tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72552123682660458122024-03-18T23:44:15.180-04:00Giggles In The DarknessDark, spooky, pink and happy... that's me!Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-25629560782683024872018-01-10T10:12:00.000-05:002018-01-10T10:12:04.633-05:00Shared: Cat Love Cross StitchOne of my oldest co-workers, Susan, is like me in that she likes to keep her hands busy when she is watching TV. So she crochets scarves and blankets, mostly. I needed stocking stuffers this year so I bartered with her for a cross stitch in exchange for a bunch of her scarves.<br />
<br />
Since she is a cat lady, this is what I made for her:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/cross-stitch-cat-heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/cross-stitch-cat-heart.jpg" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="360" height="320" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the crappy phone pic :P</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's not my design but I did come up with the pattern from this original:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/cross-stitch-cat-heart-original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/cross-stitch-cat-heart-original.jpg" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="570" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can buy the original pattern on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/281554194/heart-and-cats-1-cross-stitch-pattern?ref=shop_home_feat_1" target="_blank">Etsy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
I think I came pretty close just going by the picture. :) The best part, though, is Susan loved it! She has it hanging in her cubicle!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/wedding_susan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/wedding_susan.jpg" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="604" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy photobombing Susan and I at the wedding :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-20667773108715618242018-01-03T12:18:00.000-05:002018-01-03T12:18:01.985-05:00Wore: What's Black and White with a Red Bottom?The Answer: ME!<br />
<br />
And not in the naughty way, cheeky monkey. I'm talking about my outfit and shoes. ;-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/bandw-batty-bats-scarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/bandw-batty-bats-scarf.jpg" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="360" height="400" width="235" /></a></div>
<br />
It's actually been chilly here in Atlanta the past week or so, so I've been wearing one of my favorite scarves quite a bit. Actually, strike that. It's been cold. It was 18°F / -8°C when we left for work this morning. I am so glad I got a <a href="http://gigglesinthedarkness.blogspot.com/2017/11/bought-secret-agent-sarrah.html" target="_blank">new winter coat</a>!<br />
<br />
I am so glad the hustle and bustle of the last 2 months is behind me. I am still so tired, though! It never occurred to me how much work it would be to put together a wedding, family reunion weekend and Christmas/Yule celebration all at the same time. But we got it done and I was even able to still make a few of my holiday gifts this year. The theme/project for this year was cross stitch.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures before I gave them away so all I have is the one I made for Andy.<br />
<br />
It's his favorite quote from "The Departed" :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/andy-crossstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/andy-crossstitch.jpg" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I also made my Mom one that says "F*ck the dumb shit" but I'm not 100% convinced she liked it.<br />
<br />
I am not one to make New year's resolutions but I've decided that instead of playing random games on my phone or tablet while we unwind in front of Netflix at night, I'm going to design and make some cross stitch pieces. That way I'm at least being kind of productive when I should be doing chores. :D<br />
<br />
Also in the works for this year: opening an Etsy shop to sell my <a href="http://gigglesinthedarkness.blogspot.com/search/label/bearly%20dreadfuls" target="_blank">Bearly Dreadfuls</a>. I don't have any left since they were all used as centerpieces for the wedding so I'll be working up a small inventory first.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: yellow;">Question for you: if you saw the Bearly Dreadfuls online, what price would you think is reasonable?</span> </b>I don't want to overprice them but I don't want to undersell, either. Each one takes about 2-3 hours to complete.<br />
<br />
<br />
Hope you have a fabulous 2018! I know I plan to. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/sidia-makeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/sidia-makeup.jpg" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After they've been up for months, Sidia finally discovered the shelves I put up in the bathroom.<br />She spent a long time trying to figure out the screws that hold this into the wall.<br />Thank goodness she does not have opposable thumbs. Or a screwdriver. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-43043369987051090842017-12-27T12:55:00.000-05:002017-12-27T12:55:25.153-05:00Shared: I got married, y'all!Sorry for the sudden disappearance! Things got so hectic before the wedding, especially since I was also putting together a family reunion and holiday celebration for that same weekend. <br />
<br />
But everything went off without any major glitches, a fun weekend was had by all (well, most LOL), and the end result was a marriage. I call it successful. :)<br />
<br />
I have more of a post planned but it will likely be after the first of the year.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, here a few sneak peek snapshots others took the day of the wedding. We should get our professional pics sometime next month.<br />
<br />
Hope everyone had a great holiday and have a fabulous New Year!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/wedding-seester-mom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/wedding-seester-mom1.jpg" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister and nephew helping set up - she did an AWESOME job!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/wedding-us-mom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/wedding-us-mom1.jpg" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom snapped this while the photographer was working her magic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/wedding-me-mom-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/wedding-me-mom-1.jpg" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I never know what to do with my face in pictures</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/wedding-me-katy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/wedding-me-katy.jpg" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously, I always look surprised (my co-worker/friend was copying me) LOL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/wedding-me-GG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positive.ehost.com/giggles/wedding-me-GG.jpg" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="360" height="400" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the night. My flask is filled with Nerds candies and that's a Pepsi Max in the can.<br />I was exhausted yet hyper all day. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-55028590897294151132017-11-15T09:00:00.000-05:002017-11-15T09:00:01.256-05:00Shared: A New Way to Walk (Walk, Walk)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/G-7ZJjLy5D8/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G-7ZJjLy5D8?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
Now that my knee is (mostly) feeling better, I'm working on increasing my activity. I was told to go slow and work up. Because I lead a very sedentary life, I figured the best and easiest ways for me to just walk around more at work.<br />
<br />
So I got a pedometer!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/pedometer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/pedometer.jpg" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="414" height="261" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This one is amazing because you can out it anywhere on your body and it accurately counts your steps. Since I don't have pockets and am too "curvy" to comfortably wear one clipped to my waist band, I actually just stick this in my bra. :)<br />
<br />
I originally got the clippy strap to keep it from falling out but that has ended up not being an issue at all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/pedometer-secret-clip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/pedometer-secret-clip.jpg" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="355" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
The clip was actually really annoying so now I just put the pedometer down the front of my bra. :)<br />
<br />
I tracked how many steps I took on an average day for a week. Then I figured out the average per day and strive to take a minimum of 200 steps a day more than the average. No, it's not a lot but I really feel it in my knees when I take more than that right now. I have a goal of 5,000 total additional steps above my base point and then I'm going to get myself a treat. I just haven't decided for sure what that's going to be yet. I'm really eyeing <a href="http://www.torrid.com/product/nightmare-before-christmas-fair-isle-leggings/11061015.html?cgid=new_dtr_the_nightmare_before_christmas#start=10" target="_blank">these leggings</a>, though.<br />
<br />
I have discovered that if I dance a lot, it can increase my steps so I have to be careful of that. Yeah, the movement is good overall but the point is to increase the endurance of my knees. :)<br />
<br />
I've thought about joining the gym here at work (just $6 per paycheck!) but being sweaty in front of other people is absolutely mortifying to me. And I sweat easily. I don't glisten like some women, either. Nope. I turn bright red and wet. :P And when I get hot, I get super nauseous.<br />
<br />
So walking is the first step. Walk, walk!<br />
<br />
