So, Lately I think I have been acting a bit sour, so I have decided to do the Thankful Challenge (not sure the real name, but that is what I call it) I am going to post every day, or every couple of days, and say what I am thankful for. Hoping this will get me ready for that Christmas Spirit. I am a little late, (yeah, yeah, I do things my own way haha) so I will start off with a list to get me caught up of the 8 things I am most Thankful for this year. Then the rest will be daily choices inspired by the now.

1. My Husband - He is truly my best friend. He is one of "The Good Ones" as my Mom would say. Caring, Thoughtful, A Hard Worker, Motivational, Creative, Romantic, Funny, and WONDERFUL! I would say he does too much for me and he replies that he doesn't do enough. He is My Heart.

2. My Family - I sincerely think I have one of the best families in the World.
My Mother is my role model. The woman who taught me what it was to be a Lady; a feisty, adventurous, independent, caring lady. She is my Hero. I honestly know no better woman than her. My Father, the strong silent type. Strong and yet so funny. No tears ever ran too long for he could make me smile with a few words. He showed me what a hard work was and how to be my best.
My Sister is a combination of Julia Childs, Julie Andrews, Martha Stewart, and Mother Theresa. She is so talented in life. She inspires me to creative. adventurous, and daring. And is all the above isn't enough, she is also a great wife and mom.
My Brother, shy, happy, imaginative, easy-going, and caring. Always my friend, always willing to be there for me. He has grown to be a strong man and now, a great father. Even when I jumped up and down on one of his favorite toys, he still forgave me. He is my Big Brother.

3. My Friends - Be they near or far, they are all amazing and help get me through the bad times and join me in celebrating the good. I can be my big, nerdy self with them and they still love and encourage me. I love how individual they all are. They love me even though I only call once a year. They help me even when I am cranky, bitchy, and impossible. They laugh with me, even if I am a mess. Be it through Real Life, Facebook, Blogger, Text, Phone, or more, they are honest, caring, fun, crafty, silly, geeky, nerdy, amazing, amazing people.

okay now the less mushy ones...

4. David Bowie - Yes he is an amazing artist and who can resist Jareth from Labyrinth, but I am talking about my sweet, sweet girl, my pooch Mrs. David Bowie, or Bow Bow to us. She is my wonderful and curious child. She has such a great personality. She makes me laugh on a daily basis. One of the best things I ever did was bring her home from the pound. I watch her right now, ripping into her toy lobster and smile. Who couldn't love that face.

5. Creativity - I love being able to express myself in so many ways. I am not the best at what I do, but I don't care. Just the ability to be imaginative makes my day. Be it writing, photography, crafting, painting, or more. I love that I can make something that makes me happy.




6. Costuming - (speaking of crafting) Costuming has brought many pains but so much more is fun. What I once thought of as just for Halloween and special occasion has turned into so much more. When I first was introduced to the idea of joining the costume community, I thought it would be silly and was honestly a little embarrassed. But once I stood in front of a group of children and saw their faces, I was hooked. I get to be a hero, a super star, a Victorian, and anything else my mind can dream up.

7. My new home - Paul and I purchased our first home this year and are so excited to be delving into a new adventure. Though at times I am pulling my hair out, it is still so unbelievably fun. The excitement of it being ours outweighs the fears of it not being up to my expectations. And who hates having a pool (even with all the crummy upkeep)


---So, I already feel better and happier, let's se if I can keep up the positive spirits!

Wonka

Paul and I were watching "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" this morning. One of our favorites! (The 1971 version of course, can't stand the new one... Sorry Johnny) We were inspired, and while he began crafting a Little Big Planet World based on the movie, I worked on this. But no worries, I did help him by giving out my wonderful and creative advice. Not sure he listened though haha.

Wonka by ariabelle featuring brown high heels

Oasis sleeveless dress
$60 - oasis-stores.com

Precis Petite chocolate brown cardigan
£35 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Monsoon yellow tight
£6 - monsoon.co.uk

Vince Camuto brown high heels
$113 - bluefly.com

 

Bow necklace
$20 - topshop.com

Just Cavalli browning hat
€150 - zalando.de

Nailed it

Had a great today, out with my Bestie. Went to Angel Touch Nails on Dysart for a relaxing pedicure. Found a burnt Orange polish which I love (Chop-sticking To My Story), and after a recommendation from T, I had them do the tips black. Very Halloween. I normally only enjoy the massage chair and the foot scrub and soak, but today we also had great service. Good conversation was had and I will definately be going back. Ask for Lam, he is fabulous.

Went to Tailgators afterwards and got T started are her Punch Beer Card. Only 45 more glasses to go haha. Her daughter was such a riot, dancing and making faces. The C monster cracks me up.

I am back home and it is time to get painting. Soon I will post picks of the house's progress.

