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

 

 

 



July's 5 Favorites

It seems as though it has been forever since I have done one of these posts.  Actually, it's only been 4 months since the last one in March. In blogging (and internet) time that is a life time.  My summer has been quite busy with Summer classes, crafting, and doing my best to enjoy each moment possible before the weather quickly turns back into the frozen ice and snow of winter.  I've also had a pretty hefty set back with my back injury.  The  injections I was getting, every 3 months, have stopped working and we are now contemplating another surgery or finding another therapy to help.  Needless to say, that has really taken it's toll on my activities.  Anyways, I have done a bit of retail therapy to help with the effects it has had on me, and I'm happy to be able to share some of my findings with you. 

1.  Younique 3D Fiberlash Mascara

 Ok, I have to that I didn't actually buy this product.  It was gifted to me by a friend who sells it.  I met her during the Memorial day weekend and at the end of the weekend she says to me "You are a diva, you need to have this"  Well, how could I say no to that.  I think I immediately fell in love with her. 

This is that mascara that has a tube of gel and a tube of fibers.  I had seen this stuff at the state fair last year but I have a VERY hard time trying new products that promise this or that for 3 times what I usually pay for a product.  This stuff isn't cheap at $29 a pop.  I would have never bought it on my own.  But now that I've tried it, I'm singing a completely different tune.

 

Have you ever actually tried to get a good picture of your eyelashes?  It's a lot harder that it seems!!  Well, I've never really focused my attention on my lashes.  They are really sparse and I usually just focus on a little wing in my eyeliner and a good red lip.  My eyes are always covered by glasses so It just wasn't something I put much thought into.  Now, I totally love my lashes.  I give them a little curl, put on my regular cover girl mascara then do the gel, fibers, and gel again.  You can't really tell from the pic but in person, it looks like I'm wearing falsies.  I'm totally hooked.  Now I'm willing to shell out $29 when this set runs out.  Oh, and I've been wearing it almost everyday since memorial day weekend and I'm no where near the bottom of the tubes.  I highly recommend this stuff.

 

2.  Tiny Tasty Treats from Kitchen Vixen

 

 

Aren't these just the cutest???  I found Kitchen Vixen at a local street fair selling the most amazing cookies and other treats.  As I had already had my fill of decadent street fair food, I almost walked right by the most adorable little ear rings and necklaces I've ever seen.  First I spotted the little cupcake necklace.  You all know I love anything cupcake related (Hell, my dog's name is Cupcake).  Then I found the little cups of Hot Coco and the Tiny Cake Pieces.  I absolutely had to scoop them all up and take them home with me.  Unfortunately, they didn't have the little red Kitchen Aide at the fair and I only discovered that on their website.  It was just to cute not to share it with you.  You can be that I will be looking for it the next time I stumble across them in person.  For now, my budget is too tight to order it online. 

 

3.  Floral Purse from The Bag Ladies of Fairbanks.

Something about summer time makes me gaga over floral prints.  That, coupled with a pretty serious purse addiction and need for retail therapy and there was no way that I couldn't buy this wonderful bag.  It's an added bonus that this purse and the many others made by The Bag Ladies of Fairbanks were made right here in my home town by some wonderful ladies. 

 

If anyone one wants to buy me the polka dot's and poppies one, I sure would appreciate it.  Unfortunately, I've already gone way over my budget as it is.  Damn, I can't wait till I can be working again!!!

 

4.  Vintage (80's does 50's) shirt dress.

 

Not only have I been swooning over floral's these days, but I have also been drawn to pink lately.  This is an unusual one for me.  I have always been more of a red girl and always felt that pink was just too dainty for me.  I guess things are always changing and so am I.  Not only does this lovely dress have pink in it but I don't think I've worn a white dress since I was a VERY little girl.  I will have to check with my mother on that one as I don't remember ever wearing one.  How could I pass up this adorable frock?  At 50% off of $12.99 I just couldn't, even if I was already in the red for the month......oops!

 

5.  Brooches made by yours truly

 

It all started with this little lady, a cute little polka dot dress made from a scrap of fabric left over from a skirt I made.  A few people had shown some interest in it so I decided to make a few more and try to sell them.  Here are some of the others I've made....