Random necklace pic:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skully-star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skully-star.jpg" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="445" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pendant: <a href="http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/H209593JD" target="_blank">Fire Mountain Gems</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-68168469105711578102017-11-08T08:58:00.000-05:002017-11-08T08:58:06.403-05:00Bought: Secret Agent SarrahWell, after years of hoodies and sweaters, I finally bought a real life coat for the cooler Autumn and Winter months ahead. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/new-coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/new-coat.jpg" data-original-height="671" data-original-width="355" height="400" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter coat: Torrid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This picture does not do it any sort of justice, though. It's more of a dark charcoal and has a nice texture to it. <br />
<br />
I like that it is warm without being TOO warm since winters in Atlanta, GA are fairly mild (compared to northern MN where I grew up). It also has nice deeeeep pockets. So far, I've gotten to wear it once this season. :P<br />
<br />
It also finally gave me a place to wear some of the pins I've gotten recently.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/lapel-pins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/lapel-pins.jpg" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="355" height="320" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lapel pins: <a href="https://www.creepycompany.com/" target="_blank">Creepy Company</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've had these for a while but just couldn't figure out a good way to style them with the way I normally dress. I even tried some of <a href="http://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2017/06/how-to-wear-brooches-summer.html" target="_blank">Mutant Stomp Friends</a> awesome suggestions but I don't dress the same way. :) I'm a lot less creative with my fashion sense. LOL<br />
<br />
The hearse has a hidden details that makes me giggle, though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/secret-coffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/secret-coffin.jpg" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="355" height="301" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
What creative things do you do with pins/buttons/badges? I need ideas! :)<br />
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-61795844552103906002017-11-02T09:00:00.000-04:002017-11-02T09:00:15.575-04:00Shared: Wedding - Comic Book Table Runners44 days to the wedding! I can't believe it is almost here. Fortunately, now that I have the table runners done, there's not too much left to do before hand except put together the loot bags (in lieu of favors) and get Andy's suit fitted when it comes in. He got a custom made suit in dark charcoal grey. It's really nice!<br />
<br />
There's a ton to do for the wedding weekend with our families but that's mostly food related and can't be done until right before we check into the rental house.<br />
<br />
I am really happy with the way our runners turned out! Because our apartment is tiny and we don't have a lot of floor or table space, I came into work last Saturday and used one of the conference rooms to make these.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/table-runners-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/table-runners-1.jpg" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
First, I cut some cheap contact paper to size. The design was not important because this is going to be on the back so I just got the cheapest I could find on Amazon. The paper is 18" wide so I cut in half then cut it into 35" lengths. I need each runner to be a bit over 36" to allow for overlap on the tables. (Some of the tables are 6' long but 3' runners are easier to manage!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/table-runners-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/table-runners-2.jpg" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once those were cut, I removed the backing from each strip, laid it sticky side up, then arranged the comic book pages in a planned-random pattern. I wanted it to look random but I also needed them to be within the right width and I kept on eye on color placement, which way the text was pointing, and splitting up like characters. I know those are details that only I would notice but since I would notice it, I wanted to prevent it. :) <br />
<br />
After the contact paper was covered, I used double-sided tape to add a few pages to the top as well as stick down any loose corners.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/table-runners-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/table-runners-3.jpg" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Once I had one done to my liking, I used it as a sort of template to keep the dimensions close on the rest of them that I made. For the comic book pages, I used <a href="http://www.dccomics.com/characters/the-flash" target="_blank">The Flash</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flashpoint_(comics)" target="_blank">Flashpoint</a> (his favorites) plus <a href="http://zim.wikia.com/wiki/Invader_Zim_(comic_series)" target="_blank">Invader Zim</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Hate_Fairyland" target="_blank">I Hate Fairyland</a> (my favorites). It was really sad cutting apart those books!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/table-runners-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/table-runners-4.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
Because I had already cut up the books during a previous weekend, it took me less than 4 hours to make all 13 runners. I still need to figure out how to safely transport these from the apartment to the rental house to the wedding venue without folding them. Right now, they are stacked on top of one another and draped over the backs of a couple chairs that are also holding other wedding items.<br />
<br />
I have a few ideas but would love suggestions! :)<br />
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-34368766788123991092017-10-31T07:16:00.000-04:002017-10-31T07:16:50.662-04:00Wore: My Diet Finally Paid Off<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Happy Halloween<br />and<br />Blessed Samhain!</h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skeleton-outfit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skeleton-outfit.jpg" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="355" height="400" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bow: Hot Topic<br />Necklace: Wish<br />Dress: Torrid<br />Shrug: Jessica London<br />Arm warmers: Wish<br />Leggings: Hot Topic online<br />Shoes: Hot Chocolate Designs<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I went with an easy option for Halloween at work this year. Everything is from my wardrobe, just some things don't get worn as often as others. :) It was kind of funny when I realized I have a skeleton costume built right into my wardrobe. LOL<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skeleton-necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skeleton-necklace.jpg" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="457" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We don't have any real plans for tonight except dinner, movies and hopefully a couple of trick-or-treaters.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skeleton-bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skeleton-bow.jpg" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="355" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
What are/were your Halloween plans?Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-16146561268358165292017-10-25T08:52:00.000-04:002017-10-25T08:52:07.944-04:00Wore: Flowers in Her Hair...er, on Her LegsI did it! I did it! I got another pair of printed leggings. Yep, I'm going wild with this new found freedom. LOL<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skully-flower-leggings-black-dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skully-flower-leggings-black-dress.jpg" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="350" height="320" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress: Torrid<br />
Leggings: Hot Topic<br />
Shoes: Hot Chocolate Designs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I know... a whole three pairs now. I'm livin' on the edge, wild child that I am. ;)<br />
<br />
I will admit that these are not my favorites of the 3 but they are nice for a change from <strike>safe</strike> basic black. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skully-flower-leggings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skully-flower-leggings.jpg" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="350" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
Also with these, the bagginess around my ankles is a lot more noticeable. I could down a size for them to fit my lower legs and my waist better but I'm scared that my hips and thighs won't fit if I do that. <br />
<br />
You can't see the tops of the leggings. They look like a wide screen version of the bottoms. :)<br />
<br />
I also dug out one of my favorite necklaces that doesn't get as much air time as the rest because it's dangerous. LOL<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/come-in-were-open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/come-in-were-open.jpg" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="406" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
And it's reversible!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/sorry-were-closed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/sorry-were-closed.jpg" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="429" height="252" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't remember where I got this because it was such a long time ago. There are a lot of other versions of it online, though.<br />
<br />
It's very light weight but the corners and edges are SHARP! I even filed them down a bit when I first got it. <br />
<br />
How does the saying go? Beauty is pain? Good thing I have masochistic tendencies. Drinking super fizzy soda after eating Captain Crunch or really cold ice cream is my favorite. :D<br />
<br />
I found out the hard way that wearing this for a night out with friends at a bar, either way, brings a lot of creepy unwanted attention. My response is usually a blush-filled "I have to go over there now." Sadly, I'm usually not the quickest when it comes to picking up double-entendres and innuendos except for the ones that a 12-year-old would giggle at. <br />
<br />
