LizzyHouse

as promised

working hard

I've been putting in extra hours the past couple of days to get everything done... doing a lot of printing for the soon to be open shop (it's my etsy store)... as well as fabric stuff, and not to mention, but Mal's birthday is tomorrow so we have a lot of cleaning to do. I wish that I had time to do a new installation. There is just soo much to do; it's crazy!

I want to know what everyone thinks about this... we went to the store last night to buy some watermelon for the party and while the girl was ringing me up I ran to get something else. Well, when I got back I had out my card, but then I saw the total. HOLY COW. My total was over $30 I had very few things... just some ingredients for these dream cupcakes... I started scanning the screen, and sure enough the watermelon was over $10.00. It was just a normal sized watermelon... actually one of the smaller ones, but it cost about $12 so we had to put it back. I bet it wasn't even an All-Star watermelon.

Are you running into outrageous produce? My biggest problem with it most of the time is that it doesn't even taste good. It's really a problem though, because we are having a summer magic themed birthday party. What's that without watermelon. I can't ever remember paying more than $5 for a watermelon. Something has to give. What do you think? Are you running into the same problems?

with great ardor!

I decided to bring back the ardor-birds that I created back in January for a print. I carved two blocks to get the job done... but what I really wanted was to do a silk screen. Unfortunately we don't have the facilities for seriography here. BOO! One day though... You should see all the colors that I tested... gross. The oil based ink that I use is great... it's just a pain to clean. But the whole thing all together was a fun project. I am for reals opening a shop in the next couple of days.

I mean it! You can hold me to it. By July 23rd (that's Wednesday) you will be able to purchase something from me... cool, right?

this is just a test print (t/p) so the registration isn't spot on... the edition is real clean!

I also took it a step further by printing the blocks on some book cloth! I was actually really excited to make books using these special birds. But know this. It is only an edition of 3. Make of that what you will. It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas. I can hardly believe it's the end of July... bless us all

shop opening soon, AND a little preview of LizzyDish!

Fair.

i've been gone for a while, i'll be back for a while now...

I can be one of those people who will listen to the same song on repeat literally for hours. I'm sorry. For whatever reason I just don't get bored. This can be an issue in the printmaking lab, when I am happy to listen to the same cd for 3 hours, or two weeks...

For whatever reason I find it therapeutic. I kind of get into like a rhythm or a mind set that keeps me on track. When I am cleaning up, I like to listen to the same song until I am done. Almost like a contest for myself, I see how many plays it will take to get the job done. Well, I had some cleaning to get done on Tuesday night, and I just listened to Ben Folds Five: Fair, for the whole time. What a good song. I remember riding in the Monte Carlo with Luke: him driving way too fast, the windows down, the girls in the back seat, and being so happy to exist. It made it OK to exist this week. Finals week

It's the end again, and I only have one more semester to go. I'm trying really hard to not wish away this time.

Mallori and I have been reading "he's just not that into you". I think it's really great to read books out loud. One time Jessica, and I read Oscar and the Lady in Pink, out loud, by the end I could hardly get through it we were both crying so hard. Well, with he's just not that into you, we're crying for different reasons. Just kidding, we aren't crying, but our eyes have been opened. Thanks Greg. We also watched Down With Love. Thanks Ewan.

I'm a little jealous of my dear friend Miranda, because she just got engaged, and not that I am looking to be engaged, but she kept saying the other day how happy she was to never have to date ever again... get asked out by weirdy guys, never the awkward end of the date door thing, weird maybe relationships, blah blah blah... she'll have her own new obstacles, but no more dating. That lucky little devil. I hate dating. Again, trying to be positive and not wish all these great times away...

i'm the little pink one and I am not amused.

Also, Mallori, my roommate, p.a., and best friend moves on August 25. For good. Ouch! I have friends... sort of... it looks like I'm just going to be working a lot. A reclusive textile designer at the precarious age of twenty-three.

songs I currently can listen to on repeat for several hours:

• Ben Folds: Fair
• Feist: Mushaboom, I Feel It All
• Aimee Mann: Deathly
• Jon Brion: Strings that Tie to You
• Mark Mothersbaugh: Zissou Society Blue Star Cadet, Spark-plug Minuet
• Pinback: Good to Sea
• Andrew Bird: Imitosis, Glass Figurine
• The Whitest Boy Alive: Golden Cage
• Sufjan Stevens: The Henney Buggy Band, No Mans Land
• Coldplay: Lost
• Broken Social Scene: Anthems for a Seventeen Year-Old Girl
• Vince Guaraldi: Thanksgiving Theme
• Devotchka: The Winner Is
• Badly Drawn Boy: I love N.Y.E
• Asher in the Rye: The Knack
• The Shins: Phantom Limb

I'm really happy this week is pretty much over. I'm ready to get some serious work done.

i couldn't sleep

so pleased

first order of business... you all are going to think I am so bad... I am sending the books tomorrow. The ones that you won. I really loose track of things, but know they are going in the mail tomorrow... I should have asked for your forgiveness in advance. But I didn't, so I am now.

