tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64693804771145196712024-03-18T21:07:18.483-07:00The Good NeighborMoniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.comBlogger300125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-91516350944582844132010-09-30T00:31:00.001-07:002010-09-30T00:45:39.258-07:00A little spiral<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4992404114/" title="blog3 by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4992404114_f7c579470e.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="Albuquerque Photographer" /></a></center>My life feels a little bit out of control right now... ok maybe more than a little. And the only thing I can think to do about it is to start blogging again! Am I crazy too!? ;) But what I'm kind of thinking is that maybe if I can sit down and write every once in a while I can learn to focus again on the things that are important to me. Most days I am obsessing about my business or lack of business and I start to develop anxiety about it. It's important for me to be able to make a living off of what I do, but more importantly it is vital that I make art. And that, along with <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=11a6e72f34faa210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">nurturing my family</a> need to be the first things I think about and maybe the money will follow.<p>Just need time to center myself.<p><br />I want to:<br />-Host a party very very soon<br />-make some clothes... I've seen some very creative pieces that I'd like to add to my wardrobe<br />-make jewelry... instant therapy if I have a vision in mind<br />-Do one of my special conceptual photo shoots<br />-make sock dolls for my kids<br />-find the sewing machine and fabric scissors LOL it's been a long timeMoniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-89621602210927729172010-02-23T23:42:00.000-08:002010-02-24T00:01:42.429-08:00Deer MeMy sewing machine is broken, we've been sick, life is busy, I need a break... all very valid and true excuses as to why I haven't been here lately. But I borrowed a machine from my sister and am debating about whether I should bring my cheap-o machine in for a repair or if money would be better spent on a new machine. hmm I dont know. In the mean time though, I found this HIDEOUS deer at the thrift store this week:<center><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4383716145/" title="craft blog by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4383716145_9966e55256_o.jpg" width="590" height="434" alt="craft blog" /></a><p></center>Add a little glossy Krylon spray paint in Blue Ocean Breeze and you get this:<p><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4384477422/" title="craft blog by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4384477422_2535a1fb24.jpg" width="335" height="500" alt="craft blog" /></a></center> <p>I like her sooo much better in blue! (and I think I might be addicted to spray paint... in the good way LOL! I am making a mental list of other figurines I'd like to find and spray paint; chicks for easter, owls, whales, what else?<p>In other news, <a href="http://moniqueduke.com/blog/?p=732"> I got pinned!</a>Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-3107650474538295472010-01-06T14:02:00.000-08:002010-01-06T14:13:52.773-08:00oh wednesday...<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4251607755/" title="01/06 by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4251607755_4a34b19945_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="01/06" /></a> </center><p>Made this necklace from a new acorn, old beaded belt, vintage gold watch from a yard sale. I *heart* it so much!<p>Listening to Beirut radio on pandora, eating peppermint butter cream filled peppermint bits from sunflower, toes are freezing (where ARE my slippers?!) house is trashed, tomorrow isn't wednesday though :)Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-41881539826997514612009-12-23T22:43:00.000-08:002009-12-23T23:16:37.517-08:00Duke's First Annual Polar Express PartyA couple of days ago, prior to suddenly asking my sister and her family over for dinner, and just before the impromptu Christmas Dinner party (at which 28 people crammed into my home, more than half of them being under the age of 13!) I had suddenly decided to host a Polar Express party.<p><br /> <br /> Initially, I was just feelin' jealous of parents I know with fewer than 4 kiddos who can just drive up to Colorado and buy a few tickets for the Polar Express train ride. Then I read an article about how we try so hard, as adults, to grasp the magic of Christmas. The excitement we felt as we went to bed Christmas Eve. The joy and surprise when we opened our present. The warm yumminess of traditions and objects that would become nostalgic to us later. The article's author discussed how it may be hard to catch that feeling as adults but that really Christmas is about creating that magic for the children in our lives. And so thus the grand idea of the Duke’s First Annual Polar Express Party began.<p><br /><br /> We played "Guess How Many Bells are in the Jar," drank cocoa (complete with a mini cocoa/marshmallow/peppermint bar), sang carols, played heads up 7 up, gave a bunch of mom's and dad's an hour off, and listened to the Conductor (my very awesome theatrically trained husband) read Polar Express to us! It was by far the BEST evening I’ve had all<br />December!!!<p><p><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4210679496/" title="december 23 Polar Express Party by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4210679496_d64912b39f.