Do you have any favorite accessories that you don't wear as often as you'd like? What's your reason?<br />
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-52798835688529928472017-10-23T08:59:00.000-04:002017-10-23T08:59:06.614-04:00Shared: What's this? What's this?!Hey! What's that glowing by my door?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/porchlight-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/porchlight-1.jpg" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There's something orange and eerie up there. Can you see it? No? Then let's move closer....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/porchlight-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/porchlight-2.jpg" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Can you see it up there now? Like any good horror film, we should definitely move in for a closer look!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/porchlight-close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/porchlight-close.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh! It's just our orange pumpkin head hanging over the light outside our door. Silly pumpkin! You gave me such a scare! Hahahaha! I think I will go inside now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/doorknockerjpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/doorknockerjpg.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
Or maybe not. ;)<br />
<br />
We don't do a lot of decorating outside our apartment, especially since the little boy who lives in unit 12 gets creeped out pretty easily. He's a cool kid and has an awesome cat named Loki who I feel is one of my own. I don't think his family celebrates Halloweeen nor do I think his parents speak any English but they always smile big and say "Hi" when I walk pass.<br />
<br />
We don't do a lot of decorating inside either because I pretty much decorate for Halloween all year long. I should take some pics of my favorite decor items some time.<br />
<br />
In the mean time, here's Rustle, just chilling on the couch. He laid like this for a good 20 minutes without being petted or anything before I decided to record him for about 30 seconds. His purrs make me happy. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OD005s6vHrc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OD005s6vHrc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-55683062675458726952017-10-20T09:00:00.000-04:002017-10-20T09:00:31.067-04:00Craft Along with GIY: Black & White (Black Lace Skull shirt)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gothityourself.blogspot.com/p/craft-along-with-giy.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBtg1TWAC4qmXT0JJn9Toe_1RYEYbzQSACBYEU_WEOw-Wp6o5uQ7ffIJai41g7-vg0XUrftAICyB3JLfLEv_mkzC_KdEYQjunzO6BTfvds95uKRDNoY-WF2sz64fFapi4qw-2ybbxNhBES/s1600/craft+along+with+GIY.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I love Bane's <a href="http://gothityourself.blogspot.com/p/craft-along-with-giy.html" target="_blank">Craft Alongs</a>! It's even more fun to participate. :) This month, her theme was Black & White so I took the opportunity to do an easy refashion. <br />
<br />
I did not take a before picture but I had this black and white striped tee with a black lace collar that I got during the "Before Time" when I was trying to go unnoticed. I rarely wore it, though, because it was too flashy for me back then. LOL<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/blace-lace-skull-shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/blace-lace-skull-shirt.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirt: Woman Within many years ago<br />Black lace skull: Etsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even after I started to dress more like me, it rarely got worn because I'm not a fan of boxy t-shirts in general. I bought some lace skull appliques off Etsy a while back and decided that the black one would work well on this shirt since it had the crocheted lace collar on it already.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/blace-lace-skull-shirt-closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/blace-lace-skull-shirt-closeup.jpg" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="321" height="320" width="303" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was a super simple but time intensive process to hand sew it on so I just parked myself in front of some scary movies for a Sunday and was able to get it done. Now it's a shirt that I will at least wear more often. :)<br />
<br />
This wasn't part of the Craft Along but it's something else that I made:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/bony-hand-heart-necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/bony-hand-heart-necklace.jpg" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I ordered the pendant from <a href="http://www.firemountaingems.com/itemdetails/h20b3655fn" target="_blank">Firemountain Gems</a> and used a couple of broken necklaces to get the parts to string it. Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-79470016075797247102017-10-18T09:04:00.000-04:002017-10-18T09:04:09.856-04:00Wore: Streaky!With a lot of my clothes looking pretty similar, it becomes an extra challenge to try styling them differently. So I decided to see if wearing some of my sleeveless dresses over a shirt would work for me. I think this one is pretty much a win. At least a tie. LOL<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/open-mesh-shirt-under-dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/open-mesh-shirt-under-dress.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress & leggings: New Look<br />
Shoes: Hot Chocolate Design<br />
Shirt: Torrid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Unfortunately, this is the only usable shot I was able to get because the mirror had a HUGE streak going down it that I didn't see until it was too late. You can see it coming down from between my chin(s) and the phone over my boobages. Also, my tummy is quite bloated here because I said fuck it and had wheat the night before. It makes me sick every time and I feel hungover the next day but sometimes it's just worth it! (mmm... pizza...) I'm just glad it's a sensitivity and not an allergy or Celiacs (as far as has been determined, anyway)..<br />
<br />
Oh! And I finally got my hair cut and recolored it. I ended up seeing a new guy because the girl I was seeing left. When I say new, I mean NEW. He'd only been there for 5 months and this is his first haircutting gig. He had mentioned that he was a soldier then a welder before this so I asked him why he made that career change. He was very honest: "Women in yoga pants." LOL He's also a single dad with an 8 year old girl so he figured this would be a good way to learn "girlie shit" before she's old enough to start asking about hair and makeup. He was crass, rude, and FUNNY! He did a good job on my hair, too, so I'll probably see him next time. :) <br />
<br />
Here are a few random pics of necklaces that I've worn over the past weeks. The outfits were all posted previously.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/frankies-bride-with-brain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/frankies-bride-with-brain.jpg" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="350" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I paired Frankie's Bride with a brain. :)<br />
Bride of Frankie: Cats Like Us<br />
Brain: Wish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/mermaid-skeleton-necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/mermaid-skeleton-necklace.jpg" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mermaid Skeleton: Wish<br />
They came as a pair and I added one to a black cord. I'm not sure what I am going to do with her mate, though.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/bacon-necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/bacon-necklace.jpg" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="350" height="297" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacon necklace: gift from Andy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-48351429337072210082017-10-16T09:00:00.000-04:002017-10-16T09:00:00.191-04:00Shared: Choker? But I hardly even know 'erNow that October is FINALLY here, I feel more comfortable wearing some of my larger spooky pieces of jewelry to work. I'm sure I'll eventually get over that like I did with the prints. I really love this time of year but it's nowhere near the same feeling as it was when I lived in Minnesota. It's still not cold here and I even have a new coat to wear when the air does get chilly so I'm trying to be patient. But at least I can wear my more Halloweeny stuff with fewer weird looks. Not that I mind the weird looks, of course.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/choker-selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/choker-selfie.jpg" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="350" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Necklace: Wish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Since I don't like to wear actual chokers, I call this necklace "one of my chokers." I'm sure you can guess why. :)<br />
<br />
I have a white plastic one, too, but it's a lot more costume-y so I usually wait until closer to Halloween to sport that one. The problem with both of them, though, is the hands move as I do so I am constantly having to fix them to get them to lay right. Oh, the pain of beauty! ;)<br />
<br />
Speaking of "beauty," see how tired my eyes look? I took this before I was able to see the orthopedist and was so sleep deprived because of the pain. (My knee is MUCH better now, btw. Yay!) <a href="http://themutantstompfriends.blogspot.com/2017/09/corrective-makeup-undereye-bags.html" target="_blank">Mutant Stomp Friends posted a great tutorial</a> for how to cover that with makeup but time is just not my friend in the morning. Plus, I think the dark bags go well with my outfits. LOL<br />
<br />
In other news, I bought some skeleton cameos and settings for them off Wish recently and was able to make 10 necklaces for $1.50 a piece including the black cord. I still have 2 settings left over as well. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/10-cameos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/10-cameos.jpg" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="450" height="237" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cameos and settings both from Wish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've decided that I am going to keep 4-5 of them and give the rest away. I know the skeleton cameo is kind of overdone but I still like it. :) I like the different colors that these came in which kind of makes them a little fresh again. For me, at least. So you'll probably start seeing these in upcoming outfit posts.<br />
