Chore Day - Today

Hello there!

I am catching you later in the day today because I have been so wrapped up in mundane tasks that "grown-up" law says I have to do.  Wouldn't it be nice if bills just paid themselves, laundry washed and folded itself, or doing the dishes was done by the magic like in Disney's The Sword In The Stone?!? FYI, that is one of my favorite Disney movies ;) Anyhow, I am successfully getting all this done without magic so that Kevin can get an early birthday surprise for his birthday tomorrow.  Finger's crossed I get everything done before he arrives home today!

We loosely mapped out a day of fun for his birthday tomorrow - He just found out he is approved for the day off today, so we couldn't make any concrete plans.  If I had my way dinner would involve a place where we can watch the debate while we eat. That sounds very unromantic for sure, however we were the couple who spent our honeymoon inside with room service watching the Sarah Palin Show unfold so I don't think the debate on a birthday is so bad. 

On a sorta political but not so much front, we saw Argo this past weekend and it was incredible! If you are like me and you were born in the Reagan Administration or later, you may not quite have the same feelings about Iran and what makes it such a hot-button topic in these debates. I am glad that A) Ben Affleck is amazing at both directing and acting as he is, but (on a more serious note) that B) That this movie is out now because it has some insight into the drama felt by the USA and Iran in 1979-81 during the hostage crisis. The movie does a good job portraying the era and while some portions may be embellished for drama it still has a tone that brings importance to the situations portrayed. Overall I liked it very much and would strongly recommend seeing the film.       

Well, that is enough politics for me to share today... what I am here for is the crafts :)

Creatively I am not up to much today.  I did bottle up some "vintage" citrus vinegar that we posted the tutorial earlier this summer here. I am calling it a "vintage" because I tended to it for 2 days shy of four months seeing what would come of the extra time. the verdict: The extra time gave it a fuller body and opacity white leaving less vinegar-y and packed way more of the citrus scent.  Overall I would say if you can rotate your jars so that the vinegar and citrus scraps can sit for ~3 months time the overall product will make for a superior green cleaning staple.

Well, off to fold some more laundry! Hope you have a super evening!!!

XOXO, KC

What I Wore- Friday 4/13/12 2nd Friday the 13th!

Last night Kevin and I went off to the Cabin in the Woods. And now it is officially the second Friday the 13th for the year 2012. Crazy.

I got this dress at Wasteland when Alisa was in LA awhile back.  It has some crazy sleeves that these cold nights force me to still wear a thick sweater.  This sweater is pretty much mine now- It started off as a present to Kevin back in the day when I had the privilege to sling men's clothes and dressed my man super trendy. I love dressing up my man almost as much as dressing for myself!

Usually I don't like horror movies, but I am so utterly in love with Joss Whedon that I couldn't wait to see this movie! Plus when I saw that Fran Kranz was in it too- double bonus!!!

I totally geeked out when I saw Kranz's appearance in Dating Rules from my Future Self (Seriously- go watch it b/c A-it is awesome! and B- it totally made me fall in love with the format of webisodes! And when I saw the trailer for the movie I knew I had to conquer this scary movie. Did I get scared? Not really. It was pretty scary a few times... but it was totally different than how the trailer set it up. The trailer feels like Texas Chainsaw Massacre but to act like they are similar would be  a stretch, there is a lot of great twists.

Have a lovely Friday and enjoy your weekend!!!
XOXO, KC

2nd Weekend in March Recap (PHOTOS)

My Modern Librarian Outfit for This is Your Library

Hi Y'all! I am all powered up from my biscuits and cheese grits this AM... 

Haha! Not. Yes, indeed I am a proud Southerner- but I do not indulge myself with Southern Stereotypes but every so often. If you wanna talk apple butter however--I'm there!

But seriously, I had no idea that somehow I would be poking fun at the GOP southern strategy, but hey- that's where my head is at today...

Back on topic. This weekend (and yesterday) was jammed packed and I wanted to highlight some of the fun to share with everyone. Did you have a stellar weekend yourself? I sure hope so!

Saturday night Sharon and I headed out to This is Your Library featuring John Salley, Colin Hanks, Mark Z. Danielewski AND design maven and creator of Unique LA Sonja Rasula!!! It was a super cool evening and I highly recommend grabbing some tickets to the next This is Your Library event. (FYI, this one sold out so nabbing them early is key!) 

One thing on the horizon the library is promoting that I found out about Saturday is The Stay Home and Read a Book Ball.  It is a pretty cool upcoming event that is a fantastic way to promote reading and support the Library. Wanna find out more? Go here.

