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

Cure for the Sunday Blues

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The Sunday Blues. For me, its an inevitable part of the week's end. As soon as 6 o'clock hits, I start getting anxious about the following work week. Time to clean, time to do laundry, time to make dinner, figure out what I'm going to wear tomorrow, take the dog out and forget to take the 30 minutes of relaxing "me time" I had promised to myself earlier in the morning. If you're like me, and suffer from "The Sunday Blues," you could probably use a little something to lighten the mood. Here are a few things that are making me happy right now.

Watch the Aurora Borealis Live (Through the Canadian Space Agency!)

Artist Re-Interprets Harry Potter into a Space Opera (Also check out Her Disney Gallery!)


Burst of Beaden- Artist Jon Klassen's site

ban.do's shoe clips and hair accessories

Star Trek Bottle Opener (gifted by the lovely Sitara)

Dance Party For One! (Kaskade Ft. Dragonette: Fire in Your New Shoes)

Dreamy (Florence and the Machine- Cosmic Love)

 Ripley, my rescue dog!! (gratuitous puppy photo)

I found her through Petfinder.com. Please consider a rescue if you're looking for a pet.

 

Virginia Fall Foliage

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Do you have a cure for the Sunday Blues?

Cure for the Sunday Blues

Breakfast of Champions

Notice the USDA certified organic label at the bottom. 

And to answer your question, YES, it was frakkin' delicious.

Breakfast of Champions

"Can you even match my keyboard to my dress?"

Remember this post? Well, a while back I was actually gifted this keyboard by some very generous friends of ours. (Thanks Liz!) Well, I finally got around to hooking up to my keyboard and it makes me so happy. I feel like I need a new, white monitor to match. This thing really is amazing.

So pretty!

Deceptively plain!

Keyboard in action. This is "Rainbow Mode." I currently have it on "spark mode" which means the keys only light up when I press them. It reminds me of a thunderstorm on the white base.

And here is a random Ripley photo just because:

What is your favourite"tech-cessory?"

"Can you even match my keyboard to my dress?"

Boozy Cupcakes

Although Chris is the chef in this relationship, sometimes I come across recipes that sound far too delectable not to try. (Especially one that involves 3 different types of alcohol.) In this case, my BFF Stephanie mentioned these treats in passing and I had to give them a go.

These beauties combine two of my favourite earthly things: chocolate and beer. They are the brilliant brainchild of Deb over at Smitten Kitchen. 

Chocolate Stout and Whiskey Cupcakes

Guiness and butter: The start of a beautiful friendship.

This must be how Paula Deen enjoys her beer.

Somehow, a giant knife slipped into the picture again.

 

 Chocolate, beer, butter, flour sugar. I should have just grabbed a spoon.

I've got a golden tiiiiicket! Also, a bar of chocolate.

Fresh out of the oven!

 

Holes for the whiskey chocolate ganache filling. 

You know you wanna.

Bailey's Irish Cream frosting. (Chris said it looked like larva. YUM!)

 

 

**Check out smittenkitchen for more amazing recipes!

Do you like to bake or cook? What is your favourite recipe?

Boozy Cupcakes