My name is Malori. I'm a young lady with an old soul.
love: food, big words, knitting, cinematic adventures, stand-up comedy, reading good books, rain, Chicago, writing, cooking, exploring, music with soul (and really trashy pop music), independence, nice clothes, pretty shoes, making lists, learning, vanilla lattes, holding hands, talking with a British accent, dressing up, a good beer, road trips, dark chocolate, and tea.
Something's different but I can't seem to put my finger on it...
Oh...
wait...
MY LAYOUT IS FABULOUS! I thought something looked different around here :). How do you feel about the new look? If you love it as much as me, you can pay your respects to Miss. Justine at her blog. She did everything I asked and didn't really need guidence when she made me this beautiful layout. She's very affordable and will make sure you're pleased with your new look before she walks away. Did I mention she's ridiculous sweet? Seriously, go and check her out.
In other news...I get my wisdom teeth taken out tomorrow morning. I'm pretty anxious about it, but I'm oddly relieved about the idea of getting it out of the way. Also, since I'll be stuck in bed, I really want to knit until my fingers bleed. Just kidding...but seriously...
Also, I had someone ask when I'm going to share details about my store and thought that I'd share my answer with all of you in case anyone else has been curious. My store is going to be full of knits (hats, scarves, etc). Since it's SO HOT I feel like sharing details right now would be a little silly, so when the weather starts to break, expect some sneak peeks and little details. Only two more months!!!
I'm going to start a new feature on my blog (hopefully tomorrow) about people with unconventional jobs. I've always known that a regular office job was NOT for me but I know that making the switch from profession to passion isn't always easy to do. If you have a job that you absolutely adore that isn't really on the beaten path and you'd like to be featured, email me and we'll chat.
See you all after I recover from my wisdom teeth!
(this is the last picture of me with wisdom teeth ever...)
xoxxo
Mal
Hey Dreamers,
I've been sitting here lusting after cooking toys and I really wish I had the kind of money that it took to build my dream kitchen. I'm saving up so hopefully I'll be able to purchase one or two of the following when I move into my apartment, but until then, I'll just have to share with you and pretend that I can have anything my little heart desires. As Dane Cook says, Dream it you fu**in' dreamers.
Sorry I've been gone all weekend. My computer had to go to the shop so I couldn't update. The highlight of my weekend was most definitely baking lavender cupcakes. From the moment I found out that they existed, I couldn't get them off my mind. If you have never seen this book before, I highly recommend buying it.
These are literally the best cupcakes that have ever graced my taste buds...AND I MADE THEM!!!
Due to my computer problems, the announcement of my shop name will have to be delayed (also because my dad is slacking...). Also, I'm getting my wisdom teeth out this Thursday so my posting will be a little sparse towards the end of the week when I'm all drugged up. Hopefully I'll be back to normal by the 4th or 5th and life as I know it will resume.
Today I took half the day off so that I could pick up some yarn. There are some knitting stores I've been dying to explore in Arizona so I figured I may as well get it done :). Today I chose to visit Jessica Knitting. It's a bit of a drive from where I live, but totally worth it.
How cute is their store??!
My mama treated me to all kinds of yarn and I came home a happy girl.
I also stopped by my old job and got a new purse. It's SO CUTE! It's a brown leather Dooney and Burke and in FANTASTIC condition. My favorite part is that I had enough store credit (it's a consignment store and I've taken in a bunch of old clothes) that the purse didn't cost me a dime. I love buying used! I've also been feeling like all my clothes are much too dark recently, so I'm trying to wear lighter colors. Here's a shot of my going to dinner outfit from the other evening.
I love the mint green of the top!! It's so hot in Arizona that you really can't wear much of anything in the summer.
As for tonight, my dad and I are working on a fun way to unveil my new company name. If all goes swimmingly, I'll be able to tell you all about the new name on Monday. I'll save it for a weekday since my weekday posts have been so uneventful.
Anyone who has ever seen any kind of romantic comedy knows what I'm about to talk about. The movie starts off the same every time. Everyone is blissful and naive. The main characters are happy together but they aren't really headed in the right direction. Then all of the sudden, something disastrous happens and things get complicated. One character (usually the one who was cast aside) realizes that they were living their life wrong and starts to change for the better. They make all these amazing improvements (new job, new hobby, rebuilding something, becoming more attractive) and generally start to get their shit together. After they've gone through these changes the other character serendipitously runs into them. After a brief, somewhat awkward exchange, the characters realize that they've both grown and that they're perfect for each other. The movie ends with an image of the sun setting and the silhouette of the two main characters holding hands and oozing lovesick happiness all over the theater (or your living room if you're more of a "watch movies at home" kinda person like me).
