Reno Reunion and New Plans

I've taken a bit of a break from blogging lately, as you may have noticed.  It was never my intent to take such a break, but it was much needed and I hope to be back in full swing here soon.  I got a bit bogged down with school and finals, health issues (including the depression that hits every fall) and various other uncontrollable life issues.  All of which left me with no time, strength or mood to blog.  Blogging is something that I enjoy and I'd like to keep it that way.  So, when I just can't even, I don't.  Then, just in the nick of time, I got to go on a much needed vacation.



This is what 94* looks like.  Me in the lightest dress I own, cursing under my breath that I forgot my parasol in the hotel room.

That's right, I got to have another reunion with my mom in Reno.  I've been 2 times before and on my last visit I started thinking about moving there to be closer to her.  Both previous trips have been in December/January so we thought I'd better take a trip during the summer months to see if this Alaskan girl could handle the heat.  My conclusion to that, "Not without my parasol".  Thank goodness for air conditioning, and finding a great antique/vintage shop only a few blocks from where this picture was taken.

Call Me

Awe, that's so much better!  I may not have too much need for parasols here in Alaska, but since I'm planning on making the move, a "new" parasol isn't a frivolous purchase.  Not that I have a problem with frivolous purchases, goodness knows I made quite a few while I was there.  I could spread all of my purchases out over many blog posts and still not have listed them all.  I have a feeling they will sneak in to my "Five Favorite" posts when the time comes.

The most 'touristy' drink ever and it's on fire.

Unlike my other visits to see Mom, this time I was able to bring my man with me.  As you can see, we took part in all of the touristy goodness that the Reno casino scene had to offer.  Including getting our portrait drawn by a street artist.

I've always wanted to get a drawing like this done, but never had the opportunity.  Money and time well spent in my book.  We also spent quite a bit of time trying out all the wonderful little artisan bars and their specialty cocktails.

It's Martini Time

Cheers!
 

Thankfully, each bartender we encountered had no problems taking out picture.  We didn't just drink our way through Reno it just happened that bartenders are more accommodating for pictures than strangers on the streets. 

 

Ian and I were together for only a week before he had to return home to work.  As far as our first ever vacation together goes, I think it was a great success and I look forward to many more.  We are currently discussing the idea of him making the move with me.  We'll see.......

 

 

The rest of my vacation was spent with the most amazing woman ever, MY MOM!!!  We spent the most of our time gabbing like little school girls, knitting, sewing and brainstorming.  Yes, BRAINSTORMING.  We've thrown around the idea of opening our own Etsy shop for a few years now and we have finally decided to take the plunge.  Let the insanity begin. 

 

 

We did a bit of shopping, "What do you mean, I can't buy all the vintage-reproduction fabric?"

 

 

And a ton of sewing, working on patterns and ideas for the shop.  So far, I am working on making some great reversible headbands and lovely vintage-inspired turbans. 

Here's one of the headbands I've made (along with a me-made skirt).

 

Mom will be working on kitchen accessories and offering her services as a long-arm quilter.  We're not quite up and running at full speed yet, but we are working at a steady pace.  At the moment, you can follow us on Instagram as @laceyrosecreations.  After much discussion, we decided to be called Lacey Rose Creations after my mom and I's dog Lacey and my mom's family name is Rose.  You can also find us on ETSY.  There's not much on there yet, but stay tuned in the next few weeks.  There is a lot going on behind the scenes.  I plan on doing another blog post about Lacey Rose Creations when we have more going on.

 

In other news, while I was on my vacation I got to meet a lovely new friend via Instagram.  I never thought I was the type of person to meet a stranger from the big scary internet.  Mariela and I "met" on Instagram a while ago and through our feeds I realized that she lives in Nevada just about an hour away from where my mom lives.  Both of us have feeds full of thrifted vintage goodness and all things yarn related so I thought it might be fun to meet.  Going against all the horror stories I heard growing up about meeting 'strange internet people' I asked her if she'd like to get together. 

 

 

We were both relieved that the other one was not a serial killer and we had a great day spent exploring all the best thrift shops in the area.  It's nice to know that when I do move down there next year, I've already made a friend.

 

 

At last, mom and I had to say our goodbyes.  It's always so hard to say goodbye.  Each time I get on the plane I shed a few tears.  This time, however, was a tiny bit easier knowing that in just one more year, I'll be closer to her.  Until then, we will keep planning and sewing and putting our new business together.  Before you know it, we will be together again.

 

XOXO,

Cherry