 

I've been asking $10 each with shipping included (U.S. only) and I take PayPal.  If you'd like to help a girl out head on over to My Instagram  and leave me a comment.  Or leave me a comment here.  After last months over spending and an unexpected trip to Reno next month, every penny is a big help.  I am not in a position to work extra hours or pick up shifts in order to make extra money as I no longer have a job and am unable to work at the moment.  So, this is what I can do.  I'm also thinking about setting up an etsy shop.  What do you guys think??  I've got to find some way to bring in extra moneys.

 

XOXO,

Cherry





Sisterhood of the Traveling Hat

I recently had the extreme honor of participating in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Hat.  What is that, you ask?  This is a project created by the creative and talented Tanith Rowan who hails from the opposite end of the world, Australia.  She is an extremely gifted maker of hats.  From vintage inspired, to costume, to modern styles and everything in between, her hats are fun, whimsical and charming.  Recently, she came up with the idea to make a hat and have it travel around the world and document all the adventures it partakes in.

When I read about the project on Tanith's Blog I excitedly emailed her immediately telling her how happy I would be to participate.  Allowing her hat to make it all the way to Alaska. 

I received the hat in the mail a little over a week ago and have finally had the chance to wear her and take some pictures.  I was really hoping to get some good pictures sooner.  However, I live in Alaska and we are experiencing an extremely smokey summer.  Our state is on fire!!!  Leaving the clear and beautiful days more rare than we all would like.  

  I took this picture the day after I took all the pictures of me wearing this darling hat.  That's not fog or smog, that is thick smoke making it very hard to breathe outside.

 

So, on our first sunny and clear day I jumped at the chance to take the hat for a spin.  I paired her with my black vintage, sateen, shirt-waist dress a navy blue belt and vintage pearl brooch and earrings.  Although this outfit came together beautifully, it proved to be very uncomfortable.  Anything made of thick black fabric worn in the blistering 90 degree evening sun would be though. Thankfully, I found a few shaded places on the boat to pose.  Us Alaskans just aren't used to these tropical temperatures.

The stairs leading to the upper deck of the ship was one of the shaded, and therefor cooler places.  As soon as I sat down to pose Cupcake jumped on my lap to cuddle (and pose).

This little girl sure knows how to steal the show.  I'm sorry Tanith.  I wanted to focus solely on your lovely hat but Cupcake clearly had other plans.

 Although Cupcake would have preferred me to be holding her, I didn't allow her to be in EVERY shot.  It was a heck of a lot of fun to run around on the boat finding good spots for pictures.  Even if I was a bit embarrassed to be doing so with a few of the crew downstairs wondering what the heck I was doing and why. 

If you are a hat person (who isn't?) I highly suggest you check out all of the amazing creations Tanith has made in her Etsy Shop.  If you aren't a hat person (shame on you) I'll happily accept anything in her shop as a gift.  She even does custom orders!!! If you have an idea, she can create it.

Thank you again, Tanith, for allowing me to participate in the adventures of the traveling hat and accepting me in to the sisterhood.  It has been an honor and a wonderful experience I will carry with me for many, many years.  And now the journey continues for this hat.  It was a bit painful to pack her back into her box to send her on to the next lucky sister.  I would have happily kept her with me.

XOXO,
Cherry

Vodka Lemonade and the Gun Range?

Yep, but it's not what you are thinking.  I would never in a million years drink and shoot.  However, I will wear my Vodka Lemonade Cardigan to the range.  See, that's the name of this sweater pattern.  With a name like Vodka Lemonade, how could I not want to knit this darling up? 

Just because I was wearing a skirt doesn't mean I'll give up the opportunity to take a trip to the range.  As you may have guessed, I was the fanciest gal there and stuck out like a sore thumb.  Not that that has ever bothered me one bit.

After the range, we took a stroll through a local car show.  Oh my how I loved each one of these classic babies.

I think this Studebaker was my favorite.  Just look at the propeller on the front.  That is seriously awesome!

Oh, don't mind me, I'm just checking my lipstick.

And pretending that I know what the hell I'm looking at under the hood.

But hey, let's talk about this sweater.  Like I mentioned earlier, it's the Vodka Lemonade cardigan by Thea Colman.  My mom had the idea of knitting this sweater together as our own little knit a long.  We both started it in December while I was visiting her in Nevada.  I finished it in February, but wasn't loving it all that much which is why it has taken so long to make it on the blog. 

