made w/ love

I was featured in an Etsy email today!

2012-02-04T23:51:00.000-05:00

I wouldn’t have known if my friend Casey did not tell me about it! I know it's not anything that glamorous, but it's really important to me! Any publicity is good publicity, right?

The email was about shopping locally... and there was my "I love you" piece under the Detroit category. How awesome!

I Love You (Hand Painted) Wall Hanging

That's so exciting! Perhaps it will direct more traffic to my shop, since I'm still slow and shy about marketing myself.

Tiny DIY: How I turned a romper into a shirt & a pair of shorts

2012-01-20T22:08:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was up at 4am for work, which was not lovely. Not quite lovely at all. Why you may ask? Well, simply it was because at work we had to do inventory. Taking inventory of the store went smoothly, considering my coworkers and I were quite sleepy. I had been working at UO from 4:45am-1pm yesterday, and even though it was only an 8 hour shift I was ready to curl up in a ball and go off to dream land. But I wouldn't allow it. I had to keep myself awake until a decent hour to actually go to bed. So what did I do?

Well, after hanging around at work I decided to go to the Levi's store that is a level below UO. Sadly, that cute little denim store is closing. Apparently the entire company is downsizing, and this location has been getting rid of their stock. I've been putting it off to check out what they had left, and luckily, right now it's 75% off the sale price. You betcha I got some great deals. One of the denim items I bought was this cute little romper:

It's a size small, which is fine up top, however it doesn't provide enough room for my booty. At least enough room where I would be comfortable to wear them in public. The back pockets are so cute I almost didn't have the heart to cut up the romper.

But the romper was on sale for $54.90 with an additional 75% on top of that. So I came to terms of cutting them, and decided on keeping the shorts for a hot day. Also, I realized that whenever I wear rompers I either experience droopy bum syndrome and/or unfortunate wedgies.

I paid for the romper a little over $14 including tax. Sounds like an excellent deal to me to get a pair of shorts and a shirt. Oh, and to iterate how much of a deal it was, it's the Levi's brand. Totally worth it for me considering the price of cotton is going up.

Yes, of course, I have to include an obligatory pet-getting-in-on-the-DIY-action photo. Here's Berkley making sure that I don't screw up as I prepare to cut the romper.

I cut the fabric right above the elastic waistband. I decided to keep the edges raw because I feel it just might be extra gnarly once it has more wear.

Unfortunately, after I cut the romper in half it left a funny puckering blouse-y poof in the back. It was cute when it was still one piece, but I figured that the shirt would look small on me if I left that feature. So I came up with a solution to tame this silly poof.

My solution was to measure up two inches along the side seams and cut. Then I stitched across the seam above where I made the cut to prevent future ripping.

Then I measured an inch from the slit, and then drew a diagonal line from that point to just below where I sewed.

Now with these little side triangles the little back poof can lay calmly. Hoorah! I can't wait until I get to try out this sucker. When I wear it I can feel a little like Rosie the Riveter, except for the fact that it's not a jumpsuit, I'm not building any machinery, and it's not the 1940s.

Now I have to wait for Summer to come around to wear the shorts.

---

P.S. I apologize for the crummy photo quality. I was using my laptop's camera because I just passed down my 6 year old DSLR to my sister to learn on. Until I can upgrade my equipment, this is what I have to use. Lame.

P.P.S. I've decided to keep this version of the blog until further notice. I think that if I update the tumblr version, it might make it easier for me to update here. You think? I hope it works out. Feel free to follow me on tumblr if it's more convenient for you.

I want to apologize...

2012-01-13T16:14:00.000-05:00

I want to apologize to my readers and to myself for my lack of updating. What have I been doing all this time since my last post? Well, since my post in August I have vended at the DIY Street Market in Ferndale. It was my first time, and it was great! It was a huge success, and I couldn't have done it without my friend Shannon. Literally, I couldn't. I guess she could say the same for me, but without her I wouldn't have been able to get accepted -- without me she couldn't have physically done the fair.

After the DIY Street Market I got in a little crafting slum. I was pretty much burnt out and decided to just focus a bit more at work. There were much changes and many openings to be full time. So I worked my keister to be impressive to my managers and I finally got around to updating my resume. And guess what! It worked! I got the promotion and I am full time, and so my official title is "Women's Accessories Team Lead." So far it's been pretty decent, and I think the title has given me a boost of confidence. I'm not saying I let the title get to my head because I'm still pretty much like my other coworkers. I just have more responsibilities.

So there was my promotion and the intensity of holiday shoppers, I've been more busy and tired. Which provided enough reason for me to be a couch potato. I did do a little of crafting, but that was just strictly for Christmas presents.

It's a new year and I have new ideas for what I want and need to do with my life. I want to keep blogging to help keep myself motivated, but I find myself not liking using this platform. I tend to use tumblr everyday, even when I'm not posting I'm on it getting my updates on my need to look at pictures of animals, music, crafts, fashion, nerdy-goodness, and more. So I have been thinking of moving made w/ love to tumblr. By no means am I going to delete this blog, because I'm sure I will reference to it, but this site seems to be too high maintenance for me.

One thing I'm unsure about is that I already have a tumblr for crafts as inspiration for others, and I was thinking of just using the.working.hands. as made w/ love, but I don't know if I want to transition that to be personal. I just don't know how to figure it out. If you read this, could you give me some insight? Much thanks!

love,
Jenni Loo

Whale, Whale, Whale... What do we have here?

2011-08-29T19:15:00.000-04:00

Okay, this is pretty nerdy of me, but I finally made my first treasury on etsy and it's whale themed. I only say nerdy because of the play on words. I was inspired by this beauty:

See what I mean? I think it clever! Whale, anywho, the other reason I picked whales as my theme because the blue whale and the beluga whale are in my top five favourite animals. Why do I have a top five? I have no idea.

Take a closer peek at the treasury and make sure to check each shop. They have very cute treasures!

love,
Jenni

Yellow + Blue = Green

2011-08-08T15:07:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I forget that I have a giant favourites list on etsy. When I stumble upon my list and look through the many pages I get excited with how many treasures work so well together in so many different ways. One theme I noticed with some of my favourites is colour; more specifically yellow, blue, and green.

Quail stack - Three little birds - Blue, green, yellow - 8.5 x 11 art print by lulufroot

Vintage 1980s Lemon Carnival Striped Pleated Silky Skirt via clevernettle

Vintage Note Pad Holder in Retro Olive Green and Faux Bois via Cheeky Chic Vintage

Vintage cotton fabric via One Small Summer

Michigan by the wheatfield

xo Jenni

Current Obsession: Sea of Bees

2011-08-05T11:09:00.000-04:00

Right now I can't get enough of Sea of Bees. I sort of have been aware of this lady's music, but I never really bothered to check it out until now. I've noticed this summer that I very much so have been listening to a lot of folk/country/acoustic-y music. Female vocalists included. So clearly, I'm a sucker for Julie's music. I am currently obsessing over this song:

Sea of Bees "Marmalade"

Enjoy!

xo Jenni

It's been one year

2011-08-04T23:10:00.000-04:00

It's been one year since my best friend has been put to sleep. I believe I have healed since her passing, but that doesn't mean that I don't miss her.

I still keep thinking that she's just napping in her favourite spot in the other room. It's been a year Molly, and I still hope that you are no longer experiencing pain.

love,
Jenni

Crafting Blues...

2011-07-19T18:10:00.000-04:00

Hello dear readers & made w/ love followers!

What has little ole Jenni Loo been up to? Well, nothing much except for a little of this and a little of that. School, work, and trying to be crafty. I feel like summer is going by too fast and I'm not really having the chance to enjoy it. I feel like I'm rotting away because my time is spent mostly at work and partly at school. I'm tired all the time and my health hasn't been the greatest so I'm a bit weak.

My plate keeps getting more and more piled up on it, and it seems a bit overwhelming to figure it all out. Some problems are mine, but one problem seems to be for everyone in the crafting "community." I put community in quotes because there just seems to be a lack of one in the Detroit area. Some might want to argue about that or agree and are afraid to step forward to say, but right now I don't have the energy to explain myself.

But speaking of crafting, I've been doubting myself lately. This past Sunday I vended again at The Rust Belt Market in Ferndale, but by myself this time. I can say it was a day that caused many stresses to my body. Physical and emotional. It was a hot, hot day and my booth was in front of a window, and even with curtains on the window (and AC) I still burned up. I woke up late that day and had nothing to eat -- nor did I have time to pack a lunch. I was by myself so it wasn't easy for me to step away to go grab a meal. I was dizzy. I wanted to vomit. I had the shakes and the heat almost made me pass out. All the negative emotions I was feeling was definitely not helping my body. I certainly have to thank my friend Shannon for supporting me. If she weren't there as a friend and a good luck charm, I definitely would have had a break down or packed up early and left.

To be truthful, I did tear up a couple times because of my doubts and my realization of the day. That morning when I was setting up my booth I thought that it was too colourful. I actually said to the woman (I never got her name) running the candy booth next to me "Sometimes I think it looks like a rainbow exploded on my table." I didn't mean it in a positive way. My table is bright, and it always seems to be crowded with too cutesy treasures that I make. It didn't help that my little shop was between a candy shop and a pastry shop. All the sales went to them, which made me think that I was in the wrong business. Plus, so many people just walked on by without even pausing. My realization was that I was exposing who I really am with all these bright colours, animals, prints, and designs I use & create. Only a few people seemed to understand and appreciate how much of myself is in each piece I make. I have never felt so vulnerable selling my treasures before. I felt worthless and talentless.

Quite a bit of my friends (from school and work) and my aunt & uncle actually stopped by, which helped me out emotionally. Though, most of my sales of the day were from my visitors. Please don't be surprised when I say that I think they felt obligated to buy something from me. My goal for the day was to break even, which I was close to achieving that goal, but that still didn't cheer me up. I mean, vending at The Rust Belt is the most expensive place I have ever paid to take part in. To some crafty businesses the fee is no big deal, but to a college student with not very much money it is a big deal. I only did vended alone because there was a Green Fair taking place next door and I felt that promised extra foot traffic. But even with the added extra attendees I still think no one liked my stuff.

My friends tell me I shouldn't think this way and I am talented, but I'm just going by what I have seen from stranger's reactions. I know I have to find my market and talk to people about myself more, but that's just something more that I don't want to have to stress over about. I just want my work to speak for itself. There's more I can go on about, but I'm just not feeling up to it. I thought I would share, that is all. I will post some photos of my booth if anybody is genuinely interested.

xo Jenni

Don't worry! I'm still here!

2011-06-26T01:45:00.001-04:00

It's Summer! Isn't it amazing! I say so, but unfortunately my Summer so far is consisting work and school. I'm down one job (Did I mention that I no longer work at the Hands-On Museum?) and I'm taking four classes, and all my time is just being taken up with the feeling of being tired. Not the bee's knees.

Anywho, I wanted to mention that I will be vending with my friend Shannon of Comfortably Lovely at The Rust Belt Market in Ferndale on July 9th. All those in the Metro Detroit area should stop by! Here's a silly little flyer I made:

I'll probably update my etsy shop after the event. Stop by if you can!

xo

Friday Night

2011-05-20T19:36:00.000-04:00

So I'm supposed to be at this photography event that is being held at the Detroit Institute of Arts Museum, but people have bailed out on me. So I'm all dressed up and I'm hanging out on the couch. As usual. Sigh.

Aside from my bike ride today I've been reading and taking little naps on the couch all day. So now couch time is spent with hand embroidery. I'm sure everyone is having a more exciting Friday night.