I feel like right now, if my life was a movie, I'd be in the "get your shit together" portion of the film. High school and middle school were really tough for me. I never felt like I fit in and had no idea what I wanted out of life or what to do to be happy. I was extremely depressed and my priorities were all over the place. My senior year of high school I took a step back from the way I was living and realized that it was time to take action. I was tired of blaming everyone else for the funk I chose to live in. I started to develop this fiery work ethic and killer spirit. I was sick of telling people about things I wished I could do when I could have easily been out actively pursuing my dreams. My freshman year of college I kept changing and growing into myself. I took a lot of time off from life to clear my head and start down a good path. In other words, I was getting my shit together (yep, I'm going to keep saying it). I'm happier right now than I've been in years. I honestly can't remember the last time in my life when I had this many good days. I feel like all too often bloggers try to hide anything "real" and I don't want to do that so I figured I'd share. I've been really anxious recently and I can't pinpoint why. Usually my anxiety is a warning sign of depression, but I'm trying to stay focused because that's what's always helped pull me through. I went through a week or so at the end of my spring semester when all of the drama in my life seemed to be threatening to take it's toll. I was terrified that the big change I was anticipating would hurl me back into my depression again and I'm so glad to say that it didn't. I've grown so much and I still have so much more to learn about life and myself. I'm so happy that I am at this place in my life. I'm not sure why I shared that but it feels nice to have it off my chest. I've had so much on my mind recently!
In all honesty though, I prefer movies that don't have happy endings (or at least conventional happy endings). I see things very realistically and prefer movies that mirror that in a way. One of my favorites of all time is Up in the Air. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.
Tonight I canceled my plans and I'm staying in and watching movies. I'm so exhausted that I really just couldn't bring myself to do anything else. I do have a spot of good news though. I'm starting to adjust to my work schedule and I'm finally figuring out how to balance my day job with my craft love. Sorry for such a downer post, I'm really in good spirits! I just have a lot on my mind recently.
Tomorrow is FRIDAYYY!!!! I can't wait :).
xoxoxo
Malori
This post is really late and is going to be really short (my apologies).
1) I'm still looking for a graphic designer. If you know anyone or do design yourself, please email me.
2) Knitters/crocheters--where do you buy your yarn? I'm looking for somewhere that I can purchase in bulk since I seem to go through yarn so quickly. Buying it from cute yarn stores is breaking the ol' bank
3) I was supposed to go to Green tonight (this wonderful vegan restaurant), but it was closed due to a water issue in the city of Phoenix. Depressing! So I ate at La Grande Orange instead. GREAT dinner with a WONDERFUL friend.
I'll give you a real update tomorrow :)
xoxoxo
Malori
My closest friends know that my love for maroon 5 far exceeds my love for any other band. I cannot get enough of them. Yesterday was a bit of a rough day, I worked from 7 till 4:30 then I babysat from 5 till 11. I was exhausted and a little grumpy and had a legit headache. When I finally headed home, I turned up the radio in my little car and began to spin through my presets. I saw Maroon 5 as the artist on one station then realized that the song title was one that was not already in my collection. I nearly cried from excitement. THIS IS THE BEST NEWS EVER!! Not only did it make my whole day, it definitely made my week, AND brightened the next few months. And when the high I got from it wears off...THEIR CD WILL COME OUT AND I WILL HAVE THE HAPPIEST YEAR EVER.
I think everyone should love Maroon 5 as much as I do, so here's a youtube video with the new song.
Also, I'm working on finding a graphic designer to help me make my new logo among other things. I know what I want but I don't have the software on my computer. Ideally, I would like to work with someone who doesn't charge too awfully much (I'm poor). If you're interested, I'd like to see examples of your work. I want this to be everything I've built it up to be in my imagination so I'm going to shop around for a bit before I make a decision! If you're interested or know of someone who does good work, send them my way. You can email me at the address listed on my sidebar :).
Also, is formspring dead? I love answering questions and I think it's so fun. So ask me questions!!!
As you all know, I've been hard at work getting things ready for my shop opening in September. I've been brainstorming a new name for my shop because I don't think boys want to wear Sunday Morning Sugar products. I came up with a name yesterday that makes me giggle every time I say it. I am beyond excited. As soon as I have a logo ready to rock I'll announce the name to all of you. I want to do something special :).