This Sunday was the second Sunday of the month which means- Epic Flea Market at The Rose Bowl!!! With the time change and the late night the evening before, getting up to the flea market as an early bird wasn't an option... But nevertheless we were in perfect time to grab a beer and enjoy chasing down some fun finds.  We met up with our pals Klara and Tyson who just had their birthdays and were celebrating at the market. It was great trotting and weaving around the customers who bought furniture. It felt like everyone was toting wagons with their hauls for the day.

Speaking of Birthdays, when the vendors started tearing down their stalls at the Rose Bowl it was time for us to move on to higher ground for Sonja and Jon's Birthday Party Picnic at this fabulous hidden park. (Right by Dodger Stadium & the Police Academy) 

When we got up on Sunday it was FREEZING! It was cold again by around 4PM when we were hanging out at the park, but this black and red ensemble was a pretty heat retaining dress that ended up being perfect for the busy day of fun :)

Culminating all the fun was March's Monthly Monday Movie Night- CLUELESS! When fashion is just as pivotal to the plot as the funny catch phrases you have to dress up for all the fun.  Mad Props to Sonja and Hilda for their AH-Mazing Clueless Outfits! Bonus, for throwing such a fun way to celebrate Los Angeles and the Cinema that highlights its awesome-ness :) I haven't gotten a chance to sit down and watch the movie (Not on cable where is is edited more that I thought) since living in LA and the film blossomed into so much more for me last night. I think I could watch it daily and still not get tired of it! I was instantly transported back to the days when Clueless first came out and I think it was seriously one of the first movies that made me think "Where have you been all my life movies???" Shame on my dad for not being a bigger cinephile- but I can't see him sitting down to watch it with me either, lol.

AS IF (hehehe) there wasn't enough Birthday Cake eating this weekend, I definitely indulged in some Cake Bar treats and had this hella tasty Cake Pop sweetening my night into pure nirvana :)

Well, Guess its back to "normalcy" or as close to normal routine as possible. I have a BIG wedding in May that I need to get back to making bows for. Off to the grind!

Hope you enjoy! XOXO, KC

What I Wore- Friday the 13th 2012

Last night Kevin and I went to see Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close which has been on my list big time! I found myself actually wanting to be older when before the holidays some guy was standing outside the Theater getting people for the screener, but he was looking for 35-42 year olds :( Oh well, we had purchased some tickets at Costco where it was pre-purchase BOGO tickets so last night was "free". The movie looked like it could be depressing/ a cry fest movie and I was surprised when Kevin asked me out of nowhere to go last night. I was in the right mood for it and psyched to go.

Usually my deal is I read the books before going to the movie and I did not read this book even though it was on my list. If I had, I think I would be better emotionally prepared for the movie, but instead this is what I started my Friday looking like/ What I Wore today:

Being sick this week plus crying for 2 hours has left me looking like a puffy mess! 

If I had a cucumber I would try that on my eyes because I can't get them to settle down at all.

The Movie is inspired by the book of its namesake by Jonathan Safran Foer. Here is a book review post from a blogger that's a total spoiler but will tell you the plot overview. In the movie the son Oskar and his dad print out business cards and from the exert I found bellow the movies streamlined his ego.

Oskar's Non- Modest Card (from booksandboston)

Here is what I would have on my card:

KC COOPER SEARS

Artist, Environmentalist, Cinefile, Blogger, Event Planner, Career Hi-Fiver, Helper of the Bride, Display Artist, Consultant, Vampire Book Reader, Etsy Artisan, Upcycler, Friend, Merchandiser, Teacher, Amateur Photographer, Amateur Interior Designer, Amateur Life Coach, Collector of: pressed coins, stamps,magazines, craft books, useful tools, owls, vintage dresses, cook books (even though I rarely use them), large shoes, and other items that inspire me.                                                         E-Mail: makeshoplive@ymail.com

Home Phone: Private/ Cell Phone: Private

Fax Machine: I don't have a fax machine 

 

I would love to know what your card would say!  The movie also has an awesome journal that Oskar records his journeys in. The book is so pro and really inspiring! It has everything recorded in it including pop-ups to enhance the images. Part of Oskar's deal is he records everything and plans everything out and he ends up with a sick journal. I would love to know who the super duper book artist is who made the book for the movie. If any one knows the information on who made the artsy journal in Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close I would love to know it. I am a fan of their work for sure! I would love to "take a page from his book" and journal more like him.