Love,
Jenni Loo

Happy May, Ev'rbody!

2011-05-02T13:46:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone has a great May, because it's May now! Right? Right! Yeah, oh and by the way, my birthday was fun! It was filled with pretty much everything I said I wanted to happen except the trip the zoo, bowling alley, movie theatre, and tattoo parlour. Probably a good thing that I didn't do those things. I have to save money if I want to move on with my life... like move out into my own place again, you know?

Here's one of the few photos taken of me on my 18+4 birthday:

Not a very good image via cell phone, but that's okay.

In other news the winter semester is finally over. I'm done with spending some time in the digital and film lab. Though the spring/summer semester starts next week and I'll be back in the lab, but maybe this time I won't wait until the last minute to make prints. I do need to work on my portfolio if I expect to transfer to College of Creative Studies in the fall.

much love,
Jenni Loo

May Flowers

2011-05-01T11:30:00.001-04:00

So are those April Showers bringin' in the May Flowers? If that's the case it's another spring indoors for me!

xo

One more day y'all!

2011-04-20T22:20:00.000-04:00

This is my last day of being 18+3 years old! Soon to be twenteen-two! Let's see if life gets better!

<3 Jenni

P.S. Like my new old glasses? They are vintage and I waited for almost two weeks for the lab to fix 'em up for my eyes. I picked them up today on my lunch break. I feel stinkin' adorable. I think I like these more than my other new pair of glasses.

They'll see us waving from such great heights...

2011-04-19T00:19:00.003-04:00

I'm just going to say it... I am still on my natural high from the Iron & Wine concert I attended Thursday night. It was such an amazing show packed full of people! Audience and performers, of course. Iron & Wine didn't start performing until a little after 9 o'clock. I waited all day to see him and I wish I could just see it again. My feet were super sore because I worked prior going to the concert, but it was well worth it. I went with my friend/coworker Taylor and she was just as excited as I was. This was a great way to start my birthday week of celebrating.

Taylor and I were a little late so we caught the last two songs of the opening band Low Anthem. Then it was Iron & Wine, and when Sam Beam walked out I thought all hell was going to break loose. He opened with one of my favourite songs "Boy with a Coin" and the encore song was another favourite song "Naked As We Came." What a great start and ending I say. There were eleven performers including Sam on stage -- two female backing vocals, keyboardist, two percussionists, bassist, guitar/mandolin/banjo player, saxophone, trumpeter, and flutist. After the show ended Taylor and I looked for the best spot to find Sam, so then I could show him my embroidered portrait that I finished that day after work.

It was a very chilly out, and windy might I add. There were only about seven people, myself and Taylor included waiting for Sam to come out for a potential autograph. The cold was almost unbearable and I felt so bad for Taylor because she was wearing a short dress and had exposed legs. We huddled together until I got fed up and decided to run for my car and park it across the street. This was a decision I brought up a couple times but those waiting in line with us said, "By the time you leave he will come out." I had to run. I ran all the way to my car down the street a couple of blocks in heels no less. The sharp cold air made it hard to breathe and I had a cramp in my thigh, but I kept running just so I wouldn't miss Mister Beam.

By the time I got back people left, and I felt bad because they waited for so long for nothing. Taylor and I waited in my warm car. We went to get snacks to kill some time, and about five to ten minutes later after eating Sam popped out from the venue. Taylor bolted out and I felt a little abandoned, but she did that because once he was on the bus he probably wouldn't have gotten off.

There were three of us that greeted him before getting on the bus. Taylor was the first to get an autograph in her journal. Next was a guy that had some photos and an album. Last was me and in that moment I was embarrassed to meet him. He told me "Oh Jenni don't be embarrassed, show me," and so I showed him the embroidered portrait. I can't even describe his facial expression. It was pretty clear that he was in awe, and so I explained to him why I embroidered it. He knew what the text was in reference to and that made me really happy that he remembered the festival that I mentioned.

"I want to live in your beard, Sam Beam."

The festival I speak of was recorded by NPR, and I listened to the episode with Iron & Wine performing. At one point of the performance a woman shouted out "I want to lick your beard!" and I misheard her as "I want to live in your beard." The funny thing is Sam thought the same thing! I told him that I was going to have it hanging up on my wall and just talk to him whenever I felt like it. That made him laugh. Well, we got a photo taken with him, and a hug goodbye. Did I mention that he wished me a Happy Birthday? He was the first to say it so that made me really happy. I did forget to ask him to sign my Iron & Wine tote that I bought at the show, but that's okay. It was the portrait I stitched that I wanted to show him. I'm pretty sure that if Sam can remember what that woman said at the festival he will remember me. How often does a person embroider your face?

I really hope to see Iron & Wine perform again! This concert and meeting Sam is probably my favourite moment this year, and it's making my birthday awesome. I just hope the rest of my festivities can keep up with awesomeness!

love,
Jenni

It's fast approaching!

2011-04-12T13:30:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited! My birthday is almost here! Eek! What I love most about it is that I got a lot of my friends excited about it. Me thinks some people really want to party, and by party I mean eat a lot of grilled cheese.

Oh, didn't you know? April is Grilled Cheese Month! April is too awesome. So much is going to happen for a couple of weeks. Well, I planned for so much to happen. Aside from eating grilled cheese I hope to go dancing, bowling, the movie theatre, the zoo, concerts concerts concerts, and a tattoo parlor.

The first event to start off my birthday week is the Iron & Wine concert this Thursday! I'm super excited! Sam Beam performed here two years ago a week before my birthday and I didn't go. I was hesitant because I didn't listen to his album that came out that time, which was "The Shepard's Dog." I love that album now, so it's safe to say that I regretted not going to that show. I haven't listened to his new album "Kiss Each Other Clean," but I am looking forward to the show.

I'm determined to meet Sam Beam after the performance. Why you ask? Well, way back. A long time ago. Before time was time. I started a project inspired by him. I thought I would be clever and keep it a secret with clues and close ups. No one was able to figure it out and I lost some steam working on it. Well, here it is... The answer to what I've been working on.

It's a portrait of Sam Beam! I was listening to a podcast of one of his live performances at some festival and a woman in the crowd shouted out "Sam Beam I want to lick your beard!" I miss heard that as "...live in your beard" and I thought to myself "Yes, yes I would love to live in his beard. It's so cozy looking." So that's what I have been working on. I now have to finish the details in his hair and beard then frame. Take it to the concert and show Sam my love of his beard.

This is the portrait that I was inspired by to embroider. Wish me luck to finish in time! I have to do this in between work and the darkroom/film lab!

xo Jenni

First of the Month

2011-04-01T14:03:00.000-04:00

Let's see how this goes. Maybe I will be a little less busy so I can relax and craft?

Speaking of crafts, I have been waitlisted for the Flint Handmade Spring Craft Fair. Sigh, I guess that's what I get for waiting at the last minute for applying, but I can't help if I'm so busy all the time. Le sigh. I want to get in. It'll be my first fair of the year.

Cross your fingers for me!

xo Jenni

21 Days...

2011-03-31T12:55:00.000-04:00

Until I turn twenteen-two. Oh boy. I turned twenteen-one on the 21st. Has this been a golden year? I'm not sure. I guess you could say there has been some good things and quite a lot of bad things that have happened. I didn't aim to have a golden year but I did aim to enjoy life as it comes to me. So let's just say I want a golden life.

So for this golden life and upcoming birthday I'm going to be thinking of some things I would like to have to spoil myself.

Here's something that I would absolutely lurve to have:

Irregular Choice

Isn't this just the cutest thing you've ever seen? I first saw them at the blog Skunkboy Creatures. I love saddle/oxford shoes and I'm trying to get into wearing heals, so I think this is a great match. Red is one of my favourite colours, and I love how these shoes remind me of the fairytale Hansel & Gretel. The red and white piping looks like candy cane and the blue looks like cupcake frosting! I'm not a big fan of bows, but the bow on this shoe adds some extra sweetness.

The only problem is that they are £69.99. Now if I can just find out how to convert them into American dollars.

xo Jenni

Busy all the time...

2011-03-25T17:06:00.002-04:00

I don't like being it. I'm editing photos and reading for my business class. I get scheduled so many hours at work. All. I. Want. To. Do. Is. Paint.

And eat ice cream,
Go camping,
& travel.

At least I had time to get a trim.

xo Jenni

Yoka

2011-03-07T13:48:00.001-05:00

Have you seen those white vinyl dolls that can be customized? I'm amazed with what people can do with them. It's one thing to see photos of finished ones, but it's even better to see the works of art in person. But do you know what's even better than that? Seeing a video of the creative process and the effort it takes to customize one of these creatures.

Here's a video of a Yoka being shaped into something really beautiful, and you can tell how meaningful it is to the artist & the client that it was created for. True passion fueled this artist to create this lovely bear. The Yoka Toy is named "Xiong Mao Bao Bao", which means panda baby in Mandarin Chinese.

I think the finished product is absolutely wonderful, and now my curiosity is gone. I have some understanding of how it can more than just be a layer of paint. It never struck me that clay can be used to add on. This video is pretty inspiring, and I would like to try to make one. I know it could never be as this exciting, but maybe one day I'll actually buy a Munny from work. I'm thinking the Trikky, because I just love kitties.

Has anybody ever customized a vinyl toy or have a one created by someone else? This looks like a fun project!

xo Jenni

P.S. Happy Birthday Papa! I know you're not going to see this, but in spirit of it I know you know that I know that you are old. :)

2011-03-01T11:49:00.000-05:00

Hi there, March. Please be kind to me. I could really use all the love I can get.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T17:25:00.000-05:00

I'm stuck at home with a cold and I can't go out tonight. Sigh. I just want to go out dancing, but I'm staying in bed and/or on the couch. Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm eating cookies and chocolate. Totally healthy, right? It's a holiday where I can indulge a bit, so I say it's okay.

xo Jenni

Red Hearts & Sparkles

2011-02-08T14:59:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day is coming up! I'm pretty indifferent about the holiday. I like receiving little cards and especially candy, but having plans with a Valentine is not that important to me. That being said, I just want to share some love until the actual day arrives!

Here's a cute little tutorial on how to make a Glitter Heart Banner that I found on Momtastic.

DIY: Glitter Heart Banner

I haven't tried the DIY out yet, but it looks cheap, easy, and fast! Let me know if you try it out.

<3 Jenni

My First Etsy Purchase!

2011-02-03T17:35:00.004-05:00

I took the plunge and I finally bought something on etsy. Instead of writing a pageful of how satisfied I was with this order (because I know it probably wouldn't be coherent) I made a video. I mostly did the video for the artist that I bought the painting from. I wanted her to see my sincerity rather than read it. Speaking of her, her name is Audrey Malo, and here's the video:

Etsy Appreciation: Audrey Malo from Jenni Waterloo on Vimeo.

If you couldn't tell from my blubbering, this painting is supposed to be in memorial of my dog Molly. I'm still healing, and most days I think I'm okay, but when I've had a hard day or when I'm feeling especially lonely I really miss having her by my side. Now that I have this painting I can always see her hanging up on my wall whenever I sew, paint, and craft.

Here's a close up!

Thank you again, Audrey!

Love, Jenni Loo

Snowpocalypse!

2011-02-02T23:33:00.001-05:00

Snow. Snow. Snow.
Took me an hour to dig my car out of the street to get it in the driveway.
Shoveled the driveway.
Played in the snow.