<br />
Does your everyday wardrobe change much in October?<br />
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-61832670950881161432017-10-13T09:00:00.000-04:002017-10-13T09:00:14.629-04:00Shared: Wedding - Our RingsWe finally got our wedding rings!!! Yay!!! I am especially excited because they took 8 weeks to get here from the time we ordered them, but that's because they were custom made from <a href="https://www.brentjess.com/" target="_blank">Brent & Jess</a>. And they turned out better than I had imagined!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/our-rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/our-rings.jpg" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="350" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puffy fingers are puffy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My ring is on the left. It has his fingerprint to the left of the heart and mine on the right. His ring has my fingerprint, too, but it's hidden.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/inside-his-ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/inside-his-ring.jpg" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="350" height="274" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I ended up stumbling across the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Steampunk-Heart-Trinket-Collectible-Figurine/dp/B01DZ49J0E" target="_blank">perfect trinket box on Amazon</a> for us to use to hold our rings during the ceremony, too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/steampunk-heart-ring-box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/steampunk-heart-ring-box.jpg" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="350" height="310" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
He loves steampunk things and I love anatomical things plus we both have a thing for decorative boxes so this worked out to be a perfect blend. Kind of like us. (Awwwww....!!!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/steampunk-heart-ring-box-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/steampunk-heart-ring-box-3.jpg" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="539" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I stuck a piece of fake black fur inside just to keep the rings from clanging around. <br />
<br />
The fur is actually from a purse that I accidentally ordered from Wish. I have no idea how it ended up in my cart ; thankfully it was just a $2 mistake. But I'm glad I held on to it because I was able to put it good use in the end. :)<br />
<br />
After we get married, I am going to retire the ring <a href="https://gigglesinthedarkness.blogspot.com/2017/10/shared-sarrahs-that-say-knee.html" target="_blank">I always wear on my right ring finger</a> and move the <a href="http://gigglesinthedarkness.blogspot.com/2017/08/wore-operatic-bats.html" target="_blank">engagement ring</a> over to that hand.<br />
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-62285074727756569622017-10-11T09:48:00.000-04:002017-10-11T09:48:01.833-04:00Wore: She Wore Black VelvetWhen I was a little girl, I always wanted a red velvet dress with a big puffy white bottom to wear for the holidays. Mom, of course, always nixed the idea because we had cats and dogs and the upkeep for velvet clothing was a bugger.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://a248.e.akamai.net/media.zulily.com/media/catalog/product//58899/zu2482093_main_tm1378150412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="666" height="320" src="https://a248.e.akamai.net/media.zulily.com/media/catalog/product//58899/zu2482093_main_tm1378150412.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.zulily.com/p/red-velvet-glitter-tulle-cap-sleeve-dress-toddler-girls-253283-4581735.html" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There have been a number of times in my adult years where I have talked myself out velvety goodness because 1) they'd be too warm, 2) I have cats, 3) the exceeded a price my frugal nature was comfortable with.<br />
<br />
Then, one day in my online window shopping travels, I came across a black velvet dress that was in my size, had short sleeves, AND was on super sale. It took me a few months to get up the courage to wear it after I got it because I was scared of attracting lint plus I had no idea how warm it might actually be.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/black-velvet-dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/black-velvet-dress.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, no!!! I lost an arm!!!<br />
Dress: Hot Topic online<br />
Leggings: New Look</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's not the most flattering cut on me and doesn't drape as well as other fabrics I wear but I still felt decadent. :) I was also worried that the back would be too revealing but it worked out okay. I just had to make sure my bra straps were pushed down my shoulders slightly.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/black-velvet-dress-back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/black-velvet-dress-back.jpg" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="350" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, the scandal of bare back skin! ;-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I didn't know when I ordered the dress, though, that it had a wonderful subtle design!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/black-velvet-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/black-velvet-design.jpg" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the reasons I decided to buck up and wear the dress is because I got a new pair of shoes from Hot Chocolate Design that also have a velvety finish.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/hot-chocolate-design-velvet-shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/hot-chocolate-design-velvet-shoes.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can really see <a href="http://gigglesinthedarkness.blogspot.com/2017/09/shared-30-cool-weird-things-about-me.html" target="_blank">the way my feet curve</a> in this pic!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I really had to think hard about these shoes. I love the overall design and the silhouette on the left shoe. And bow makes my inner 3-year-old princess swoon. But I was worried that the cross would be sacrilegious or offensive to Christians in some way, especially since I am not Christian myself. I am still a little iffy on that so would love to hear feedback in that regard. As a Pagan, I don't get offended by non-Pagans wearing pentagrams, etc. based on the design aesthetics so I'd like to think it's the same in the opposite direction?<br />
<br />
Anyway, I also decided to dig out one of my retired necklaces to wear with this. I can't get a good pic of it, unfortunately, because of how shiny it is.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/vintage-vamp-pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/vintage-vamp-pic.jpg" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="450" height="318" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Necklace: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/cuteandcreepyinc" target="_blank">Cute and Creepy Inc</a><br />
Unfortunately, she no longer makes necklaces :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The image looks like a Victorian death photo that's been doctored to look like a vampire. I don't wear it very often because the back leaves a big green square on my skin, even after sealing it with clear nail polish, but sometimes it's just worth it. :)<br />
<br />
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-34121574326695638092017-10-09T09:00:00.000-04:002017-10-09T09:00:05.792-04:00Thought: Body Image and RudenessHave you ever had one of those days where you wake up feeling good? And your outfit works out as well as your hair, make up, etc. so you leave the house feeling like you can conquer the world? Then one person says something stupid and it all comes crashing down?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIQRauBNa7MX9SiOZ4LnC_Q0KhxgZIzMgkDS5l9Mpvo47vcRISLq3MopH9tUbfCXxU_6yCUXb1F6BVXuvMx0wTJsvPZ-dA_5hyphenhyphenD-ukCuPjydhBGfuPgHRHtW7RXu7WF8tA0bjcK8bQaQE/s1600/batty-bat-legs.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="548" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIQRauBNa7MX9SiOZ4LnC_Q0KhxgZIzMgkDS5l9Mpvo47vcRISLq3MopH9tUbfCXxU_6yCUXb1F6BVXuvMx0wTJsvPZ-dA_5hyphenhyphenD-ukCuPjydhBGfuPgHRHtW7RXu7WF8tA0bjcK8bQaQE/s320/batty-bat-legs.gif" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another foray into prints!<br />
Batty bat leggings: Hot Topic<br />
Dress: SWAK Designs<br />
Shoes: Hot Chocolate Designs<br />
Bag: Amazon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That happened to me at work last week. I was at a networking event and on my way out, some girl I've never seen before came up to me and said, "Hi! Excuse me but have you ever considered gastric bypass surgery?" <br />
<br />
Now, this is actually not the first time this has happened to me AT WORK so I actually had a response prepared.<br />
<br />
"Have you ever considered having plastic surgery?"<br />
<br />
Her response was an offended "Um, no!"<br />
<br />
So I said "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought we were playing a game of Rude Questions Asked to Strangers."<br />
<br />
And I walked away.<br />
<br />
I know some people think they are being helpful by asking such a rude question but that's just not something you should say to someone you don't know. And it's happened to me a total of 3 times at work by strangers as well as twice by people I <b>did</b> know at work. Not well enough for such a personal question, mind you. It's also happened to me once outside of work by a stranger and once by my ex-sister-in-law just out of the blue when we were talking about something not-weight-related. My response to her was "First, fuck you. Second, fuck you. And three, fuck you in the ear with your rudeness." I <strike>can't</strike> shouldn't say that to people at work, of course.<br />
<br />
The rudeness aside, that question makes me feel bad about myself because, in my head, I'm so large that strangers feel the need to fix me. So I work to put a different perspective on it and concentrate more on the audacity of others and less on myself.<br />
<br />
