leftovers

 leftovers.

 oooooooh! nomz!

i can not haz lefterverds? teerz

our thanksgiving

 my plate, delicious!

 mom's banana bread, yum!

 my sister's lemon meringue pie, i didn't try any :(

 L to R: M, my mom, my sister, and my dad <3

 I love my Milo <3

M's warming up to him.

This was our first stop. After going to my parents we went to my Grandmothers, M's Aunt's house where his mom is, then M's other Aunt's house to celebrate his cousin's birthday. Each stop at least 30 miles apart. Busy day!

This week...

...lots of research.
...glad we got our cable back in time to catch up on The Walking Dead.
...baked a special batch of birthday macarons for my bestie Friendly Brown!
...saw the Tim & Eric Crimbus spectacular
...birthday night out for my bestie!
...Friday night in: mad men season 2, knitting, and my cats while M was at work <3
...up early on a Saturday to go have snow tires put on my car.

-- Post From My iPhone

This week...

...got a lot of knitting done while I waited with M for his van to get fixed.
...got offered an exciting new project I am SUPER psyched about!
...our cable magically came back after being out fir days.
...a great friend moved back to town, looking forward to good times.
...baked Thanksgiving macarons: cranberry or pumpkin spice?
...hit the road for 3 Thanksgiving dinners: my family, M's mom's, and M's aunt's.
...absolutely NO Black Friday shopping done.

-- Post From My iPhone

week of thanks: my pets

I am thankful for:

my pets

Milo, Styles, Miyagi, Walter, Bert, Bambi, Koco....some of you are gone, some of you live with other members of the family, and some of you (i'm looking at YOU styles and miyagi) drive me nuts every day. But I am so thankful to have each one of you in my lives. You have all helped me through tough times with you unconditional love, cuddles, and comic relief. You all mean so much more to me than you'll probably ever understand.

I'd love to hear how much your pets mean to you!

week of thanks: my family

I am thankful for:

my family

Thanksgiving isn't the same as it used to be. We lost an Aunt in a car accident on the Thanksgiving when I was in 7th grade, and holidays have never been the same since. I miss how we used to all pack into the car and go to Grandma's house and see everyone on Thanksgiving and Christmas. These days people are busy, have other places to go, can only stop in for a minute. It's not the same as the old days of the packed house and loud conversations and endless food. But what we've been through as a family also makes Thanksgiving that much more special, because we know what it's like to have someone missing from the table and appreciate how Thankful we are to be able to spend time with the people who are still here. I love you all, and I'm so thankful to be spending another Thanksgiving with you.

week of thanks: my man

I am thankful for:

my man

I'm not going to get all mushy here, but I am so thankful for your love, support, and encouragement. I don't know where I would be without you. You make me hopeful for everything to come. I love you and I'm so glad you found me.

week of thanks: my job

I am thankful for:

my job

There are hundreds, thousands of people who would love to be able to go to an office full of friendly people with bosses who really care about their employees. I know how lucky I am to have this. And I don't mind getting up early every day to go to work because I am thankful to have such a great place to go. I know there are a lot of people out there who aren't so lucky.

week of thanks: my friends

 

I am thankful for:

my friends

Some of you are in that photo, some are not. Some of you have moved very far away, some of you are still here. All of you are awesome, appreciated, we love you all, and we are so thankful to be able to call you our friends.

giveaway winner and looking for sponsors

 

Congratulations Jess! Please email me your shipping info so that I can pass it on to Angie and get your cute houndstooth bag to you!

In other news, we still have a few slots open for December sponsorship, and again the spots are FREE.

You can choose a large or small ad, and you will be featured in our "sponsor profiles" post. And if you would like to sponsor the December giveaway, please mention it when you email me at

windshielddiaries at gmail dot com

Here are the size guides for the ad spots, grab them while they last (if you've sponsored already, we'd LOVE to have you back!):

This week...

...has been all about work: getting overtime at the day job, then working tirelessly on my etsy shop until I drop. Looking forward to baking and spending time with my family this upcoming Thanksgiving week.


-- Post From My iPhone

suggestions

In celebration of Thanksgiving and my own Native American heritage.

