My heart...in threads

My heart had holes in it, and then I...

Sewed up the holes and...

Now it is whole...

This is my latest paper project.  Embroidery is a good time, and so is popcorn.

Teach a girl to POP her own popcorn and...

Teach a girl to POP her own popcorn and she will eat until she is SICK.  I am so FULL.  I could not stop my hand from reaching my mouth.  I bought the bag of organic yellow popping corn (Central Market brand) a month ago, or longer.  I was apprehensive about the task.  Would the oil jump out of the pan with viscious flames attached and remove my eyebrows?  Would the popcorn pop out of control and fill up the kitchen (in my movie...it happens JUST like that)?

None of that occurred.  Well, there was alot of popping and the lid to the pot was coming off sans flames aimed at my eyebrows.  I'm okay.  I'm stuffed. I'm a little sick because I'm too full.  I didn't stop eating until I got that rollercoaster feeling.  The one you get after eating and riding.  You have no choice.  You MUST ride the rollercoaster.  Lunch was just apart of life.  The ride was vital.  Eating this popcorn was exactly like that.  I will walk a bit sideways for a few hours, but it will pass.  It was well worth it.

I can SEW (paper)!!

 

Monogrammed Cards

Inspiration hit me and I just HAD to try to embroider a card.  Letters were easy, and I wanted to give a gift to a friend to show appreication so this seemed like the ideal option.  I didn't know her favorite color is RED.  I used the threads in my massive collection of supplies to get started.  Fortunately, I had primary colors.  She didn't strike me as a pastel kinda girl anyway.  I found a blog on how to do this.  I will go back and find it and link it as soon as I locate in on my pinterest board (too many pins...definitely not enough attention span). 

 

Then I wrapped it up! And Voila!



 



Prior to this, I tried a quick card that possibly took more time.  THANK YOU cards are easy, but not SUPER easy.  I had to intentionally write the words with less perfection (black felt marker), and more IMperfection to preserve each card's unique-ness (word?).  The letters are alternating, yet consistent.  The buttons bring in a little color and flare.  I used them for my last day of school gifts where I student taught.  The school colors were blue and gold/yellow.  I made about 6-8 for various staff that helped me through my training.  Take a gander...

 

 

My photos could use some work, but I documented as I created.  If you have come up with other easy ways to create cards please post a link below.

 

I might sell them in my Etsy Store.

My stomach is UPSET with my food choices

No tea.
No mint.
No tomato.
No wine.
No carbonated drinks.
No acidic fruits (lime, orange, grapefruit, etc.).

Friday, I had the Starbucks Refresher Tea with lime, mint and raspberry on an empty-ish stomach (mixed the two options).  Today I had a sparkling Izze, citrus (clementine and orange) because I thought the natural bubbles would kill the unnatural yucky feeling in my tummy.  Nauseated...sooooo nauseated since Friday.  Was it worth it? Kinda.  All I want right now is fried chicken and FRIES, and I think that would just make me lose all sorts of weight right now if the nausea progressed to the upheaval level (bad for the teeth, good for the jeans).

I have found that it depends on whether or not my stomach is empty (thank you new workout* which upped my metabolism to crazier levels than ever before).  Homemade(my father) methods or local restaurants fry properly, so I must cut out chain food.  I drink tea (Arabic, so my stomach is possibly a snob) without issue. I avoid tomato sometimes, but love pizza (Zini's).  I drink sparkling water based beverages when I drink un-water.  I would choose WHISKEY over wine any day so all I really need to stay away from are oranges and grapefruits, and never work out again OR...enjoy the upped metabolism which means increasing the frequency of already frequent eating.

Done.

*new workout - I actually did something for 15min and didn't get bored.

FYI, the GIVEAWAY is over TOMORROW!!  Check out my other happenings at www.facebook.com/euralee.  Also you can use JUNE25 for 25% OFF any item over $5 www.euralee.etsy.com.

Eura Cool (to me) #7...Skirts

Being efficient is key to progress in life.  I've searched eBay and found that you cannot buy this said "efficiency".  Therefore, progress shall elude me for the moment.  While I dawdle, lets talk about fun things like...CLOTHES!

