An Explanation

My dearest readers,

I owe you an explanation.

And because no one likes to read long explanations, I'll be brief.

It has been over a month since I have written a post here on Little Red. That wasn't at all planned when I took a few days off for the weekend, as I mentioned in my last post. I had full intentions of returning the following Monday with a normal post. My computer had other plans. My laptop charger stopped working, and I had neither the time nor the funds to by a new power cord. That being said, I have been without my laptop for the last month or so, hence the LONG absence. During the time away from the blog, I began to think.

There are two remaining weeks left in this semester. I will be working at a summer camp over the entire summer break. At the end of the summer break, I will be leaving the country to study abroad in Morocco for the fall. Currently, I still do not have a new power cord for my laptop.

With these things in mind, I have had to make a somehwat unexpected decision: I am going to leave this blog for a long vacation.

I sincerely apologize for the abruptness of this decision, and hope you all aren't too disappointed or upset with me! Because despite the bad news of the long break, I do have something for you to look forward to. Upon returning from Morocco, I plan on picking this little baby of mine back up in full force, and I can guarantee you, that when I get back, I will plenty of fun things to share!

Now before I leave, I want to share with ya'll my top five favorite reads, so that while you're not hearing from me, you can at least find plenty of inspiration and pretty things from a few other lovely blogs:

1.Elsie Flannigan's A Beautiful Mess

2.Chelsea Horton's Seablanket

3. Elizabeth's Delightfully Tacky

4. Katie's I go by Katie

5. Kyla from Kyla Roma

I hope you enjoy these reads while I'm away. Much love to you all. I can't wait to come back with more crafts, fashion, and travel in 2012.

-Andrea Marie

Hello Goodbye

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Hey everyone! Don't hate me, but I only popped in today to say that I'm taking a hiatus for a few days. School has somewhat overwhelmed me this week with midterms, and I am also going to a formal this weekend so I will be out of town and unable to blog! I promise I will be back with you on Monday with some crafty goodness. Love love.

-Andrea Marie

2011 Goals - Revisited

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I cannot believe it's already March. The time is really getting to be a little ridiculous! Since the new year, I have loosely been keeping my goals in mind, but recently decided that it would be more helpful to do a monthly check-in of sorts, to keep my goals in sight. Let's see how I'm doing...

• Begin my Russian nesting doll collection - Well, I have been slightly (read EXTREMELY) broke this semester since I am currently not working, so this goal may have to wait until I have a job at some point haha.
  
• Visit Red Velvet's shop in Springfield - see goal #1. :-) Haha
  
• Buy more thrifted and vintage - see goal #1 and #2. Hahahahahaha.
  
• Live in Morocco - I am in the application process for study abroad in Rabat, Morocco right now! I am getting so giddy!
  
• Make some of my own clothing - I haven't done this yet, but I have been thinking a lot lately about making dresses, and the new Red Velvet dress line is really inspiring me!
  
• Become a regular runner - I am far from being a "regular" runner, but I have been running lately, and the lovely weather is beckoning me to run more.
  
• Learn to screenprint - I don't really have much to say about this one. It just hasn't happened.
  
• Read a lot of books - I have read three new books this semester! I have a reading list going, and I am loving the pleasure reads outside of class work.
  
• Give more (tutorials, giveaways) in my blog - There are a lot of things in the works here, but none of them have come about yet. Is there anything you would like to be given/ see more of here on the blog?
  
• Throw a big party themed something fun - I intended on throwing a birthday/valentine's bash, but it just didn't work out this time. I may just have to throw a random occasion party just for kicks. I really just want an excuse to make cute cupcakes, you know?
  
• Study embroidery methods and techniques - I did a little bit of this during art practicum, but I plan on doing a lot more! Anyone know any good books on embroidery?
  
• Go back to Renegade in Austin - This isn't until the early summer, but I REALLY hope I have a chance to go back! Renegade Austin was a blast last year and I can't wait to visit that mecca of handmade again.
  
• Develop spring merchandise - This is also still in the works. Hopefully things will roll quickly, as spring isn't waiting for me!
  
• Take more family/ friend photos - Ever since I got my Instax Mini, I have been taking a lot more photos. It's been so fun! I just ordered new film today, so the pictures will keep on coming!
  