1. Native American Said Poster

2. Chief Many Horns

3. North American Indian Head Illustration

4. The Boy Native American with Eagle Feathers

letters

Dear Dried Figs,

How could I have lived so long without snacking on you regularly? You are just as tasty as a Fig Newton, but so much better for me. I <3 you!!

Dear Christmas,

I love you so, so, so much. But I wish we could hold off on your arrival until Black Friday. Could you please give your buddy Thanksgiving some time to shine?

Dear Overtime,

I am so grateful for the opportunity to spend some time with you, and the financial help you will bring. But too much time with you makes me feel like I don't have enough time for anything else. Catch 22...

Dear Throat and Nose,

You've been hinting at a cold for a while now. Knock it off! I don't want it, thanks though!

scenes from a $400 oil change

I thought I was bringing my car in for an oil change...it turned into a 30,000 mile required to keep my warranty $400 tune up package. And a two hour wait. Luckily, I had my camera with me to amuse myself...

LOL

 Our good friend Matt, and his friend Jaye have started a monthly stand up showcase called Laughs On Lark (or LOL). I've gone every month since they've started and I've been consistantly surprised with the caliber of comics in our area. I had no idea! In other words, the above vodka tonic is not a requirement for a good time.

Laughs on Lark takes place at a little bar/restaurant on Lark St called Elda's On Lark. This is the view from one of the huge windows. 

We planned to stay for the entire show, but ended up leaving early due to head colds that just won't quit. But we're definitely looking forward to December's LOL at Elda's.

november sponsors and a giveaway!

This month we have some really great sponsors, and I'd love for you all to meet them and send some love their way!

Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the post to enter our November Giveaway!

 

I'm Chelsea, I'm 22, and my etsy shop is www.wishfulness.etsy.com! I do keep a personal blog at http://lovechelsealauren.blogspot.com as well. :)

I'm a graduate student studying to be a therapist, and I run my little etsy shop in between working, studying, and doing homework! I definitely have a love of fashion, photography, and crafting, so my etsy shop lets me do everything that I love all in once place! I love: being outside, meeting new people (come say hi on my blog!), 90s pop culture trivia, art journaling, and hobbies that are not age appropriate (I love coloring and crocheting....not really the typical 22 year old pastimes. Haha). I don't love: snow, homework (who does?), or scrapbooking (I love all other crafts, and I WANT to love scrapbooking, but I just can't get into it.)

I opened up my etsy shop a few months ago -- it's a cute little shop that has tons of pretty vintage dresses and some handmade accessories that utilize vintage textiles. I opened the shop because I think there's a lack of affordable vintage dresses out there... I'm a college student, and I don't have a ton of money to spend, but that doesn't mean that I don't want to find pretty clothes! I figured there had to be other people out there looking for the same things. I try to keep my shop filled with a range of different prices and sizes so everyone can find something they like. 

I find a lot of my inspiration online -- i love browsing through flickr! i definitely am motivated by other people's blogs as well -- when i see them working on projects, it makes me want to start working on projects as well!

I've been listening to a lot of Mumford & Sons lately. Also, I've had the new Sara Bareilles CD on repeat! My favorite band of all time, though, would have to be the Weepies! Modern Family and Gossip Girl! Those are the only two shows I really watch. I've been reading It's Kind of a Funny Story....I want to go see the movie when I'm finished. As far as blogs go,  I love Cupcakes & Cashmere, Yes and Yes, and the Rockstar Diaries..........along with about 1000 others, haha.

Let's be friends! You can find me in a million places:

blog: http://lovechelsealauren.blogspot.com

personal twitter: www.twitter.com/chelsea_lauren

etsy: www.wishfulness.etsy.com

etsy shop twitter: www.twitter.com/WishfulnessShop 

(follow here for sneak peeks, sales, crafty things, etc!)

flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lovechelsealauren 

* * * * * * * * * *

I'm Stephanie, I'm 22, and my blog is Femmena Mala - http://femmenamala.blogspot.com

I am a soon-to-be high school English teacher, working through my student teaching internship right now; I live in Ohio (the heart of it all!) with my little Chihuahua puppy, Guillermo and my awesome boyfriend, Nick. I love love love tattoos, all things vegetarian, British chick lit, and my Kindle + MacBook. 

