Friday night kicked off with craft night with a couple of friends. All of us worked on our own crafts while we ate snacks and drank wine. It was nice. I worked on my loom knitting (the only kind of knitting I can do!) while others worked on origami and felting. Here's little Nessie playing the piano and the beginning of my circle scarf.

I like how fast the loom knitting works up. I'm almost done now and I can't wait to show you guys the results. Saturday morning, I went to yoga class. It's one of my New Year's resolutions to do yoga at least once per week. I have been enjoying it, even though having a male instructor is a little strange. After yoga, I met up with a friend for lunch. I met this cute little girl (below) Saturday evening when I went to a housewarming party for a couple of friends. I came baring an antler for her (Copley) and we soon became fast friends. Have any of you played Cards Against Humanity? I'm one to hate card games and this one rocks. Highly recommended!
After early afternoon on Sunday was taken up by going to the dog park and dog snoozing, I headed to Cambridge to enjoy some vegan diner eats before a coupon expired. (Yeah, I love a good deal!) It was amazing and left me so full that I ended up taking the majority of it home for lunch the next day.


Doesn't that look amazing? The Kendall Square Burger (aka arugula with a mushroom and chickpea patty and onion rings), an arugula sandwich, potato salad and baked mac n cheese. All vegan. Om nom nom! I also wanted to show off a new pair of pants that I purchased on Thursday from a local shop. Aren't they awesome! I wore them today to work (since it's the first time in over a week that we haven't had subzero temps) and they are so comfortable. It's like having a bit of Spring in Winter.

Now that it's Monday, I actually feel pretty good. It was nice to have a weekend full of friends and different activities. Although it doesn't substitute for Ryan being gone, it was still a nice weekend to have.

Starting the dye process: red.

at the end: purple

drying

All packaged up.

Newest addition to the shop. At only 3 inches, it's so cute!

My free gift from Sephora. Hard to choose between this and Benefit.

Finished this Christmas gift

I have felt a little scattered this week. Now that I am at 100% on health, I am catching up on everything else work (day job and shop related) and home related. My head is swimming a little. I was pretty proud of myself that I had scheduled two posts already for this week and a few more ideas lept into my brain as well. One that I wasn't planning on was writing about the Plaid Barn. However, as soon as I saw these octopi I knew that I had to share them with you all. They are too beautiful to pass up.

As I was scrolling, something caught my eye on the lower portion of the screen...MORE linen tape available...and MORE fabric tape! You know how these are my weaknesses!

I could hardly believe my eyes...I had scooped this stuff up when it was on sale previously and I haven't regretted it since. The Plaid Barn has recently begun to sell additional items to their deal of the day and I find my eye wandering down to the corner of the screen to check out what they have.

Incase you needed a little inspiration of what to do with these fine supplies, last night I made pennants out of the linen tape by cutting the width in half and hand stamping letters (stamps were also ordered from the Plaid Barn!). It is one of my supervisor's birthdays this week and we are getting together to celebrate tomorrow. I volunteered to make the cupcakes and thought these little pennants would be perfect for the cakes. We have dubbed her our "fearless leader", hence the fearless leader stamped out on some of the pennants.

I wrapped them around the toothpicks and they are all set to stand triumphant in the cupcakes tomorrow. (Now that I look at them I realize that it looks like they say "Happy Fear" rather than "Happy Birthday Fearless Leader," so I will try to get a full, 3D picture later today to show you all.)

If you're interested in grabbing your own crafty deals on these supplies, check out the link in my Affiliates section to the right or click here on my personalized link to check out the deal of the day.

 When I could finally move again, I tried my luck at some grocery shopping. On my way around, I spotted a stand on the side of the road with pumpkins. I had refused to buy one from a grocery store this year, so I was thrilled to find this stand. Look at these gigantic pumpkins!
 When I got home from grocery shopping, I still felt pretty good so I took Tater on a walk around town. We went into one of our favorite antique/consignment shops (Tater's favorite because she gets treats and mine because of the items). How cute is this collection of owls? I wish I hadn't already bought two on Etsy! And that glass on the side...I haven't seen one like that!
 Hanging bats, also in the fave store.
 The top of my perfect pumpkin. I'll clean it up and it will be ready to carve.
 I found a jewelry holder on my travels this weekend. There were a few variations with different birds and stand bases but I liked the look of the owls (noticing a theme here) on this one. I had a bowl-shaped one previously and the necklaces would get tangled together.
 I started setting up the decorations my uncle bought me. I love this cat.
 I took Tater for a walk today on a trail. Fall is definitely here. We had hoped to go to a doggy halloween party, but it was rescheduled due to the rain.
 Such a bright leaf.
I started a new project this weekend. I have been thinking about it for a while and it suddenly came together. After free-handing the acorn silhouette, I cut it out and placed it on burlap. Now begins the fun needlepoint details. I can't wait to show you all the progress as I work on it. It has been a while since I have done needlepoint and I forgot that it is not quickly finished.

How was your weekend?

As if I needed more excuses to buy cute washi tape and more packaging supplies, the Plaid Barn came out with these awesome sets today.

Aren't they cute?!

You can buy a chevron set or a polka dot set...or both! I chose the chevron set.

Also, I hung up the curtains at the office that I hemmed this weekend. I can't wait to share photos of them! It was my first time using Heat 'n Bond in this type of project and it went really well.

I have to admit that my favorite blog day is Monday. There's something about the weekend where everyone relaxes and slows down the blog posting and then when it's Monday-BAM-an onslaught of posts. And not just any posts...interesting DIY posts and weekend adventure posts. I love it!! As soon as I get home from work, I enjoy sitting back on our couch and reading through them all.

I've had a heavy heart this past week. I would be lying if I said I didn't. Even when I called people at work, they could somehow hear it in my voice. I helped Ryan move in to his campus apartment in NYC on Wednesday. It was nice to see where he will be and meet his roommate, but I won't lie when I say it will be tough. We have done long distance before, though, so at least we're prepared.

I was intrigued that moonshine is now sold in stores and I bought some.

It definitely makes me cough after I take a sip.

The Mamiya on one of the bookshelves in Ryan's apartment.

Developing equipment and scanner...eventually books will go here?

Listening to his roommate.

Washington Square Park

Heading to get a student ID.

When I got home, I went to a farmer's market in a neighboring town.

Lino blocks and tool.

Since returning back home, I have spent my time cleaning the apartment and working on various craft projects. One will be hemming a curtain for work. I also ordered some linoleum blocks and carving tool--I'm going to try my hand at block printing. Tater Tot has been my constant companion and I have been enjoying her company. My new co-worker watched her for me when we went to NYC and she is invited back anytime I leave. It is so nice to have people to care for my dog when I'm gone and I don't have to worry about her.

We were assigned our partners for the scarf exchange and I am so excited! I have been thinking about what to send my partner all weekend.

Remember a little while ago when I posted about some fabric tape and a vintage charm packaging kit? Well, they arrived! How adorable are these?

To add to their cuteness, the other day, the Plaid Barn sold wrought-iron keys. They were so beautiful...the deal slipped by my fingers too quickly! Combined with the plain linen tape from yesterday, there are just way too many awesome items lately.  Today's deal is a cupcake lover's and DIYer's dream...DIY cupcake stands! Check 'em out!


Also, after the fun packaging exchange from Oh Hello Friend, I signed up for a scarf exchange at YB+YB. I can't wait to see with whom I am partnered! We find out on the 24th. Click here to enter the exchange yourself.