It is clearly a spring/summer cardigan which may be why I wasn't in love with it in February.  Also, the pattern description says it has a "vintage feel" and I'm not really feeling that.  Maybe it's a bit early 60's but it doesn't have that 40's or 50's feel that I usually like.  I changed up the pattern a bit.  The lace panel in the back wasn't part of the original pattern, it was supposed to be just around the bottom but I thought I would get bored without it.

I also prefer that my sweaters have some sort of closure and this pattern doesn't have any.  I improvised with this little poodle and heart pin.  Super cute, but kind of a pain in my ass.

Although this may not be my favorite sweater that I've ever made, it was a nice pattern and it goes very well with many of the skirts in my wardrobe.  Including this skirt I made last summer.  If I were to make this sweater again, I would alter it to have buttons and also use a yarn with more stretch to it.  The cotton yarn I used from Jimmy Bean's is awesome but I don't think it was the right choice for this pattern.  I just loved the color so much and knew it would fit in to the mix well.  

I'm glad I got to wear it once before we started hitting the high 70's and low 80's.  I can't believe what a nice, hot summer we are having here in Alaska.  Now, I'm going to go dip my toes in the water with Cupcake and a real Vodka and Lemonade (don't worry Mom, all my homework is done).

XOXO,

Cherry 

Circle Skirts and Shenanigans

I am completely in awe of the amazingly wonderful spring we've had here in Alaska.  Last years summer was the wettest/rainiest summer we've had in recorded history.  The one before that, we completely skipped over spring and after an extra 2 months of snowy winter jumped right in to summer.  So I think it is about time that we get a proper spring around here.  Halleluiah!  This spring, and ideally all summer long, my go-to, outfit of choice has been a circle skirt (usually hand made), a tank top and comfy flats.  It may seem like that formula could get a little boring but I haven't tired of it yet.  With novelty prints, like the one above, that have so many colors in them and a rainbow of tank tops in my drawers, the combinations are damn near endless.  Not to mention my ever growing piles of colorful accessories to add to each outfit.  I sure haven't gotten bored yet.

 Cupcake, as always, likes to be a part of as many pictures as possible.  I made this skirt back when I was in the Spring for Cotton mode but decided that for the sew-a-long I would focus on the 1940's blouses because those were something new for me.  Skirts, on the other hand, are the main focus of most of my sewing endeavors. I wish I could tell you what pattern I use or have used for most of my skirts but I really don't know anymore.  The pattern has been cut and hacked and taped back together and cut down again so many times it no longer resembles the original pattern at all.  

More exciting than wearing my skirt out of the house for the first time was WHO I got to spend that day with.  Fabulous clothes are made even more fabulous when you get to wear them in the company of fabulous people.  My dear friend Terri is one of the most fabulous people I know.  FABULOUS!!! Unfortunately, she lives about 300 miles away from me so we don't get to see each other all that often.  Consequently,  each and every time we do get to see each other is that much more special. 

One of our first stops was a local antique shop, Thriftiques.  It is one of the smaller shops in town, but it is jam packed with all sorts of little treasures.  We always seem to find a little something that we just can't live without.

How adorable is she, right?  As we were leaving the shop we spotted, in the parking lot, the coolest trike I've ever seen.  And you know, I've seen my share of cool trikes.  This one takes the cake.  So much so, that I ran back into the shop and very excitedly asked the shop keeper if we could take pictures on it.  He happily obliged and came out of the shop to move it and take a few pictures for us.

  Can you believe this thing?  What's even cooler is the shop keeper rides this to work every day!

Each time Terri and I get together there are shenanigans to be had.  This day was no different, serious shenanigans here.  For two gals who, together have a suitcase full of anxiety issues, those all seem to melt away when we are together.  Leaving us free to be silly, crazy and obnoxious with no fear of consequences or weird stares from strangers.  Of which, we get a lot!!

We continued our day at a few other antique shops and had amazing food out on the deck of a local restaurant, washed down with margaritas.  I didn't get many more pictures of our day because we were just too busy being together to worry about our phones or cameras.  Not that we don't love our pictures, but it's our conversations and time just spent together that we really enjoy.  I am truly blessed to have such an amazing friend in my life!!