I had a good snow day. THAT'S RIGHT. Snow day! I was lucky that classes were cancelled today, and so my exam was moved to next week! Woot woot! There's supposed to be more snow coming, but I don't have anywhere to go until this weekend, so I'm house bound! And since I'm house bound I'm being productive with my time. I photographed outside today for my classes, and I even took some videos of the adorable Berkley being silly in the snow.

Here's a video my papa took of Berkley wearing one of my sweaters. I wanted him to be warm when we went to go play out in the snow that's a foot high! I also look goofy, but don't judge! I don't have snow gear!

Getting Berkley Ready to Play in the Snow from Jenni Waterloo on Vimeo.

By the way, I have a new phone! Not as great as my previous phone though. Sigh. It'll have to do. Don't drop your phone in a toilet! Seriously.

love, Jenni Loo

2011-02-01T13:07:00.000-05:00

Well, it's February 1st! I have my first business exam I should be studying for, but the idea of this supposed blizzard is distracting me. When I got out of bed I didn't see any change. My papa told me that it's supposed to start tonight at 10 pm and continue onto Wednesday until 10 pm. My business class is a night class and ends at 10 pm. I'm hoping this blizzard will come through and cancel class. All I want to do is sled or photograph snow fall, but right now it is still.

So I guess I have some time before all this sky fluff falls on us and I'll try to make another trip to the phone store and see what I can do with my toilet water ruined expensive phone. Also, instead of studying I could work on photos and on etsy too. Hmm, what's a girl to do? Obviously prepping for this exam is important, but there are so many more entertaining things to do.

What are you doing this day?

xo, Jenni

Major Klutz

2011-01-31T22:41:00.000-05:00

I feel ridiculous. I have a history of not being really respectful (not purposefully) towards my cell phone. It's not like I slam them to the ground (Okay I have chucked them in my car before), but most of the time they fall out of my pocket. Last night was no exception. I always forget which pair of jeans are good for pocketing my phone and, well, I wore the wrong jeans last night and my phone fell in a public toilet in a bar.

Okay, I know that's really disgusting and unsanitary. I'm no stranger to having my phone drop out of my pocket into a toilet (it's happened two previous times with two previous phones) so I didn't hesitate grabbing it. It was clean water! I guess that's the beauty of my history of dropping my phone in the toilet... it drops before I actually get to go. The thing is my phone is really expensive and my parents didn't get insurance on it, so now I'm stuck figuring out my phone situation, because either way I get screwed over by spending extra cash than I need to (I mean aside from replacing the phone.)

I've noticed that I'm not as graceful as I used to be... at least just with my hands. Sigh. What's a girl to do? I hope nobody is facing a silly predicament like I am. It's supposed to snow storm tomorrow and that pretty much guarantees me that I'll be snowed in. What will I do without a phone? I'm expecting calls/texts!

Oh, I don't know if anybody has noticed, but I did change the layout of my page. It's okay right? I think it will do for now.

much love, Jenni

My Current Obsession: Warpaint

2011-01-24T18:30:00.000-05:00

I'm really falling in love with Warpaint's music, and I think I have UO to blame for that. I love all girl bands and music that has an eeriness like quality. This video makes me think of 1990s MTV!

Warpaint "Undertow"

Enjoy!

<3 Jenni

Mantra 2011

2011-01-06T12:43:00.003-05:00

Okay, I feel like I'm being a little to focused on the New Year, but I don't see a problem with it. I'm going to try to make this year awesome.

by Mel Stringer

Plus this is inspiring me to get off my caboose and finish cleaning my room! You see that there? I'm working on my resolutions!

xo Jenni Loo

11 Resolutions for 2011

2011-01-05T13:45:00.000-05:00

1. Blog more + make blog look pretty
2. Eat healthy (and exercise more!) instead of opting for the quick, easy, not fresh, + slightly unhealthy - learn more vegan recipes
3. Continue working on resume/portfolio
4. Stay more organized + try to keep bedroom/studio clean longer than a week at a time
5. Write more snail mail to friends
6. Buckle down & be more serious with etsy shops
7. Be more experimental with personal style + don't let parents' negative comments get me down
8. Be a little more extroverted vs. introverted
9. Keep being honest with myself
10. Be less lazy + keep exploring as an artist/crafter/photographer and try new mediums like journaling to prevent art blocks
11. Get Berkley to properly walk on a leash <-- still determined to get this done!

xo Jenni

Okay 2011, get started!

2011-01-04T20:52:00.002-05:00

by Jen Collins

So I realized that I made a list of resolutions for 2010, and that I even shared it here. Completely forgot about it!

1. ~~Find another job to feed craft budget and for school/living/moving out of parental units' home~~
2. Finish up school and get my Associates degree -- only 24 more credits (community college proves it to be impossible to get it done in two years)
3. ~~Post more on this silly blog (and comment more on mine + others)~~
4. Cook more for my family and convince them (especially mi padre) that vegetarian dishes ARE delicious
5. ~~Work on my portfolio/resume~~
6. ~~Work on my social anxieties/fears when talking to new people~~
7. ~~Continue with etsy shop~~
8. ~~Craft + sew more with friends (make dresses/skirts, first quilt, and new friends)~~
9. ~~Donate 12" or more of my hair by the end of the summer season (so far I have 10"!)~~
10. Get Berkley to properly walk on a leash <-- very important!

Let's see what I've achieved:

I did get another job (Urban Outfitters) to feed my craft budget and for everyday life, though it could have helped to get this job sooner when I lived on my own in Ann Arbor for the summer. I did not receive my Associates Degree yet, but I'm just a few credits short away! I did indeed blog more, thanks to the 15 Day Challenge I can certainly tell you I blogged 15 times in a row! I did cook more vegetarian dishes, but it mostly ended up being for me. I'm still determined to get my dad to eat a little less meat! I have worked on my portfolio thanks to my inspiring photography classes I took this past semester. I'm a little less nervous when talking to people. I'm coming more and more out of my shell, plus I'm even making friends! I've sold more on etsy, and let's just say it's a lot more than I have ever expected considering how little time and effort I put into it. I have done some sewing & crafting with friends, but not as much as I'd like to. I didn't donate my hair by the end of the summer season like I planned, but I did get it cut. I got 22-23 inches cut off, which in my book is exponentially better than 12 inches. Last but not least, get Berkley to properly walk on a leash - FAIL. Sigh, but he has calmed down so much now that he's 4 years old.

I'm going to have to state that 2010 was not an easy year for me. I had a terrible break up with my best friend, and he moved to Seattle. I was very poor for the most part of the year with one part-time job. A lot of friends were out of my life. I had to turn in my favourite car to a scrap yard. I had a very lonely summer when I lived by myself in Ann Arbor, and had no mode of transportation outside of my bicycle and my feet. My best friend of a dog that I had for 15 years had to be put to sleep. Plus the fall semester proved to be overwhelming and stressful, especially combined with working two jobs.

But aside from all the bad, there were some good things. I did get to do quite a lot despite the fact that I was very poor, depressed most of the time, and lonely. I went to many concerts and saw many bands such as: Beach House, The Greenhornes, Dum Dum Girls, Stars, Those Darlins, Twin Sister, Mountain Man, Wild Nothing, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. I traveled on my own by plane (to Seattle!) and train (to Kalamazoo!). I turned 21 and I think that drinking (responsibly, of course) I'm more comfortable expressing myself verbally and less of a coward when having conversation. I started to become a little more comfortable and confident with myself with new people. I vended at four different craft fairs, which is so much more than I could have ever hoped for. I transferred to a new school and fell in love with photography all over again. I even gained a new family and confidence in myself as a photographer and artist. I even got a second job, and I think they'll even keep me after all this seasonal stuff! Last but not least, I FINALLY got my long hair cut off. I grew it from when it was super short to the long length to above my rear end. It took two years to get that length! I was highly nervous to get it cut off and it didn't even matter who would do the cutting. But now that hair is off my head a heavy load of responsibility came off along with it. I wish that I could see the wig that will be made with my hair.

I feel as if that even though it wasn't a good and happy year for me, I really did make some achievements and experience a tremendous amount of growth. There still are some obstacles to jump over, more to work on & learn from, and some new goals to achieve, but I know it will be alright considering how I handled 2010.

I hope that everyone else had a great 2010 and will have a better 2011. I think I'm going to start pondering on what my new resolutions will be. Are you making any for yourself?

xo Jenni Loo

Hello, 1.1.11!

2011-01-01T17:42:00.000-05:00

by Beverly Ealdama

I woke up to the power being out, and my neighbor still blasting music from their party last night. I opened at work today and had a terrible headache the whole time. No, I didn't party last night. Unfortunately. I packed a lunch when I wasn't going to have a lunch break and I forgot to eat breakfast before leaving. How silly is that? On top of that the weather is really mild today. First day of the new year and all the snow has melted and it was in the 50s today. I know Michigan weather is bipolar, but this whole thing is freaking me out. Global warming and the whole end of the world thing on 12.12.12 scares the pants off of me.

Anywho, I was surprised to see my mom stop by the store and shop. I showed her off to my co-workers. Lame, I know. Then two hours later I was off of work. Since then I've been crashed on the couch being all cozy.

I hope everyone had a good new Years! I expect 2011 to be a good year.

xo Jenni

My hair appointment...

2010-12-29T11:46:00.001-05:00

...is really soon! I'm getting really really really nervous. I haven't had super short hair in a long time. I know it won't look bad, but I'm just so used to having this length. It'll be sad to see it go, but it will go to someone in need!

If you were curious, this is the cut I'm shootin' for:

Jean Seberg - but with my luck I'll look more like Peter Pan. That's okay though. I might colour it too, which I know I haven't done in about 5 or 6 years. Wish me luck!

Hair Experiment No. 2 Crown of Braids

xo J.Loo

A New Do

2010-12-28T17:00:00.004-05:00

The long awaited hair appointment is reaching its way. For everyone that doesn't know all ready, I have been growing my hair out to donate. The last serious haircut that I got was in 2008 and it was pretty short of a mop. I've been meaning to donate my hair back in August, but of course I was too nervous to, and also I was just busy with life & couldn't decide what hairstyle I wanted.

I couldn't tell you exactly how long my hair is, but it is to the small of my back. I haven't had my hair reach that point since I was a wee kid. Long hair is just a hassle to maintain and sometimes it can get boring to what styles I decide to put it in. I'm a very low maintenance kind of gal when it comes to hair. I, of course, have always taken the best care of it for years and I have a lot of pride in my hair, but I have no patience or inspiration when it comes to long hairstyles.

However, this past semester at my new school and photography classes I was feeling pretty inspired. I decided that I would keep my hair growing until I finished my self-given project of experimenting with my hair. Long hair did provide some trouble when sculpting and working with my hair. For the most part I styled all my hair by myself with very little assistance.

I have all but one photo shot for my hair experimentation project. The last photo will be shot tomorrow after my hair is cut.

Here's my first photo of the set:

Hair Experiment No. 1 Bird's Nest

Also, this is a sneak peak at what I've been doing at school. This one for sure is going in my portfolio. I'm sure I will post more soon, but, please, don't use my work without asking permission first!!!

xo, Jenni Loo

School's Out!

2010-12-28T12:17:00.003-05:00

So the fall semester is over and I am really glad. I'm still trying to catch up on sleep that has been missed because of late nights with school work and work at Urban Outfitters. This semester has been filled with stress, anxiety, frustration, and a shit ton of work - most of which from my absolutely terrible arts & crafts class.