Since leaving high school, the only time I've ever felt bad about my weight is when I let other people make me think I <b>should</b> feel bad about it. And the silliest part of that is there is only one 3-letter word that will ever bring me to tears when it comes to my body image: <b>moo</b>. Yep, moo at me like I'm a cow and it will make me cry. Call me fat or anything else, I deal with it. I *am* fat. But the issues that I have with my body at my current size are the same issues I had with my body when I was younger: my large upper arms, my large thighs, my misshapen legs and feet.<br />
<br />
But I am not unhappy in my skin. My body and my shape do not define who I am as a person nor do they dictate what sort of person I am.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPbZlB8YO6ab4hGrYEAXbq8QmztsXl-MN0msFNagNq1OlJ5AxNr2shYGYPVhugqOh9lBpgbgc4m8H2d_G7Wgjw8m_0IwrMdqR52MzUsVJk13g5MSW8wi0UnOrDM1hhbrfg2VGH5Ve5XQm/s1600/batty-bat-leggings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPbZlB8YO6ab4hGrYEAXbq8QmztsXl-MN0msFNagNq1OlJ5AxNr2shYGYPVhugqOh9lBpgbgc4m8H2d_G7Wgjw8m_0IwrMdqR52MzUsVJk13g5MSW8wi0UnOrDM1hhbrfg2VGH5Ve5XQm/s320/batty-bat-leggings.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
At one point in my life, I did look into gastric bypass surgery just see what it was all about. I found out pretty quickly that even if I was interested, I would not be a candidate because of my eating disorder. My binge eating is something that I am extremely embarrassed about and something I rarely tell people about. I have it more or less under control most of the time and there are days where I tell Andy "I've had a bad day and I want to binge. So I am going to. This is what I am going to eat. Then I will be done." I allow it to happen but I try to take control of it. That has helped a lot and kept me from being twice the size I am.<br />
<br />
A few years ago, there used to be an adult-only camping event that was clothing optional and sexually free. While I am considered the modest prude in my group of friends, I used to go every year and would force myself to do things outside my comfort zone. The first year, I went topless. In front of people. It was terrifying yet freeing at the same time. The next year, I took part in a group shower. The next year, the naked slip and slide (so much fun!). It was nothing to be walking from one area to the next and hearing/seeing all sorts of devious acts but that's not why I went. I wanted to be more comfortable with me and this was a safe space to push my own limits.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5J4Bh1meuWcYY3T1l7kcRve8UBBKH4sxsckRHZT0bhyphenhyphenVJnSkEU5scPcoISCMyn8yrIz3P57pg0GxJ6i7x3KWIWaNKSaZILroeiTkh1XJxq6S6RKx_4oDPTUiKwA0QdVblNFYp3R68t8Nc/s1600/2012-06-01_12-05-20_314censored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5J4Bh1meuWcYY3T1l7kcRve8UBBKH4sxsckRHZT0bhyphenhyphenVJnSkEU5scPcoISCMyn8yrIz3P57pg0GxJ6i7x3KWIWaNKSaZILroeiTkh1XJxq6S6RKx_4oDPTUiKwA0QdVblNFYp3R68t8Nc/s320/2012-06-01_12-05-20_314censored.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>How's this for a brave picture to post on the internet? LOL</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>This was also at my absolute heaviest I've ever been. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>At the adult-only camping event, I was wrapped to a tree with cellophane then</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>accosted with water guns and super soakers until I was able to get free. :)</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of the things that helped is most of the women who went were plus sized and very few of the men were slim as well. If anyone said anything derogatory about someone else's appearance, they were put in their place by anyone else who heard them. You don't like the way the sun shines off someone's glaring white ass? Then look at something else.<br />
<br />
I found myself being approached by other women at the event, especially women closer to my size, and complimented for my confidence which completely surprised me. I don't consider myself a confident person at all. I just force my limits so I can experience as much of life as possible.<br />
<br />
That's actually one of the reasons I post outfits each week. I know my fashion sense is nothing remarkable but my outfits make me feel cute and I force myself outside that comfort zone for strangers to see.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1Gax_S8SZeCocB5aFPj1GOVilMrxH3hlYlKwlFMhd9PcTHkIfhEPdf1uDhGuoO9Jja6J2hBsiTrMdsEDYMW7tpJeSTQpOM0kkuEtCs09M8_LEkisrBSJsbER2UA2P0cTuQnhuxqAs82U/s1600/batty-bat-legs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1Gax_S8SZeCocB5aFPj1GOVilMrxH3hlYlKwlFMhd9PcTHkIfhEPdf1uDhGuoO9Jja6J2hBsiTrMdsEDYMW7tpJeSTQpOM0kkuEtCs09M8_LEkisrBSJsbER2UA2P0cTuQnhuxqAs82U/s320/batty-bat-legs.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I'm at a rave in my head here.<br />
That happens more often than you'd think. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Since I've started dressing the way I want to, I'm finding that I get way more compliments from strangers than I would have ever dreamed. And every time it happens, I blissfully blush and say "Thank you! " Compliments used to be very hard to take but someone I once dated made me realize that I was insulting the compliment giver whenever I'd point out why I felt their words were not right.<br />
<br />
"You look really nice today, Sarrah!"<br />
"No... this dress it way to tight across my hips."<br />
"Oh. So you think I'm a liar?"<br />
<br />
Point taken.<br />
<br />
And since strangers have little to gain by giving kind words, I feel validated for having my outside match my inside. Well, that's not literally true, obviously, because I don't wear meat, blood and bones in public. Usually. Lol<br />
<br />
So, to sum up, the "gastric bypass girl" can go suck it because I am awesome. :)<br />
<br />
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-41788599254040115592017-10-06T09:30:00.000-04:002017-10-06T09:30:05.211-04:00Shared: Sarrahs That Say "Knee!"I have finally seen the orthopedist and it didn't go quite as I had thought it would. He confirmed the torn meniscus and the torn ACL but said there's not much he can do about either. The arthritis is so bad in my knee that it is tearing the mensicus away which, in his words, is not bad because it will eventually wear a groove. If he fixed it, then it would just tear more.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/black-hi-lo-top-long-skirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/black-hi-lo-top-long-skirt.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The outfit I wore for my ortho appointment<br />
Top: Torrid<br />
Skirt: Jessica London<br />
Necklace: Cameo I put together<br />
Fancy lady purse: Unique Vintage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
He also said that I will almost certainly need knee replacement surgery in about 10-20 years.<br />
<br />
I asked what I can do in the mean time for the pain which has been leaving me in tears way more than I'd like. He said to take Tylenol Arthritis and Aleve (which I've been doing since this started in July with no relief). He also gave me a steroid shot in my knee which, unbeknownst to me, made my knee hurt WAAAAAAY worse. I bawled the entire way home from the pain. A couple days, later, fortunately, there was marked improvement to the pain and mobility and it's been slowly feeling better. He also gave me an anti-inflammatory medication which seems to be helping as well.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/black-girlie-dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/black-girlie-dress.jpg" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="350" height="400" width="196" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random outfit from a few days later<br />
Dress: Torrid<br />
Leggings: New Look<br />
Shoes: Hot Chocolate Design</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
He gave me sheets with knee exercises that I can start doing now that my knee feels a little better but it was a very frustrating experience. I'm not sure how long the steroid shot is supposed to last but if/when I start to have issues again, I am going to ask to see a different doctor, I think.<br />
<br />
I'm just glad that it's at least improved even if it hasn't improved 100%.<br />
<br />
And just because I feel weird only having two pics (I prefer odd numbers), here is a picture of my rings. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/rings.jpg" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="600" height="151" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-39172903931618012562017-10-04T09:52:00.000-04:002017-10-04T15:46:54.471-04:00Wore: Moment of braveryAs I've mentioned previously, I'm trying to <a href="https://gigglesinthedarkness.blogspot.com/2017/09/wore-bats-in-shadows.html" target="_blank">get comfortable with wearing prints</a>. It's not easy for me but I'm trying. Sometimes they say the best way to get over something is to throw yourself right into the heart of it. So why not a full body print?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/floral-skull-maxi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/floral-skull-maxi.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress: Torrid<br />
Shrug: I don't remember, I've had it forever</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I actually wore this and took pics a few weeks ago so I am still in my pained, sleep-deprived state here but hopefully the pic is too small for anyone else to notice. LOL<br />
<br />
I actually really like this dress, probably because I was swathed in skulls all day. Almost a dream come true! It's a bit sheer, though, so I had to wear a tank top and shorts under it. One thing I don't like about is the fact that it has spaghetti straps which are not flattering on girls built like me.<br />
<br />
<i>Edit: As I look over this post, I realize this dress is doing my body no favors. LOL Is it just me or do I look a lot heavier in this dress than I do in a lot of my other clothing?</i><br />
<br />
But, in a rare moment of bravery, I decided to take a pic that shows my upper arms. (*gasp*) (*shock*)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/i-am-being-brave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/i-am-being-brave.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
I am *VERY* self-conscious of my upper arms because of how they are largely disproportionate to my lower arms. I mean, I *do* love my grandma wings on my biceps that I may or may not flap in the mirror after each shower but I don't necessarily like showing them off.<br />
<br />