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="december 23 Polar Express Party" /></a><p><p><p><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4210679572/" title="december 23 Polar Express Party by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2616/4210679572_613a0c5f3b_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="december 23 Polar Express Party" /></a></center>Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-73476132417802317882009-12-16T23:35:00.000-08:002009-12-16T23:37:00.760-08:00Clearance boys shirt = cute top for E<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4191602805/" title="a lumberjack by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2560/4191602805_766b732c48_o.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="a lumberjack" /></a><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4192364442/" title="tutorial by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4192364442_9beff04e68_o.jpg" width="500" height="410" alt="tutorial" /></a></center>Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-90171349984166622512009-12-14T22:25:00.000-08:002009-12-14T22:34:50.945-08:00daily december (14)<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4186395587/" title="december 14 by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2581/4186395587_206b3e3c96_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="december 14" /></a> <p><a href="http://www.christmas-baking.com/gingerbread.html">gingerbread cookie recipe</a>Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-13944992947210735242009-12-14T21:37:00.001-08:002009-12-14T22:07:15.876-08:00me and e on dec 14<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4186298331/" title="me and e today by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4186298331_e5268023c7.jpg" width="239" height="500" align="left" alt="me and e today" /></a> I didnt start the day in this outfit. I was completely dressed in straight legged gray slacks, a geometric patterned blouse with a black undershirt and coordinated necklace. I just needed to slip my shoes on and grab a sweater. <p>However, I began to feel the pinch of the waistband around my middle and decided a bit too many cookies this month (+ a couple of sodas and a bucket load of cocoas with donuts sprinkled here and there) meant that I would need to pull out my most favorite comfy jeans. I've had them for about 5 years, they stretch more and more as the day goes on. The hems are frayed beyond recognition and in my skinny days these are too big for my bum... perfect! Especially since I planned on making (and eating) gingerbread cookies later ;)</p><p>E found me in the bathroom standing on the toilet (as usual) and wanted in on this picture thing. She had on the perfect mixed outfit too! Her t-shirt is a hand me down from a friend (belonging to our miss b)and the tutu is from Target last Christmas. It sparkles and twirls and both girls still fit into them. They wore them yesterday to church. E wore hers with stockings and her brothers Gap navy blue sweater with a big snowflake on the front that he wore 5 years ago! Both my littles have gotten away with wearing it and looking adorable!</p><p>On me:</p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:monospace;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:13px;">my old reliable jeans</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:monospace;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:13px;">shirt: thrifted $5</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:monospace;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:13px;">purple t: Target</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:monospace;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:13px;">Cardigan: Target</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:monospace;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap;font-size:13px;">ring: www.smallthingsdesigns.com<p>enjoying<br /><a href="http://phones.verizonwireless.com/lg/env3/?CMP=KNC-PaidSearch&rf=google.com">my new Env3 with unlimited text and data plan</a><br /><a href="http://www.coffee-mate.com/">Coffeemate's Peppermint mocha creamer</a> in plain ol' walmart cocoa<br />Christmas Classic station on <a href="http://www.pandora.com/">Pandora</a><br />this <a href="http://www.christmas-baking.com/gingerbread.html">gingerbread cookie recipe</a><br /><a href="http://knitandpurlgrrl.blogs.com/five_things/2009/12/5-more-easy-handmade-gifts.html">Lain's 5 easy handmade gifts</a><br />oh and then there's this: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10px;"><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ysIzPF3BfpQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ysIzPF3BfpQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></span></div></span>Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-54232089541819402302009-12-13T22:04:00.000-08:002009-12-13T22:18:44.850-08:00me today dec 13<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4183410795/" title="dec 13 by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4183410795_95b898bccd.jpg" width="227" height="500" align="left" alt="dec 13" /></a> Ah church, time to get everybody pretty while trying my darndest to keep the spirit with me. T went through 2 pairs of (dirty) pants and brought down the options of jeans of camo! LOL! The littles couldn't find stockings. C-bug did manage to get dressed in a cute outfit, realize her blouse had a spout on it and change into an equally clever outfit in 5 minutes flat... should have taken a pic of her cute outfit! (Imagine black flats, lacey type stockings, denim von dutch skirt, yellow v neck sweater with bright pink polo underneath! super cute!)