Victorian Tricks and Treats

Victorian Tricks and Treats by ariabelle featuring long sleeve tops

Helmut Lang long sleeve top
$275 - barneys.com

Suzy Smith velvet handbag
$38 - asos.com

Chain jewelry
$25 - modcloth.com

Sterling silver heart earrings
$20 - overstock.com

Portolano leather glove
$75 - bluefly.com

Monsoon wool hat
£26 - monsoon.co.uk

Amazon.com: Pirate Pistol Toy Gun for Kids with Lights, Shooting...
$7.95 - amazon.com

Missoni @ Target

So, if you are out of the loop, Missoni is coming to Target! Who or what is Missoni you say? Well... They have been around since the 1950's; an Italian based Fashion Family, they are most known for knits, prints, and their use of natural materials. They were all the rage in the 70's but have been making a huge comebackin the past decade, especially with Target as a new partner!

I am loving the swirls, zigzags, and florals. I like the leggings, the shorts, the trenches, it is all too perfect for this fall and winter. I think may favorite is the winter knit caps and socks. But not to leave anyone out they will also have boots and umbrellas. Not to mention the home decor!!

It will release September 13th. I now I won't be wearing everything together, but I am excited to wear the tights with a solid dress, or the rainboots with my riding pants. And the hats will be Fetch!

What is your favorite Missoni gear?

The Fantasy Life

So I have never been a been fan of watching sports on the television. I played in highschool and I enjoy kicking around a soccer ball, playing paintball, or watching championship games, but sitting and watching an actual season of professional sports, no way. This year, however, my husband and I decided it would be fun to pick a team and follow their season. We chose the Chicago Bears (his favorite since his childhood years). To make it fun for me, I purchased a new outfit. I am now the owner of a cute Bears shirt, some Orange, White, and Blue knee high socks, and donned my lucky clover earrings. Cute new clothes, yay! And so far, so good!
We won our first game, and lost our second, but thats okay. I like to cheer for the guys, some of who's names I am already learning, Culter, Moore, and Barber to name a few.

Go Bears by ariabelle featuring thermal tops

Junk Food thermal top
$38 - buckle.com

Woodchuck — our cider » Food Recipes
woodchuck.com

We also took the leap and are playing in a Fantasy Football League, which I blame upon "The League" an FX comedy that has grown on me this past year, because of the humor. Paul convinced his fellow firefighters to join up, throw in some money, and start the draft going tomorrow. So what did I do tonight? I poured over Fantasy Top 200 lists, mock drafts, injury lists, and read the ins and outs of fantasy footballing. I know that Darren McFadden is a great prospect, but a recent injury has him looking risky as a draft pick. So, now I have Paul armed with a list of our, or my, top 24 choices for Running Back, and Wide Receiver; top 18 for Quarter Back, Tight End, and top 15 for Kicker. We are going for the Bears defense, of course, but I am prepared with 7 more options, just in case. I have now become a total Fantasy Football Nerd. OMG! What is the world coming too???
I have kept a bit of myself however, because if I personally don't like what the player is like in the real world (Michael Vick, No Bueno!) then no matter how good of a player they are, they are not in my draft pick! I looked for new, fresh faces, and inspiring individuals. So as of right now I am pumped and having a great time with Paul. So right now, I look cute, have an excuse to drink my Woodchuck, and am learning something new. If you need something to do to hang with your husband, try it out! I mean, at least you get to look at some cute guys too ^^

Yay for Art and its Inspiration

I have been very lucky lately to have either been gifted or purchased some really cool art. I am very excited and they are all going up in the crafting room in the new house!

Phoenix - Oliver Nome (print)

Wonder Woman - Michael G Macropoulos (pencil)

Ares and Valkyrie - Meredith Mcclaren (pencil and ink)

Captain America - Tony Parker (pencil and ink)

Black Widow - Madame M (pencil and water color)

A huge and awe-inspiring thanks to all the artists! What you do is amazing! I will post more later! I have already packed quite a few.

In the new house there is a room which should probably be an office (medium sized room, but with no door) and we have decided to make it into a craft room. My color scheme as of now is black, espresso, and white. Debating Burnt Orange or Red for accent color... I am planning on ripping up the carpet and putting in wood or tile flooring. I am still debateing if tile will clean up better than wood. I would have been set on the wood, but we do paint alot and I worry that it will be hard to get off the wood flooring. I also might just purchase a cheapishly nice rug to roll out for messy projects.

I am looking at these Reference pics for ideas, and am buying 4 inch black pipes to hang on the wall for the styrene and wonder-flex we use. I am trying to be very organized, because right now we have a table of mess in the kitchen. I am ordering black display heads for my wigs and his cowls and masks, so they can be out and about. Building a crafting trunk for Paul for outside, will be on my priority list. It will definately be including a tarp or rug so we don't get spray paint and resin everywhere (again haha).

I am just wanting a cozy, clean space where we are surrounded by things we love and things that inspire.