Aside from that, not too much has been happening in my life. I spent most of the day yesterday knitting and crossing things off my weekend to-do list. I got all but 2 things done and I think that's a great accomplishment. I made the most adorable baby beanie in the world. I'm so smitten with it. I'm going to have to make more because I just can't get enough of them.
I want to apologize for the lack of exciting posts. I'm having trouble adjusting to my new schedule but it's getting easier every day. I'll be back on track really soon. Thank you for being so patient with me.
When I find time, HOPEFULLY this week, I'm going to take my new cookbook for a test drive. I kept seeing Chelsea bake all kinds of deliciousness and decided it was completely necessary that I try it myself. Thus, I purchased my own copy of The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook and I CAN NOT wait to gain a billion pounds as I cook the deliciousness held within... I AM SO EXCITED.
Also, has anyone seen the commercials for this movie...
I CAN NOT WAIT ANOTHER MINUTE FOR IT TO COME OUT! I will probably be at the midnight premiere... Just saying...
That was really wordy... I'll be back tomorrow :)
xoxoxo
Malori
Malori: Hey dad, what's the plan for today?
Dad: Well, mostly I'd like for you to idolize me. Tell me how much you want to be just like me, bring me my housecoat and slippers, generally just worship me.
My dad is a huge dork, but I'll keep him around :). Happy father's day!
Today my best friend from high school and middle school (ohh yeah baby. We go back that far) came over to do some crafty things and go for a little swim :). Instead of swimming like normal people, we decided to take some fun, in-air pictures of some sweet jumps. We took about a gazillion, but I'm just going to share a few of my favorites:
We also did some painting.
First, we tried a little bubble blowing paint-like craft from The Big Ass Book of Crafts.
It didn't really work out the way we had hoped so we painted with our toes and hands instead.
Then we just painted our toes and hands...
That worked out just as we had hoped and we had a TON of fun. I would gladly roll around in a bucket of paint because I really like the consistency. I am shocked that people regard finger painting as an art for children. YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO PAINT WITH YOUR FINGERS!
Today was lovely. I finished about half of my weekend to-do list which is good because my weekend is halfway over...
You know when you have a really bad night and the next morning when you wake up you feel like you got hit by a bus? That was this morning for me.
I'm feeling better today but I'm still having a tough time getting over what I found out. Thank you for the comments yesterday (and texts and calls haha. I love that my friends all read this). It means a lot :).
I started my job this week and it's kicking my ass a little. I'm working full time for my dad and I've never had a job with this many hours. The experience is wonderful because I'm learning a LOT about how to license a business in various states and I'm becoming extremely familiar with the process. This will definitely come in handy when I'm ready to start opening my own businesses. I'm so grateful for the knowledge I'm gaining from this opportunity. I'm also quickly learning that a desk job is not for me. I'm going to have to have a creative career. Good thing that's what I chose to go to school for eh!?
This weekend I made a somewhat daunting, but DEFINITELY doable to-do list. I don't want to fall behind on my crafting or preparations for my shop opening so I need to be careful. What do you do to stay on task? Right now all the plans I have seem a little overwhelming so I've just been trying to take it one baby step at a time.
I think that's all I have to share for tonight. Once I adjust to my new schedule I'll be able to bring you more exciting news. For now, you'll have to deal with my sleepy ramblings :).
I'm tired and I found out some really unfortunate news today so I'm in a horribly grumpy/angry mood. I'm going to leave you with a picture and a promise that I'll be back tomorrow. Hopefully in a better place, but I'm not making any promises.
This year while I was far away from home and jobless, I sort of stopped shopping. I didn't have any money, and going into stores I loved was basically a form of sadistic torture. Needless to say, taking a break was the right thing to do...or was it?! What I never realized was that a lot of my inspiration comes from shopping. Clothing, furniture, accessories, and even organizational office items all carry a certain charm that lights this tiny fire inside me that screams "GO MAKE SOMETHING!". In light of that, I've started online shopping again. There are already about a million projects I have decided MUST be done and I'm furnishing a new apartment come August so I can't wait to beautify it. I'm trying to narrow down some ideas of how I want my space to look (keep in mind I still don't know where I'm living), and I think I have a general feel that I want to create. Here are a few pictures that have inspired me:
Carrie Bradshaw's renovated apartment from the first Sex and the City Movie
as far as I know, all of these images are from here.