Que "The Checks in the Mail," School House Rock.

The 4th was fun... kind of a snooze fest though. It was good to take a long nap, and then I just baked a pie. It was a worth while pie. Peach Raspberry. A good pairing. I am happy for our independence. Don't get me wrong... I'm just not a very big holiday person. I guess we weren't big on celebrating Holidays at home, especially on the day of... Except Christmas, we do celebrate Christmas on the day of... and birthdays last all week. That was my doing though. The perpetual party

Saturday was so fun. My dearest John Walker was up visiting and we went up to West Yellowstone. The weather was so nice... it was just about to rain so it was a little windy. Light Jacket Weather! But they have really neat shops and I found these little gems.

little sewing kits. If you were to find these in Urban Outfitters, or Anthropologie they could easily have been $8-$12. They were only $2.25! I bought all that they had because I figured that they will make nice additions to gifts

Yesterday was an amazing day, and for no real reason other than that I woke up, and knew it would be a good day. But there is something strange in the universe that wants to trip you up on days like this... a print was ruined, I got ink on some nice jeans, rude lady wouldn't take my card at the bookstore (for $4), walked all the way to the bookstore didn't get what I needed, and about twenty other things. I just decided to not let any of it effect me. So it didn't

One great thing: My friend Matt replaced the needle on my record player for my birthday! What a great present! I was so happy to listen to my favorite record Earl Grant greatest hits... he is only the King of the Hammond Organ.

I realized something too. I was baking a cake for a Closing Social, and my ward bought the ingredients for the cake... so I wasn't making it for me, in fact I didn't even eat any of it, but I could not have been happier to bake it. To just take the time and make it. I realized that I don't love baking for the end product, I love baking for the process. It's an interesting thing to know

Here are the before and after of the cake:

it was gone in less than eight minutes. It was an eight minute massacre.

Also, funny enough I ended up singing. It was a talent show, but I hadn't signed up... The show started and Mallori said, "are you singing?"

No.

"Then you get yourself up there and tell them that you are.."

uh... ok.

I went and asked the kid emceeing if I could sing something, and if I could be last. He said yes to both. So I did. I wasn't planning on it... as I have not sang in public in a while. But it went alright. It isn't polished, but I do remember now that I do in fact sing. You can listen if you like. I'm singing Smile. The quality isn't great but you get the picture. I'm going to stop talking about it now.

I'm grateful for good days.

it's still a wonderful town.

shopping recap:

Let's just go ahead and say that the food was out of control. The first night one of my favorite peeps, Cliff, took me to Salute! I wish I had taken a picture of my dinner, but it had been a really long day. The food was incredible. My closest peeps know that I could eat pesto everyday for the rest of my life, and be content, this was just a validation of that contentment. Beautiful! Please go there if you get the opportunity. The service isn't of the same caliber as the food, but it's well worth your patience.

Also, ate at a place called Arno's, and it was seriously like the restaurant off of Moonstruck. The restaurant that they always go to: really Italian, family owned, bring around the dessert cart... that's where we had dinner. Maybe not exactly the same, but pretty much. The food was great there too.

I'm sure I ate more than twice whilst away, but I just can't remember. It was good though, whatever it was, it was good.

I mentioned yesterday that I was on ribbon street, or 38th, whatever. It was awesome. I was especially enamored with the store Tinsel Trading, and its sister store The Store Across the Street.

That is where I probably got into the most trouble. Vintage Ribbon, glass glitter, silk flowers... just everything I could ever need to remain happy. PLUS. They are having a moving sale so I got some really great deals on a few things. And just a little FYI, they are going to be at Quilt Festival this year in Houston, so for all of you peeps who can't get to the store, and can get to Festival, it is something to certainly look forward to. If that isn't an option either, they keep a great website and you can order lots from them.

The other great place that we went was Kinokuniya, a Japanese bookstore across the street from Bryant Park. The store was out of control, and I was a little overwhelmed, as there is a Japanese stationary store in the basement. I found some really neat books one of which was how to make wool felted desserts... It's hilarious!

here are my finds... I had to choose colors that I was going to stick to so I was looking with a purpose and wouldn't become overwhelmed, and not be able to buy anything.  