• Get a digital SLR camera - This goal, sadly, may never come to fruition this year. I just don't really see how it's possible unless one of you informs me that you are my long-lost aunt in Denmark who would like to donate $1500 towards buying a new SLR. :-)
  
• Make a 4.0 during a semester - I am actually pleasantly surprised with my grades so far this semester. We are not even half-way there yet, so I have a ways to go, but things are looking good!
  
• Print more pictures - Other than the photos taken on my instax, I gotten to printing off old pictures yet. I am, however, about to start compiling photos in a folder to print whenever I have the funds!

-Andrea Marie

A Little Inspiration

Some times when I'm at a loss for ideas or pretty thoughts, a few inspirational photos are all I need to get them flowing. Here are a few of my favorite current pretty pictures from weheartit:

This embroidered balloon series is lovely. I love the idea of them "floating" on a wall.

I want to cover all the plain ol' ugly rocks in the world in beautiful lace. Mmm...

... as well as cover every plain 'ol ugly metal fenc in colorful hearts. :-)

I love this pretty hexagonal pattern. Next blanket?

I have a weakness for Little Red related crafts, but fairy tales aside, this cut-out is lovely.

I ADORE this floral banner. It is so simple but so pretty and perfect for spring.

I hope you are inspired as well. Happy Monday!

-Andrea Marie

Weddings, Doctors, and Hair

These things just about make up my life lately it seems. In two days my older brother is getting MARRIED! I'm so excited for them. Needless to say, these days and the next couple of days to come are going to be a little bit crazy.

To add to it, I got sick this week. At first I thought it was just a cold, but it lingered for days and days, getting so bad that today I could hardly swallow anything because it hurt so much. So I went to the doctor. Who FORGOT to write my name on the prescription he wrote me, making it impossible for me to get medicine unless the lovely Walgreens employees are able to track down that dang doctor and verify my identity. So silly.

All that being said, I'm a little behind on some things I needed to get done. For example, I was supposed to share a craft tutorial with you today, but that clearly won't be happening until next week. I'm so sorry! But wanna see my hair cut instead (I know it's a lame substitute, but bear with me today)?


I love you all! Happy almost weekend.

-Andrea Marie

Spring Fashion Trends

Trends come and go, and some go before they ever come. But what makes a trend is the ability for an idea to catch on and spread at a rapid rate. The internet is a wonderful vehicle for infectious ideas to spread. Here are a few fashion trends for the upcoming spring season that I have spotted floating around the internet.

Chevrons - this is the most commonly reoccuring trend I've spotted yet. The pattern is everywhere! I'm not usually a fan of bold patterns, but I love this. Elsie Flannigan from A Beautiful Mess rocks it perfectly here in a dress from the new Red Velvet line.

Wedges - I'm not typically a big fan of these clunky shoes myself, but they seem to be rapidly overtaking the comfy flats this spring. Chelsea from Seablanket wears a bold red pair to brighten up an outfit:

Statement Hats - I think this is the most fun trend I've spotted yet. Big hats are in! If you're bold enough to rock one, now is the time. Orchid Grey knows how to wear a hat that can't be ignored:

Uncarved Crystals - I think there is almost nothing as beautiful as raw, uncut stones. They are beautiful when left alone in their bulky, natural state, as seen here in this gorgeous amethyst ring by Moorea Seal.

As a whole, the trends are unusually bold this season, versus the normal subtle delicacy of spring florals. The bolder the better it seems. What's your vote? Will they stay, or go?

-Andrea Marie

Please Forgive My Narcissism...

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I thought it would be fun to have some "get-to-know-you" time on the blog. I try to keep this blog centered around my lifestyle of craft, fashion, and travel, and although those are a few things that I am most passionate about, they are far from all-encompassing of my life and personality. Some things are just a little bit more difficult to see via the internet. So, I decided I would share with you 21(my age) things about myself that you might not particularly learn just from reading the blog. I will do my best to be as real and transparent as possible!

• I grew up a tomboy. With three brothers, I played a lot of football, bought a lot of baseball cards, and murdered a lot of beanie babies.
  
• I have had to fight my whole life my fear of people. I am naturally shy, and only in the last couple years have I begun to gain some confidence and boldness.
  
