Home Sweet...Hoth

Sure, Hoth is a frozen, desolate wasteland. However, as I've attempted to show you in my "Pick a Palette" series, inspiration for art, design, and fashion can be found anywhere! I haven't decided if "Home Sweet..." is going to become a regular occurrence on D&D but I thought I'd give you a glimpse of the idea behind it with "Home Sweet...Hoth."

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 1. Crate and Barrel/Z Gallerie, Nolan Orange Pillow, African Ikat Pillow, Stefan Pillow (here, here, and here) $30, $50, $50

2. IKEA, Ludde sheepskin rug, (here) $40

3. IKEA, Barometer floor lamp, (here) $60

4. Crate and Barrel, Domino 3 piece sectional, (here) $3,999

5. CB2, Element coffee table, (here) $399

6. Star Wars galaxy map, (here)

7. CB2, Orbit arm chair, (here) $119

Just for fun, check out ThinkGeek's Tauntaun Sleeping Bag. Perfect for those long winter nights.

What other places would you like to see covered if I were to make this a series?

Home Sweet...Hoth

Approach With Caution

There is power in the Three Wolf Moon. But please, don't take my word for it......read here.

Approach With Caution

True Love

**Also, a big shout out to Mike B. for my new banner! I think it is pretty much amazing, and I definitely appreciate all the time and effort it took to do something like that! I kept making changes and seeing as how I'm still at the mercy of Blogger, he was definitely more than patient. Mike doesn't have an online portfolio yet, but I'm expecting to see lots more of his work in the future.

True Love

"I don't think I'm ready for the JLA yet."

Junior Lifeguard Association that is.

 

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Yes, we finally have our little paws on Smallville Season 5.

After getting back into the series that last couple of nights, I have a few thoughts:

1. After Smallville, BSG, X-Files, etc, I can now recognize Vancouver, B.C. in any show.

2. At first I  thought to myself "No way will (this) Lois Lane work with Clark. Lana Lang and Clark were meant for each other." This is strange because normally I always go for the love/hate relationships. But Lois was the interloper! (Even if she is more my kind of girl than Lana.) However, I have been assured that Lana gets more annoying, and that I will love the Smallville Lois and Clark in due time.

 

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3. I like that the show doesn't take itself too seriously. We're all familiar with the characters and we already know most of what lies in Clark's future. I happen to like the inside jokes, the overt references, and yes, all of the red, blue, and Superman symbols that permeate the series. 

I've also started watching Stargate: Universe, which has been a nice little diversion, although the jury is still out on whether this show will leave a lasting impression. I did a little research and found out that SyFy is not renewing it for a 3rd season.Chris thinks its almost a direct rip-off of Battlestar Galactica. I think it might just be the camera angles and music.

 

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What was the last series that contributed to your lack of sleep? (I call it the "Just one more episode" syndrome.) For me, it was Buffy, then Angel. There was a period of time several years back where I was getting around 3 hours of sleep a night because I "couldn't leave one more episode on the disc!

"I don't think I'm ready for the JLA yet."

Pick a Palette: The Dresden Files

The last few posts in the "Pick a Palette" series have been based off of people. I decided to go a different route this time and do a palette based on my new favorite book series.

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Although the first book in the Dresden Files series (by Jim Butcher) was published back in 2000, I just finished the audio-book* version about a week ago. I have to commute to a different work location than my main office sometimes, and it is somewhat of a long drive. Listening to an audio-book definitely makes the time fly and doesn't make me as bitter after sitting in the car for over an hour. After Storm Front was over, Chris downloaded Fool Moon (book two) onto my iPhone and I can't help but listen to a few chapters anytime I have a few free minutes. 

This palette is re-imagining of Dresden, as female, and (slightly) more stylish. Except for the blasting rod and staff, I think I managed to capture all of the "Harry" elements.**

1. Commando, Clear Anodized Handle with Standard School Chalk (for drawing circles), (here) $5.95

2. J Crew, Laramie tote (for carrying spell components and power items), (here) $279.99

3. Steve Madden, Pasport Boots, (here) $130.00

4. House of Harlow, Black leather garter bracelet (shield bracelet), (here) $100.00

5. Spiegel, Cascade Duster, (here) $129.00

6. Dragonweave Jewelry, Pentagram of Brisingamen pewter necklace, (here) $29.00

7. Volkswagon, New Beetle, available at your local VW dealership, starting at around $18,000

8. Old Navy, Lightweight roll-up shirt, (here) $29.50

9. Old Navy, The Diva skinny jeans, (here) $29.50

Map of Chicago Illinois (here) 

Dresden Files novels available on Amazon.com

* As a note, the audiobooks are read by none other than James Marsters, of Buffy and Smallville fame. I definitely hear Spike every once in a while, even without the fake British accent.

