More Snow! 01/08/2011
 Today it snowed again!!...The previous snowfall had just melted completely away, and then we got a nice covering again. My mom loves the snow...I could do without it all together! Our dog Hurley looked the way I felt about it!...Not AGAIN!!  It did give us a nice day inside...cozy and warm! Niamh and I decided to do a trial bake of some cookie bars we’d like to give away for Valentine’s Day. And, as I’m not exactly good in the baking department (I called Phil and told him they tasted good...his response was, “They’re actually edible?”), we choose to give these babies a trial run. They are called Sunny Citrus Bars, perfect to add a little bit of sunshine on a dreary winter’s day! Here is the recipe: 1 cup butter, softened 2 1/3 cups all purpose flour, divided ½ cup powdered sugar 4 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 ¾ cups sugar 1 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt 1 tsp orange zest 1/3 cup orange juice ½ cup lemon juice Powdered sugar Beat butter until creamy. Add 2 cups flour and ½ cup powdered sugar. Beat until smooth dough is formed. Press into lightly greased, foil lined 13 x 9inch baking dish. Bake @ 350 for 20 min. Whisk together eggs, remaining flour, sugar and next 5 ingredients. Pour over baked crust. Bake @ 350 for 25 min. Let cool completely in pan; chill if desired. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and cut into bars.      They are delicious!!...And the recipe can be changed just a bit to make Key Lime bars instead—and key lime anything is my favorite, so that’s our next snowy day treat! Speaking of Valentine’s Day, it is just around the corner...It is definitely a theme on Etsy right now...Here are a couple prints that would make a sweet Valentine’s gift. They can double as a card/ print duo in a 5 x 7 size!...The tree artwork is one of my more popular prints. I just finished up the vampire one...I do especially love a sarcastic twist on such a lovey-dovey holiday!   Well, all funny aside;) , I am looking forward to a nice pre-Valentine’s getaway with Phil this coming weekend. We are going to upstate NY, dropping off the kiddies to my sister, and retreating into a fancy little resort!...I’m so excited!!...What are your special Heart-Day plans this year??... <3 Krista 3 Comments New Simply Sassy Blog!!... 01/06/2011
I’m pretty excited! Sugar Nellie launched a new blog for the Simply Sassy stamps today!...How fun is that :) !! I’m so thrilled that people seem to really enjoy using my girls and giving them a new spin with their own coloring and creativity! I can’t wait for the next ones to come out...I think they are my favorites to date:)!... I am going to do a little mini Sassy Celebration of my own on here, and offer some sweet prizes for someone towards the end of the month... I have some Sassy character stamps and will add some pretty extras for card making/scrapbooking as well. Just a peek at what stamps will be included...Well, here’s two:)   I am teaching a scrapbooking class at my church on the 11th of Jan and thought it would be fun to see if the girls might be down for some stamping as well...I think they are such a nice alternative to the stickers I use to put all over my scrapbook pages...(I admit, I was a sticker maniac). Niamh even used one of my girls for a school project...The teacher sent it home with a note asking who drew it (oops!)...I went in and explained it was a stamp she colored in herself! HAHAHA...Her teacher started laughing...She thought I had done the whole project for Niamhy!...Oh well...maybe school work is not the best stamping application...but I have thought of others...even used them on my shipping materials as a nice little decoration:) So, here is a link to the new blog opened up by some fantastic ladies at Sugar Nellie:)...Simply Sassy Blog! It is being run by one of the SN Sweeties, Maria Therese . It looks just lovely! And, if your itching for some new stamps, become a follower and leave a comment (if you’d like;)...I’ll keep track and enter those of you into the giveaway for the prize at the end of the month!! Hugs, Krista New Year!! 01/04/2011