 

these glitter ribbons came from a store called M&J Trimming. I kind of felt that it was like the super store of ribbon... it was much more commercial. Not my favorite but I did find these glitter ribbons for my little Ashlee. They will just match her "collection" so well. Plus the giant spider brooch I picked up from one of those funny jewelry stores where you leave with eight pair of earrings and spider pin for under $20.

I had every intention of maybe catching a show, or going to the museum, but by the time we got done and I got home (to the hotel) I could hardly keep my eyes open. Turns out designing fabric isn't a cupcake. Maybe not pushing myself to go do stuff makes me boring... well fair enough. I'm a traveling homebody.

I will say this. No one is ever above a gameboy. Nobody. Ben let me borrow his Nintendo DS for the trip and it saved my life, as some airlines don't believe in being very on time. Whoever I was sitting next to would always just kind of lean back and watch over my shoulder, for a long time. I think they got the biggest kick out of WarioWare. We were waiting on the jet way at JFK for two hours, because of maintenance  and the person sitting next to me would not stop watching. He was trying to be sneaky about it. I wasn't fooled. Never am.

it' a very interesting thing. One day you are walking down a street filled with thousands of people with a million different things to do, and literally the next day, you are walking down a street by yourself, and you can't see anyone. You are the only one. Alone in both cases.

That's what being back in Rexburg is. I don't resent it. Actually I am grateful for it, but it is interesting to have your feet in both worlds. The places and feelings are polar opposites, and the two don't seem to meet; I don't think they can. What ties you to either, OR the question I keep asking, what ties me to Idaho?

Dramatic, I know. I hope you are weeping, because that was deep.

it's a wonderful town.

I just got back from New York, and holy cow i'm tired! I left on Wednesday at 2 AM and got back today at 4 AM. It was quite the little trip. I spent my time with my peeps at Andover finishing my first line of fabric Lizzy Dish. I really am beside myself right now about the whole thing....

The hotel I stayed at is called the Jolly Hotel Madison Towers. It was really neat. They call it an Italian Boutique Hotel. It was a super nice room, with a really beautiful bathroom. It was so cool! Something that I really liked though, was all of the sundries were individually wrapped and labeled in English and Italian. That got me thinking about package design... oh the possibilities of a life.

luckily it was just right down the street from the offices so there was no getting lost. I thought I would be lonely or sad to be by myself, but it was actually really nice to have a little time off from everything... plus I didn't have any internet so I was really on my own. I got a new computer the other day for the trip, and lets just say that we are friends now. We weren't when we started the journey as it's price was so offensive... but it saved my life, and it saved Lizzy Dish. Who am I to deny it respect/ friendship/ whatever. NO one, that's who.

I will also have you know that I was like on Ribbon street USA. The couple of blocks that I had to walk to get to the office were like all my dreams come true. But I will talk more about that tomorrow... I just now decided to do two posts about it... Food and Shopping tomorrow.

I just want to say how much I love Andover! Everyone there is great, and so generous. I was happy to work and spend this time with them. Lots and lots of good things happening.

Be excited for tomorrow... new hair bows in store. Watch out!

an entire week of happy.

We really did a whole week of celebrating which was so great.

Monday one of my dearest friends Amy left from Rexburg. We got a whole two weeks with her though, which was nice. She's probably moving to Utah which is sweet action, obviously.

Tuesday was my birthday. It was a wonderful day. Ben and Mallori planned a 50's murder mystrey party for me. Mal and I went to the costume shop and got dresses for the occasion. Also, Mallori and I made a pistachio roulade. We changed out the chestnut for pistachio... it was great.

we served it with pistachio paste, chocolate mousse and pistachio ice cream. It was a beautiful thing.

In the Murder Mystery game I ended up being the killer... is anyone surprised? Then we went swinging at a playground. All together it was a really good day

Wednesday was second birthday. We had cupcakes and played Masterpiece (art auction). I have become quite frustrated with the game as of late... as I have not won for quite some time. We ended up with less money than we started with in the game. Booo!!! Maybe tonight will be better.

the cupcakes carried over the chocolate mousse and pistachios but I introduced a white cake. New favorite recipe. Also, in Apt A-13 we have decided that Almond is the new Vanilla when it comes to extracts.

Thursday was wonderful because my best friend Jessica came from home. Best birthday present ever! We had our rematch night... which has been changed to a match night, because the rematch never turns out very well. We played trivial pursuit, and I am just awful at that game... i get the worst questions and then I answer incorrectly to the questions that I know... I just kind of space out. It's like me in the testing center. I am going to fail.