Presently, I am quite addicted to vintage clothing.  The issue is quality.  Many modern clothes (no matter the label) are just not made very well.  Let's pretend that everything is made well.  What would I wear if I could guarantee the workmanship was superb??  Ohhhhh, this is going to be fun!!


...Afghani Skirt (TavinShop) - I never thought I would be a skirt girl.  I am.  I am a skirt girl.  Girly girl?  *crickets singing*  Although, there's nothing wrong with that sort (thatIwilladdress).  I am NOT that girl.  The perfection of this skirt is initially in the length,  then shape, and finally...color.  Boots in winter, flats in autumn, sandals in spring, and barefoot in the summer.  This skirt is sinless...thus perfect, and cool.

Afghani Skirt -TAVIN Shop

...Cotton Midi Skirt (MrsPomeranz) - Does it make sense when I say that I do not watch MAD MEN, but I watch the clothes?  Clothing was proper, and respectable in that era.  Midi skirts deserve respect.  Coverage is perfect, yet not excessive (cool, non?).  My dream realized is if this skirt has pockets.  It is made to order (the dream could come true), which meets superb workmanship requirement.  Heels, flats, sandals or bare feet?

Cotton Midi Skirt (MrsPomeranz)

...Vintage Crochet Skirt Pattern (PastPerfectPatterns) - Third grade was my introduction to the art of crochet.  Do I know how to crochet?  If third grade counts, then SURE I DO!  If not, then I believe my focus should be on someone who can because this is a NEED (equivalent with oxygen and water intake).  The length...the fit...is amazing (dare I say...cool).  Imagine this in bright colors?  Monochromatic?  With boots? Sandals? Flats? BARE FEET!?!?!?!?

Vintage Skirt Pattern (PastPerfectPatterns)

I must return to my task of UNLOADING inventory ($5 can get you in on this sale).  Meanwhile, I will be minding the store or FACEBOOK (come LIKE us).

The One About Food (Eura Cool to me #6)

Culinary skills are important...in a restaurant.  For me?  Not so much.  I try, and things go well.  Then I get excited, and lose interest simultaneously.  This does not stop me from amassing recipes.  One day I will be in some random city with horrible restaurants and I will have to cook for myself (because it's the endoftheworld).

Baking is enjoyable.  Flour is dusty.  Eating is delightful.  Cooking is messy.  Fire is warm.  I don't like sweating.  Delicious foods make me happy.  It's a conundrum.  Why can't life be simple, like shopping???

Here's a few of my favorites that I have tried (either in reality or in my imagination).

...Baking (Chocolate Chip Walnut Mini-Cookies) - The reason I stopped baking with butter (after very few attempts) is that I am waiting averse (that other word is too harsh).  Butter needs to be soft and malleable before use.  I don't really care about that, so I figured...what about using olive oil (seemed like a Meditteranean option, and they know their food)??  It's easy, but will it taste guh-ross?  Answer: Nope.  How do I know?  Answer: I tested them on the masses (12people = masses).  Supreme test...my butter-lovin paternal colonel.  He eats any cookie I make with olive oil, and does not comment on the lack of butter (commenting is his sport of choice).  However, there is a delicate balance between flour and oil.  Too much flour will create a blandness.  You will figure it out (hint: If you are combining the flour and it seems to be too much.  Do not force it.  Just leave out the excess)  Add flour slowly, and use this recipe, but TWEAK with with this conversion chart.  Last thing, I use semi-sweet chocolate chips.  In my mind, this is healthy-er.  I have no proof.  I don't want any.  Yummy is the GOAL!!

Chocolate chip/Walnut Cookie Bites (made w/olive oil)



The far left is a Chocochip/Cranberry, and the rest are Chocochip/Walnut from small to bite-size

...More BAKING (Crawfish Cornbread) - I want to try this.  Nothing is better than comfort food.  Except, SOUTHERN comfort food.  If you weren't raised in the South, my condolences.  It is quite possible that I will eat anything described as cornbread.  Food sins exist, but this is not one of them...



