Resolutions

sommerwithano on Etsy

It's that time of year and everyone seems to be asking the same thing - "What's your New Year's Resolution(s)?" Resolutions seem to be ways to make yourself better, happier, more well-rounded. So why do we always put them off or ignore them completely? Or not make them at all? Why do we tend to wait til the first of the year to make them, or try to, into a realization?

Maybe because it's the new year, a new beginning, rebirth.

My 2010 was full of stress, grief, loss, unhappiness, drama and all around somewhat unproductive at its worst. At its best - thrilling, full of self realizations, growth, love, and warm pleasent days. So for 2011, an actual list. Written out. Published. Let's get to it....

1. Run a 5k in Feburary and a marathon with my brother.

2. Redo my Etsy store.

3. Take more photographs.

4. Cook more.

5. Create a new line of fashion accessories.

6. Be a vendor at a Art & Craft Fair.

7. Write more blog entries.

8. Take a class.

9. Smile more.

10. Create, create, create.

11. Create my 100 List.

12. Get another tattoo.

13. Make more art.

14. Call my family more.

15. Sew more clothes.

Do you make New Year Resolutions? What's one of your's?

Snowflakes

We are scheduled for a big snow storm to hit here in Santa Fe today and it should last till the New Year. Yikes! I've always been fasinated by snowflakes - the individuality, sizes, types, and how they cover all that is familiar. Below are some flakey inspirations. Let is snow!

Raceytay on Etsy

sunnysparks on Etsy

indigoh2o on Etsy

Snowtography on Etsy

A very Merry Christmas

Wishing you a very special holiday filled with family and friends, lots of food and good cheer!

Pinky Tuscadero Treasury

I'd love you forever Treasury

2011 - Goldenrod or Wine Treasury

Getting Organized from The Happiness Project

I receive my daily emails from The Happiness Project and had to pass this one along. I am always struggling as a hoarder and in general, somewhat unorganized person, so when this happened into my inbox I wanted to get cleaning! (Scary, I know!)

Sometimes the simplest, smallest efforts make the difference. Check out the post here.

No, not my living room :(

Girly Girl Gift Guide

Wow! There's been so much going on! Here's a Holiday Gift Guide that my Headband (#3) has been featured in at Vainbuthonest's blog. Here's the link!

Girl Crush

Ok, I know I've been mia for quite awhile and I do apologize. You know, this life thing is getting in the way of my blogging!! :) Anyway, I came across this blog and am drooling! I'm a huge fan of Yokoo on Etsy and now I can't get enough of her blog. Come check it out here.

Happy December!

UPDATE: I was just catching up on the Storque articles and came across Handmade Potraits: Yokoo. Check it out here.

Everything ON SALE!!!

Everything at Marang97 on Etsy is now 25% off! I am preparing to move over to a new shop - MarangStudios - so I need to clean house!! A perfect time to start your holiday shopping and get everything at a great price!

I am working on new creations and new photography, so the new shop will open in the next few weeks. So stick around for sneak peaks and Grand Opening announcements.

Did You Guess??

Ok, so here's the final piece! A fun little accent pillow make from all re-purposed materials!! Did you guess correctly??

Etsy Finds - Purses

Since my purse was stolen the other day, I am in need of a new one!! Something cute, stylish, and colorful!! Time to go shopping!!

1. OregonLynne on Etsy

2. jennjohn on Etsy
3. Anthropologie.com
4. Anthropologie.com

On SALE Now at Marang Studios

Hurry! These items have just been listed on sale!! 25% off, so hurry and get 'em while they last!! Click on the images to be taken to Marang Studios.

Can You Guess??

I am in the middle of a new project and creation and am SO excited to get it finished that I almosted stayed up all night just to complete it!! I really hope it turns out the way I have it pictured in my head. I wanted to give you all a sneak peak! Hint - You will want to throw it around your casual couch.

Can you guess what I'm making? I know, the pics don't give it away much... but let me know what you think!

Back to (Somewhat) Regularly Scheduled Posting

Ok, time to buckle down. Get back to it. Taking the bull by the horns!! The past few weeks for me have been quite eye opening personally. So many things have been happening that a time of re-assessment is in order. That being said, let's not waste any time!!