Over all there were things that really inspired me in the movie. It was a very well made film. The story was respectful and heartwarming in my opinion- props to the novelist for that one. I don't have time to go on a tangent about my opinion on 9/11 because I am very moved by 9/11 and I think that for future generations this is a great way to depict the realness of 9/11 in a movie. I saw Remember Me the Robert Pattinson movie and thought that handled the September 11 subject manner very well for a young romance rebellion movie, but that is a fluff piece compared to E.L.& I.C.

Anyway, if you need a good cry or are really into the book- you won't be disappointed. I'd love to hear your thoughts and movie talk :)  XOXO, KC

Weekend Wrap-Up 10/7- 10/9

Hi y'all! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend +  enjoyed Columbus Day today!

We managed to literally not  leave our apartment all weekend after going to the Mondo Mystery Movie Night- last Friday. Our Mystery Movie was 28 Days Later & the Poster is definitely one of my favorites! It would have been cool to see the Iron Giant and get a sweet poster from Kevin Tong.  You can check out all the designs here. 

At first I was super nervous about what movie it was going to be because they announced that it was a double feature of horror movies and while I dig good horror movies it is generally not the genre I go for.  I think it must be my Grandma's words of wisdom resonating in me that- "There is so much bad stuff in life that why would you go out of your way to trouble yourself with more?!?"  Anyway, I love, love, LOVE Cillian Murphy  and I was super glad that it was 28 Days Later.  Gosh he's so lovely... I think he moved up to #1 on my boyfriend list and that movie would definitely be my reasoning. In fact, I would watch this movie often, it is probably my favorite modern horror flick.  The city shots of London abandoned are so crazy! I can't even imagine trying to coordinate that.  It is a great watch just for that.  BTW,  I must admit I watched I Am Legend before seeing 28 Days Later and I never read Richard Matheson's 1954 novel of the same name, YET I am amazed that I Am Legend was made after 28 Days Later. I will be brief since Kevin picks on me saying I should focus on crafts and leave the movies to him-Lol. Seriously though, watch this movie for Halloween if you haven't seen it.

While we were home this past weekend Kevin cut a ton of address book pages that I spent the afternoon hole-punching and sorting them out with covers. We were able to get the first batch of Reinbeers done.  I was back and forth working with him on the projects and getting the pincushions set into a batch of rings. Today, I spent way to much time pinning on Pinterest.  I really enjoy finding all the great projects and inspiration on other people's boards! Check out our boards here to see all the new pins.  Today was crazy though, the day got away from me. I looked up one moment and it was 6PM- CRAZY!  I am hoping tomorrow will be equally productive. 

Hope everyone had a super productive and/or relaxing Holiday today :)  XOXO, KC

Real Steel

Last week Kevin and I got to go to see Real Steel at the theater where the academy screens all their movies.

 

Real Steel was hands down one of the most enjoyable movies Kevin has had the privilege to work on. It was so much fun to watch  that we are planing on seeing it again  soon! While the trailers are good at showing you a taste of the main theme of robot boxing but they don't encapsulate all the emotion and fun that this movie is drenched with. It is much more Rocky-esque in the trailer (yes, there that element to the movie) but there is this wonderful modern father son dynamic that is heartwarming. I think moms would be pleasantly surprised if they tag along to this movie with the boys expecting fighting robots. Think the bit with the kid holding the keys hostage in the trailer- that is what the overall feel of the movie was like for me.

Here are some pictures of the Samuel Goldwyn theater and all the Oscar decor.

Let me know if you see it and enjoy it! XOXO, KC (and Kevin)

What I Wore- Friday 10/7/11

I really like those "What I Wore" posts and thought that this would be a good addition to Fridays because sometimes my day gets away from me on Fridays...

Tonight Kevin and I are going to Mondo Mystery Movie event tonight. It is the first time they have put it on here in Los Angeles and this is what I will be wearing to it:

This burgundy dress came home with me last Sunday from Jet Rag for just $1.00! I almost didn't buy it and Alisa talked me into it.  Boy am I glad she did, I love it and it fits great without any alterations!!! Also, the shoes are Kennith Cole Reaction flats that I found almost brand new on Monday at the Goodwill.  Budget friendly + Eco Friendly = AWESOME!!! 
Check out more about this shopping trip here on a previous post.