Crawfish Cornbread


...Frying (French fries, GOOP Style) - To eat, or not to eat...FRENCH FRIES.  Letterman or Leno.  SUV or Sedan.  You are either on one side or the other.  This is exactly why I respect Gwyneth Paltrow-Martin.  She eats FRENCH FRIES.  People who eat fries are aware of the consequences, but they enjoy them anyway.  GOOD people.  This will be one of my methods because a healthy-er (I realize there is another spelling) version of a food from Team Fattening is a winner to me.


Gwyneth Paltrow recipe for French Fries

Food is a happy experience.  This is my PINterest board dedicated to FOOD.

Eura Cool (to me) #5

My intention was to blog it up.  Write about all the cool things I came across on Etsy, or in life.  Make entries monthly (weekly was unrealistic).  It's 2013, and I dare say I have yet to accomplish that goal.  Why not?  I've been all over the place for work, for fun, for more work.  Sitting still meant that I was asleep or trying to learn some class from reality TV personalities (Doh!!  That was supposed to be a secret.  Blergh!).

Sans a crystal ball, I expected as much because I am Queen of the land of Procrastination (at least I'm QUEEN!).  I have found coolness, and I am here to share because thatiswhatIdo.

We all have places to go, and I've decided to introduce you to my method of preparation to face the world...if I was...cool.

...1940s Vanity/Vintage Wood Desk (86Home) - FIRST, I would do a face check in my fancy vintage VANITY desk as I gather my necessities (lip balm, and lip balm).  I am so excited to sit at my desk because it's eco-conscious (I curr about the planet.), pretty and...cool.

1940's Vintage/Vanity DeskEtsy: 86Home

...Leg Warmers (pippisLongstockings) - Once the lips are fixed, and the hair is no longer marching to it's own beat.  I'm ready to go.  Cold weather requires boots, and boots require accessories like leggings.  Leggings aren't just for dance class and the 80's anymore.   My legs are warm, but I look cool (to me).

Made to Order Leggings
Etsy: pippisLongstockings
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pippisLongstockings

...Everyday is Winding Road Weekender (StarBags) - I am ready to hit the door so I pick up my weekender (oh yeah, I'm going somewhere).  It's packed with all the must-haves and wants it can stand.  I have other bags, but this one is so pretty and...cool.  Even if I had to pack a change of clothes, I would use this bag.  The detail is amazing, and I think my clothes would feel better in it (My clothes are sensitive.  Don't judge them.).  I own this in my imagination, and hopefully my reality will take the hint.

Everyday Is A Winding Road Weekender
Etsy:  StarBags

That's how I roll (out the door).  Until next time.  Meanwhile, I shall rule my land (www.eurahearts.com,  www.facebook.com/euralee OR www.euralee.etsy.com) with leniency.  No other options, because it's the LAND of PROCRASTINATION.

xoxo,
Eura Lee

Inspiration vs. Pinspiration

I'm not gonna lie.  I'm supposed to be creating right now.  The gigantic pile of un-crafted is giving me the stink eye. (If it were alive. More like a judge-y energy.)  Meanwhile, I've got bigger pins to find.  Pinterest is my arch nemesis, and my inspiration.  

Things like this fall onto my radar...

Homeiswheretheholmansare.blogspot.com

I will get back to work, or I will go to bed.  There is so much to do...

Distractedly yours,

Eura Lee

Eura Cool (to me) #4

I like art.  It's subjective, expressive and cool.  I am mostly drawn to the kind that I like to look at (I'm not that deep).  My relationship with art began in 10th grade when 1) I rediscovered that I knew how to draw, and 2) you could be sent to the principal's office for refusing to work in ceramics (it's a dirty process, and I didn't sign up for a dry cleaning bill).

Art brings the happy...to you...your rooms...your relationships (isn't that...cool?). 

So let's discuss...

...for YOU - The Umbrella (No. 2) (Darren Thompson Fine Art) - I like umbrellas, and I like walking and talking to my friends...so I like this painting.  The technique?  I have no clue, but I like it and I would like it on my wall (or a notebook or a bag or my t-shirt, maybe a phone case...because it's cool). 