New Year’s was quite enjoyable for us. We had a quiet family night with my parents and one of my sisters. I wish the rest of my family could have come, but some were down and out with awful colds :(...Still, we played a fun game and ate some goodies. The kids and I ran around the house banging on pots and pans at midnight yelling “Happy New Year.” (I feel like this is a normal thing to do and that everyone must do it—however, I’ve yet to hear others joining us in our noise...hmmm) Anyway, I think Niamh and Philly made it to about 2am and then fell asleep on my lap. What a nice way to begin a new year! I have so many resolutions this year. I’ll keep most to myself...as I don’t want to give away all my short comings:)...but I do want to move through life a little slower this year. It’s funny how I get so swept up in our daily schedule and activities...and then look back and wonder where the year actually went!...And if I really enjoyed the little moments as much as possible. I think the whole moving slower thing sort of initiates other resolutions such as being more organized and taking time for quiet time here and there...like reading books and family movie nights and coffee with Phil on a Saturday morning... I’d also like to expand my artwork business, become more business savvy (never took a business class in college...darn it!), and run a marathon (I did one in 2000). They are big goals, but I always think of something my basketball coach told me in high school...racecar drivers have to look at the track—if they look at the wall, they naturally are drawn in and will hit it. Funny, it’s the same with goals and obstacles in our way...just keep your eyes on the changes and you will see results!! Oh...and a couple places I have popped up this week...  under a tree in California :)...This was given as a gift from a really sweet Etsy buyer to her niece. Thanks for such a wonderful pic Jillian!!  And, I have been working over the holiday break here and there on artwork for a jewelry website. I will post the link once it is up and running—but how fab is this!!...I can’t wait to see what she does with the other 5 girls I sent her! :) Hope your year brings you lots of smiles and special memories!!...Thanks for checking in! Hugs, Krista Happy Holiday... 12/28/2010
Christmas was a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and special memories...and we even got a bunch of snow the day after! Even in the 30+ mph winds, Phil took the kiddies sleddingJ...Some parts of our yard the grass peeked through the snow—other areas it is up to my hip!...Anyway, the week has been delightful, lazy, and relaxing. I love the week leading up to New Year’s...It’s always so refreshing and fun to spend with the family! Hope your Christmas was bright and happy as well!!...And have a lovely New Years! XOXO, Krista           Have your cake and eat it too!... 12/15/2010
 The formula is 10-10-80. In order to feel and look your best, you are to eat clean and exercise faithfully. Looking great is 10% genes, 10% exercise, and 80% eating clean (that’s what they say...not sure who “they” are...but it’s the rule to follow). There have been times in my life (marked by a general miserable-ness) that I tried to follow this to a T. I ate clean: chicken breasts, broccoli, spinach, nuts, and eggs were my basic foods. Blah, right? Well, I do still attempt to eat healthy...but I think I’ve come to accept that I would trade a little, mmm...shall I say ripple?...for an occasional piece of my favorite pie...especially during the holidaysJ. I mean, I’m not exactly wearing booty shorts these days...so if my thighs are imperfect but my tummy is treated to a dessert a couple times a week—well, that’s okay with me. And I do workout. Quite a bit. Just for the recordJ. Honestly, I look most forward to Christmas and New Year’s get-together’s for the goodies. As I’ve said before, I’m not exactly Betty Crocker. So, in order to get my cookies/dessert fill, I rely on my wonderfully skilled family membersJ. And they never disappoint! Some of my dessert plate staples are cherry thumbprint cookies, lemon bars, shortbread cookies, and a piece of pie. I am also an eggnog connoisseur, if I must say so myself ;)...it’s just the most delicious part of Christmas...And I only get to have it for like one week a year. I need to make the most of it!     This week I bought my favorite pie, Key Lime, and stuck it up in the freezer. I told myself that I absolutely need to have it on hand to bring somewhere in the next couple weeks...but it is driving me crazy...So, I may bring only half a pie. This is my preemptive apology to the hostess I’m jipping this season.  