I teach. I read. I love. I listen. I write. I speak. I dance. I do not judge. Why do I do these things? Because they come naturally. Blogging, in the past has always been a place to let out anxiety but it quickly turned into a negative space. Finally, I turned blogging into writing [publicly] about things that I love and that I spend my time doing. This has been an amazing source of creativity and happiness lately! 

I find my inspiration in every day life. It sounds cliché (and so does saying ‘it sounds cliché’) but I really only write about things that interest me. More often than not that happens to be the books that I am reading, my boyfriend, my puppy, teaching, and of course bloggers that I admire. I get so much inspiration from other writers it’s insane. I love to absorb – it’s one of my qualities that I am most proud of! 

My current faves in music are She & Him, this is a duo made up of M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel. I have a huge girl crush on her, and this only makes things worse. I am also loving Mates of State, who are a couple who tour the country together and making amazing, amazing music. I, also, am currently loving the Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella. I am obsessed with British chick lit. And my favorite blog right now? Groovy Vegetarian. It’s got the best advice and resources for all things vegan and vegetarian!

Last week I found a quote that I have been living by since: “Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences.”  - Sylvia Plath. I would love to have you all come along with me while I document my life in script. :) xoxo

* * * * * * * * * *

I'm Michele, aka "Chele",  I'm 30years old, and

SeaChele Studios is my Etsy Shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/seachelestudios)

I'm a full time Art Director/Designer by day and an Avon lady, illustrator, crafter, and jewelry-maker extraordinaire by night! I'm also a newlywed - blissfully enjoying married life with my handsome hubby. Though currently stuck inland, I come from a family of Navy and Coast Guardsmen and grew up boating, fishing & beachcombing. I've always had a passion for the sea and loved being on the water. I pine to be by the coast and someday the hubby and I  hope to have a beautiful, little hydrangea-filled cottage on the coast where we can sail and shell to our heart's content!

I create jewelry, illustrations, photos and handcrafted soaps for my Etsy shop, SeaChele Studios.

I've been on Etsy since 2006 selling strictly jewelry, but this summer after our honeymoon in Newport, RI - I was re-inspired by the ocean and decided to completely revamp my shop. I've spent the last few months creating and posting new ocean-inspired jewelry, coastal and nautical photo prints, stamped and illustrated notecards, and handcrafted seashell soaps. I do it because I just can't not create!! :) It's such a part of who I am and what I do. Creating/Crafting and the ocean are my passions - and SeaChele Studios allows me to merge the two!

As it says right in my SeaChele Studios tagline,  my inspiration comes from the sea!!

I am, however, also endlessly inspired by the incredible talent and creativity of my fellow bloggers and Etsy crafters - what an amazing bunch of people!!!

Generally, I'm not much of a TV person, but currently the hubby and I are absolutely hooked on Boardwalk Empire. (oh, and Dancing with the Stars, since we also take swing dance lessons and love to dance together!)  I'm working my way through Gretchen Rubin's book, "The Happiness Project." And Danny Gregory's books, as well as "The Artist's Way" are some of my favorite go-to reads when I'm feeling creatively blocked.  My current bloggy faves are fellow beach-lovers including A Beach Cottage (http://www.abeachcottage.com/), Beach House Living (http://beachhouseliving.blogspot.com/), Sea Cottage (http://seacottage.blogspot.com/) and Isola Bella (http://isolabellashop.blogspot.com/)

One last fun fact about me is that for several summers, I volunteered as a Watchstander out at Boston Lighthouse. I acted as an Interpreter, giving tours to the public, as well as helping with the daily tasks of keeping a lighthouse - polishing brass, cleaning, painting, mowing, sweeping, checking water levels in the cistern, picking up trash off the beach, reporting the weather to the local Coast Guard Station, raising and lowering the flags, and general house cleaning and laundry in the keeper's house. 