<p>I knew exactly what I was going to wear today. I had looked though my <a href="http://www.evernote.com/">Evernote notebook</a> and was reminded of a cute<a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/"> boden</a> ensemble I loved. Wish evrry day was that simple.</p><p>Today we did church, made <a href="http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever/2009/12/cresent-chicken.html"> this for dinner</a> (yum!), and then went on our Secret Santa mission... rewarded with Krispy Kreme donuts (another yum!)</p><p>This is the outfit that ispired my look today. Ah to have a long pink velvet coat!</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0r2ZrL6Orjo/SyXYp6J2ffI/AAAAAAAAAHs/we9FXK3hXYE/s1600-h/boden.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0r2ZrL6Orjo/SyXYp6J2ffI/AAAAAAAAAHs/we9FXK3hXYE/s320/boden.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414972341479702002" style="cursor: pointer; width: 248px; height: 320px; " /></a></p><p></p>Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-73549228758737409052009-12-13T21:32:00.001-08:002009-12-13T21:32:55.842-08:00december 13<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4183346149/" title="december13 by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2619/4183346149_a32dece1a8_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="december13" /></a>Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-14448532217750299952009-12-12T23:31:00.000-08:002009-12-12T23:34:21.169-08:00december 12busy day<p><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4180266537/" title="december12a by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2791/4180266537_081b0656a5_m.jpg" width="240" height="240" alt="december12a" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4180266565/" title="december12b by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/4180266565_baaa770a23_m.jpg" width="240" height="240" alt="december12b" /></a><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4180266601/" title="december12c by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2545/4180266601_e14fb65df7_m.jpg" width="240" height="240" alt="december12c" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4180266613/" title="december12d by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/4180266613_aea647b226_m.jpg" width="240" height="240" alt="december12d" /></a><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4181029132/" title="december12e by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/4181029132_dbe5605ca3_m.jpg" width="240" height="240" alt="december12e" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4180266661/" title="december12f by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2561/4180266661_cae4df5417_m.jpg" width="240" height="240" alt="december12f" /></a>Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-35180283481222216942009-12-11T21:44:00.000-08:002009-12-11T21:49:53.682-08:00december 11<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4178342418/" title="december11 by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4178342418_24138ae1b0_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="december11" /></a>Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-33458778939521844112009-12-11T15:37:00.000-08:002009-12-11T15:44:24.598-08:00Dec 11 me standing on the toilet<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4177773724/" title="me today by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4177773724_80a967885b.jpg" width="222" height="500" align ="left" alt="me today" /></a> Did I already explain why in all these pictures I am standing on a toilet with my head cut off? <br />1) It's the only place I can take a good full body (minus head) self portrait without setting up a tripod<br />2) Usually I like how the flash bounces off the ceiling in the bathroom<br />3) Once I am on the toilet I can't see my head in the mirror. If I bring my camera down low enough I can get my funny mug in the picture but it also means there is a very bright flash in my face!<p>thrifted cardigan 3.99<br />blouse: Target clearance >$5<br />jeans: Old Navy from my sister<br />boots: My newest treasure found at the thrift store $8!!!<p>Today my sista brought me Krispy Kreme from our newly reopened bakery. We ran errands and dropped our Christmas postcard in the mail. We ate zuppa toscano among other yummies for lunch. Later we're heading to the church Christmas dinner.... turkey dinner, I hear!Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-19196262449450446802009-12-10T22:54:00.000-08:002009-12-10T22:59:32.974-08:00December Daily December 10<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4175454265/" title="december10a by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/4175454265_ce55445df6_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="december10a" /></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4176215164/" title="december10b by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4176215164_a26a431b19_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="december10b" /></a>Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-42869192659495308792009-12-10T21:59:00.000-08:002009-12-10T22:05:32.913-08:00dec 10<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4176137608/" title="I was channeling axyl and stephen and my legs look funny by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/4176137608_f33c5d8a66_o.jpg" width="500" height="580" alt="I was channeling axyl and stephen and my legs look funny" /></a><p><p><p>I could see it in my head last night. My comfy ripped jeans, an aerosmith t shirt and an off white cardigan topped with my red scarf. Unfortuantely, I had no aerosmith t shirt, no guns n roses, no classic rock t's, nothin. So the pic on the right is what I WOULD HAVE looked like if I had one.