• I am somewhat of a nerd. I love nerd jokes about Lord of the Rings, or Harry Potter, or Star Wars, because I know everything about them. I may or may not have learned how to speak elvish...
• I have broken two bones in my body, my nose and my thumb. My nose I broke at camp, playing sharks and minnows. I swam into the pool wall. My thumb I broke, also at camp, sword fighting with a ten year old girl. Yeah...
• I love health food. I love the way it tastes (although I never, although I desperately tried, learned to like tofu) and I love the way it makes me feel.
• I am extremely stubborn and hard-headed.
  
• My favorite candy is swedish fish. I could eat them all day every day all my life.
  
• I am very athletic. I grew up playing softball most of my adolescence, and then in high school I played volleyball, basketball, and ran track. I also played volleyball my first year at college.
  
• I think I am the funniest person alive. No one laughs as much at my jokes as I do.
  
• Music is extremely precious to me. I played piano for eight years and sang a few years as well, and it seems that music finds a way of sympathizing and healing a lot of times when other people don't know how.
• I am really prideful about my feet. Most people hate their feet, or feet in general, but I am of the opinion that my feet were God's original design. ;-)
• I am allergic to cats, and think that they should all be relocated to Antarctica. Dogs rule.
• My favorite animal is an otter. Google baby otter pictures. They are adorable.
  
• Funny considering how much of a tomboy I was growing up, but I am obsessed with anything pretty. I am one of those bad people who some times buys frivolous things just because they are "pretty".
  
• I love intellectual conversations. Cut the small talk, I much rather enjoy having deep discussions and friendly debates.
• I have known since I was fairly young that I won't be satisfied in my career unless it is hands-on. I think I would go crazy in an office.
  
• I have never been able to decide whether I am a city girl or a country girl. I think I am caught somewhere awkwardly in between.
  
• My favorite movies are ones that I don't necessarily want to watch often. The ones that are often difficult and uncomfortable to watch, but that are so stirring and beautiful.
• I am a technological idiot.
• I used to want to open a restaurant that only served "onion" things: onion rings, french onion soup, raw onions and vinegar, grilled onions, etc. I love onions?
  
• I love giving and receiving little gifts for no occasion. They make the world so much happier.
  

I hope you enjoyed a little behind the scenes. :-)

P.S., tomorrow I'm going to get my haircut!!!

-Andrea Marie

My Little Vintage Dress

I don't know about ya'll, but this weather has put me in the loveliest of moods. I spent this weekend in Oxford for my soon-to-be-sister-in-law's bachelorette party and bridesmaid's luncheon, and spent the afternoon today driving back to Jackson on the Natchez Trace with windows down and music blaring. The air smelled so delicious. I think it was good for my soul.

Remember the dress I bought from Libby Story a while back? The one I couldn't fit in, but just had to take home with me because it was so lovely? Well. I fit in it now :-). I wore it yesterday and snapped a few photos of it before I left for Oxford. I'm so excited that the weather has warmed up enough for me to wear it!



Enjoy your beautiful weekend!

-Andrea Marie

Post-its

So a few notes of interest...

Welcome new followers! I am so excited to have you here with us. I have enjoyed all of the recent comments left about the blanket and the dialogue concerning the death of "indie." Truly, ya'lls thoughts on posts are the fuel to my writing. Much love!

Also, the new blog banner? Yeah?! Love. There are still a few things left to be changed, but I'm loving the look so far! What do you think?

And just a random post-it, but it was so cute I had to share... check this guy out made by Katie of Skunkboy Creatures:


Isn't it absolutely amazing? I love her work so so much, and this is definitely one of my favorites.

I hope you all are having the loveliest of Thursdays! (random day I know, but hey, let's not have a bias towards days of the week now...)

-Andrea Marie

Can't Stop

Remember my post from a few days ago about how I was projectless? Well. I did in fact decide to start a granny square blanket, and something very surprising happened. Rather than being overwhelmed by the massive time investment required to make a blanket (which is what has happened during previous attempts), I simply can't stop. It's like a drug. The steady stitching but variety of color patterns has me hooked (haha, pun). These are the colors I chose...

and this is what I have done so far...

What do you think?? I absolutely love how it's coming so far! I will update you as it grows. I'm hoping to make it 9x12 squares, which is a lot of work, but to be honest, I'm loving it so much I don't mind a bit!

-Andrea Marie