* * * * * * * * * *

I'm Shawna Miller, I'm 27, and you can find my blog here: http://0ncemorewithfeeling.blogspot.com/

I have a fatal attraction to cuteness, drink coffee by the bucket, and I tend to wear a fancy hat. I'm married to the bass player in the band, Thrift Store Cowboys, and we have 2 cute puppies, Loki & Duo. We spend our days knitting, watching anime or syfy shows, screenprinting t-shirts, and having dance parties. 

I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and I am currently working on my teaching certification. I used to teach at a pottery studio, and give private art lessons once a week. I like to try all sorts of new art techniques by teaching myself through books and YouTube videos. I am currently teaching myself how to do linocut block prints, so I can make the rad-est Christmas card ever!

I think inspiration is everywhere, but I am greatly influenced by music.

My favorite cd's right now:

The Weepies "Be My Thrill"

Amanda Shires "West Cross Timbers" (really looking forward to the new cd!)

Thrift Store Cowboys "Light Fighter" (they just released their new cd, and I can't stop listening to it!)

The Avett Brothers "I And Love And You"

Eisley "Combinations"

My Favorite Tv Shows:

Warehouse 13

Stargate Universe

You can tell I like to get my SyFy geek on! :)

I am currently reading "Confessions of a Shopaholic" to cure my shopaholic tendencies!

Fun Facts:

Sometimes I feel like belting out Garth Brooks songs.

I often get mistaken for famous people.

I have a roller derby name, even though I've never played: Cupquake!

I used to be in a punk band in college.

* * * * * * * * * *

My name is Angie, I'm 26, and you can find my etsy shop here: angelinaladawn.etsy.com and my blog here: http://www.angelinaladawn.blogspot.com/

i currently live in kansas with my husband of 4 years and our two adorable kitties {although i'm really more of a dog person. i just like my cats :)} i love music and i'm a crafter with way too much time on my hands! i'll try making just about anything at least once, and i never seem to run out of project ideas. 

i teach violin lessons to kids which is my life's passion, and i've been playing since i was six. also sew stuff. like bags. i just really really like sewing bags. my mom is an amazing seamstress {she made my wedding dress!} and taught me how to sew when i was in elementary school. i sewed on and off until college, when i really picked up sewing as a major hobby. i finally opened a shop after years of whipping things up for friends and family who kept pushing me to do it. i finally made the plunge when i had friends giving me fabric to make things out of. 

i love vintage materials and unique patterns and designs. usually i just pull out a bunch of fabric and extras and throw things around until i get a clear idea of what design i want to do. i can't create unless i can make a huge mess!

my favorite music right now is the weepies and ingrid michaelson. they've been on repeat since september. and i love reading! richard russo is one of my favorite authors, and i'm obsessed with jane austen {but who isn't, right?} oh yeah, and watching "the wire" with my husband is our new favorite friday night activity. {i hope that doesn't sound too lame...}

I was elvis this year for halloween, which i think is pretty awesome :)

And now for our November giveaway, sponsored by Angie!

Angie is kind enough to be giving away this adorable bag from her Etsy Shop. 

Houndstooth is one of my favorite patterns, I wish I could win this one!

To Enter:

1. You must be a follower of Windshield Diaries to quality.

2. Comment on this post and tell Angie which item in her shop is your favorite!

(please be sure to leave an email address is your comment so that we can get in touch with the lucky winner!)

For Bonus Entries:

1. Heart Angie's Etsy Shop and leave a comment here telling us so.

2. Visit Angie's blog and leave her a sweet comment, then come back here and let us know that you did.

Entries will be accepted until Friday, November 19, 11:59pm Eastern Time

One winner will be chosen via Random.org

This week...

...spent the entire weekend working on a custom Etsy order.
...The Walking Dead: wow!
...first snow of the season and I couldn't sit in the window and watch because it was Monday and I was at work :(
...homemade turkey taco night!
...checked in to Laughs on Lark then had to jet!
...filed copyrights for all images in my shop
...took my car in for an oil change and left with a $400 bill I can't really afford to pay :(
...work opened up Saturday for overtime...guess where my overtime money is going :(

-- Post From My iPhone

suggestions

1. November Thread Earring

2. Citrine Druzy Necklace

3. End of Fall

4. Felted Acorn Pouch

5. Glass beaded chrysanthemum necklace

6. Bronze Sagittarius Heart Necklace

brooklyn love pt 2

 When I was living in Brooklyn, this waterfront was pretty much an industrial wasteland. Now it's a beautiful park with new condo buildings. Crazy how much a place can change in less than 5 years.