<p>I ran to the thrift store first thing this morning to hunt for one. I even convinced myself if I found one that smelled like it was washed I might actually wear it to breakfast with my photog friends without washing it first.... ewwww I know... but I was obsessed. Looking back, I am sooooo glad I didnt find one! haha! I did find an AWESOME pair of slate blue boots! I have been on the hunt for a pair of boots like them for a couple of months! Just trying to decide what I will wear with them... silvery gray leggings and a dress? black leggings with a denim skirt and grey sweater? I dunno, guess we'll see tomorrow!<p><p><br />black flast with buckle: Target<br />Jeans: Old Navy boot cut that is an old style of boot cut they dont make anymore<br />basic black t<br />thrifted gap cardi<br />yard sale banadanaMoniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-86583593601715483192009-12-08T22:08:00.000-08:002009-12-08T22:17:09.013-08:00<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4171280902/" title="dec 8 by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4171280902_75b59af423.jpg" width="245" height="500" align="left" alt="dec 8" /></a> Our day started off at about 5 am. An ice storm ripped in and pounded our house with pellets. It began snowing in parts of town and then the thunder and lighting! Something like this inevitable means school would be affected some how. And though things were sunny in spite of the cold wind, our side of town was pretty decent. But a look across the river we could see snow and probably ice. So seeing as how our district takes up the entire city of Albuquerque and the buses park over on the other side of the river, our district gave us a 2 hour delay.<p>After finally getting everybody off to school I grabbed a load of fabric soon to be cute skirts for kiddos and drove up to my sister's. We ate some nummy chili, cut fabric, gossiped and laughed. We ran and errand and then the kids all came home. sigh<p>But I had cookies to bake and a cookie exchange to go to. Ah friends and sugar! Two of my favorite things! :)<br /><p>Basic black t<br />new leggings form target<br />clearance target necklace<br />target flats<br />thrifted linen dress $6<br /><p>Was told by my 13 year old, "CUTE!"Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-6294279055606176172009-12-07T15:35:00.000-08:002009-12-07T15:49:24.599-08:00dec 7<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4167801008/" title="the magic coat by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2775/4167801008_1aa15368aa.jpg" width="236" height="500" align="left" alt="the magic coat" /></a> This is my magic coat! I bought it last year (or the year before?) on clearance at Target. Here is a classic story of why I call it the magic coat:<p>My 5 year old and I were on a shopping trip to Michaels. I was on a quest for the perfect trim for my ornaments for the swap. As I reach towards the silver braided cord a woman leans towards me and says, <br />"Your coat is beautiful!"<br />"Thank you, " I reply.<br />"Do you know that lady?" my little girl asks.<br />I tell her, "No. She was just complimenting me on my magic coat."<br />"Magic?!" she laughs.<br />I explain, "This coat is magic because anytime I wear it people say nice things to me. They tell me how beautiful I look, how they love my coat, or just other nice things. And so I call it my magic coat because it seems to cast a spell on people."<br /><p>We approach the register as I finish my explanation. Suddenly my girl exclaims, <br />"Mama! That lady has your coat!"<br />Sure enough a lady checking out has the same coat draped over her arm. We look at each other and smile. I explain, "I was just telling my daughter about this coat being magic. Do people compliment you whenever you wear it?"<br />The lady tells us how she bought 2 of them. One was for a friend. She tells us that people love the coat and that she remembers seeing me at the post office a year ago in my coat! We chat for a good 5 minutes as the lady in front of me and then I check out. We walk out to the car with the other magic coat owner. I find out she is the owner of a local spa and her name is Monica(!!! in NM if you're monique you might as well answer to monica too!) She invites us to a big holiday extravaganza at her spa. Unfortunately, the coat's magic powers do not help with memory and I just remembered we forgot all about the party! Darn it! oh well, still magic.Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-54877360869383367412009-12-05T21:01:00.000-08:002009-12-05T21:12:54.213-08:00dec 5<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4161490475/" title="take2 by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2779/4161490475_a1800a91b0_o.jpg" width="375" height="366" align="left" alt="take2" /></a><br />brunch a.m. :<br />yellow cardigan: target<br />plaid top: thrifted (probably from khols?)<br />denim skirt: hand made<br />yellow flats: target<br /><p><br />Out shopping p.m. :<br />yellow cardigan<br />dollar dress from walmart<br />green tank: target clearance<br />jeans: Old Navy hand me down form sister<br />thrifted old navy boots<br />purse: giani bernini thrifted $3! just found it on sale at <a href="http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=334424&CategoryID=27730&LinkType=DepthPath">Macy's for $50!!!