I'll definitely have to share some of my studio and advanced digital work. I'd show my work from my colour class, but I need to get to a scanner for that.

I'm enrolled two classes for next semester which will be quite easy, but I like having a lot of classes. I'm waiting for some of the classes to open up again so then I can just get the general education/easy classes out of the way so then I don't have to take them when I (hopefully) transfer to CCS in Detroit.

Feels Good to Get Some Work Done poster by Mary Kate McDevitt

I'll post some photos later.

xo Jenni

What has happened...

2010-12-27T14:45:00.001-05:00

So I feel like I should share what has happened this past month before I start to forget!

The Winter Fling...A Craft Thing craft fair that I vended at on the 11th. I did not sell as much as I had hoped, but there were two other craft fairs going on that same day. I did meet new crafters, had some delicious tea, won the raffle for the craft vendors, had a wonderful time, and I even taught Melissa Crook of Purple Elephant how to knit! Many people stopped by and many were photographers! The whole event was exciting and the venue AJ's Music Cafe was a really interesting spot! It even holds a world record and is in the Ripley's & World Record books. I didn't really get to take any photos because my camera needs to be fixed, but like I mentioned there were a lot of photographers there and I was grateful.

Here are all the crafters that vended. Try to find Shannon that set up the whole thing by herself. She's the one stickin' out like a sore thumb...heh heh.. Get it? Because we're all sticking our thumbs up. Try and find me.

photo by Amy Wilson

I shared a booth with Jason Gibner of Gibnerd. Check out his artwork in person sometime, I really don't think his shop does him any justice. He's really talented and funny! Remind me to purchase one of his paintings of Abraham Lincoln. I really want it.

photos by Amy Wilson

photo by Mike Han

So like I said, I wasn't doing so hot in the selling department, and so I was a little down in the dumps. But towards the end of the craft fair they announced the winner of the raffle and my name was announced. At first I was like "Huh?" because it was quite hard to hear the announcement, but then I thought "Well, hot dog! That makes my day better." The prize was from craftygangsta, and it was filled with a Crafty tee, mouse pad, pencils, temporary tattoos, the song "Crafty" on a cd, and a year subscription to ReadyMade magazine. Cool, huh?

I share more on what has happened this past month on my next post!

xo Jenni

Handmade Christmas Wish List Item No. 3

2010-12-21T23:16:00.004-05:00

The fall semester is officially over! After class yesterday I went to work and didn't get out until 1 A.M.! Sigh, oh Christmas shoppers. Anyway, after that we (as in my friends from my Advanced Digital Photography class and I) went sledding. We sledded for about 2 hours and watched (+ photographed) the lunar eclipse. It was awesome and fun!

Tonight I went to a meet and drink event for the photo department at the Royal Oak Brewery, and again I'm going sledding! I'm going to have lots of fun even though I have a pretty painful bruise on my back from last night's sledding collision.

Aside from that update, here's item three that's on my Handmade Christmas Wish List:

Petite Personalized Banner by J2Jewelry

I don't quite remember how I stumbled upon this shop, but I think the jewelry is absolutely ADORABLE. Especially this "Crafty" banner necklace. I generally don't like to wear jewelry that much unless it's simple enough to fit with my wardrobe and it doesn't tarnish/get in my way, but I'm pretty sure that I would wear most of the jewels featured in this shop. Also the fact that this shop is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan makes me want the necklace even more. I love supporting any artist from the Mitten.

xo, Jenni

P.S. I want to mention that I am having a sale in my etsy shop! I will be updating it soon with more items that will be on sale!

SNOW DAY!

2010-12-13T11:26:00.000-05:00

I woke up early this morning to a text message from one of my friends in my Monday morning class Advanced Digital Photography saying that we have a snow day. That is what I was dreading. I stayed up late working on a take home exam that's due today hoping to just turn it in and go straight to the darkroom to work on my final for Colour Photography (due tomorrow).

I don't necessarily mind that I'm missing my morning class, but I wish it was just morning classes cancelled. I still have a lot of final projects to get done! So today I'm going to be working on my papier-mâché beast project (due Wednesday!) and my studio and and and.... well, essentially it's a homework day, but I wouldn't mind sledding. I've been working non-stop these past few weeks. I can't wait for a real day off where I don't have to wake up early and take care of stuff.

I'll probably post a couple more times today when I take a much needed break from working with paste and newspaper. Ugh.

xo Jenni

Craft Fair Tomorrow!

2010-12-10T21:01:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that the Winter Fling...A Craft Thing is tomorrow! So if you're in the south-eastern side of Michigan you should stop by and see me!

Now I have to go back to crafting/prepping for tomorrow.

xo Jenni

Handmade Christmas Wish List Item No. 2

2010-12-07T23:45:00.000-05:00

Sigh, I'm so tired of working in the studio and lab/dark room. Anyways... Item Number Two on my Handmade Christmas Wish List is:

Woodland Happy Tree Bookshelf with 4 Bookends by Graphic Spaces

This is so ultra kawaii that my heart is melting. This would be pretty dang perfect for displaying my ceramic animals/cameras/treasures. Check out the shop sometime. The bookends are a little pricey, but they're eco friendly and they're made with great skill and care. By the way, I do realize that it's for kids and nurseries, but I don't care. I swoon.

<3 Jenni Loo

Handmade Christmas Wish List Item No. 1

2010-12-07T00:44:00.002-05:00

All right, so I do not have much time to blog or craft right now because I am busy finishing up final projects and studying for a couple of exams. It's finally snowing in Michigan and it's stickin'! I do not know why I'm actually excited for snow being on the ground. Perhaps it's because the weather has been really mild these past couple months and global warming had me freaking out.

ANYWHO, I figured that if I share an item that I adore (and would like to have) every once in a while will hopefully result in me blogging more. It's short + quick enough for me to update since I'm going to be busy these coming weeks until the 20th.

Item Number One on my Handmade Christmas Wish List is:

Kitten Mittons - water colour painting by Jenyffer Maria

If you don't understand why I love this, or WHO this is I'll tell you. He happens to be Charlie in "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," which one of my favourite TV shows.

How I found this particular painting is that I share some of Jenyffer Maria's pug artwork on my tumblr Mugs of Pugs. I was checking out the rest of her artwork and VOILA! There it was. Let's just say that I was extremely giddy when my eyesight landed on it.

Ummmm, how can that not make you laugh?

<3 Jenni Loo

P.S. I will be vending at this event on the 11th!

A Quick Update!

2010-12-03T23:25:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving was yummy! I miss the stuffing leftovers!

The Flint Handmade Winter Craft Market was a success!

I've been really busy shooting in the studio, prepping for exams, and working at the mall. I am so exhausted, but in a couple of weeks I know it will all calm down. I will blog and craft more.

Now just one more craft fair left for me to vend, but there are so many more that I hope to go to this month. This Saturday + Sunday in Detroit will be the DUCF. I hope I can find some time before or after work to make it.

I will be at this one next weekend:

If you're in the area you should plan on stopping by!

xo Jenni Loo

Gobble Gobble

2010-11-25T11:42:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgivin' Y'all (Americans)!

I'm so ready to eat some stuffin', a lot of vegetables, and pumpkin pie!

Commence the over-eating! And kayaking down a river of gravy on mashed tater mountain!

xo Jenni

P.S. I will be taking pictures soon of what I'm selling at the craft show this Saturday!

that is my Tuesday night...

2010-11-23T21:59:00.000-05:00

that is my Tuesday night... from Jenni Waterloo on Vimeo.

I am working! As fast as I can! This little embroidered piece will be for sale this Saturday at the Flint Handmade Winter Craft Market, and if it doesn't sell that day I'm sure it will at the Winter Flint... A Craft Thing December 11. I will post a better picture!

xo Jenni

2010-11-23T00:32:00.000-05:00

I've been very overwhelmed with school and work! UGGGGGGGGH. I have so many final projects to do for my photography and arts & crafts classes, two craft fairs (one being this Saturday), Thanksgiving, and working at Urban Outfitters all the time (next is Black Friday) puts constraints on what I can and what I need to do. I still need to figure out what classes to sign up for next semester. I'm so overwhelmed that I almost cried on the drive to class this morning.

All I can do is make to-do lists to motivate myself to get work done, but I can't help it when I'm too exhausted to keep up. I realize that I am behind on blogging and even though I did that 15 day challenge, I haven't been able to post regularly. What I do plan to do this week is to show what I'm selling at the Flint Handmade Winter Craft Market this Saturday in Flint. Also, I believe I will be having a sale for my etsy shop, so watch out for that!

Anywho, that's that. Does anybody have any suggestions on how I can balance school and work?

xo, Jenni

I hate self-sabotage...

2010-11-12T21:20:00.001-05:00

I haven't been crafting much, nor have I updated this much. I've been busy with school (so many photography deadlines!) and work. I got a new job at the mall down the road from my house. I work at Urban Outfitters, and I very much don't care for retail, but can I just say working a job that doesn't require a uniform is TOTALY AWEEEESEOME!

I have time to get stuff done, but I get too exhausted from school and work that I opt for the lazy thing. I let my lazy bones take over. I think I've been eating like crap lately and probably packed on some poundage, too. Can I just have two - three stress free days to get stuff done?

I'm supposed to be vending a craft fair in a few weeks and I haven't even had time to make new things! Sigh.

Anywho, I'm just squeezing in this update... in case anybody thought I was dead or abducted... or something.

xo
Jenni

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T14:59:00.000-04:00

Watch out! I'm a cat burglar!
(I think my drawn on mustache is doing a lot better than the stick on one I wore Friday night at the Creepy Cheapy Halloween Treat.)

Hand over your cats, candy, and candy cats & nobody will get hurt.

<3 Jenni

My Current Obsession: Wolf Parade

2010-10-23T23:32:00.001-04:00

I've been quite busy with school and umm... well let's just say life. I feel like I'm really behind so I think I'm going to try to fix it tomorrow. But until then I'm just going to keep listening to this song on repeat:

"Yulia" by Wolf Parade

I'm kind of behind on Wolf Parade's music. I only have "Apologies to the Queen Mary" and I've stopped listening, but ever since I got this song as a free download I couldn't ignore it. It's a little haunting, which I absolutely love.... Plus, Halloween is around the corner! I can't wait to see them perform next month!

<3 Jenni

Happy Birthday, Made with Love!

2010-10-20T12:05:00.000-04:00

One whole year! Good golly!

Well, it's been a pleasure blogging so far. Let's see if I can keep this going!

xo, Jenni

and the winners are....

2010-10-20T11:25:00.001-04:00

First I would like to apologize for not having the winners announced yesterday! I thought this was posted and I can see that blogspot is going to be giving me some more trouble right now.

I love that everyone shared their plans for Halloween! You didn't have to - there was no importance... I was just curious. :)

Well anywho... without a further ado...

Second place winner is Shenais!

First place winner is Melisa!

Congratulations ladies! I want to thank everyone for entering this giveaway and for helping me celebrate my year old blog! Oh, they grow up so fast!

Winners I will get in touch with you to get your information.

<3 Jenni

DAY FIFTEEN: BE AN OWL

2010-10-15T17:30:00.000-04:00

Here's my impression of an owl!

I'm one of those creepy ones that just stare into your soul.

Well that was the end of the challenge! I don't know if I really learned much about myself, but it did get me to post more which I'm pretty happy about. Hopefully it'll keep me motivated to be a frequent poster, or otherwise I'll have to do another challenge. Oi vey! Just kidding. :)

<3 Jenni

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

Blue Valentine

2010-10-15T13:16:00.000-04:00

I remember seeing photos and reading a little bit about this film with Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. I've been waiting and waiting to get some sort of an idea of what this movie will look like. Well, I found the trailer today!