It’s nice to think that New Years is only a few days following Christmas. It kind of softens the guilty pleasures of the week beforeJ...I mean, isn’t that what resolutions are for?! I am combating what my non existent willpower leaves me with (ehem, 5-7 pounds of extra lovin’) with nightly runs on my treadmill. Actually, I’m off to do my run (I run late)...and I even bought myself a Zumba DVD to try afterward—for a little extra burn. (Actually, it’s just so I can have a couple more cookiesJ.) I wish I had a video recorder so I could tape myself at my first attempt at Zumba!!...It’s going to be hysterical. I have no dance ability...but who cares. Only the dogs will be watchingJ.  Have a lovely night...and do indulge here and there. Life is too short not to break a couple rules, especially when the naughty comes with a cherry on top;) hugs and christmas kisses, Krista I really do like the combination of creepy and pretty. Taking a scary monster and turning it into a girly little eye sore is something that always appeals to me. It’s like the mixed flavors of sweet and salty popcorn. It stings a little, but is appealing and rather deliciousJ. On a whim, I drew two ghostly girls this past week...they were actually an attempt to keep me awake a little longer one night—get the creative juices flowing a bit and hoping that would give me a spark to get a few more things knocked out while the kids and hubby slept. Half way through my ballerina, I knew these were going to be my new obsessionJ. Corpse Girls. They are ghostly...don’t talk or make a sound...just float here and there—pretty as can be. I overdid their eyes and lashes, and sewed their mouths right up. I know they won’t appeal to everyone...but that’s the fun in doing something artistic. You will eventually find that one person who just gets youJ.   Here are a couple of creepy things that appeal to my monster loving gal side. From the old movie The Thing (watched this with my dad probably a dozen times growing up) to my beloved Monster High Dolls, I just can’t get enough of ugly, scary creatures...especially when they are given a sweet and delightful twist! Here are a few creepies turned pretty...or pretties turned creepy—depending on which way you want to think about itJ...          Fashion Friday...Hopefully:) 12/10/2010
I got the new Urban Outfitters catalogue in the mail this week. If I’m honest, UO catalogues either freak me out or convince me all over again that I am in love with this brand. They are artsy...maybe a little weird sometimes...but here and there, they take top spot on my “Never Throw This Magazine Away” list. December’s issue is kind of like a glimpse into a backwoods, hippie holiday love fest...and anything with backwoods, hippie, or holiday—well, that’s gonna turn my head. I realized over the past two days that working on my artwork and orders has sort of turned me into a fashion nightmare. I mean, if what you envision is a mess of leggings, sweatshirts, and frizzy, fly-away hair—well sweetie, you’ve pretty much nailed itJ. So, I’ve been turning through the pages of my UO mag and getting some inspiration—for outfits and artwork. Here are two girls that will appear in artwork somewhere in the future....maybe not exactly them, but I love formulating some ideas based off these two pretty pics. Can’t say I’d ever wear my bra out to play tennis...and I could never pull off the lacey skirt with flats (I wasn’t blessed with skinny legs, no matter how I’ve tried to obtain them—they have eluded me my whole life)...But, I love the pieces separately...and I think the girls look so serene and feminine.   I love looking at other artists’ fashion illustrations. Whether it’s on FLICKR or illustrationweb.com or even browsing ETSY artists, everyone has their own individual style and interpretation of clothing and the human figure. My favorite fashion illustrator is Nuno Dacosta. I love his faces. They are so beautiful and other-worldly. And he captures movement so well it feels like the girl is walking across the page. I wish I could have an hour art lesson with himJ...    Well, I have vowed to get out of these horrid black leggings tomorrowJ...I am changing the banner of my Etsy shop (well...another Etsy seller is doing it for me, actually)...and wanted a little character that resembled me...I almost instinctually drew her in sweats and a messy bunJ...That’s when I really got annoyed!!...HAHAHA...Here she is—dressing like I normally doJ...A little black and white (and canary yellow;) sketch of Krista. JJJ  Have a lovely (and fashionable) Friday girls! Krista Christmas Elf... 12/07/2010