</a><br />green necklace: made by my boy Tanzen for Christmas one year!<br />peachy and red dealio: Target clearance 2.44 <p><br />Last night while doing a little shopping, I found these cute 3 dimensional layered stickers from K and Company (and Joanns) they were $4. I picked up an unfinished shadow box at hobby lobby for $4 +40% coupon. A little painting, some glue and cardboard, and now I have this cute shadowbox sitting on the front room table. I really should plan and host a craft night some year. Oh well!<center><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4161514771/" title="shadow box crafting by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4161514771_d2da695cb2_o.jpg" width="500" height="340" alt="shadow box crafting" /></a></center>Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-67716531115159215392009-12-04T21:31:00.000-08:002009-12-04T22:01:08.936-08:00dec 4<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4159631568/" title="december4a by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/4159631568_49cd963b71.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="december4a" /></a><br /><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4159632322/" title="december4b by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2747/4159632322_fdec14785c.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="december4b" /></a><p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4159652798/" title="me today by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2607/4159652798_9f29245674.jpg" width="356" height="500" align="left" alt="me today" /></a>Had such a busy day. So many errands. Too many kids (parent teacher conferences this week.) <br /><p>After talking about my daily chosen clothes and saying something about putting more effort into what I wear... not the ordinary jeans and T, I suddenly had a craving for jeans and a T. I had a photoshoot with my nieces so I wanted to wear something comfy and functional. I dressed it up with my gap cardigan you havent seen yet, a hand knit navy blue scarf, straight legged jeans and some plaid tennies. I bought both tops at Walmart last year. I really really really try to stay far away from walmart clothes purchases because typically the quality isnt that great, walmart is an evil giant, sweatshops, etc. but this blue t is an organic one I picked up for $5! Could you pass up organic cotton for $5? I dare you! The red and white striped one underneath was a happy find. I hunted everywhere last winter for a red and white striped t after falling in love with one in the Boden catalog. I couldn't find anything under $30!!! Then happened across this one while picking up dog food for only $8. I am told I like to justify things often... oh well, I look cute ;)Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-10070965987943366772009-12-03T22:58:00.000-08:002010-01-23T18:38:21.344-08:00December 3<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4157523208/" title="december3 by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4157523208_996214cc7d.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="december3" /></a></center><p><p>So this is the ornament I made for Life in the Lyon's Den ornament swap. I hand crafted each paper house and used gumball machine containers for the domes. pretty nifty, huh?<p><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4156762557/" title="ornament swap by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2697/4156762557_371b90b054.jpg" width="367" height="500" alt="ornament swap" /></a></center><p><p>And apparently getting dressed with the intention of wearing something nice (rather than the lounge pants or jeans and a tee, or mafia style jogging suit... well anyway, it's becoming a habit and a way to keep me on task through out the day.<p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4156762349/" title="getting dressed by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4156762349_9f0def20a2.jpg" width="212" height="500" align="left" alt="getting dressed" /></a><br />This outfit is one of my favorite pairs of very straight legged baggy pants (reminds me of womens 1940s pants), a striped Old Navy T-shirt that my sis gave me after she accidentally ordered 2, a thrifted cardigan (about $6?) and a refurbished necklace made from a thrifted necklace and a big red bead from one of my other sistas.<p>This picture is a reminder to me to <br />a) clean my bathroom mirrors<br />b) get a pedi some time this winter<br />see ya tomorrow, I got to get back to posting a client gallery.Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-74303620814440012462009-12-03T01:45:00.000-08:002009-12-03T01:51:18.037-08:00december 2<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4154543071/" title="december2 by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2678/4154543071_cc3e43a160_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="december2" /></a></center><p>If you have a Macy's and kiddos in your care, stop by and drop a note to Santa... I almost did ;)<p>P.S. Couldnt find my copy of "It's a Wonderful Life" and really wanted to watch it tonight. You can watch it <a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4867975537967299162#">here</a>Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-56509981296290294462009-12-02T20:40:00.000-08:002009-12-02T20:47:32.181-08:00Thrifted Clearance outfit #2<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4154883068/" title="Thrifted/clearance outfit #2 (with new shoes) by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/4154883068_547cb4becc.jpg" width="222" height="500" align="left" alt="Thrifted/clearance outfit #2 (with new shoes)" /></a><br />Here is the blue version of the previous dress, also $1 @ walmart. The cardigan here is a new with tags Old Navy one I found at the thrift store for 6.99. The shoes and gray skirt were bought brand new at target. Fun stuff!