Did you know that Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling actually got married for this film? They didn't use their real names, mind you....so I guess technically they're really not married. I don't remember where I read that. Did I just make that up?

<3 Jenni

Day Fourteen

2010-10-14T15:00:00.000-04:00

Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.

Ummm, can I just say I look at a lot of random videos on youtube? All of which pretty much include animals.

I really really really want to be locked in a room with baby red pandas. If and when that day happens, I can die happy.

I'd get excited too if someone talked to me with a Beatles accent.

This is my mind set everyday.

Jenny the Pug and her babies makes me laugh forever.

Only one day left of this challenge! Woo hoo!

<3 Jenni

P.S. Don't forget to enter in the giveaway! Winners will be announced on October 19th!

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

Day Thirteen

2010-10-13T18:00:00.000-04:00

Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).

Here are my current favourites!

<3 Jenni

P.S. Don't forget to enter in the giveaway! Winners will be announced on October 19th!

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

My First Giveaway Ever!

2010-10-12T17:00:00.003-04:00

In celebration of blogging for a whole stinkin' year, I thought I'd crack and finally host a giveaway! This giveaway is a pretty big one (well what I consider to be big) and TWO WINNERS will be chosen! Prizes are handmade by me!

First place winner will receive "We Sure Are Cute For Two Ugly People" (inspired by The Moldy Peaches) Embroidered Wall Hanging , Brown, Citron, Hot Pink, + Grey Circle Cosmetic Pouch, Dainty Crocheted Hair Bow in Rouge, and a Wonder Woman Ring. Okay, so the ring wasn't made by me, but it's pretty awesome!

Second place winner will receive the Three Fancy Pinks Cosmetic Pouch, Dainty Crocheted Hair Bow in Mint, and also a Wonder Woman ring. Okay so I had a lot of extra rings from my birthday cupcakes! Every Woman is a Wonder Woman!

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment about what your plans are for Halloween! Anyone can enter (including international readers), just make sure to leave your name and email address so then I can reach the winners. To better your chance to win a prize feel free to blog or tweet about this giveaway (or my etsy shop) and leave another comment of the link. I'll pick the winners at random.

Giveaway winners will be announced on October 19th seeing as that is the birthday of Made with Love!

Bon Chance!

<3 Jenni

P.S. There will be some extra autumnal related goodies included in the prizes!

Day Twelve: Set a goal

2010-10-12T16:30:00.005-04:00

I'm creating a short term goal that I can achieve by next Monday. That goal will be to get four photography assignments done.

1. Have fingers to be the main subject - 11 photos
2. Reshoot my joiner assignment & make it more interesting than previous attempt - 100ish photos
3. Shoot the first half of my fashion/portrait assignment
4. Shoot one roll of half colour as the subject and half lack of colour with colour slide/ e-6 film

Good goal, yes? I know I can do it.

<3 Jenni

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

So what happened yesterday?

2010-10-12T11:43:00.001-04:00

So what happened yesterday?

Well…
I fainted in class and had to be chauffeured home.
Sat on the couch all day crocheting and watching monster movies.
I got accepted to vend at the Winter Flint...a Craft Thing craft fair.
Wanted to chop off my hair to donate. Still want to.
Ate poorly.
Had to go pick up my car from school.
Picked up my new glasses - which I’m not entirely sold on them yet.

Meh, life.

<3 Jenni

P.S. Announcement on giveaway soon!

Day Eleven

2010-10-11T16:35:00.000-04:00

Day Eleven: List some of your favourite tumblrs

Since I'm posting this on my blog and not on my tumblr I thought I would just list a few blogs that I enjoy reading/looking at, but I'll list a couple tumblrs for anyone that is interested.

Blogs =
Cat Versus Human - For the crazy cat ladies
Color Me Katie - For the fans of rainbows and photography
Fieldguided - Fashion, home decor, crafts
See Hear Say - Art, design, photography
Pikaland - Illustration, design, art, handmade

Tumblrs =
Sweet Home Style - Interior/architecture design
French Knot - Etsy, vintage, design, handmade
Save the Kitties - For the crazy cat ladies
Mugs of Pugs - For the lovers of smooshy pug faces
The Animal Blog - Adorable animals

<3 Jenni

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

Day Ten: Share your current favourite tunes

2010-10-10T22:10:00.001-04:00

My currently favourite tunes? Ehh... I actually haven't been listening to much music these past two weeks. I did see Stars perform last night and they were even better than what I remember from when I saw them last. So I'll just share some of my favourite Stars tunes (not necessarily favourite videos).

"Your Ex-Lover Is Dead"

"Set Yourself On Fire"

"My Favourite Book"

"What I'm Trying To Say"

I think that's a sufficient amount of tuneage to share. I could list so many videos because I just really love listening to Stars. I think they're my favourite side band of Broken Social Scene. Heck, I might even like 'em more than BSS. Hmm... Perhaps I should listen to the new albums and compare.

<3 Jenni

P.S. Here's another video of one of my favourites!

"Ageless Beauty"
P.P.S. Happy Binary Day! 10.10.10!

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today

2010-10-09T18:24:00.001-04:00

Brunch:
3 soy sausage links
bagel, egg, + cheese sandwich
1/2 of a powdered doughnut
cup of apple cider

Linner:
cup of apple cider
water
garden salad
2 slices of cheese pizza

My meals aren't usually interesting unless I'm eating somewhere other than home. Also, I don't usually eat three meals in a day. I used to, but I think that because of my screwed up digestive system I can't eat properly. I just eat small snacks every couple hours until dinner time. I'm posting this now because I'm going to see Stars later tonight. I don't know if I'm going to eat anything else, but I just wanted this day's post out now instead of super late.

I guess I didn't eat very healthy today, huh?

<3 Jenni

P.S. I'm thinking the show Stars will be good. The last time I saw them was a couple years ago at the Crofoot Ballroom, and they were enjoyable. Any Stars fans out there?

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

Day Eight: Create a bucket list

2010-10-08T19:54:00.000-04:00

+Move back to Tennessee
+Stay in Chicago or Brooklyn for a month or so
+Update/renew my passport and go back to the homeland
+Be properly fluent in Spanish
+Travel the world
+Volunteer work, perhaps Peace Corp. related
+Learn how to knit something other than a hat or scarf
+Finish college without being in debt (at least very little)
+Be part of a non-profit organization that's art & children related
+Rescue a dog or cat as my new pet
+Create my Michigan photography related coffee table book
+Be published in National Geographic - the magazine not on the internet

That's all I can come up with for now. I'm sure I'll put more in my "bucket list" as I get older.

<3 Jenni

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

Possible Giveaway?

2010-10-07T11:14:00.000-04:00

I've noticed that my blog will "turn" one years old in a couple weeks. I'm thinking of having a giveaway. Is that a bad idea? There have been a couple of other instances where I pondered on doing that, but obviously I didn't. This would be my first giveaway too. I guess I'll check out what other blogs do so I can get an idea. I'm pretty sure the prize(s) will consist of something I have made.

Should I?

<3 Jenni Loo

Day Seven

2010-10-07T11:11:00.002-04:00

Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.

I don't have very many celebrity crushes, but lemme ponder on this.

I have a big ole honkin' crush on Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

I have a few minor crushes on a couple of other celebrities, but I'm not going to bother posting more photos. I feel like even just posting one of JGL is embarrassing enough. Sigh. I also have little crushes on John Krasinski, Ryan Gosling, Richard Ayoade, and Bill Murray.

Now that I've embarrassed myself enough, I'm ending this post. END.

<3 Jenni

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

Who do? Yudo!

2010-10-06T23:30:00.001-04:00

My friend Dillard and I went to Flint on Sunday to check out a demo sponsored by Flint City Handmade to play with the screen printing Yudo machine. I remember when it first came out when I was still working at Joann Fabrics. That machine was really cool, and after playing with it I want it even more. However I already have my own screen printing kit that I got for my birthday a couple years ago.

Anywho, check out my success! I used lime ink on my grey tee, and it just pops!

Aside from the Yudo demo we did a little exploring of downtown Flint and we also stopped by the Dort Mall, and the flea market.

At the Lunch Studio waiting for my grilled cheese with tomato + avocado.

<3 Jenni

Day Six: Time to face morph

2010-10-06T23:16:00.000-04:00

Siamese moustache twins

<3 Jenni

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

Day Five: Share your favourite recipe

2010-10-05T22:38:00.002-04:00

There are many dishes that I love, but it's hard to think of a favourite. So I'm sharing something that I really loved eating and really can't wait to eat it again. I first had this dish at Plum Bistro in Seattle. It's a vegan restaurant and here is a vegan recipe.

Mac & Yease
(vegan macaroni & cheese)

Ingredients
1/2 Cup Margarine
1/2 Cup Flour
1 Cup Nutritional Yeast
3 1/2 Cup Boiling Water
1 1/2 Tsp. Salt
1 1/2 Tsp. Garlic Powder
1 Pinch of Turmeric
1 Pinch of Cayenne Pepper
about 1 Tbsp. Red Pepper Flakes
2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce
1/2 to 1 Tbsp. Mustard

Making It
Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil, add salt to taste, and add macaroni.
Melt the margarine over low heat. Beat in flour with a wire whisk. Continue to beat over medium heat until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
Whip in boiling water. Add salt, garlic powder, turmeric, cayenne, pepper flakes, soy sauce and mustard to the liquid.
Let the sauce cook until it thickens and bubbles. When that happens, beat in nutritional yeast. If the sauce is too thick, add more water.
When the macaroni is cooked, drain and add the sauce. Serve immediately.

I found this recipe at the blog rootielicious. Eventually I will make this meal for myself, and when I do I'm pretty sure I'll be in heaven. It's so delectable.

Lemme know if you decide to try this recipe.

<3 Jenni

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

Day Four: Smile!

2010-10-04T18:34:00.000-04:00

Today is not a day where I feel comfortable showing my teeth, but surely I'll smile. A couple days ago I tried to play studio photographer before my batteries died. It was between this photo and a photo of me crocheting. Different position, but exact same outfit and face.

This is one of the outfits that make me feel happy. Maybe it's the fact that I'm wearing green tights.

<3 Jenni

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric

2010-10-03T12:21:00.002-04:00

I have very many bands that I love to listen to and very many songs that I love to listen to, but I don't think I can just settle one favourite song out of very many. So I picked something that I've been listening to recently. Also, I know it's improper to say "very many," but I'm just putting a lot of emphasis on many.

"Jumpers" Sleater-Kinney

Be still this old heart
Be still this old skin
Drink your last drink
Sin your last sin
Sing your last song
About the beginning
Sing it out loud
So the people can hear
Let's Go

Be still this sad day
Be still this sad year
Hope your last hope
Fear your last fear
You're not the only one
Let's Go

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

Day Two

2010-10-02T19:39:00.001-04:00

Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.

+ wake up early to one of four curtains that have fallen down & let in an obscene amount of daylight
+ drive to work in the rain
+ played with kids
+ work my butt off and not receive any tips
+ drive home in the rain
+ ate some not so fabulous Chinese food
+ sit on the couch and watch Dogs 101 on Animal Planet

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

<3 Jenni

2010-10-01T15:33:00.003-04:00

<3 Jenni

Day One: Introduce yourself

2010-10-01T13:09:00.001-04:00

So yesterday on tumblr I saw this fifteen day challenge, and I thought to try it, but on here instead of tumblr. I think some challenges can be a little narcissistic, but I feel that getting some tidbits about myself out in the open might help me understand myself as a person better. This is just for fun, and plus I think it will get me to post more often. Here it goes!