The Umbrella (No. 2)
Etsy: www.darrenthompson.etsy.com
Facebook: Darren Thompson Fine Art

...for your baby's ROOM - Nursery Art Print (Galerie Anais) - The days of decorating a child's room in baseballs or ballerinas are behind us (most of us...no judgement).  The general baby gift is such a bore.  It's time to step out of the box and give from your heART.  Elephants and turtles are everywhere (neighborhood creek, cartoons, the zoo, Discovery Channel).  The child will learn from the art and you will go down in baby shower history (legendary?) .  A gift that GIVES is what every baby's room needs to make the child smart and...cool.

Nusery Art Print - original reproduction of handmade work
Etsy: www.galerieanais.etsy.com
Facebook: Galerie Anais

...for your RELATIONSHIPS - Step by Step Art Class (Paint Like Picasso) - Picasso was transitional and...cool.  There was the blue period, then rose, followed by a little geometric with the cubes, etc.  Interesting is an understatement, yet if I painted like him I'd be content with that achievement.  Art class would be the first step.  A fun step if you do it with other people.  I'm a (some) people person, and it's fun to do things with people you like.  What better way to find your inner Picasso than an art class (with wine).  Maybe you want to have a party? Teambuilding for your office?  Couple's night?  Painting offers instant gratification (and no need to call the principal).  The first time, the horse might look a bit tree-ish.  Art is subjective...and cool.  Keep trying.

Paint Like Picasso
website: www.paintlikepicasso.com
Facebook: Paint Like Picasso

Creative juices trickle more than flow...

Ideally, I would love to have my hands do the creative good and make use of all of the materials I have amassed (nearly hoarded).  I don't know if you can relate to that feeling when you walk over to an area that needs your attention, whether it be creative activity or the simple act of tidying up, and you stop...stare...walk away.  This time I had direction.  I made a bracelet for my mother and here's what it looks like.

Shell/Amethyst/Carved brass bead

Do I have more going on?  I wish...I hope to keep creating until there is nothing left.  The general idea is to donate portions of the proceeds to those in need and save the rest to move abroad and teach.  This motivation will hopefully supercede my consistent procrastination.  I have a few ideas, and I shall share them (as well, as the cool things I find along the way.  I'm excited to see what cool things I find abroad.  Motivated!!).

Until next time...(www.facebook.com/euralee)

NEW Sale tomorrow until...

Tomorrow there will be much on sale at the Eura Lee storenvy site.  I really feel like the best discount is 50% OFF.  So I'm going to roll with that.  I might post the code on our FB page first then email out to those of you who have yet to LIKE us.  Don't forget that 100% of the proceeds are donated.  GIVE then GET.

The CODE will be (insert drumroll): WARM50*

The code might change for an additional discount, so don't get too comfortable.  Check FACEBOOK.

Enjoy your day lovelies...Enjoy!

*The sale has no expiration date...It will end when it ends so do what you must to get what these handmade must-haves.

Eura Cool (to me) #3

It's been a while since I've documented my cool finds.  If you find yourself impatient with my lack of blogging discipline you can see my choices before they hit the blog (not everything will be blogged about...I'm only one procrastinator).  Please feel free to click on: MY FAVORITES (aka: stuff I think is cool).
No need for that at the moment because have I got some coolness for you (in my humble opinion...like calling it humble actually makes it so)!!  I've been on a fashion-y kick so my choices will reveal such a mood (Yes, fashion-y is a real mood...in my world.  So HA!)

Let the coolness proceed...

...Light Switch Cover / Switch Plate (Funky Chicken Design) - I have a little bit of electrical skill so a boring switch plate is nothing if unappealing (possibly a word?).  Cream? White?...Wait, what about cream?  Say, "Buh-bye" to boring lifeless plates.  Say, "Hello" to fun lively printed decor improvers.  These are actually STYLISH and well...cool.

Funky Chicken Design
www.funkychickendesign.esty.com

...Ombre Maxi Skirt (Archella) - I like the word ombre (n. A French term meaning "shaded." Usually a multicolored stripe, with colors graduating from light to dark. The color effect is woven into the fabric. Generally produced by arranging different tones in the warp. ).  I think it's well...cool.  I also like maxi skirts (even when they were just called LONG skirts).  Because they are...well, you know.  The color makes me happy, and there is no shaving of the legs required.  Win-WIN!!  And so very...cool.