Since I was being brave with my arms, I decided this would a good opportunity to show the tattoos I have there as well.<br />
<br />
I even reversed the mirror image so they'd be the right way in the pics. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/left-arm-tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/left-arm-tattoo.jpg" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="350" /></a></div>
<br />
This was done by 2 different artists. The heart and skull in the middle was done by my ex-brother-in-law and was the 40th tattoo he'd ever done. I had asked him for a skull and heart and he came up with the idea of a tattered patchwork heart because he'd heard about some of the bad things I'd gone through in my life but I still came out a warm, loving person. Unfortunately, the ink he had was not that great so it faded poorly. When I got the art supplies tattooed around the heart, the artist (Flaco from <a href="https://www.allornothingtattoo.com/" target="_blank">All Or Nothing</a>) fixed the color but colored right over some of the shading, etc. without redoing it. I need to get that touched up at some point.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/right-arm-tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/right-arm-tattoo.jpg" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="350" /></a></div>
<br />
I helped design this tattoo with an artist at <a href="https://www.anchorsendtattoo.com/" target="_blank">Anchor's End Tattoo</a> in Duluth, MN. I can't remember his name which makes me sad because I remember the names of all my other artists. :( <br />
<br />
I designed the <b><i>SisteR</i></b> which is my initial and my sister's initial intertwined. The colors are our birthstone colors: purple/amethyst for February and green/emerald for May. The artist came up with the art deco style scroll work then together we decided it also needed the colored dots. My sister has this same one on her ankle.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/bat-family-necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/bat-family-necklace.jpg" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="350" height="226" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Necklace: Wish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wish I was brave/confident/comfortable enough to walk around in public in tank tops. I do around the apartment all the time. I even wear shorts and short dresses with no leggings at home as well. <br />
<br />
What are your self-conscious areas and how do you deal with them?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/mesh-top-dress-selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/mesh-top-dress-selfie.jpg" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="350" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unrelated selfie from a different day - just because I was feeling cute. :)<br />
Dress: Torrid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-88083773363791938672017-10-02T08:55:00.000-04:002017-10-02T08:55:00.148-04:00Shared: Wedding - InvitationsJust 75 days until the wedding... it's coming up so fast! Fortunately, I don't have much left to do, especially since I finally finished my invitations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJNPa-J_1_Jt1JpWAFafjqCN5NCq-5inTlItkbG6t1bedDHtceLAV3gkChc3WkMSgEkA_h85L6_HjDvXyHDoSwELPg63MxkYkh29UNH8gelbLg7OlW7aooXKSUHqne9plOJ5eLLgozTuT/s1600/taco-invite-together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="600" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJNPa-J_1_Jt1JpWAFafjqCN5NCq-5inTlItkbG6t1bedDHtceLAV3gkChc3WkMSgEkA_h85L6_HjDvXyHDoSwELPg63MxkYkh29UNH8gelbLg7OlW7aooXKSUHqne9plOJ5eLLgozTuT/s400/taco-invite-together.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Yep, our invitation is a taco! LOL If you take a peek back at our <a href="http://gigglesinthedarkness.blogspot.com/2017/08/shared-wedding-save-date-cards.html" target="_blank">Save the Date card</a>, there was a taco hint there, too. :)<br />
<br />
I designed/drew these myself, had the pieces professionally printed on cardstock, then cut out all the moving parts. That last part was kind of a bitch but thankfully we are only inviting about 40 people and only needed 19 invitations total.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQUqb2K1S3dYim_86yuY7glTmsSTi-vSarbFwwt7vZiGMjVE25E3bFMoLuOeCOAPMCnHxF0f3doTSB_8ltIM6wbiGmFRv0BnefGYbWuySo-3BQ9rUagTbcZFu3fulFjPhBSYCpMn36zB4/s1600/taco-invite-insert-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="600" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQUqb2K1S3dYim_86yuY7glTmsSTi-vSarbFwwt7vZiGMjVE25E3bFMoLuOeCOAPMCnHxF0f3doTSB_8ltIM6wbiGmFRv0BnefGYbWuySo-3BQ9rUagTbcZFu3fulFjPhBSYCpMn36zB4/s400/taco-invite-insert-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIl4Rd6OXGfAEAOWwB6LZQK1m2breLiLEs9iCcp1O4pCyPseMRpaiZbDO1IVja-iOs_eZvmWcXOo0KlEkE4YARR0U8X5iMio1w-AqY7U55g2_-phmq8C-HZ-jszaYAeBZci_IintLQeUaC/s1600/taco-invite-insert-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="600" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIl4Rd6OXGfAEAOWwB6LZQK1m2breLiLEs9iCcp1O4pCyPseMRpaiZbDO1IVja-iOs_eZvmWcXOo0KlEkE4YARR0U8X5iMio1w-AqY7U55g2_-phmq8C-HZ-jszaYAeBZci_IintLQeUaC/s400/taco-invite-insert-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFPggD7DHsDeJ7i5egbCW0YCkcAbr3WLZkU4_aMZ1GZyWT8l-_b3YerDuSvPVgJ7OjGcjQ04Oy8MStjGUejoC2MoX84TrzVocd81MA48Z4lnDNdQeb8bCrDJec12rMn3ecOX3L_kYdZFf/s1600/taco-invite-insert-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="600" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFPggD7DHsDeJ7i5egbCW0YCkcAbr3WLZkU4_aMZ1GZyWT8l-_b3YerDuSvPVgJ7OjGcjQ04Oy8MStjGUejoC2MoX84TrzVocd81MA48Z4lnDNdQeb8bCrDJec12rMn3ecOX3L_kYdZFf/s400/taco-invite-insert-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidwf4eTnFShZgsZlNCYNr2jJpbexl2YAg0aJfih_rmkULBeGqtAog0RTOE_pcG-UVgkho-ccDmZsdqyH8dAUb7c4MwxwyniNAP5xhORKJ9_8-sjjcvxhm6wpbnkibjycX__N-zl8Bsz_u/s1600/taco-invite-parts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidwf4eTnFShZgsZlNCYNr2jJpbexl2YAg0aJfih_rmkULBeGqtAog0RTOE_pcG-UVgkho-ccDmZsdqyH8dAUb7c4MwxwyniNAP5xhORKJ9_8-sjjcvxhm6wpbnkibjycX__N-zl8Bsz_u/s400/taco-invite-parts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I am so, so, so happy with the way the pieces fit together! I was so scared that they wouldn't once they were printed.<br />
<br />
The RSVP card is separate and we included the stamp separately with the words "Want a free stamp?" because we also have an online RSVP form as well. Here's a screenshot of the RSVP card:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7ntm5ga3h2nTR2uIwEaVk8sL036uG4uFgkUhQCxof0ls1VnduW3s11m6q4wFKyVBKBiF-NrkwggkWMj2-x1J8x_hlZ-VZ63ZFAt1Mxa339e9VMMHZjXHMRJnEhuC2GJM6jGpoQ8smeg1/s1600/RSVP.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="437" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7ntm5ga3h2nTR2uIwEaVk8sL036uG4uFgkUhQCxof0ls1VnduW3s11m6q4wFKyVBKBiF-NrkwggkWMj2-x1J8x_hlZ-VZ63ZFAt1Mxa339e9VMMHZjXHMRJnEhuC2GJM6jGpoQ8smeg1/s400/RSVP.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It's hard to to tell in the pics but the RSVP card is actually the same color and textured-design as the the "taco shell" of the invitation. The "wild bears" are also an in-joke because we are using my <span id="goog_1249545611"></span><a href="http://gigglesinthedarkness.blogspot.com/2017/07/made-bearly-dreadfuls-for-wedding.html" target="_blank">Bearly Dreadfuls</a><span id="goog_1249545612"></span> as centerpieces. :) I doubt anyone will get it but it made me giggle.<br />
<br />
The seals for the envelopes have the same textured-design as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNOs-TVVVW5NOQ5G9QG7axb5zNsDo3vFGCFpfiOoQ4nYvChfx0xvB0JUDo9bU8HuXl2KhGhyphenhyphen4hahm0es3hdqBCqMZJAC8DBMomoVv14MIlOTwcDyvajnPwrnTD7lWgFt5C0Du4YJ5462_/s1600/WeddingSeal.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="309" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNOs-TVVVW5NOQ5G9QG7axb5zNsDo3vFGCFpfiOoQ4nYvChfx0xvB0JUDo9bU8HuXl2KhGhyphenhyphen4hahm0es3hdqBCqMZJAC8DBMomoVv14MIlOTwcDyvajnPwrnTD7lWgFt5C0Du4YJ5462_/s200/WeddingSeal.PNG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I can't/shouldn't mail these out until the end of the month but I'm just happy that they are finally finished!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TFudzY7b6zC4Rz19mehwK71rQkuF9ZMFRkJ7IiuhS63dlO-8MOtRvdfECC0b-_TgRgIbsJONpqVep8HrnClHJM9a-Ab1vtpgmjXnoLZXz34Xro9vdVSMmjNMZWKtfrXdn9ETXvdkUvcr/s1600/taco-invite-tasty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TFudzY7b6zC4Rz19mehwK71rQkuF9ZMFRkJ7IiuhS63dlO-8MOtRvdfECC0b-_TgRgIbsJONpqVep8HrnClHJM9a-Ab1vtpgmjXnoLZXz34Xro9vdVSMmjNMZWKtfrXdn9ETXvdkUvcr/s320/taco-invite-tasty.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very flattering shot LOL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As you may have guessed, we are having tacos for our wedding dinner. :) We are having them catered by one of our favorite Mexican restaurants, <a href="http://www.cielobluecantina.com/" target="_blank">Cielo Blue</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-78828962284044225362017-09-29T09:00:00.000-04:002017-09-29T09:00:22.359-04:00Shared: Claude, Groot, and a Photo ShootI still haven't had my orthopedist appointment for my knee and the pain seems to be getting worse. When I am at home, I pretty much live on the sofa with my leg up and a pillow under my knee. It's the only relief I can get at this point and even that's not 100% anymore. I've spent the night sleeping like that way more than I (and Andy) would like. Hopefully, it won't be for too much longer.<br />
<br />
Sitting in the same spot and not being able to do what I want or should (without a lot of pain, that is), I find myself getting a little stir crazy. Especially after I have read all the internet and played all the games.<br />
<br />
So my favorite <a href="http://gigglesinthedarkness.blogspot.com/2017/07/made-bearly-dreadfuls-for-wedding.html" target="_blank">Bearly Dreadful</a> I made named Claude van Dumm and his best friend Baby Groot entertained me with a photo shoot. :)<br />
<br />
