DIY Tinted Moisturizer

I've been looking for a tinted moisturizer to bring with me to Haiti. It's going to be HOT and the sun intense, and there will be no time/need/space for makeup with the long hours I'm expecting to work (and only one carry-on bag!). More importantly, this ain't no fashion show... but, well, maybe I'm a little vain.

On the hunt for this stuff, it's hard to A) find a good color match, B) find enough SPF coverage, and C) I haven't found any under $20. I only need it for a week, and I'm trying to simplify, so I don't need any more products hanging around. So, I made due with what I had, and it actually worked out swimmingly!

Take these two products & mix them together in a little makeup pot:


And what do you get? The perfect match, perfect protection, perfect amount, use-what-you-got tinted moisturizer.



I already know I like the moisturizer and the makeup - I use them every day, so why wouldn't I like this?

It looks a little "white", but trust me, when you rub it into your face (or on your fingers or hand for testing), the color really comes through. Keep testing as you go if you decide to DIY too.

I feel a little bit fancy and a little more prepared. Wee!!

Passport Cover Revamp

I'm totally in travel mode right now. And my passport cover needed a revamp. But I was totally out of good/interesting maps to make a cover with, hmmmm.

But I thought of something - what about making the outer cover with fabric & iron-on vinyl? And the inside with paper & contact paper? And so my new passport cover was born!


Polka-dots, of course.

I actually made two. One with a generic inside, maybe to sell/give away?:


And one with a custom inside - for me! Cuba (shout out to my roots) and Haiti (shout-out to my next destination). Luckily they're right next to each other!:


The inside flaps are a bit different than the last ones. Per D's request, I have a different kind of flap on the right side so you can fit tickets or other travel documents that may need to stick out the top. Also, the whole thing is a little bit smaller than the last one so your passport isn't flapping around inside (possible exaggeration).



You can also tuck your open passport into both pockets to display your ID open.


And that's my project for the day. Feeling satisfied. Maybe one day I'll make a tutorial for this. But for now, I need a nap.

Crafting for Haiti

Well, I'm headed for Haiti this April with a group of doctors and nurses from work. I still can't believe it! I'm feeling a mixture of excitement and hesitation, but I have wanted to do something like this for a long time.

Anyhow, since we must pay our own way to Haiti, what do we nurses do to raise money? We bake! I throw a little crafting in there as well :)

I made a double-batch of my all-time favorite, fool-proof granola recipe and packaged it up! I used those cute little Paper Source labels and my favorite font.


I had some lip balm ingredients left over from some Christmas gifts I made. So I just melted them down, added a bit more peppermint oil, and put it in jars. This lip balm recipe ROCKS, by the way.


And that's really all that's in this lip balm - see? It rocks!

Here's hoping for a successful bake sale (and mission!)!

*If you wish to make a monetary contribution to our mission, drop me a line and I'll let you know how.

Wishing it was Summer

Here's the Purl Soho storefront from our visit to NYC last summer. I can't wait for strawberry weather to return...


And I will probably have to visit Purl Soho again this trip... I have to, it's a crafter's obligation.

More Pre-Travel Projects

Speaking of pre-travel sewing, I made these before our trip last month to New York.

They're coffee cozies, in case you were wondering.

I have been eyeing this butterfly fabric for a while, and now it's my Peet's-size coffee cozy. (I have an assortment in my purse for various sized cups)


And a little piggy cozy for our friend, who some affectionately refer to as "Pork" - I don't get it, don't ask. I just go along with it :)


Are you almost sick of this fabric? Hopefully not, because I still have some left. Bear with me.

Pre-Travel Sewing Project

Often times, I feel this strong urge to make something just before we leave for a trip (We're going to Thailand and Singapore, by the way - last-minute idea). It doesn't necessarily cut into packing time, or make us late, but it just is part of the packing process.

Today, it was imperative that I try out my ability to make zipper pouches. It just was. I used my funky new hot pink fabric I bought at Bolt in Portland.

Here's the little money purse I'm taking along as my wallet. It's a bit silly-lookin', but it gets the job done.


And here's the little upgraded boxy pouch that is now my makeup holder.


And now we can depart :) See you next week!

Missing Three

She insisted on wearing just her bathing suit with Uggs and water wings - even though it was going to be a couple more hours before we hit the water.

This might be my favorite photo of all time.