Day One: Introduce yourself

My name is (technically) Jennifer. I'm a college student that's behind my studies by a year. I'm in the process of earning a degree in photography and then moving onto fine art + art education. I refuse to grow up, but I'm okay with growing.

Likes: animals (more specifically dogs, kittens, whales, red foxes, deer, red pandas, otters, and sloths), eating healthy, character & charm in architecture & faces, facial hair, creativity, warm apple cider, cat naps, knitting & crocheting, diy, interior design, cultural anthropology, thrifting & yard sales, bicycles, record players, all-girl bands, a child grabbing my hand at work, supporting local business & art & music, concerts, photography, tattoos, a-ha moments, feeling accepted & appreciated, fair skin, wit, hand embroidery, productivity, and random facts.

Dislikes: being strung along, competition, creepers, close-mindedness, being far from those I care about, cigarettes & smokers, women that don't love themselves for who they are, money, meat, abuse towards people & animals, excuses, wasted food & materials & time, discouragement, thievery, the fact that every Pixar movie makes me cry, and inferiority.

Here's the list if you want to give it a shot:

Day One: Introduce yourself. List your likes and dislikes.
Day Two: Make a bulleted list of everything that happened in your day.
Day Three: Share your favorite quote/song lyric.
Day Four: Smile! We want to see your teeth today. Post a self-portrait.
Day Five: Share your favorite recipe.
Day Six: Time to face morph: Pick one of the categories.
Day Seven: Provide pictures of 5 celebrity crushes.
Day Eight: Create a bucket list, whether or not your aspirations are rational.
Day Nine: Describe your food consumption today.
Day Ten: Share one of your current favorite tunes.
Day Eleven: List some of your favorite tumblrs.
Day Twelve: Set a goal.
Day Thirteen: Provide the HEX code(s) of your favorite color(s).
Day Fourteen: Post a Youtube video that makes you laugh/inspires you.
Day Fifteen: This is the last day and you are an owl. Place your hands like this over your eyes and take a picture

<3 Jenni

Seattle, WA: Day Five

2010-09-26T18:12:00.000-04:00

The last morning I spent in Seattle.

If you're wondering what neighborhood Bryan lives in is Capitol Hill. What an amazing view!

Look at those mountains!

And here's a terrible picture of the buds before I got shipped back to the midwest.

I really loved visiting Seattle. I was very impressed with the eco-friendly technologies and cleanliness of the city! The architecture was cool, the shops were great, such a diversity of people and fashion (very inspiring), and all the little dogs & dog parks always caught my eye. Some of my favourite stops in Seattle were: Plum (vegan restaurant), Molly Moon's Handmade Ice Cream Boutique (I had the most amazing peach & basil sorbet in a giant waffle cone! TWICE!), the tennis courts right next to Molly Moon's (in one court there was a giant dodgeball game and the other had a bicycle polo game), Sculpture Park & Elliott Bay, The Unicorn Bar (I got a ginormous (not exaggerating) veggie unicorn dog), Pretty Parlor (vintage & handmade clothing boutique), and of course the outdoor venue (I forget the name) where I saw Dum Dum Girls and Beach House perform.

I'm sure I'll see Bryan next when he comes to visit for the holidays, but who knows when I'll go back to the west coast. It was really lovely.

I have a ton more photos of my trip if you're curious to see.

<3 Jenni

Portland, OR & Seattle, WA: Day Three - Four

2010-09-25T21:08:00.000-04:00

We had a short stay in Portland. Bryan and I checked out a few shops, cafes, a bar, a sushi restaurant, and Powell's Books - the country's largest book store (I bought a feminist book and some Sublime Stitching patterns!). The day consisted of a lot of walking and not so much photo taking. Most of the photos I did take were donut related.

The Famous Voodoo Doughnut that has been seen on the Travel Channel & Food Network. This is the original location. The line was über long.

"The magic is in the hole." Hardy har har.

"Good things come in pink boxes." Bryan took this photo, so of course it's out of focus.

The Voodoo Dozen. The one covered with Captain Crunch cereal is called the "Oh Captain. My Captain" and it was pretty dang delicious.

Day Four was spent in Seattle, and it's unfortunate that I really didn't take any photos.

On the drive back to Seattle. Sleater-Kinney is one of my favourite bands, so I was quite excited to see this sign!

Throughout the day we did make a visit to the Asian district. We also went to Pretty Parlor, which is a vintage and handmade clothing boutique. I bought a blouse/vest made out of old Pac Man sheets. We did other things, but I'm sure nobody is interested to know.

That night Bryan, his roommate Eric, and I went to a concert at some outdoor venue. The headliner was Vampire Weekend -- Bryan & I are not fans, and Eric never heard of 'em, so needless to say we bolted from the concert after the bands we wanted to see. The openers were Dum Dum Girls and Beach House. I thought the girls of Dum Dum Girls were hot and mysterious. I thought they were really great live, but I felt bad for them because the crowd wasn't into them. The crowd mostly consisted of high schoolers and families. Beach House had an IN-CRED-DIBLE live performance. I really didn't know what to expect because it's just laid back don't really have to think about it sort of music, but they were so incredibly energetic. Victoria is one hot lady.

I really wish I took photos at the concert, but I wasn't allowed to take my DSLR camera in. However I did smuggle it in because I didn't feel like walking back to the car. I guess that even though I had my camera I should have taken pictures, but there were drunk people there and I get extremely protective of my equipment in situations like that.

Anywho, just a few more pictures to show!

<3 Jenni Loo

Seattle, WA: Day Two

2010-09-24T23:43:00.000-04:00

The view that I woke up to from Bryan's bedroom.

Saw this on the way to get breakfast at Top Pot Doughnuts.

Raspberry donut! MMMM!

Saw this (I think it was chalk) near the Seattle Space Needle.

Sushi dinner at Umi. I just adore veggie sushi, and I had my first martini. It was delish!

Day three photos coming up!

<3 Jenni

Seattle, WA: Day One

2010-09-22T17:10:00.001-04:00

Here are the photos I've been delaying to share.

Just before leaving the airport and waiting for the Link Light Rail to take me to downtown Seattle. This train was so clean. It made me wish that Michigan had a system like this.

Riding the light link rail to downtown Seattle. I was so impressed with the mountains and trees. Michigan is sooooo flat.

Waiting for dinner at Boom Noodle.

Cucumber lemonade. It basically tastes like liquid cucumber. It's different, but really refreshing.

On the way back from dinner we went to a giant charity shop. We both ended up purchasing five books each (buy four get one free!), and I regret not buying this sign. I think Bryan was a little ashamed holding this up. I thought it was hilarious

Day two photos coming up!

<3 Jenni

So... I'm kind of back!

2010-09-17T16:30:00.001-04:00

Thursdays and Fridays are my days off from school, and even though that these new classes and new school/campus are a little overwhelming I'm going to try to breathe + take it easy. My new photography classes are actually motivating and inspiring me to photograph more. Perhaps soon enough it'll stop feeling like a hobby, eh?

I'm still trying to reorganize my craft space and photo studio. I still have new photos of treasures to post on etsy, and the photos to show from my trip to Seattle/Portland! I promise that after I hop over this hurdle of cleaning I will post more on the blog and my etsy shops. Plus, to share that tutorial I meant to post forever and a half ago. OH, and I'll post my side of the experience of a first private swap I did with Katy from Sew Lovely Embroidery. In the mean time, here is a picture of me babying Berkley.

Since Molly has been gone, Berkley has been EXTRA dependent on attention. He hates being alone. He cries when I'm working in my bedroom/studio, and he keeps crying until I come upstairs. I wonder how he deals when my sister & I are at school and my parents are at work.

I'm still trying to heal with the passing of my dog, but I'm trying to be a champ for Berkley. His kisses are still the same.... Sloppy.

<3 Jenni

P.S. Is super glue good for gluing glass back together?

2010-09-10T17:51:00.000-04:00

I started school earlier this week. I'm taking three photography classes, yoga with pilates, and arts & crafts.

I imagine that I'll be a bit busy with school and crafting. If I ever get another job I'll be even busier, so that might slow blogging even more.

I just needed to state that for the record.

I'm quite excited for one of my final projects for my colour photography class. It involves knitting + crocheting!

my destiny

2010-09-04T14:47:00.000-04:00

I'm sloooowly editing photos from my trip to the West Coast, and I'm slowly working on my upcycling tutorial (still have to take photos). Here's something I've been meaning to share. I'm going to sell this piece on etsy as soon as I find the perfect frame for it.

This is the first piece I've cross stitched since I was 11 years old. I was a little intimidated at first, but I got the hang of it once I got going. Any cat ladies out in the interweb?

<3 Jenni

P.S. I know I'm slow on this, but September already?! Hot dog!

West Coast

2010-08-26T01:29:00.001-04:00

In about 8-ish hours I will be on my way flying to Seattle to visit my best friend, Bryan. I am quite excited. I have never visited the West Coast (only made it as far as Arkansas) nor have I flown by myself. I am a bit nervous traveling by myself.

Sure, last month I took the train to Kalamazoo, but it's in Michigan. I'm nervous about getting lost in the airports, and missing my flights. When I land in Washington I have to take a train (or is it monorail?) to get to the city to meet Bryan.

I won't be back to Detroit until Monday night. I'm pretty sure that this will be a good holiday for me. I need distraction, plus one more adventure before I go back to school/work. I'll be sure to force Bryan to take me to the touristy spots, and I will be taking a shit-ton of photos. He might even take me to Portland! After three summers in a row that Bryan works for Amazon.com I finally get to visit him. Hopefully after this trip I'll get the chance to visit him again, considering that he doesn't live in Michigan anymore and I don't get to see his adorable nerd face.

I really should get to bed and get some rest, especially considering that I can never seem to fall asleep on planes. I'm going to be on edge. I hate plane take-offs, sitting next to strangers, and not being able to hear a single thing on account of my ears wanting to pop.

I'll post photos when I get back from my trip.

"West Coast" Coconut Records

<3 Jenni

Current Obsession: Penguin Cafe Orchestra

2010-08-16T14:40:00.005-04:00

I have fallen completely head over hills for this ensemble of musicians. I wish I have heard of them sooner.

"Perpetuum Mobile" by Penguin Cafe Orchestra

I first heard this song when I watched the claymation film Mary & Max, which I highly recommend for watching... along with listening to this song. I feel that this song calms my mind down or at least distract me, especially during this period where I am experiencing an overwhelming amount of emotions, mostly sad. Is it funny to say that this song sounds crisp, clean, and refreshing?

<3 Jenni

red.

2010-08-14T15:07:00.000-04:00

Vintage Mad Men Ruby Red from Oliver and Alexa

Chocolate Tree Stump Soap by LoveLeeSoap

Tandem Bike Love Single Floursack Tea Towel by girls can tell

Roller Skates T-Shirt by Wren Willow

Puppy Love Tote Bag by One Happy Island

<3 Jenni

taking a break

2010-08-04T12:35:00.001-04:00

Molly, my dog of 15 years, has been put down today. Her kidneys and system were failing, she couldn't eat nor hold food down. She hugged onto the floor because she could no longer stand, and to move around she had to shimmy her body. The last I had seen her, which was weeks ago, she had seemed to be in okay condition. I feel so guilty for all the pain she has been suffering from. She had lost so much weight that touching her entire skeleton brought me to tears.