Here a few of my favorites. I hope they at least make you smile. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/claude-and-groot-photoshoot-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/claude-and-groot-photoshoot-1.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/claude-and-groot-photoshoot-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/claude-and-groot-photoshoot-2.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/claude-and-groot-photoshoot-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/claude-and-groot-photoshoot-3.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/claude-and-groot-photoshoot-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/claude-and-groot-photoshoot-4.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-68107566513078196362017-09-27T09:52:00.000-04:002017-09-27T09:52:06.010-04:00Wore: Break-A-Leg<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/new-look-net-top-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/new-look-net-top-2.jpg" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="350" height="320" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HI!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hi! So nice to see you! How are you? Glad to hear it! Me? Oh, I'm fine. Thanks for asking. No, really... I'm okay. Yeah, my knee still really, really, really hurts but I'm trying to not be a whiner about it. It's to the point where I just want to cry every time I have to walk more than 20 steps. But, the good news is I *FINALLY* have an appointment with the orthopedist next week. Yay!<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, because I am spending a lot more time with my leg up, I am online shopping way more than I should be. I can justify about 75% of the purchases, at least. Like the bottles for the wedding mead Andy is making. I also recently got this top from New Look while it was on super sale:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media2.newlookassets.com/i/newlook/539090601/womens/clothing/tops/curves-black-mesh-panel-t-shirt-.jpg?strip=true&qlt=80&w=640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media2.newlookassets.com/i/newlook/539090601/womens/clothing/tops/curves-black-mesh-panel-t-shirt-.jpg?strip=true&qlt=80&w=640" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="640" height="320" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.newlook.com/uk/womens/clothing/tops/curves-black-mesh-panel-t-shirt-/p/539090601?comp=Browse" target="_blank">New Look</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The mirror at work was super streaky so I couldn't get a full body shot, though. I paired this with one of my long black skirts so you can probably imagine the rest. The mesh makes me feel super edgy and broody as you can see in the top picture. LOL I still feel kinda bad ass, though. As bad ass as I can feel anyway.<br />
<br />
Here's a more "serious" one. ;)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/new-look-net-top-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/new-look-net-top-1.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's SO serious that the shadow of my nose is pointing out my chin pimple quite nicely.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For date night last week, it was my turn to choose so I chose to go to <a href="http://www.joescrabshack.com/" target="_blank">Joe's Crab Shack</a>. I will spare my non-meat-eating friend any specific details (sorry, <a href="http://goth-gardening.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Goth Gardener</a>!) but my meal came with this bib which made me laugh more than a sane, rational adult probably should have. At least that was Andy's take on my giggles. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/break-a-leg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/break-a-leg.jpg" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It also seemed apropos since my leg is gimpy. I love that word. Apropos.<br />
<br />
Anyway...Do you partake in retail therapy? If so, what's your go-to store, shop, or website?<br />
<br />
Until later, sweet p'taters!<br />
<br />
(Yes, I am overly-caffeinated right now Why do you ask? LOL)<br />
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-32643463711431201122017-09-25T09:30:00.000-04:002017-09-25T09:30:00.982-04:00Shared: Sparkles in the MundaneI am an artsy kinda girl and have always worked in an office. I've been at my current company for almost 12 years now, swimming through seas of light grey cubicles. I was an assistant to the buyer for seed and fertilizer for over 9 years until they did away with the merchant assistant positions. I was absorbed by Supply Chain Support which was a step down position-wise but my pay the stayed the same and I didn't lose my benefits. Within about a year, I was promoted to a Supply Chain Specialist which means I pretty much play in Excel spreadsheets and create purchase orders for stores all day. I am working toward some other positions but I make due with where I am.<br />
<br />
The hardest part for me, though, are these light grey cubicle walls. I know they need to keep things neutral, etc. but they just make me sad. So I try to keep my cube fun and visually interesting. We moved floors recently so I used that time to get rid of cubicle clutter and I am slowly revamping my little 6'x6' space.<br />
<br />
I also thought I'd share what a typical day is like for me because I KNOW you will find it SO interesting. LOL I actually do find these interesting when other people post them but then I've also admitted to being a <a href="http://gigglesinthedarkness.blogspot.com/2017/07/shared-whats-in-bag-whats-in-bag.html" target="_blank">stalker of the mundane</a> already. ;)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/spider-earrings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/spider-earrings.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got these earrings from Wish which work well as push pins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
4:35 AM <br />
Grumble at 1st alarm and hit "Dismiss"<br />
4:40 AM <br />
Sigh heavily at 2nd alarm and hit "Dismiss"<br />
4:45 AM <br />
Groan at 3rd alarm and hit "Snooze"<br />
4:50-5:00 <br />
Hit snooze every 5 minutes until 5 AM hits then jump up in a panic because I should have gotten up at 4:45.<br />
5:00-5:30 <br />
Pet the kitties, brush teeth, shower, dry and style hair, make sure Andy is up, figure out what to wear, dress, accessorize<br />
5:30-5:40 <br />
Feed kitties, grab breakfast and lunch, stuff things into bags<br />
5:40 AM<br />
Head to the van and curse my Archnemesis: The Stairs<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/spider-at-work-countdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/spider-at-work-countdown.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I use the spiders to hold up my papers and notes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
5:45 AM<br />
Leave apartment complex parking lot<br />
5:45-6:15<br />
Drive to Andy's job, ramble sleepily at Andy while he dozes, look to see if I recognize anyone with a MN license plate<br />
6:15 AM <br />
Drop Andy off at work<br />
6:45-7:00 <br />
Arrive at my job<br />
7:00-7:30 <br />
Take outfit shot in the rest room, eat breakfast, play Simpsons Tapped Out, read cat memes, read food & recipe emails that I subscribed to when I cooked, um, I mean, maintained my recipe blog<br />
7:30 AM <br />
Clock in to start work<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/spiders-at-work-fiscal-year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/spiders-at-work-fiscal-year.jpg" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="622" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They add a bit of spooky glam to even the most boring of calendars</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
7:30-9:30<br />
Worky worky work while singing songs to myself or making a game out of the spreadsheets I work on<br />
9:30 AM <br />
Break! Go to the rest room, decide if the outfit that day is worthy of being uploaded then maybe upload pics from my phone, try to figure out what to do for the other 10 minutes of my break<br />
9:45 - 11:30 <br />
Worky worky work while dreaming of the job I thought I would have when I graduated college with an art degree all those years ago<br />
11:30-12:15 <br />
Lunch! Eat while playing Simpsons Tapped Out, perusing blogs or working on pics/posts for mine<br />
12:15 PM <br />
Wish I still took a 60-minute lunch break so I could finish whatever I was working on<br />
12:15-3:45 PM <br />
(*sigh*) More worky, worky, work with a sneaky bathroom break in the middle<br />
3:45 PM <br />
Break! Go to the rest room, finish whatever I was working on at lunch<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/spiders-at-work-attacking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/spiders-at-work-attacking.jpg" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="622" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess which company I work for? :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
4:00-4:15 <br />
Pretend to work for the last 15 minutes of my day<br />
4:15 PM <br />
Grab my stuff and bolt for the elevator, hoping it makes it the full 18 floors down without stopping. Hope it stops when it reaches the ground floor.<br />
4:25 PM Leave the parking ramp and head to pick up Andy, make up songs about the other drivers, convince myself that I want to cook dinner, look to see if I recognize anyone with a MN license plate<br />
5:05-5:20 <br />
Arrive at Andy's job, answer personal emails while waiting for him to get off work<br />
5:25 PM <br />
Drive home while talking about our days, look to see if I recognize anyone with a MN license plate (it'll happen one day!)<br />
6:15-6:30 PM<br />
Arrive at home and curse my Archnemesis: The Stairs<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/bat-at-work-monitor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/bat-at-work-monitor.jpg" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="622" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've used other jewelry to adorn my space as well. This is a bat ring on one of my monitors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
6:30 PM <br />
Realize when I get up the stairs that I really don't feel like cooking and neither does Andy<br />
6:40 PM <br />
Order delivery for dinner - we'll cook TOMORROW.<br />
6:45 PM <br />
Pet the kitties, play Simpsons Tapped Out, take care of bills/household business, check out blogs, shop online<br />
7:30-7:45 <br />
Food finally arrives<br />
7:45-9:30 <br />
Eat dinner, watch Netflix/Amazon Prime, snuggle with kitties, sing with Claude, talk about going to bed<br />
9:30 PM <br />
Watch just one more episode of something short (right now "Friends")<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/work-beauty-corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/work-beauty-corner.jpg" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="622" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are bathroom accessories that I use to hold office stuff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
10:00 PM<br />