Going Places

I went on a bike ride today to one of my favorite San Francisco destinations, the Warming Hut, appropriately named. It's a cozy little coffee shop/gift shop right next to the Golden Gate Bridge. Today it was icy cold and foggy, but I found refuge (and a little inspiration) in the Warming Hut.

I bought my friend a passport cover made with a recycled map of her SF neighborhood (can't seem to find it online, nor can I find the maker). And I got inspired to make one for Darren and myself.


I used iron-on vinyl because there was no matte contact paper within walking distance...and when you have a bee in your bonnet, you just go with what you've got. It seemed to work out just fine. I used some clear (non-adhesive) vinyl for the tiny interior side pockets (to keep your passport from flying out - pun totally intended). And I sandwiched magazine response cards between the laminated maps to stabilize the whole thing and give it a center crease.

Darren got one with NYC and I made one for myself with San Luis Obispo. I have maps lying around because I like to wrap presents with them, but you could probably use any paper subject you like. Maybe I'll try fabric next!

Not sure when we'll need our passports next, but when we do, we'll look pretty rad.

Design Within Reach Airstream

It's decided. I definitely want this. Like, really badly. REEEEEEEEALLY badly. This is not just an ol' Airstream trailer - this is the Design Within Reach Airstream, and it comes with an awning and chairs and nice linens and a ball clock and sustainable flooring, and ooooooh, I just want it!




So, if any of you feel like buying me this as a belated birthday present, or a Christmas present to last me the rest of my life, I would totally accept your offer.

Doesn't it make you want to take a year (or many) off and just travel around the country?

Did I mention I want this really badly?

*photo from airstream.com

Happy Campers

I've been on vacation all week, and it has been so great! I love my job, but I also love my life, so a little break now and then is very welcome.

D and I went to Yosemite on a whim. Well, sort of. We were going to go to Sequoia but at the last minute changed our minds and went to Yosemite. Fortunately, we found a camp site (the last one available!!) and set up shop.


The first thing I noticed was how quiet the campsite was. Aaaah, serenity now. The second thing I noticed was THIS in the next campsite over:

SO JEALOUS!! Someday....Anyhow, despite my jealousy we had a wonderful time.

We made some yummy supper (it's called "supper" when you're camping, fyi) over the fire:

relaxed a bit:

And made our coffee and tea. Do you love my little Goodwill kettle?:

We did a little hiking and a little bicycle-riding through the valley. The weather was warm and summer was barely hanging on by a string. I would like to go back when there is a little water in the "falls." :)

Although not captured on film, mostly because I have already exhausted the s'mores discussion, there were many s'mores enjoyed this trip. Because, camping just ain't camping without s'mores....or jiffy pop popcorn, but that's another discussion.

Savannah Sites

Some of my favorite photos from Savannah:

Maybe this one will turn into a quilt someday...

There Was Eating...

...Lots of eating.

And one of the more memorable things I ate while in NY was this:


A chorizo, chive, and manchego scone-ish muffin from Sweet Revenge. I will, without fail, order anything if it contains chorizo or manchego. Chorizo and manchego, you have never let me down.

We happened to order one of the only savory things in the case, but we really stopped by to pick up some cupcakes (I highly recommend the peanut buttery [sweet revenge] one and the raspberry velvet [crimson & cream]). I do believe I saw the words "mojito" and "sangria" on the bar menu as well, which are two more of my favorite go-to "foods."


I mean seriously, is this place not heaven? Cupcakes and mojitos? Sounds like dinner to me.

Ballooning in Tuscany

I can't believe I've waited so long to blog about Italy! I've been very bad. I'll try to highlight my favorite parts little by little.

For my birthday, D took me on a hot air balloon ride in Tuscany - can you even stand how gorgeous this is?? There were 4 balloons - 3 of which held the wedding guests. We got up at 5:00 and drove an hour to this picturesque plot for our sunrise ride. Once you're up, it's so quiet and peaceful. And the view was exactly as you'd imagine Tuscany would appear - lush, green, rolling hills speckled with stone farmhouses.



Our view from the basket.



Here is the groom's father, D, and me. In the basket with us was Greg, the "photographer," and Stefanino, our pilot. The ride was concluded with an outdoor champagne bruch with delicious Italian meats, cheeses, and pastries. Mmmmmmm....

Forgive Me, For I Have Sinned...

I was a very bad girl at the Stitchin' Post this weekend...Here's a preview of projects to come.

Emily & I bought matching quilt kits - we'll have to keep each other accountable for finishing:



This quilt, I have been coveting since my last visit. I "had" to buy this kit too (had used loosely):



Duvet-to-be:



I can't even explain how HARD this store rocks! I could spend DAYS in that store. If you're any sort of fabric whore, like me, this store is the ultimate. Go there.