Pokey is our Christmas elf. Each year after Thanksgiving, he comes out of the attic to watch the kids’ behavior and report to Santa each night. He is quite magical...cannot be touched by children...and hears and sees ALL they do for the month of DecemberJ. (Bedtimes have improved exponentially since this past Saturday...I hear absolutely no whispers!!;)...He is our very favorite Christmas tradition. I swear, after we unwrapped him from his cozy blanket, his cheeks got rosier when he saw my kiddiesJ!!...Ask Niamh, she agrees! He came to our house three years ago along with his story book, The Elf on the shelf A Christmas Tradition by Carol V. Aebersold and Chandra A. Bell. The book tells the story of your elf and gives the elf rules that children must obey. First thing you should do is name your special elf. Niamh shouted Pokey right when she saw his face—and I must say, it is the most perfect name for him!! Each night, he comes back from visiting Santa and ends up in a different spot in the houseJ...Sometimes he even gets a bit messy and pulls the cookies out of the pantry...making quite a little crumb mess on my counters!...    He started this year in Niamh’s Barbie house. She and Philly set up a nice little spot for him in the “den.” We even got him a girlfriend, a little statue Christmas fairy we call Peppermint...just so he can talk to someone when we are gone. I highly recommend taking a peek at the book and the little elf that comes nestled along side of it next time you visit your bookstore. It makes Christmas so very magical...We are actually suppose to send him back to Santa each year after Christmas...but Niamh cried and I gave in—so we got special permission (thank you, Santa!) to keep him in storage instead of giving him up after the holidaysJ. What would we do without our little Pokey?;) Speaking of the big guy, the kids had breakfast with Santa at my mom’s elementary school on Saturday...another tradition we have come to look forward to each time December rolls around. Philly was surprisingly shy this year and sort of looked through the corner of his eye the whole timeJ...They both asked for a new bike. Then they made some Christmas cookies (with enough sprinkles to even make an elf cringeJ)...and enjoyed the whole morning thoroughly!!...I love the holidays; such fun!!     On another note...I was awarded a stylish blog nod from my new blog friend Juyle this week...I’m suppose to tell you eight things about myself and then pass it along to a few blogs I find especially stylishJ...I will give the list of blogs in a following post as I’m crunched for time tonight. A quick eight things about myself...hmmm...  1. I lost to Phil in Jeopardy twice this week. Serves me right, bragging as I did:( 2. I drink excessive amounts of coffee and diet sodas. If I could get an IV of soda right into my veins, I probably would. 3. My favorite meal is crab cakes, coleslaw, French fries, and a cold light beer. 4. I don’t wear any wedding rings because I hate rings on my fingers (except my thumbs...like rings on them)...so, I am going to get a P tattooed on my ring finger with the number 301...One of my favorite movies is 300...and Phil always tells me his is my 301. HAHAHA, I love thatJ. 5. I’d love to spend one day of my life entirely in bed...a really cushy, poofy bed with feather pillows and princess coversJ. 6. I am not a morning person. Please don’t talk to me before 10:00am;) 7. Whenever there is a big flock of seagulls in a store parking lot, I drive through them for the kidsJ...We’ve done it so many times, I think they consider it a normal thing to do...I am positive I will be stopped by mall security some day. 8. I have only received one speeding ticket in my life. I’ve been pulled over more times than I can count...Luckily, my speeding has coincided with days I‘ve done my hair and put on make-up. Heaven help me the day I’m stopped looking like I do right now!! J Thanks Juyle for the nice awardJ...I think you’re quite the stylish blogger yourself! Have a lovely Tuesday everyone! XoXo, Krista Sugar Nellie Stamp Release 3... 12/04/2010
 Hi everyoneJ...Today there is a blog hop over at Sugar Nellie for the release of Simply Sassy stamps #3!!...They are drawings inspired by the Twilight characters;)...I am so excited each time my designs come out as stamps; just LOVE to see what others do with them. It always gives me a nice perspective when someone else colors in an image of mine. So, if you haven’t stopped over just yet, please go visit and see the new girls...and boysJ! I think my favorites are the sporty gal and boy, which were inspired by a couple of vampires that are really good at baseball, even in a thunderstormJ!!...Rosalie and Emmitt.     To see Alice and Jasper-inspired stamps, go hop along the blogs...it's quite fun, and you don't even need ridiculous bunny ears like my girl to do it;)... Speaking of boys, I’m going to try and add a bunch of little guys to my ETSY shop after the holidays. What are boys you’d like to see??...What would they be wearing/doing...??...Right now my ideas are floating around airplanes, guitars, headphones, and maybe even a poet. Have you any thoughts??...Love to hear some ideas!! Have a great Saturday...We’ll be stopping by to see Santa today...and stop back tomorrow to meet our little elf named Pokey. HAHA...he’s a huge Christmas deal in our house! J XOXO, Krista Let It Be... 12/01/2010