Get ready for bed but stay up talking for a while, pet Rustle when he comes up on the bed to say good night<br />
10:30 PM<br />
Lights out, pet Sidia and try to convince her to lay down until she finally curls up between my knees<br />
10:45 PM<br />
With any luck, sleep<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/work-eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/work-eyes.jpg" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="622" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's nice to see smiling faces while I work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-2353363531389054542017-09-22T09:00:00.000-04:002017-09-22T09:00:10.293-04:00Made: First Day of School - updatedWhile I loved how the conjoined twins themselves turned out, the drawing just felt unfinished so I added a background. What do you think?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZf1O6qjGXdT8pywYbr9hxkcvQcfk0IcqkbFqKS7Q1ZWryzlb7oyCFVO1J3HSxEwESQ00wz4leCCYOyQsLP6pk3ez2tsi3QdkZDB1R5_Xmd1W-bwQubo-Te6ECayvIgI6DZMafasAT6fD/s1600/artflow_201709192139.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="930" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZf1O6qjGXdT8pywYbr9hxkcvQcfk0IcqkbFqKS7Q1ZWryzlb7oyCFVO1J3HSxEwESQ00wz4leCCYOyQsLP6pk3ez2tsi3QdkZDB1R5_Xmd1W-bwQubo-Te6ECayvIgI6DZMafasAT6fD/s400/artflow_201709192139.png" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-20771503978027982142017-09-20T10:07:00.000-04:002017-09-20T10:07:09.405-04:00Wore: Bats in the ShadowsYou've probably noticed this already but if you haven't, I'll point it out: I don't really like to wear prints. I love prints on other people but I feel so completely out of my element when I wear them myself so the few print items I have are usually delegated to lounge clothes for home only. <br />
<br />
I'm trying very hard to get over that.<br />
<br />
This is one of my baby steps into the world of graphic prints in public:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skully_leggings_hot_topic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skully_leggings_hot_topic.jpg" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leggings: Hot Topic online<br />
Shoes: Hot Chocolate Designs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This was also my test to see if the plus size leggings on HotTopic.com would actually fit me. And they do! Yay!<br />
<br />
I know a lot of people aren't fans of Hot Topic and I completely get it. I rarely step foot inside the store unless I have to go to the mall for some other reason (though I try to avoid that as much as I can). Online, though, it's a good source for skully clothes in my size. :)<br />
<br />
I've worn these a few times now with various dresses and they are starting to grow on me. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skully_pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/skully_pants.jpg" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="350" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress: New Look</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I also get compliments from strangers whenever I wear them so that helps! I love getting compliments from Andy, friends, coworkers,etc. but when someone I don't know feels the need to to say something, it just makes my day even more. <br />
<br />
I think I will have to start paying attention to other prints now. :)<br />
<br />
I tried to get a pic of my necklace but no matter what I did, it was cast in a shadow.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/batty_wings_necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/batty_wings_necklace.jpg" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Necklace: Wish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I adore Peter Pan collars and this necklace has that feel. When I got it, there was just a single ring between the 2 halves so the black gemstone would flip up and down when I moved. That was a bit annoying so I added 2 more rings and put the gem on the center. Problem solved! I also had to add a 3" extender to accommodate my larger neck. That's usually a given for me, though, no matter what weight I am.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/fga_selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/fga_selfie.jpg" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="350" height="315" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfies always make my nose look bigger. LOL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
How do you feel about prints? Love 'em? Hate 'em?<br />
<br />
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-91045878647117190512017-09-18T08:15:00.000-04:002017-09-18T08:15:53.759-04:00Made: First Day of SchoolI stayed up too late last night because I had a doodle in my head that I needed to get out. <br />
<br />
I call this "First Day of School. " :) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1CHcrAj8140Lx6e1aitVGY9Que4SaT38DZT6ePZOkJua0dF58-2bI1Cfk0hl3p0oMoKn8WZGB6XK3l8clLuqXG5XnyAemThuKQeCniq0FzSO7w7xEv0rE7TkZY1xU4j5WvuX1VR_9Kar/s1600/artflow_201709172309.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="930" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz1CHcrAj8140Lx6e1aitVGY9Que4SaT38DZT6ePZOkJua0dF58-2bI1Cfk0hl3p0oMoKn8WZGB6XK3l8clLuqXG5XnyAemThuKQeCniq0FzSO7w7xEv0rE7TkZY1xU4j5WvuX1VR_9Kar/s400/artflow_201709172309.png" width="232" /></a></div>
<br />
If anyone is interested in a free print, just let me know and I'll get some made up. :)<br />
<br />
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7255212368266045812.post-67928815370344452322017-09-15T09:30:00.000-04:002017-09-15T09:30:06.640-04:00Shared: Divination leaves my breath minty fresh!On Wednesdays, Andy and I have Date Night. It's usually nothing more than going out for dinner, but it's a night that actually gets us out of the apartment during the work week. This is also the perfect time to check out new and new-to-us restaurants. We also have beloved tried-and-trues, of course, especially when we are craving something specific.<br />
<br />
This past week, we were both craving pancakes in a major way. It all started because I was trying to convince him that I was evil via IM at work*:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Andy 1:47 PM: </span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You're about as evil as a pancake</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sarrah 1:47 PM: </span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mmm... pancakes....</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Andy 1:48 PM: </span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and bacon!</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sarrah 1:48 PM: </span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pancakes are evil. They seduce you with their ability to hold syrup so you eat so many that your tummy gets bloated but then you're just hungry again an hour later.</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Andy 1:49 PM: </span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bacon is good, and by the thermogenitic property pancakes are also good.</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sarrah 1:49 PM: </span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good and evil! </span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And delicious!</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Andy 1:49 PM: </span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No, good and delicious</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not evil</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">like you</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sarrah 1:49 PM: </span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No, they are not evil like me. I am the epitome of evilness!</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Muuuwahahahahaaaaaa!</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Andy 1:51 PM: </span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now I want pancakes.</span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sarrah 1:51 PM: </span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mmm... pancakes...</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
So we ended up at <a href="https://www.crackerbarrel.com/" target="_blank">Cracker Barrel </a>for Date Night and had breakfast. :) <br />
<br />
While we were oohing and aahing over the Halloween stuff in their General Store (well, I was, anyway), I found this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/ouija-mints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/ouija-mints.jpg" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="450" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A tin of mints that looks like a Ouija board! I think I literally squeed and claimed them as mine. Once we got home and I opened them, squeed again:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/ouija-mints-planchette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/ouija-mints-planchette.jpg" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="450" height="203" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The mints themselves look like planchettes! <br />
<br />
So the big question after that was "How do they taste?"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/ouija-mint-tasty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://positivelyart.com/giggles/ouija-mint-tasty.jpg" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmm... looks like I need to touch up my color soon...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Pretty much like you'd expect a novelty tin of mints to taste. :) But the tin is pretty awesome and fits in my fancy lady purse just fine.<br />
<br />
I've decided that is was fate that led us to have pancakes which led us to Cracker Barrel which led me to finding my new favorite tin. Mmm... minty!<br />
<br />
In other news, I got back the results of the MRI I had on my knee: torn medial meniscus and torn ACL. I have an appointment already scheduled with an orthopedist for in a couple of weeks. I'm pretty sure I'll need surgery since there has been no improvement at all since this happened the beginning of July and which should be fun since I live in a 2nd floor apartment with a curved staircase and no elevator. I knew it wasn't just arthritis like 2 other doctors told me. :P<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">* Andy and I work for the same company but in different buildings so we can IM during work. :)</span><br />
<br />
<br />Sashihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00348143692459172866noreply@blogger.com9