Today was my first day at work and it went pretty well :). It's a little boring, but I need the money and the day goes by quickly so I'll be alright! I'll be back tomorrow, hopefully with something handmade but I can't promise that due to my new schedule.
1) I am absolutely addicted to Zoyo's frozen yogurt. Why do you have to be so delicious Zoyo...WHY!?
2) It's so hot that after I went to lunch today I had to change clothes because I felt so sweaty and awful. Too much information? Maybe. But perhaps you can feel my pain now...
3) I finally found a craft that I wanted to do, and by golly...I DID IT! Look how beautiful these flowers are! They're GIGANTIC (or small depending on how you make them) and SO EASY and BEAUTIFUL!! I want to make garland but I have absolutely nowhere to hang it. Will that stop me? Not a chance. If you want to make your own, you can find the tutorial here. And if the flowers aren't your style, I'd still recommend checking out her blog because it's absolutely adorable. 4) I found a company that will create labels for my creations, but I'm far too poor to afford them. I would love to do a fundraiser of sorts but I'm not quite sure what I should do. Any ideas?
5) I start work tomorrow for my dad. I love having a job and I can't wait to make some money. It won't be much, but I'll be able to save up towards my tags!
I really dislike having a lot of downtime, it tends to make me rather anxious. I have decided that this week is unfinished project week. I've been working really hard on finishing up all the knitting projects I have started. Last night I knit the rest of the pieces for the turtle for my older brother. Today I've been working my way through a couple different beanies. I also started a painting. I have no idea where it's going to end up, but here's the beginning of it...
Here's a quick outfit photo from today:
Headband: Forever 21
Dress: Thrifted (makes me look a little pregnant! uh oh!)
Shoes: Steve Madden...of course
Also, I forced my brothers and dad to go get frozen yogurt with me tonight. It's so tasty! I got vanilla, banana, and raspberry with strawberries, blackberries, and snow caps :).
I am still jonesin for some serious crafting but I can't seem to find a project that tickles my fancy... Any suggestions?
Keep me busy with formspring. It's been a bit since anyone has asked a question!
Hellllllo and happy Sunday to all of you :). Today I'm trying to tie up some loose ends and cross a few minor things off of my to-do list. I need to finish unpacking (almost there!) and I'm working on printing out all of my old blog entries. I have this weird desire to have a hard copy of all of my writing so I'm going all the way back to my oldest blog (from middle school!) and compiling a huge word document of my entries. I'm going to print it all out when I'm finished and make a big journal with all my writing. I'm so excited about it!
I need to bring you some sugar today but I'm not feelin it. Actually, I haven't really been feeling the sugar for a while now. It may be time for something new. I feel like the sugar is getting sort of redundant and I don't want to feel that way about my posts. I do like the idea of sharing something similar with you once a week, and I think blog traditions are fun as well. Do you have any ideas about what I should bring you on Sundays? I'm open to any and all suggestions. I love your input. One idea I've been tossing around is instead of throwing a bunch of pictures at you each Sunday, I'd share one of my favorite quotes and one corresponding picture. I'm going to give it a try today and if I like it maybe it'll stick.
"We accept the love we think we deserve" -Perks of Being a Wallflower (photo found here)
I'm feeling rather crafty today so hopefully I'll be back tomorrow with a project to share. xoxo Malori
Aren't they incredible? I'd LOVE to put one in my apartment but I don't think they're for sale. If I'm wrong, please please please correct me. I'm obsessed.
I also wanted to share a little about The Sketchbook Project. I'm not much of an artist when it comes to depicting actual things, so I generally steer clear of sketchbooks (I'm a perfectionist...what can I say?). But when I saw this earlier today, it was too good to pass up. You can read all about it here. The theme I chose is Nightmere. I think it's going to be a lot of fun and I definitely think you should participate as well!
I'm considering doing more than one sketchbook. One for the project and another just in my spare time. Maybe I'll throw that on my goal list as a bonus goal :).
One more thing I want to share today is this lovely blog. This TALENTED woman spends $1 each day on a garment from a thrift/antique store or flea market or garage sale, then she alters it to make it modern and adorable. These are a few of my favorites...
I found her blog via Yarn Happiness (another adorable blog you should check out).
Today I spent some time with one of my favorite Arizonans and got started on a baby beanie. It hasn't been the most productive, but I'm trying to be a little lazy since that's what summer is for. I've been going through my bookmarked tabs of DIY projects and I'm going to try and get a bunch of them done this summer since I have time :). I'll see you all tomorrow.