<p>On the tail end of a cruddy day. Have a ton of work to do and no motivation to do it. Must get done though. see ya!Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-9311669032455654132009-12-02T14:40:00.000-08:002009-12-02T14:56:42.127-08:00Wardrobe Wednesday<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4154189478/" title="my thrifted and clearance outfit today by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/4154189478_39126d204a.jpg" width="238" height="500" align="left" alt="my thrifted and clearance outfit today " /></a> <br />ok I am not actually starting a ritual Wardrobe Wednesday, but this is one of a few things I actually loved today. (Wednesday is early dismissal for the elementary kiddos and it's smack dab when Little E needs her nap.)<p>I found this dress last night at Walmart. My first thought when I saw it was e-gads that is bright and hideous! Then I thought about how cute it would be with my boots and new cardi. Then I thought about how it was walmart and really made like crap in a foreign country probably by children. But then I saw the price tag $1! Sorry, couldn't pass up a dress for a buck!(or the similar blue one for the same price!!!)<p>The whole outfit with the exception of the shirt is either clearance or thrifted:<br />dress $1<br />boots: new old navy @ saver's thrift store last year 9.99<br />stockings: clearance $1<br />vintage pin (on waist): 1.99 @ savers<br />cardigan that I wore with it but not in the picture: NEW w/tags GAP @ savers $14! (original price tag said $45)<p> I LOVE clothes you wear in the cooler weather! Layers of tops, tanks, boots, leggings, sweaters. Best stuff! Some of my favorite style blogs:<br /><a href="http://www.cardiganempire.com/">Cardigan Empire</a><br /><a href="http://haveacuteday.blogspot.com/">Have a Cute Day</a><br /><a href="http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/">What I wore</a><br /><a href="http://theblackapple.typepad.com/somegirlswander/">Some Girls Wander</a>(of Black Apple fame... I'll take <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35800441">one of the cute necklaces from her shop!</a>)<p>Oh, and yes, I stand on my toilet to do shots like this! Wanna make fun of me? meet you on the playground after school tomorrow! ;)Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-34513299496230157602009-12-01T21:17:00.001-08:002009-12-01T21:21:51.614-08:00December 1: Peppermint chip cookies, sould food for the tired soul<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4151623815/" title="december1 by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2696/4151623815_81b0b84e24_o.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="december1" /></a> </center><p><p>Recipe can be found <a href="http://thegoodneighbor.blogspot.com/2008/12/december-daily-cookie-exchange.html">here</a>Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-63301676126807017772009-11-30T23:59:00.000-08:002009-12-01T00:07:54.704-08:00Digital December Daily<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monique_moki/4149823096/" title="title by monique(moki), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/4149823096_7865d3a194_o.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="title" /></a> </center><p>If you read my blog you probably know about Ali Edwards and her December Daily... just because I am crafty, ad you probably are so I assume you know what I am talking about. I am tooooo lazy this early morning to go and find a link for you so go ahead and google it if you need to... go ahead... I'll wait ;)<p>Last year I made an <a href="http://thegoodneighbor.blogspot.com/2008/10/mommy-why-are-they-putting-up-christmas.html"> awesome book</a> for my December Daily, but alas, scrapping in December (printing out the pics assembling pages etc) was too much for me and even though I took pictures every day I did fail to scrap the last 10 days or so. But I KNOW I can do this digitally. I LOVE doing digital scrapping... no mess to clean up, no supplies to buy, etc.<p>So all I have to do is make a list of things I definitely want to get to with my family and take the darn pictures!<p>On my list:<br />cookie making<br />one day of a big secret santa project run by a friend of mine<br />PJ pants to be sewn<br />cocoa to be drunk<br />parties to attend<br />but firstly get the tree up and finish the ornaments for Amy's swap(and send tomorrow!)Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6469380477114519671.post-55611656129336986712009-11-24T12:53:00.000-08:002009-11-24T12:55:01.606-08:00parody+Muppets+Queen= happy me<center><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tgbNymZ7vqY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tgbNymZ7vqY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></center><p>There's a whole channel of this stuff <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/MuppetsStudio#p/c/C9E4DEEA577A3A79/0/tgbNymZ7vqY">on the muppet youtube channel!</a>Moniquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09705731666237485518noreply@blogger.com0