My favorite accessory today with my outfit is this cute kitty bracelet. I got at a vintage shop in Brooklyn while shopping alongside Alessandra during my trip in May.  The little brass colored smiling kitties are strung across 2 metal cords spaced with beads.  It is a really cute bracelet and you have to look close to see the kitties. I am pretty sure it was $10 or less.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! XOXO, KC

Even More 2nd-Hand Shopping

Yesterday, Alisa, Heather and I, went back to Jet Rag for the $1 Sale I blogged about last week.  You can check out last weeks post here. Whenever Alisa is in town from NYC we always hit up Jet Rag, but this was the first time she had ever witnessed the dollar sale. 

Wanna see the craziness unfold??? Alisa took this video shortly after they cracked open the bundles while everyone was scurrying around for clothes.

We all had a great time and got some super cute clothes which I can wait to get cleaned up and post some pictures of how I style things. I left with less than half as many items this week as I found last Sunday at Jet Rag.  Strangely that is one of the fun things about this sale, you never quite know what you'll find. What I found was totally amazing and we found a bunch of things that were perfect for Heather. I am thinking that I am going to try to post on Fridays vintage finds and/or a  what I wore section... At least this week since I have been crazy shopping.

After Jet Rag I had the most delicious vegan scramble at Swingers Restaurant! This was my first time eating the avocado toast and that was pretty F#$% tasty!!! I don't go up to West Hollywood too often to eat since there is such a wonderful variety of restaurants where I live in Culver City- but Swingers has great vegetarian and vegan options (this should be a whole separate post, but yay! I am going vegan again :) If I called it a themed restaurant I feel like that wouldn't encapsulate everything... basically it has a really great unique atmosphere that I enjoy going to with out-of-town guests. Bonus: it has really tasty and unique takes on some of your favorite diner classics use organic items as much as possible.

Following lunch we headed over to the Melrose Trading Post held at Farifax High School.  This is another Sunday thrifting  must! Over the 3 years since I have moved to LA, this market seems to have tripled!!! There is furniture, clothes, jewelry, artwork, original artwork and much more. Parking is FREE and it is a $2 dollar entrance fee. Included with admission is live music, food vendors, and real bathrooms :) 

I wasn't expecting to leave with more furniture, but Alisa and I came across this cabinet/ shelf  piece that I just had to have!!!

I like how there is a tool box style lid with a handle that flips up. It seems like it could have fit records in the top- I am not quite sure it's original use.  It is light enough that it could have been used as an equipment box for something since it is easy to carry it. There is a door that opens to two shelves at the bottom to where the storage capabilities of this thing are endless!

Cost: Under $50

Then today we continued the fun in Santa Monica where Alisa and I met Kevin for lunch. Afterward we shopped at the Goodwill on Santa Monica Blvd- which has crazy good designer finds, FYI.  

Satisfying the only part of our budget for the higher-end finds we went to Wasteland (There are several locations) where they sell the hottest modern, vintage and designer clothing.  I just found out under their "collecting" tab- they have a huge museum-esque private collection of vintage and designer clothing and accessories  you can rent for movies and special evens- I will have to put a pin in that one for sure!!!

Funny thing happened at Wasteland: I definitely had the girl behind me start talking to me and when I turned around it was totally Zosia Mamet looking back at me! Now you would think I would be totally cool at not embarrassing myself when I geek out over celebrities, but I was the biggest loser cliche today.  First thing, I just generally like things and will become the biggest cheerleader for it. Class superlative: I was definitely most school spirit, crazy to think but true.  

I seem to get totally emotionally engaged in characters and things I like- mind you, I love watching TV and movies while I craft so I go deep into a wide range of all types of media. Sometimes, after watching them I will never remember more that I really liked what I watched than anything memorable, and sometimes an actor will really get me into their part. 

Yay! Happy Birthday to Me :)

Look at this amazing cake my Uncle brought for my Grandparents celebration.  I was super happy to be a part of the celebration as well ;) Gotta love summer birthdays and this awesome margarita cake! Kevin and I were just talking about how amazingly tasty our wedding cake from Blue Moon Bakery- and it was a pleasant surprise that that was what we feasted on for our Birthdays!

The VES Awards Last Night

We had such an amazing time last night!! I am having a bit of a rough morning because the food was set with no options and I ate things in hindsight may have been the wrong idea :(  Oh well, it was totally worth it!

The society and awards show is global so some of the guests traveled to come out for the evening. Everyone enjoyed mingling and having cocktails while a silent auction went on before the awards ceremony.  We had so much fun getting dressed up and going out!  We got to chat with a fun Brit who ended up winning an award for Harry Potter, and Kevin recognized one guy who one an award from his time at SCAD. Cool, huh?