Sisters in Sisters

I just spent the greatest weekend in Sisters, OR with my best, longest-time (since 3rd grade) friends, Emily, Elyse, and Abby. You might recall I stayed with Emily and Abby a couple months back (rancher fantasy camp ring a bell?). This time, Elyse was in town for a bit between 2 years teaching art in Kuwait (yes, Kuwait) and another 2 years in Hong Kong. She's such a globe-trotter.

We had a lovely time hanging around the ranch, cooking, eating, reminiscing, shopping, walking around town, attempting hikes (too windy), and doting on Cade.

Emily (blue shorts) & Elyse (green pants) "swam the horses" while Abby, Cade, and I sat on the sidelines:



Look at this barnyard hottie:



Elyse, donning the new school apron she made holding the cutest baby Cade:



Anyhow, upon landing, I realized it was the Sisters 32nd Annual Quilt Show - BONUS! I was a very bad girl... more on that later.

Being with these girls is like being with family (I pretend I'm the 4th sister). Each time we see each other, we just pick up where we left off. It's the greatest luxury. And the best part was, I got bumped off my flight until the next morning, so I "had" to spend one more night with my girls! Waking up at 4:10 in the AM to catch a flight, however, is another story.... ha!

Serenity Now

This was the view from inside the apartment couryard in Honduras. Can you believe the proximity to the beach? How lucky.

And I just loved this rusty old fence.

I'm Baaaack....

Ok, I got back on Saturday, but had no photos with which to blog. But here you are!

I had a GREAT time! Every once in a while, I would say in disbelief, "Hey, we're kayaking in Honduras!" "Hey, I'm scuba diving in Honduras!" "Hey, we're hiking in Honduras!" And I know many people have been to Honduras, but it's just a place I never thought I'd visit. It's a beautiful place with lovely people, and I'm glad I went. I don't miss so much las cucarachas, but I do miss the weather and leisure.

Business first, here's me in front of the hospital where the clinic was. I think I'd prefer not to get sick in Honduras.



Here's the beach that was right in front of the apartment. Pretty sweet, right? The water was bath-water warm. And that boat took us to beautiful dive sites a few hundred yards offshore. FYI: We dove the world's 2nd largest living coral reef in the world!



Here's me after my first dive!



Visiting other countries is always a little (and sometimes a lot) humbling. I'm glad to be home, and yet I'm lucky to have had this experience.

Bien Viaje!

Me voy a Honduras por una semana para eSCUBA y trabajar un poco en una clinica pediatra con Dario. Entonces, no voy a escribir esta semana (o quizas si escribire si puedo).

(I'm going to Honduras for a week to SCUBA and work a little at a pediatric clinic with Darren. So, I'm not going to write this week [or perhaps I will write, if I can].)

Tengan unas semanas buenas, y me extran~aron mucho, OK?

(Have a great week and miss me a lot, OK?)

If it makes you feel any better, it's supposed to rain most days I'm down there, so... I've packed plenty of reading material.

Rancher Fantasy Camp

I just returned from a little mid-week vacation to Bend/Sisters, Oregon to see two of my oldest & dearest friends Emily and Abby. I had SUCH a blast! It was like rancher fantasy camp for me - I got to bail hay, drive the 4-wheeler, mix grain...it was great.

Here we are, all 4 of us, on the 4-wheeler before we ran out of gas and were "stranded" in the pasture.



And as if my rancher fantasy camp experience wasn't awesome enough, Abby introduced me to World's greatest sewing shop - the Stitchin Post. I, of course, had to buy some fabric, which you can imagine I desperately needed.


Thank you for such a wonderful getaway!

Aloha!

*sigh* I just spent a week on the beautiful Big Island, Hawaii. Do I really have to go home? The weather, the beaches, the smells, the people... all so gorgeous and habit-forming. Maybe I could swing another week here if I say I need to go to rehab for my addiction. Or is that like attending AA meetings in a bar?

Our favorite spot was Hapuna Beach where we spent nearly every day swimming. We also hiked the crater of the Kilauea Volcano. And then there was the shopping, where I bought these...my new favorite shoe.



Here's Anthony taking a sip from the Akaka Falls:



Here I am hiking in the crater:



I loved the unfolding ferns:



And a little colorful gecko:



It was a lovely trip, but back to reality I go. Aloha...