Archella
www.archella.etsy.com

...MUSE Ballet Flats (BaliElf) - Heels are lovely, but not a BFF of the grace-challenged.  I'm not going to say that I've fallen off a step stool that was only a foot off the ground (I guess I just did...Oh, and I slammed into a wall seconds after), but let's just say I'm gravity aware.  Occasionally, I wear heels.  BUT flats are where it's at for me.  Safety first.  Ankle straps are lovely seatbelts to keep my narrow heels from escaping my shoes.  My specific shoe needs have been met with STYLE, and that is so...cool.

Bali ELF
www.baliELF.etsy.com

...Statement Necklace (Luli Grun) - I'm a t-shirt and anything type of girl (jeans, skirts, etc).  Statement necklaces can give a simple t-shirt LIFE.  Eco-conscious statement necklaces from Argentina will change YOUR life (too much??  Yeah, probably so.).  You support an artist in another land, and are considerate to our lovely planet.  Both your t-shirt and EARTH will thank you for your STYLE, and that's...cool.

Luli Grun Store
www.luligrunstore.etsy.com

If you're ever wondering what I think is cool BEFORE I post it then come visit me on MY FAVORITES (aka: stuff I think is cool) or just visit (and LIKE) my FACEBOOK Page: EURALEE or come back to this blog: EURAHEARTS.  Until next time my friends.  Until next time...

Eura Cool (to me) #3 is coming...

Indeed it is coming....BUT there is so much Cool-ness, that it's hard to focus (in addition to being a procrastinator)...I'm going to choose three..or four..or three.  I'm very certain.  I think?

Eura Cool (to me) #2

Sometimes it is quite difficult to find something that I like and then declare it cool.  Why?  Inevitably and quite superficially, the minute I commit...someone else will agree.  This is silly (I do admit).  Yet, it plagues me to the depths of my soul (well...I'd have to be deep to have TRUE depth.).  Alas, I do not stop my search for the COOL things out there.  Some things literally are brought to me, and others I find by a bit of clicking or pinning (shout out to my Pinterest ppl!).  Be it ETSY or engaging in people watching (then attempting the nonchalant, "Oh, that's so cute...Where'd you get that?" *innocent un-stalker face*).

I find things...and yeah they are quite...cool.  Here's three for your money:

...Polymer Clay Stud Earrings (Mandy's Charms) - Earrings make my face happy. Happier than food (I'm touching the boundary of exaggeration.). They are bright and fun and they make swirls like...cinnamon rolls. These have no calories. (WARNING: There are high levels of CUTE.) I want to wear them in the rain, in Spain, and even on a plain because they are...cool.

Mandy's Charms
www.mandyscharms.etsy.com

...Abstract Art Keychain (Starlight Woods) - I'm not a key chain person (apologies if I've given them as souvenirs...I'm lazy). That being said, I want this key chain.  The art work is what caught my attention.  It has passed my STARE test (meaning I don't get tired of gazing at it online).  This key chain is hand painted and made from birch.  Eco-friendly, stylish, and...cool. 

Starlight Woods
www.starlightwoods.etsy.com

...Natural Lip Balm with Custom Labels (Hand-Poured Lipbalm) - Sometimes my lips try to crack under pressure (of me biting/pulling the skin off...bad habit).  My go-to lip balm was in the famous yellow tube.  A month ago, a photographer friend passed me her custom-labeled lip balm made by a mutual friend.  I snatched it (because it was FREE), but whispered to my yellow tube that this didn't mean anything (whispered in my mind...like you don't). I put it on...my lips were HEALED by the Lor-...or by the essential oils and natural ingredients.  My lips were soft and...cool. Now I have flavors and tints and I even shared one (if there is such a thing as reluctuant sharing).  I don't like confrontation so please don't tell my yellow tube.  Break-ups can be so dramatic.

Hand-Poured Lip Balm
www.handpouredlipbalm.com
handpouredlipbalm@gmail.com

Eura Cool (to Me) #1

As I read through the various ways to promote my store via the vast plethora of massively intimidating social networking options I decided to just talk about what's cool.  You know...Cool.  Are you cool?  Is being cool really that important, or is it just a tag associated with what we WISH we could be all the time?