My sister and I slept with her in the living room. I didn't get a wink of sleep for I was constantly taking care of Molly, and plus Berkley could not settle down. I can't imagine what's going through his mind, but I could tell that he knew that Molly was dying. He laid down next to me and Molly. Golden Retrievers are a happy breed, but I think he knows that today is a sad day.

All I can do is distract myself, but I haven't found the right activity yet. I do need to finish packing, but that can't happen until I go back to my apartment in Ann Arbor. That's another emotional event happening for me. I wasn't going to move back home until next week, but because of Molly's health I decided the time was now.

I'm taking a break for a while from all of this blogging and perhaps crafting. Hopefully my next post will be a tutorial to make a cute little upcycled treasure.

Goodbye Molly. You were the best dog and friend I could ever ask for.

<3 Jenni

How to be alone

2010-08-02T10:40:00.000-04:00

I wish I had seen this video before I had moved to Ann Arbor. I don't mind being by myself, but I have this problem of feeling alone. If I had seen this sooner I would probably have felt better in my skin.

Today the apartment is being viewed. This week I am moving back into my parents' house. I'm sort of looking forward to going back, but it will be weird not being on my own. I'll have no choice but to get used to it until I can move out again.

<3 Jenni

All I've Wanted To Do This Summer...

2010-07-26T16:03:00.000-04:00

....is play with a cat. Kitten. Adult. Mama. Papa. Anything. I just really want to play with a cat. I've never owned a cat before, and my ceramic cat statues or chia pet aren't doing the trick.

photo by Tristan Legros

<3 Jenni

Thrift Finds

2010-07-22T19:56:00.000-04:00

Monday was a rare day of it being sunny but not humid. It was a perfect day to ride my bicycle, and you know what I did? I did ride my bicycle. I rode to the post office, around town, and to the Salvation Army. Good thing I went to the post office first. I made out like a bandit.

In the past I've always had good experiences when visiting a thrift store/charity shop on a Monday. I found so much, and I had to deal with transporting it back to my apartment on my bicycle. Unfortunately I still don't have the rear basket(s) on Ole Clem to hold some of my treasures, but I suppose it made for a better work out even though it felt like forever to get home.

I managed to find some things for myself and some stuff for crafts. I had a full backpack and a suitcase strapped over my shoulders filled with STUFF. Here are a few of my absolute favourite finds:

This was priced at $4, but there was some unfortunate accident before I found it causing the glass to break. There was a big pile on the ground and one piece of glass with the price tag on this embroidered/cross stitched piece. The guy at the register gave it to me for 99¢!

This dress was marked at $6, but it had some nasty holes towards the bottom of the dress. I worked my magic and got it for 99¢! I was going to shorten it anyways, so whatever I cut off I can make a belt since it was missing one.

This is a Japanese floral dress. I say Japanese because I couldn't read the tag, and, uh maybe because it also said "100% Cotton Made in Japan" on the fabric. It's definitely a home made dress and it is beautifully made. It's a crying shame that I plan to shorten, but it's just too long for me.

This is probably my favouritest of my favourites of thrifting experience on Monday. Blue whales are one of my favourite animals, and these are blue whales. Blue as in the colour and the species. I love collecting ceramic animal statues. These two sit on my record player.

I did find a suitcase in shape of a cat, which I purchased for my sister. What else did I get? Oh, picture frames, a vintage thermos, milk jug, and Italian coffee pot, and some more dresses (but not for me).

I swear by it. Mondays are the best days for thrifting!

<3 Jenni

a complete accident

2010-07-21T16:47:00.001-04:00

I was cutting up some more plarn on Sunday and this is what happens!

It was a complete accident, but I'm glad that it fits so perfectly. I am reusing, and it's being upcycled into a rug. How awesome.

By the way, don't mind the messy hair. Just another humid day. Herumph.

<3 Jenni

when Kathy came into town

2010-07-20T10:51:00.000-04:00

Last Wednesday my friend Kathy visited my new place. She was my first visitor! It was a pretty hot day, but let's face it Ann Arbor has been having some wacky weather the past few weeks and it's a little upsetting. It's either hot, humid, or storming. That's all it is in no particular order. It's raining every other day this week. Oh boy. Just perfect for the art fair this weekend.

We went out to Noodles & Company for lunch because Kathy was craving it. I went with one of my usuals - the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese. I try so hard but I can't replicate it at home! And Kathy got... well.. I can't remember, but it had pesto in it. I tried it and it was good, but of course the rest of the day I kept hiccuping pesto. I have a tendency to do that.

I took her around to show her some shops and stops for whenever she comes back with her boyfriend and they can actually do something besides getting lost.

A great read, by the way.

She's coming back this Friday for the art fair. I believe she's bringing a friend, and I have a couple other friends visiting too. I'm thinking it's going to be a girls night out/in crafting/art extravaganza!

<3 Jenni

How To Plant A Chia Pet

2010-07-19T18:42:00.000-04:00

Okay, here's a little tutorial for those that always wanted to own a chia pet, but was never able to receive one as a last minute Christmas/birthday gift. You can use anything you want for this! A living or non-living thing. (I say go for the living.)

So what I did was find a stray black kitten that needed some loving - he's My Little China Cat. Before you want to plant seeds on your (possibly real) chia pet, you need to shave them. Leave hair on its noggin, but just shave the rest of the body. All Hair MUST go! Next step (OPTIONAL) is pretty gruesome, but carve a little hole in it's back. So then it can be watered properly! If you're too chicken to do that, you can skip the carving and just water your pet through its mouth. Your plant will just grow slower!

Now it's time to give your pet a bath! Put it in a bath of lukewarm water for over-night. I suppose you can leave it in for an hour at minimum. If your pet is fighting you on this then you might have to bribe it to make it stay. Heck, you might have to join it in the bath and hold your little buddy. The whole body minus the head has to be submerged into the water to acquire the upmost absorption.

While you are soaking your pet into a batch of water, get out the seeds that you want to plant on them. I suggest grass seed, or maybe even herb seeds. You will need 2 teaspoons of seeds to 1/4 cup of water in a bowl. Let it rest for about an hour until the seeds may be a little paste-y. It's important that the seeds stick, or otherwise they will not stay on your pet! After your pet has bathed for over night (or an hour) you can covered them with your sticky paste-y seeds. Your pet might fight you, but like when you tried to get it in the bath you'll have to bribe it. Or distract him at least.

Once you are done covering its entire body with seeds find a comfy bed for it and place your pet by a window that receives a lot of sunlight. Now you give it a lot of water. Pour into the gouged out hole on its back or have it drink it from its mouth. You want a lot of water inside your friend. A LOT. Then splash a little bit of more water on its back. Sit it out and wait for the seeds to sprout! It should take one - two weeks for the seeds reach full potential. Make sure to visit your chia pet to give it love and to encourage the seeds to grow.

Within a few days you should see some sprouts! Feel free to get excited and scream about, but don't forget to say "That's a good little China Cat," well at least in my case. Grooming and upkeep is easy. Cut accordingly to how you want your pet to look as your grass/herbs grow. Enjoy!

Let me know if you try this project! I love seeing pictures!

<3 Jenni

P.S. This was purely a joke. If I find out that anybody hurts any living thing trying to plant seeds on them I will hunt you down and smack you senseless. Or report you to the police/ASPCA. Take your pick.

You're a pretty sweet tee

2010-07-18T13:11:00.001-04:00

So I think t-shirts are one of my favourite articles of clothing to wear, well aside from adorable sun dresses. I found some pretty dang sweet tees on etsy that I just wish I could own.

Fox on a Bike Gold Unisex Shirt by Dark Cycle Clothing - I am bound to get this shirt. It has one of my favourite animals and my mode of transportation. It should match Clementine just nice.

Raptor T-Shirt From Ghost World by Indigofeet - For one of my favourite graphic novels/films.

Amelie Tee by DCartesianos - Another favourite film

Boys pee pee when they see me Tee by Yokoo - I think it's completely silly, but it's completely awesome.

You Are What You Eat Women's Tee by Dressing On The Side - If that's the case then I'm a soy turkey burger.

Joyride T-Shirt Silver by APAK

Sweet Teeth by Cubist Literature

For the love of Flint by Slowshirts - Part of my teenage youth grew up in Flint Town

Pug Skeledog T-Shirt by Skeledog

Aren't tee shirts just plain ole awesome?

<3 Jenni

A crummy feeling

2010-07-16T15:40:00.004-04:00

I feel absolutely crummy, and I have no idea why. The culprit could be the weather, but it's not that bad today. I have all of the windows opened. I'm wearing a really flowy thin shirt. I have this fan one foot away from my face. I just feel like I finished a five mile bike ride and I can't move any longer.

The thing is though, I haven't done anything that's required so much out of me. I haven't even gone outside yet today. I had planned to ride Ole Clem to Salvation Army, but instead I'm laying on the floor with a heavy head.

I feel like I'm being really lazy, and pretty crummy. I know what you're thinking. Why don't I just close the windows and turn on the AC? Well, I really don't think that's going to solve anything. Perhaps I'm lacking in B vitamins again. Does anybody ever feel this way?

I'm supposed to go to a concert tonight, too. I need the strength! Man, I sure could lounge in this knot chair.

This was a collaboration between Herman Miller and Pratt Students. It's to demonstrate a deep understanding of culture.

I should go get a popsicle, but I don't want to get up. Ugh.

<3 Jenni

2010-07-15T09:39:00.000-04:00

Okay Rain, I don't have a problem with you being wet and falling from the sky, but why do you have to make the next day so damn humid?

No love to you Michigan weather,
Jenni

My Current Obsession: Twin Sister

2010-07-14T10:53:00.000-04:00

"Nectarine" by Twin Sister

What do you think of this song? It's either the vocal harmonies or acoustic guitar that makes me swoon. I've been listening to this on repeat while I sleep.

I'm quite excited to see them perform this Friday at the Blind Pig. They're one of the opening bands for Bear in Heaven. Chances are I'm going to this concert by myself, but I really don't have a problem with that. I'll try to get a good spot and take good photos.

<3 Jenni

P.S. You can download a few of their songs for free -- I Want a House, Ginger, Nectarine, and Dry Hump. Just click on the tiny blue button that says "Free MP3."

Another one of those days

2010-07-13T18:15:00.002-04:00

I had some errands to run today, which forced me to go outside in the uncomfortably warm weather. The sky had a threatening going-to-rain-look on its face, but I went anyways. I wanted to get these tasks out of the way before I have company over tomorrow.

This is what I saw & experienced while accomplishing my duties.

A cat in the garden with its owner - acting like a dog (the cat. not the owner).
Street construction that seems to never end.
The postman chuckling at what I wrote and drew on the parcel. He covered one of the eyes of the monster I drew on the side of the box with tape. I was slightly distraught.
A bicycle that was altered to be really really tall, like a penny-farthing.
An outrageous price of $41.31 for a record that is by a band from the Czech Republic. Apparently the president of that country was in that band.
A public transit bus that was really really close to running over me when I had the right of way to cross.
Said threatening sky worsens its look just before I arrived to the apartment.

Oh, and by the way... The Baar Bazaar was a lot of fun! It was a very successful night for me. I won't share how much I've sold & made, but let's just say I have a lot of stock to replenish.

Sorry for the crummy out of focus-ness. It was pretty dark inside & difficult to get a good shot.