Beautiful Metropolitan Ave sunset.

brooklyn love pt 1

Recently, M's band played a show in Brooklyn. It had been at least two years since I had been back to visit my former home of Williamsburg Brooklyn. I loved walking around and exploring the street art. Seeing such inspiring art every day on the street is definitely the number one thing I miss about living in Brooklyn.

my new jo totes bag!

I have been wanting a Jo Totes camera bag ever since the day I saw a giveaway for one on Rockstar Diaries. I have been carrying my DSLR around in various purses for years and REALLY wanted something that would better protect my most prized possession.

I finally saved up enough money from etsy shop sales to buy myself a Jo Tote! I was so psyched when I got the email saying their online shop was re-stocked.

My bag came in the mail last week, and even though it's huge, I love it because I know it's keeping my Canon Rebel safe and sound everywhere I go!

to my 16 year old self

 

First of all, yes. This is me at 16. Crazy right?

Last week on twitter there was a flurry of tweets with the hashtag #tweetyour16yearoldself and they were incredible. So I've been inspired to write a little letter to my 16 year old self.

Dear 16 Year Old Self,

You know I love you, but let me just start by telling you that the bleach blonde hair does nothing for you. I know you wish you could be Gwen Stefani, but your skin tone just isn't made for being a blonde. Sorry.

Right about now a friend at school is asking if she can give your phone number to her brother because she wants to set you up with him. You will have a really good time with this boy for a while, but don't kid yourself. He is not the one. He is selfish and only cares about himself. He's going to break your heart a lot in the time that you know him, but it is something you need to go through to become the strong girl you are. And all the crap he puts you through will only make you appreciate how great it is when you really do find the one. I promise he is out there and he is amazing, even though there will be times you think you're going to die a lonely old cat lady.

People in your high school will have no relevance on your life after you graduate, so please don't waste your time wondering what they think of you.

You shouldn't be so scared to get your drives license. Even though there have been a couple of family tragedies related to car accidents, you are a good driver, you will be ok. 

It is ok to BE YOURSELF. Don't try to be smarter or cooler than you are just so people will like you. The people who will really matter in your life will love you for WHO YOU ARE, not who you want them to think you are.

When you want to change your major in your Sophomore year at Emerson, you shouldn't be afraid to do it. But you will be, and I'm here to tell you that it was probably a big mistake not to, but everything will be ok any way.

There are going to be times when you are sadder than sad and don't see anything good on the horizon. But I'm telling you to keep going because I promise you there is good waiting for you. You will be loved, you will feel beautiful, you will have friends that REALLY care about you. Your future is great, but don't forget to enjoy the journey to get here, because it will go by faster than you can imagine.

xoxo, me

This week...

...threw our 3rd annual Halloween party!
...spent the next day cleaning up the aftermath
...is it weird that now that Halloween has passed I am LOOKING FORWARD to Christmas shopping?
...started the beach body insanity workout again on Nov 1...hoping to drop at least another 10-15lbs by 2011!
...been trying to beef up my bowling skills by playing on the Wii with M...totally won't translate to real world bowling, but it's fun!
...obsessed some more over getting a bulldog puppy.
...spent my Friday night in working on a custom etsy order. And loved every minute of it!


-- Post From My iPhone

suggestions

Don't forget to fall back this weekend!

1. vintage baby ben alarm clock

2. vintage alarm clock

3. vintage industrial wall clock

4. vintage faux wood alarm clock

5. vintage westclox alarm clock

You'll be missed buddy

My good friends lost their best friend today. He was one of the best dogs I've ever met. My love goes out to them in this tough time.

We'll miss you, Shmelbe

-- Post From My iPhone

more hauntings

M's band played a pre-Halloween show at the Troy Bike Rescue and the place had some killer Halloween decor. It inspired me to up our decorations for the next Halloween party we throw!