We also attempted dumplings but had not steam device... so they became pot stickers. Also, of course I forgot to take pictures while Jessica was here. Hopefully I will be able to get down to Austin soon to spend some time with her.

Friday was lime day. We had purchased 10 limes for $1 with the agreement that the limes would go to good use. Another recipe of the white cake, lime curd, and almond whipped cream... and we had lime cake. The night was filled with other Shenanigans... it was a good night, and a really good time with Jessica. We all wished she could have stayed longer.

Saturday I printed. I woke up early took Jessica to the bus stop, came home worked on some fabric design, fell asleep for little while, and then went and printed an entire edition. Woo! I was beginning to forget what printmaking means to me. No worries. I remembered.

This coming week is going to be crazy. Planning out the rest of my school career... seeing my lil' Ashlee, turning in a paper, flying to NYC... lots of things happening. But know that they are good things, and I am grateful for my life, and for all of my dear friends. I have been really so happy lately.

love to all of you, and thanks for the birthday wishes.
Lizzy

congratulations

First of all, just let me say that I love Birthdays so much. I think it's a little out of control how much I love birthdays. So, needless to say it was so wonderful to read all of the birthday comments that were left. Thank you to everyone who entered. We really enjoyed sharing your birthdays with you. Also, thank you to the lurkers who made your little lurking selfs known. I appreciate the vocal (comments) support. Alright already. Here is the ever-present Mallori with the results.

Hi everyone, if you don't know who I am by now, check out me and Lizzy's sweet-action blog about our current affairs in Rexburg. We read your birthday comments and thought they were all really presh. Lizzy gave me the very difficult task of choosing the winners so I just assigned everyone a number and went to random.org, works like a charm. So envelope please...the lucky winners are:

Teresa

Dawn Jones

Shelley

Hooray for you! Just send Lizzy your mailing address and we'll have those out by the end of the week and let me just tell you that these books are pure gold made with lots of love. Thank you again for everyone who entered, it has been a joy. Don't forget to wish her a happy birthday tomorrow, we'll be celebrating for the rest of the week. Love4Eva, Mal

happy birthday: free handmade book contest

this coming Tuesday, June 17th, is my birthday. Cool, huh? And as such I am going to do a free give away. I am turning 23 so I am going to give away 3 of my handmade books. As much as I love receiving gifts, I love giving them. No really. Read here for an explanation.

Just leave me a comment about one of your best birthdays and then I will have my p.a. Mallori (haha) choose the winners on Monday the 16th. This would be a good time for all you lurkers to make your presence known... as a birthday present to me. That's right. I've caught you all. Happy Unbirthday!

 

i've got a new peep! Check her out!

I've got mail!

Tuesday was a long day. It was actually pretty sad, as Melissa left for the summer. So now I am sisterless for the remainder of the season. Melissa and I are four years apart so we've never been the closest, but over the last two semesters we've been able to spend some time with each other and I really have so much love for her. I will say that most of our bonding took place, by watching and discussing Lost. Yeah. We are for sure obsessed, so if you too share a fondness for time travel, black fog monsters, love triangles, conspiracy and intrigue all on a beautiful island, then Lost is the show for you. The fourth season just ended so now you have eight months to get fully hooked/ caught up, and luckily ABC has made it ultra convenient as they have an online player that allows you to watch every episode almost completely commercial free. Needless to say, I am going to miss Melissa. I wish that I had gotten a picture or something of Mal and I singing Auld Lang Syne from the balcony while sprinkling glitter in the air... it was a good fair well.

But like I've said before, it seems on these hard days I get some kind of mail that makes it better, or at least more bearable. It's almost strange, but always appreciated. This time the package was from my dear friend Kirsten Smith, of Funky Charming. Dream girl for sure. She sent me so many wonderful things!!! Several of which were from Daiso! A fat quarter of some great Alexander Henry fabric from her retreat, and a sweet action skinny scarf.

Thank you Kirsten, it really made my week.

Did you know that I love gardening? Well, I do. It's a killer to live in an apartment without a place to do any gardening, so I started a little planter. The little babes are just sprouting, but I couldn't be more excited for my shirley poppies.

Also! One more thing. My friend Maddy took some photographs for some future projects, and for her portfolio. You should check them out. She has a really great style and they turned out so nicely. Make sure that you check out some of her other work on her website.  

I almost could be in an Anthropologie ad. What a dream come true. So far so good with growing out the hair. It's a good thing I have an iron constitution.

more soon. Friday is going to be a great night.