Let's start with me.  Do I think I'm cool?  Well, many of us gain our self-perception from the feedback of others.  Do people like us? I think FB has taken this to another level.  Making all of one's mundane moments in life worthy of broadcasting to the world (minute or ridiculously broad depending on the amount of "friends" tallied.).  Still, am I cool?  Nah.  I hope not.  I mean if I thought I was cool, then that would inevitable mean that...I. am. not.

So let's focus on things that are indeed...Cool (to me).

...Handmade mineral eye shadow (Noella Beauty Works) - If you know me (you probably don't), you know that I am afraid of makeup because I don't know how to work it, BUT this looks like ice cream.  Far less intimidating...and very cool.

Noella Beauty Works
www.noellabeautyworks.etsy.com

...Handmade Children's Toy Clown (HopIT) - if clowns looked like this then I wouldn't be so freaked out by them. (Like Chuckie Cheese freaked out.  I know Chuckie wasn't a clown, but why was his mouth so big that a 5yr old feels like she's going to be eaten???)  This clown is very calm and non-threatening...and vegetarian.  Cool.

Clown by HOPit
www.hopit.etsy.com

...Handmade cardigan (Oveja Negra Knits) - hand-knitted items are special because there's normally only ONE of the item you have which is...Cool.  This cardigan is nice because of the zigzags and it looks warm and ready for a night at the movies or on long flight.  So you don't get too...Cool.

Oveja Negra Knits (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
www.ovejanegra.etsy.com

LIKE us...really LIKE us!

Go ahead...like, LIKE us already!

Eura Lee

Promote Your Page Too

Eco-fabulous...the Cliff Notes version

Tagua (aka: vegetable ivory...Google it) bracelets are IN again!  These are the BEST Tagua Bracelets EVER (handmade in Ecuador).  They sell out quickly and 100% of proceeds benefit those in need in Ecuador.  Here's what you can do if you want one...two...five. (Come'on push the envelope a bit.)

CLICK BELOW and BUY all you like!

 

Please post this on TWITTER and FACEBOOK.

You still GIVE...and GET.

www.euralee.storeenvy.com

www.euralee.etsy.com

www.eurahearts.com

All BUTTONED Up With SO Many Places To Go...

The temperature is dropping.  Leaves are falling.  Time to BUTTON Up!  Maybe not the way you think.  Buttons have to be far more than just useful for holding in the warmth or keeping the unmentionables...unmentioned.  They can be fun earring!  We totally wear them all the time, and we are so not a tween. :)

Would you please do US (Eura Lee) a big favor and comment on www.eurahearts.com on which pair you is your FAV.  Or maybe just give a top 3?  Two pair are already listed in our Etsy Store (www.euralee.etsy.com).

Feel free to forward this email to ALL you know.  Post it on your FACEBOOK or TWITTER because it all helps US sell and then donate the proceeds.  Your CLICK is important!

We're always here:

www.eurahearts.com

www.euralee.etsy.com
www.eurahearts.bigcartel.com

Come visit!

Ciao,

Eura Lee

The Stylish Giver...A Fashionable Hero

A new coat would be great, but maybe it's not in the budget.  The best way to make it FEEL new is to dress it up with a SCARF!

Modern prints...Fun colors...Easy to wear.  Who could ask for anything more? 

Did we mention all the proceeds are donated??  Yeah, so you are giving AND getting (It sounds so wrong, but it's not.).  Fashionistas can be charitable too!

Check out the selections online for purchase: www.euralee.storeenvy.com
Peek at the Photo Album to see all the fabulous ways to STYLE scarves.
Other items are at:  www.euralee.etsy.com

We are always HERE (www.eurahearts.com)

Ciao for now,
Eura Lee

Candy Jewelry...Zero Calories

Eura Lee (Eura Hearts)

Sometimes candy is good for you.  Zero calories.  No artificial flavoring.  No actual...candy.  More like tagua (a nut, but you don't eat it...you wear it.)  Handmade in Ecuador and what you spend goes straight back to those hands.  Amazing, how great you feel after a sugar rush!

Want to see everything in normal size pictures?  Here's the ALBUM to see everything.

Want to buy?  Here's the Eura Hearts ETSY Store to purchase what you see in the album.  They will be listed three at a time so email us at euraleemail@gmail.com if you have your favorite isn't listed yet.