 I love music. Don’t have a musical note in my body—but we have it playing at some point every day. I made many (poor) attempts at being musical myself...tried various instruments (piano, guitar, saxophone)...but my brain never could read the music. Those little black notes meant nothing to my fingers. I finally figured out I needed to abandon the idea of playing anything when my guitar teacher was obviously trying not to laugh when it took me 15 minutes to play Ode to JoyJ...Needless to say—there was nothing joyful about it. I also tried the singing thing...thought my sisters and I would be the new Dixie Chicks...(we decided on Cactus Kittens...OMGOSH!!!...That sounds like a group of naughty dancers!!) Anyway, I forgot the words to a very simple hymn while singing solo during the Christmas Eve service at my church. I never really recovered from that horrid eventJ-- but it is a pretty funny memory!!...My mom was literally screaming in a whisper the words from the middle of the church...and still told me I did greatJ...Only a mom could have loved that performance. So, listening to music is what I’m really good at;)...and I love a huge range. Phil and I have always played music we love for the kids...not a whole lot of nursery tunes or kids CDs...As long as it hasn’t got any bad words or a nasty theme, they listen...Niamh could sing Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison song word for word by age threeJ. They *love* Another One Bites the Dust...and Philly has actually requested Pat Benetar before. HAHA—that cracked me upJ... “Mom, can you put in the “hit me” song?” One group I could never get “into” was the Beatles. Phil really loves them...his dad would play their records when he was growing up. All I knew is they had really bad haircuts and spoke with English accents. Literally, before Phil, that’s all I knew of themJ...Anyway, he plays their CD a lot in the truck...and I (being the ever so quiet and kind wife;) listen to them without voicing my dislike (most of the time)...They just don’t do it for me...I know I am one of the few here, but it’s just my opinionJ. I will admit, however, I am totally stuck on Let It Be right now. It’s so beautiful, I happened to play it the other day, and have played it probably 20 times since. (I do that when I get stuck on a song...) So, I was listening to it last night while doing some artwork. I wanted to do a dancer...something different than my child characters...and ended up with this sketch.  . I don’t like it yet...but the girl’s hair was so pretty, I wanted to put some crazy long hair on another girl—and couldn’t go back to dancer chick—not yet at least (it’s good to walk away for a few days sometimesJ)...So, listening to Let It Be got me here  ...a cute little librarian-looking girl who just read a juicy romance novelJ...Funny where I end up sometimes while drawing—she’s not what I’d expect from listening to that song all night, but I’ll take herJ. She reminds me of my little blonde, pigtailed nerd all grown upJ.  This week I have had requests for two hair stylists (one being quite a sexy little hair stylist), a baker girl (who I already sketched up and love...she reminds me of the Ratatouille movie, but a little more girly and no ratsJ), and a cream soda girl (I had to sketch her up right away as well...she sounded so fun to doJ). I ended up listening to the whole Beatles CD...just kept drawing...and finished with some cute girls listening to songs about Octopuses...err, Octopi??...and Walruses...and a guy named JudeJ. So, I guess you just need to give some songs a third, fourth...even tenth try. I still wouldn’t call myself a fan; but my work time did fly by...  PeaceJ, KristaJJ |  My name is Krista. I am an artist and this is my blog about lovely things in life that inspire me, make me laugh, and keep me a kid at heart. Enjoy!
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