New products are being created as we speak!! Check back for sneak peeks! Here's a couple just to get you started.....

Changes to Marang97 and Marang Studios soon to be released and updated. Will let everyone know so you don't miss anything!!

I am biking it to work for the next several weeks, so stay tuned for more pics of Santa Fe and it's many wonders!

Please stay tuned for many more changes to come! I am excited to see what comes about in this time of adjustment and transformation.

Zozobra - Santa Fe's Own Burning Tradition

Today is the day Santa Fean's let go of the past year's gloom with the burning of Zozobra. Now in it's 86th year, it's our very own pagan Burning Man. The biggest secret of the year is always the color that Zozobra will be wearing. And no matter the weather - he will burn!

Click here for more history of Zozobra and event information.

Zozobra's official website.

Update from Marang Studios

Hi all! Just a quick update, things have been a little delayed around here. I lost all of my product photography over the weekend and have been trying to re-photograph and re-organize everything. I will keep you updated when new items are listed and things settle down a bit.

cheers!

Quote for the Day

"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~Anais Nin

The Joy of Cooking - How I Learned to Cook and a How-To

As many of you know - I always hated to cook. I refused to learn growing up and would always say I would have someone to cook for me. And I did, until 2 years ago. I was then forced to learn, by necessity. So I had to start slow. I began making dishes I remembered being made or simple recipes I could find. Keeping it simple really helped; recipes that only needed a few ingredients and didn't take long to make. And soon I was asking for a slow cooker and cooking utensils for Christmas!

In the last two years now, I have succeeded. Not to the point of gourmet chef, mind you. But no one has gotten sick or died from my cooking, so to me, it's a success!! I even attempted Thanksgiving Dinner last year. And, god help me, I am thinking about it again this year!

I have even began creating my own dishes that I have no recipes for. And here, I am going to share with you one of my latest concoctions. You make think I'm crazy and believe me you won't be the first, or last!! But anyway, introducing my Skillet Eggplant Parmesan. NOTE: The eggplants I am using a small, miniature eggplants that are 3 1/2-5 inches long, a good size for one to two people.

Skillet Eggplant Parmesan
Serves 2 as a side dish

4-6 Small Eggplants sliced
4 medium tomatoes diced
2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 tbsp Olive Oil
Salt
Italian Seasoning

Heat skillet on medium heat. Add Olive Oil and heat. Add eggplant and cook til just starting to soften. Add tomatoes and let cook until skins have fallen off and tomatoes are mushy. Add salt and Italian Seasoning. Mix together. Add Parmesan cheese while continuously stirring. Turn heat off and serve immediately. YUMMY!

Tip: I found a glass of red wine to help while cooking. Cheers Julia! Bon Apetit!

Carnations - Did You Know?

I began making my Carnation Flower Pins 3 years ago (I can't believe it's been that long!!) and have now expanded to Chrysanthemums, daisies, Forget-Me-Nots, completely abstract and unique flowers and several more. But my favorites still have to be where it all started - the Carnations.

Did you know...
A dark red carnation denotes deep love and affection.


A pink carnation is a symbol of a mother's undying love.


A striped (variegated) carnation symbolize regret that a love cannot be shared.


See more Fun Flower Facts in some of the listings in my shop.

Happy Tuesday

A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you roses ~ Chinese Proverb

Wednesday's Wonders - Happy Sunny Day

After a not-so-enjoyable evening last night, I woke up this morning in a surprisingly good mood. Maybe it was the late-nite carb binge or watching a good movie that helped. Maybe it was wishing to hear ONE particular song on the radio and as I flipped through the stations, I found it. Playing. Right. That. Second. Maybe it was waking up to these beautiful sunflowers that brightened my morning. Either way, how could these sun-loving flowers not put a smile on your face!!

Etsy Must

So adorable!!

From PyxusPassionProject

I'm not feeling too well this morning. A little slow to get started into my last day of the work week. I wanted to share with you all a few things I have been working on (and currently obsessing over). Making my Rosette Necklaces.