I saw a couple of friends there, which was really surprising. And I managed to crochet some more with my plarn rug project. It's still growing!

Don't mind the dirty floor. It was born that way.

<3 Jenni Loo

Hey Hey, Craft Saturday!

2010-07-10T10:52:00.000-04:00

I thought I would do a little update on how the whole plarn crocheting project is going. Or should I say growing?

Since my last post about this project I had to stop because I ran out of bags, but this past weekend I took the train to visit my good ole photo buddy Nicole in Kalamazoo. That's where I celebrated Independence Day and I had a lot of fun playing games, going to a festival, and swimming, but not so much the sweating. It was really hot and humid. I like the heat, and I can handle it, but I sure hate sweating. Anywho, I managed to get some plastic bags from her collection and added more to my project.

I only managed to add a few more rows. This project seemed to inspire Nicole to start working with plarn. Either crochet with it, or use it to tease her cats.

Now I'm at my parents for this weekend and I took more bags to add to the ever growing project.

Maybe it's hard to determine the scale, but it is big as my head. Or more like the size of a medium sized cantaloupe. This bag is full of at least twenty-five plastic grocery sacks. I didn't count when I pulled a giant handful out of the pile my parents' hold. My sister helped me out with flattening them. Which was a huge time saver. It felt like forever and a half to cut up the bags and connect them together.

I think I'll bring it with me when I vend tonight at the Baar Bazaar. I feel incredibly lame for not advertising it that much, but that's where I'll be! It's a smaller event with 36 vendors and it's at a music venue/bar in Detroit! I'm told that people are more inclined to buy after midnight while intoxicated. Hm, we'll see! Cross your fingers for me!

Also, if you're in the Mitten area, there's another craft event happening in Yspilanti. If I weren't busy finishing up last minute treasures and organizing everything I would go to this show before I left for mine.

<3 Jenni

Etsy Outfit part deux

2010-07-02T22:25:00.001-04:00

I was going through my favourites on etsy and I thought to myself "Hey, I could make another outfit." And so I will show you an outfit I would wear if I were to purchase all of these faves.

Pink Kitten Cardigan by Detroit Dollface

Roxy Organic Cotton Sailor Striped Tee by Floremark Shop

Country Girl Vintage 70s Denim Bellbottom Overalls from Tialey Vintage

Handmade Vegan Mary Janes in Navy by The Generation

Vintage 1950s Red Tortoise Eyeglasses Frame from Vintage 50s Eyewear

Now why would I want to wear this in the summer? Yeah, it gets hot and why would I want to wear layers and long things? Well, this past week the temperature has been in the 70s, which has been needed for my bike rides. This whole week it would be okay to wear some long things and not get stared at. Plus, that cardigan with the kitten on it... Who doesn't want to wear a cardigan with a kitten on it? Crazy people, that's who!

If you're curious about the first etsy outfit, you can see it here. Anybody want to be a dear and purchase everything I listed for me? :]

<3 Jenni

So what do I do?

2010-06-30T18:57:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow will mark my first full week of being on my own. I'm surprised that I'm doing okay thus far. I will admit last Friday I did have an entirely weird feeling that over took me and it did make me want to be home with my family. It wasn't being homesick, it was just that I didn't feel like that I belong in Ann Arbor. Which is weird considering I work here and I've been here almost every weekend for the past two years. It went away the following Saturday when I went to work and felt like I had a satisfying + purposeful day.

I haven't obtained a second job yet, but I'm still holding my hopes up for an eclectic shop called Acme. I've even talked with people at the museum I work at. I'm sure that if I can't find a job elsewhere, the museum will give me even more hours outside of my weekend position. In between waiting for calls from potential employers I ride Ole Clementine everywhere, cook homemade healthy meals for myself, and craft.

I have been sewing but my sewing machine was being a bully today, so I decided to take a break from it and tackle a project that I've been meaning to start. I have been crocheting with.....Plarn! Plastic yarn made out of plastic grocery bags.

I made a grapefruit sized ball of plarn with 15 bags or so. I sort of lost count as I was cutting the bags into pieces. Like I mentioned, I've been wanting to try this project out, but what does one do with all that plarn? Well, how about a plarn rug for the kitchen that can sit in front of the sink? Perfect, I say!

So I stitched 55 chains, and double crocheted four rows before I ran out of plarn. Sigh. Now it has to be put on hold until some friends or my family visits me and brings me more grocery sacks. It's not hard at all to make plarn, and there's even a video tutorial to show you how to make it.

I posted this video back in October when I first started learning how to crochet. It's easy to make the plarn, but actually crocheting it is a little tricky. USE A BIG CROCHET NEEDLE. I only have two and I managed okay with my size K needle.

Are there any new projects you plan to take on or already started? Do you think you would try the plarn route?

<3 J.Loo

Cupcakes Galore

2010-06-29T20:27:00.001-04:00

This morning I received an email in appreciation of one of my handmade treasures. It even included pictures. I was quite excited and it put a big ol' smile on my face. Here's the email:

"...I just had to let you know what a tremendously satisfied customer of From J.Loo to You I am!

This evening my friend Gretchen and I went miniature golfing in order to give the Cupcakes Galore handbag a test drive. Afterward, I took this photograph of her, and, by the looks of things, she is quite pleased with her new accessory -- so much so that she had to shut her eyes in contemplation of its magical power:

You will also notice that, in addition to toting the adorably stylish and stylishly adorable handbag, she is also wearing upon her head the ribbon you used to wrap the package, which was a gift in itself. A closer look:

Here she is checking out the ceramic behind of a medieval trumpeter. Judging by her sassy posture and facial expression, it would seem that your bags produce a bit of a 'tude in those who carry them:

Here she is in front of a tiny rollercoaster, which guided her ball for a hole-in-one just moments earlier (no doubt as a direct consequence of the bag). Low photo quality, high Cupcakes Galore handbag quality:

The star of the show:

So, thanks again for your superb work, Jenni! You’ve made Gretchen and me the two most contented little cupcakes in the whole world.

Happy wishes,
Andrew"

Now isn't that awfully sweet? I kind of miss the little bag, and even sewing it together....well, except the handles. Those weren't fun. :}

<3 Jenni

Why Don't You Love Me

2010-06-27T23:59:00.000-04:00

I'm not a fan of pop radio stations and most pop music. Far from it actually. Recently when I've been driving with my mother she has it on this one station that literally plays the same five songs every hour. It makes me want to rock myself and find my happy place. BUT one pop (Would she be considered pop?) artist I don't think I would ever tire of and has my entire respect is Beyoncé.

I adore her. She's a strong woman, and obviously her & Jay-Z are the ULTIMATE power couple. I don't get to listen to her that often, but when I do it's a real treat. I've seen photos of this one music video for her song "Why Don't You Love Me" and wondered what it was all about, but not enough to investigate. Well, I found the music video randomly on Lipstick Feminists and here's video if you're curious to know what I'm talking about.

Something tells me that Beyoncé had fun with this video. I don't blame her. I love the hair, make up, and costumes. I also think the video is quite clever. What do you think?

<3 Jenni

First night in my new place

2010-06-24T22:53:00.001-04:00

Not much for updates around here, eh? Well, I've been busy preparing for my move. I moved into my best friend's apartment for the Summer while he is off fulfilling his dreams in Seattle. His lease is up in mid-August, and my parents are actually letting me stay away from home. I work in Ann Arbor anyways, and it just makes sense for me to be here and get another job to save up money for school. I'm living alone in this decently sized, furnished, two bedroom two bathroom apartment. I'm pretty used to being by myself in Ann Arbor a few days at a time, but this is a different feeling.

It's an odd feeling I can say. There are some people here in this college town that I know, so I won't be by myself all the time. I guess this feeling is just independence. I'm going to have some real independence in my life. I, for once, can control what I want to do and not have my parents hover around. Speaking of my parents, I'm grateful that they are letting me experience this. I'm still sure they don't want to let me go, but I'm an adult and I have to act like one. But now this adult lives in a pretty bare and boring walled apartment.

I brought most of my art supplies to keep me busy and to help fill the place with colour, but I'm not entirely sure if I can put so many holes in the walls. I wish I could. I would hang all the artwork that I heart (on etsy) everywhere.

Summer by Nan Lawson

Tim Gunn by ohxcrap

Nostalgic Film by teaforbini

The Secret Is In The Beard by paperbullet - I actually plan to buy this print soon!

You and Me Print by bang bang you're thread

Leaf Nosed Bat Glass Plate by DecouDermy

Read Sign from recycled wood by William Dohman

Vintage Cameras Set of 4 by Susannah Tucker

Cat Eye Glasses Girl - Plaid Glasses by Danny Brito

Anywhere by The Wheatfield

I know, quite an eclectic selection, but I just know all of them would look great in this naked apartment. I'm trying to make it cute! I'm sure later I'll take pictures of the interior (though some are already on my flickr, but it was a boys' place then).

<3 Jenni

I went through Hell

2010-06-18T13:00:00.007-04:00

I took Bryan on a surprise trip to Hell on Sunday. After that visit he then decided to take me to Waterloo, and we went to Chelsea next. All three towns are teeny.

It was a trip with a secret destination. The weekend of the trip he kept asking where I had planned on taking him. I told him that it was a place neither of us have gone to before. The morning of the trip Bryan sold his soul to me for free. Boy, was he foolish for that. As I drove us to Hell, Bryan kept guessing the final destination. He then figured it was Heaven, because we clearly haven't been there before. When he said that it was so hard for me to keep a straight face. I took him to Hell, and I sold his soul to the Devil to help pay for school, pugs, and shoes.

In Hell we went to Hell in a Handbasket, Screams Ice Cream, and ate lunch at the Dam Site Inn.

In Waterloo we went on a guided tour at the Waterloo Farm Museum. The people that ran the place were in awe that my last name is Waterloo. I thought it was weird and a little annoying, but I forget that my last name is not common and it's a famous war/Belgian City.

In Chelsea we walked around and ate at a bar called Cleary's. They have the sweet potato fries I adore, just like the ones at Seva in Ann Arbor.

I have a lot more photos of the kitschy little towns I visited that you can peek at. Are there any small kitsch towns that you have visited? I'd like to know, I love that kind of stuff.

<3 Jenni Loo

P.S. Someone just shared with me that the word of the day on Merrian-Webster.com is Waterloo.

Summer Time Playlist

2010-06-10T19:00:00.003-04:00

For the past few years I've made a mix/playlist for the summer. In the past I would just name it Summer Fun (insert year) Mix, but last year I decided to be clever and give it a real name. Last year's summer time playlist is titled "I dream of a pale summer." I'm not much of a tanner. I burn very easily which is odd, considering my mother is Puerto Rican and my father has some Native American blood. I actually like having porcelain looking skin, but now I'm, um, turning translucent.

Yeah, it is embarrassing to admit that I can see veins, arteries, and organs through my skin. Okay, not organs but I need a healthy glow. My next playlist is titled "light tan line." Now, I'm asking for your help. I would like some suggestions to put on my list. I only have four songs on the list, and the plan is to have it completed by the first day of summer a.k.a. June 21st.

Here are the songs on my playlist. Enjoy the videos.

"Life Magazine" by Cold Cave

"Jail La La" by Dum Dum Girls

"Souls of Gold" Sister Crayon

"Walking On A Dream" Empire of the Sun

This year's summer list has to be filled with a lot of fun. I like pretty much anything with female musicians, garage/punk rock sound, or something that can makes me dance (or sing along, loudly) while I drive.

Thanks for the suggestions!

<3 J.Loo