** I originally had included a silver glittery skull for a Bob-type spirit but thought it would be a bit much. 

Have you read any of the Dresden Files? What other books are you caught up in now? (I love recommendations!)

Pick a Palette: The Dresden Files

Just Married!

Well, not really"just." More like "A little over a month ago Married!" But you get the idea. 

( C/o Bridesmaid Erin )**

More photos and a honeymoon post coming soon.

** Mad props to those of you who recognize the amazing artwork by Marius. So appropriate.

Just Married!

2011: Year of the Rabbit

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In the words of Britney.."It's been a while, I know I shouldn't have kept you waiting, but I'm here now." (Break the Ice, if you were wondering.)

Well here we are. New year. New post. New banner soon. I feel like 2011 is the year of NEW. 

Although I came up with some resolutions (I love them) I also took a cue from Felicia Day and reflected back on four things I've learned from 2010. In no particular order...

1. You can't please all people all the time

I will be the first one to admit, that I tend towards being a "people pleaser." As much as I love kicking butt in martial arts and on the warhammer playing field, I usually try to avoid conflict with my friends, family, and co-workers. Now, there is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to keep the peace, or choose your battles, but you have to be careful that you don't lose YOURSELF in it. I didn't realize until the end of 2010 that I had been trying so hard to make everyone else happy, that I wasn't getting what I wanted or needed.

2. Prioritize

2010 kept me analyzing my priorities constantly. Priorities are different for everyone, but mine include Chris, my friends, my family, my dog, work, fitness, and personal growth. The past several months I have found that that it is easy to make up excuses about dropping priorities,and even easier make promises to yourself that you end up breaking. I have had to take a cold hard look at my priorities and try to arrange them in a way that works for me. 

3. There will always be someone more/ (insert descriptive word here)-er than you. Love yourself!

Thinner, richer, prettier, more athletic, healthier, taller, more creative....the list goes on. We are all works in progress, and sure, there is always room for improvement. Looking back on 2010, I feel like there were so many times that I compared myself to others. "I'm not as thin or fit as she is..." "I don't dress as well as she does..." "I don't make as much money as he does..." I'm sure poor Chris bore the brunt of this (especially around that certain delightful time of the month.) I was also surprised that the many people I envied had problems of their own, or had worked extra hard to achieve the things they had. I have definitely learned that I need to start taking my own advice and LOVE MYSELF for the awesome things I have to offer this world.

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4. Make reasonable goals

Ugh, this was a tough lesson to learn. I want to do it all! Learn chinese, work out 6 days a week, eat organic and fresh at every meal. It's not that these things are unattainable, but when you set unreasonable deadlines for yourself, these goals just become a series of  disappointments. I did not achieve all of the things I had set out to do in 2010, but in retrospect, I did not set up reasonable goals. For example if I say "I will go to the gym 3 times a week," I feel pretty confident that this is something I can accomplish. If I end up going more, HURRAY, that would be amazing. It's definitely better than saying "I'll go 6 times," and only making 3. Always set yourself up for success. And always be aware of your current limitations. I am getting married in 2 weeks, (AHHHHH!) so I know I can cut myself some slack. Hopefully I can take what I've learned and apply it in the coming year.

In 2010 I:

moved in with my fiance Chris* got a puppy* visited my friend Marie in Chicago* visited Chris' older brother in Texas* started planning my wedding* 

went to VA beach for my good friend's baby shower

(Pretty low-key, but money and time were wrapped up with work and a wedding.)

In 2011 I will: 

get married!* go on a honeymoon to Costa Rica for a week* gamble in Las Vegas* take up fencing again* continue horse-back riding* try hip-hop dancing* be more responsible with my money* finish painting my Santa Ogre Warhammer Fantasy Army* dress up more* be more cognizant of where my food comes from* spend time with my family and friends* discover new work opportunities* hit the con scene*

not take "20 minutes per round"* kick ass and take names

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Here is more information on 2011, year of the rabbit.

Readers, what was your favorite moment of 2010? 

2011: Year of the Rabbit