  By the end of the day, I was exhausted in the best way possible and just a little bit sunburned.  Oops, 1 layer of sunblock in the morning, before I leave the house is not enough to get me through a whole day spent mostly outside.  Lesson learned, I now have a bottle in the house, in my car, and even a tiny one in my purse. 

Do you have a standard summer wardrobe 'formula'?  What sort of shenanigans do you and your friends like to get in to?  I'd love to hear from you.

XOXO,
Cherry

Memorial Day Weekend

Well, our 3 day, Memorial weekend has come to a close and it is back to the normal daily grind.  Considering that I don't currently work, that statement might not mean much.  However, today is the first day of Summer Semester so I really am getting back to my normal grind as well.  Before I get ready to hit the books and find an apple for my teachers, I thought I'd share with you some photos of my Memorial Day weekend.

Each Memorial Day Weekend, my man and I participate in the Alaska Vet's Motorcycle Club's Memorial Day Run.  It starts with a weekend camping trip in Trapper Creek, Alaska and on Sunday we ride from up to Mary's McKinley View Lodge at 134.5 mile Parks Highway.  There, we meet up with ALL the other Motorcyclists (150ish in total) and ride to The Alaska Veterans Memorial (mile 147 Parks Highway) for an amazing Memorial Ceremony. 

I'm not wearing riding gear in these first photos because I was driving a support vehicle down to Trapper Creek behind the small pack that my man was riding with.  Not only can my messed up back not handle the 4-5 hour ride down to Trapper Creek, but we also need support vehicles to carry gear and to be there in case of any accidents.

Here I am at the Lodge, trying to get as many bikes in the background as I can and failing miserable.  It is seriously, an amazing experience to see so many motorcycles in one place, at one time.  All of whom are coming together to remember all those who have fought for our freedom. 

This year I had the Honor of riding at the front of the pack in the "Diamond" carrying the Alaska Vet's MC's Battle Flag.  There is nothing more amazing than being in the front of a pack of 150 motorcycles, turning around to look behind you and seeing bikes for as far as the eye can see.

Senator Lisa Murkowski rides in with us each year to show her support.  She rides on the front bike, carrying the American flag.  I don't know much about her politics, but she was an amazingly nice and supportive woman.  We are honored to have her be a part of our ride and to speak during our ceremony. 

On a side note.... Every summer, a sort of tug-o-war happens in my wardrobe.  On one side, are novelty prints, circle skirts, and petticoats.  On the other side, leather jackets, boots, chaps, and helmets.  Then there is me, caught in the middle.  This weekend, I think it's clear to see that the leather won.  Today, though, is a different story.......

I sure know how to make a helmet look good, right?

Behind me there are bikes for as far as you can see..... That's pretty awesome!!

Lisa Murkowski, speaking during the ceremony.  I don't know how she does it.  Each year her speech is moving and powerful and never gets old or feels repetitive.

Fallen Warriors Ceremony. The "Cross" is known as The Fallen Soldier Battle Cross and is a symbolic replacement of a cross on the battlefield for the soldier who has been killed.  Made up of the soldier's riffle with bayonet attached stuck into the ground, helmet on top, dog tags sometimes hanging from the riffle and the boots of the dead soldier nest to it.  It's purpose is to show honor and respect for the dead at the battle site.

Last year, I stood with the other wives and friends of the Alaska Vet's  MC and it cause my back to cramp and spasm something fierce.  This year, I decided to sit.  Thank you to the Alaska Bush Riders Group for clearing me a seat.  And thank you for help with the bikes, road sandwiches and water.  You guys were were awesome to have around!!

After the ceremony, we took a few pics with the Navy part of the memorial, in honor of my man's service (and also, my cousin served in the Navy).

Words cannot express how proud of my man and his service to our country and our freedom. Ian served in the Navy from 1999-2005 and was on the first ship to launch missiles on Afghanistan after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. I may not support every war that we are a part of, but I will always support our soldiers and all of the sacrifices they (and their families) make for us.  THANK YOU!!  And thank you to the Alaska Vet's MC for putting on an amazing weekend and ride and welcoming me into your family.  I love you all.

Now, I'm off to curl my hair, put on my prettiest novelty print circle skirt, and get ready for another semester of school.  Let's do this!!!!

XOXO,

Cherry