogging, although that should soon change.

Four friends and I are looking into starting a new business. We will call this business Project M. Project M started a few weeks ago and we are hoping to launch it in the spring time. Its a great way for the five of us to get together and expand our craft. Its just so hard trying to start things - we need to set up a budget, and divide costs, and have a focused mission, and decide who our audience is going to be (WHEN DOES THE FUN START?!!). We need to make our products, find work space, make websites, blogs, twitter and facebook accounts...and I'm not even sure what else!

Once this is done I hope we can breathe a bit and actually start making some real art. Anyone have any tips/tricks about starting a small business?

In other news, I saw the new Harry Potter film- I've got to say it is by far the best one they've made. There were actually LINES FROM THE BOOK in it! It had a solid plot that was similar to the books, and although there were things that were changed, it was an overall good movie. Those who said it was dull, and the parts in the forest were too long, it's the same way in the book!

Some lady friends and I dressed up for the midnight showing:

Umbridge, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Bellatrix

I hope life has been going well for all of you - and I hope you had a fantastic thanksgiving! I know I did. I am so thankful for all that is in my life right now, and how well things have been going in life. To think of all the hardships others are facing in these times, I am thankful that I have the necessities in my life. I loving family, a warm home, food on my plate, and good health.

ps: Happy Birthday Lisa!

Halloween, Cupcakes, Illustrations, Shopping, Sushi

Life's been really busy so I just wanted to put up a photo montage of the past few weeks.

In this time I've had:

Cute Lunch dates with Nami

Shopping time with the boys

Halloween

Joining the gym!

Sushi with Shannon and Colleen

Harry Potter excitement

Autumn, Thrifting, and Coffee: Perfect Weekend

Friday Night my friend Shannon and I were asked to babysit at a local block party. It was a neighbor of the kids that I nanny for, so it was pretty easy to head over there after work. Well, it was everyone from the neighborhood gathered at one persons house with food, desserts, and drinks. It was a lot of fun, even though I was working! Shannon and I were in charge of the different activities for the kids which included a movie, pumpkin carving, making your own candy necklaces, and a lot more. We helped carve over 30 pumpkins that night. I am not sure my fore arms have recovered yet!

Pumpkin Row - Some of the pumpkins we helped carve

The next day we ventured out to a thrift store that was about a 40 min bus ride from where I live. The amazing thing about Chicago is that no matter how long I live here, I feel like I will still find new places to explore. We got off the bus where google maps told us (handy) and ventured off. We were in a part of the city I had never seen! I don't think it would be fair to call it a city, we were surrounded by trees! It reminded me of Maine.

Very Cute German (?) styled house!

Asado Coffee:

We also randomly stumbled upon this fantastic coffee place that was voted best coffee in Chicago. Each coffee was brewed by the cub, and they roasted their own beans. I am craving a cup now. It was such a clean, strong smelling cup. It was just so good. The place was really small, with only about four tables to sit at, and there were a few people ahead of us in line, but I would gladly go back.

Ah finally- Thrifting! This honestly made my weekend. We went thrifting Saturday and with a cart full of clothing and 1 hour into the process someone told us the entire store was half off! Amazing! We went nuts! I bought way too much stuff over our two day thrifting excursion. I am sure you will see it in future posts. I am just amazed at what a good deal we got! Shannon bought the cutest skirt for 45 cents! You can't buy ANYTHING for 45 cents! Our Coffee was the price of two sweaters. It blows my mind every time.

Cute bear sweater Shannon bought

Thrifting Breakdown:

3 Pairs of Boots

2 Purses

1 Jacket

2 Skirts

2 Broaches

1 Ring

7 Sweaters 

For a grand Total of: $38

Last nights treat at Margie's after inhaling 10cent wings.

 

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Jewelry Box: My collection through the years

A woman's jewelry box holds treasures. From childhood to adulthood those things are cherished. I remember looking through my mom's jewelry box as a kid and being fascinated by the treasures that were "off limits" - although I am sure she knows my sister and I played with them all. Through the years I've began collecting my own jewelry, and it wasn't until recently that I realized the exuberant of jewelry I did in fact have. Through gifts, vintage shops, or family, each one holds a special tale and memory.

Moroccan necklaces -- I have yet to find a great place to wear these pieces - I will soon!

A gift given to me by roommate Colleen. It is a golden snitch from Harry Potter. One of my all time favorite necklaces, Colleen hand made this beautiful piece

The necklace that I wear the most, this pocket watch/necklace was found at a vintage shop, it has since stopped working but it is such an elegant piece that I can't find an outfit it doesn't match!

Three sets of watches...two given to me by my mom, and one thrifted. The white rubber one is thrifted and it is wonderful! It is so great to wear at all times because I'm not afraid that it'll get ruined -- while the other two are gold and silver.

Fish Necklace and Owl Necklace - two of my favorite animal themed pieces. The owl necklace was given to me by my good friend Shannon for my 21st birthday. The necklace really means a lot to me because it reminds me that friends and family are the most important thing to have in your life. They are the bones that build you.

Another fantastic animal themed piece from Aldo. The fish actually moves!

My nautical themed jewelry - sail boat and anchor - both a reminder of Maine, where I grew up. The sailboat broach is vintage and the anchor is from Forever21.

Great story for these earrings - My first job was at Friendly's - a family style restaurant on the East Coast. I was a waitress serving this older couple - probably late 50s. After I brought out their drinks, I complimented her earrings, these earrings. She then took them off and INSISTED that I have them. I politely declined, but she refused to take no for an answer. They left me the earrings and a tip with the bill as well as a little note saying "Just don't ask for the shirt off her back" - from her husband. Hah! I love these things so much...even though they are now, six years later, falling apart.

This central ring is one I wear every day - it is a great handmade piece of jewelry that I got from a vintage shop here in Chicago.

It's amazing to have so many pieces of jewelry and remember were each and every piece came from. I have broken pieces of jewelry that I refuse to throw away, maybe because becoming an artist has made me a hoarder, but also because they just mean so much to me. I've always been an accessories girl, but these are more like little treasures that may not have a high cost value, but they have a great emotional value to me.