Loki's Jellybeans will return in the new year with EVEN MORE AND BETTER POSTS!

Holiday lights

It's no surprise to anyone who knows me how much I love the holiday season. I love picking out the perfect gift for others, decorating my apartment, drinking hot cocoa, and looking at lights. I love it. So I was so happy when my friend invited Keith and I out to the zoo to see lights! I couldn't wait.

Earlier in the day, Keith and I exchanged Christmas presents, which I will share at a later date, but he got me a new camera. I was so excited to take the camera out for a playdate at the zoo! So I snapped a few photos, and had a blast with friends.


Leaving the zoo, we ran across my favorite historical figure: Ulysses S. Grant. So I took a photo.

I hope everyone is having a great Holiday season!

Buying from small business for Keith

This is Keith. He is my boyfriend of 3.75 years. I try to pick out really thoughtful christmas gifts for him, but sometimes its hard because he's such a boy. He wants nerf guns, videogames, and various other zombie trinkets. He also likes science, and especially astronomy.

Anyway, I always have a hard time buying him handmade gifts. But I like to buy everyone on my list at least one handmade gift. He doesn't really need things like cufflinks, or bowties, or anything like that, so usually he gets soap, or lotion, or flavored chapstick. But I was reading in Craft magazine on my google reader, and they posted a link to this page. It was CUTE stuffed planets!!! I knew Keith needed one.

So I ordered it! then, I couldn't wait and gave it to him a little early. Although he still has a large stack under the tree...
Look at how cute!!! I got him the Moon. (although I just showed him the site, and he squealed about the sun) Anyway, I highly recommend these little guys. The ship quickly, they are really well priced for the quality product!

Well, I am alive. I moved to the burbs, and left the city. I didn't have internet for awhile, but now I do! I promise to write more later this week.

Lazy weekend.

So today is pretty low key. We walked round the zoo until the stroller group pushed out of the way of nearly every exhibit, so we left.

Keith is back in school so that means he's working on a paper. He's writing about gender roles, so of course I approve with my anthropology background and being interested in gender roles. I'm working on a report for work. He is visiting with his laptop so he is at the table working, and I'm in my bedroom blasting Belle & Sebastian and Spoon while working away at my laptop. I can't help but think back to MSU senior year where all I did was write paper after paper and listen to music on full blast.

In other news, my store will be updated this week. I'll keep you up to date on details.

Okay back to my report.

Chicago from above

Keith, Erin, and I celebrated her last few days in Chicago by going to the Hancock Observatory. For those of you who have never been to Chicago, the Hancock is located in downtown, but on the north-ish end. It is very close to Lake Michigan. It also provides an AMAZING view of Chicago.

I am leaving the city at the end of this month after 5 years. My heart is full of sadness, but I am okay with it. However, this view made me realize I will miss a lot of Chicago.

I was the only one who didn't have the fear of heights. Keith got over his quickly, which was great! Erin tried really hard and did much better once she had a cocktail in her.
The view down Lake Shore Drive. My apartment in in view...kind of. I love this picture.

The sun set over the city was really breath taking. We ate gelato and watched it, then headed to the signature lounge for a cocktail. it was a lovely night.

The next day Keith and I left for a wedding in Michigan, and one day after that Erin left the city. We already miss her.

Loki asks you to heart Loki's Jellybeans on Etsy! Please? I mean how can you say no to a face like this?!!?!?

7 things about me.

In keeping with my trying to blog more, I'm going to blog about what I know...me. I thought I would share 7 small things about me, to kind of get to know me a little better.

1.) I like being by lakes, rivers, and even oceans. I especially like the great lakes. Water relaxes me. for the most part.

2.) I met my best friend in the entire world in November 2007. We started dating in Jan. of 2008, and we haven't looked back since. I'm so happy that of all the bars in Chicago, I walked into his and my friend picked the seat at his bar. perfecto.

3.) I get mad when crime solving t.v. shows have inaccurate science. I love forensics, and I love the crime solving t.v. shows, but sometimes I get too wrapped up and end up yelling at Bones about anthropologists not being able to determine that.

4.) Speaking of, I have a degree in anthropology. I focused on historical archaeology, and did quite a bit of lab work. I think the most interesting artifact I analyzed was an old music box motor, which took me nearly 2 years to determine what it was. of course, without asking.

5.) My favorite movies in no order are: ghostbusters, singin in the rain, and wizard of oz.

6.) I started my jewelry career with a simple class at Joanns. My sister suggested taking a class there since it was half off. I signed up, and fell in love. the metal working was what made so excited. Even twisting or bending a wire reminded me of my blacksmithing days.


7.) I am a VERY proud Michigander. I love all things related to Michigan. One day, I will find my way back there... I know it.

Scaves!

So, I haven't kept with my promise to write more on my blog. That is my fault, but I see a lot more posts in my future. I am moving to the burbs soon. I am divided on my feelings for this. I am excited to be closer to work, and no longer have 2 + hour commutes home. But I am sad to leave the city. That being said, I can still visit the city whenever I want via train or car. So I'm not terribly sad.

Anyway, this summer I have had a new friend in Chicago. We both had the same job up on Mackinac Island, however we were a few years apart. Someone we both worked with set us up, since Erin was moving to Chicago alone for an internship at a theater here. I was so happy we met up and we clicked so well!

One Sunday she came over for bread making and scarf dying. I will post photos of our bread making (her- french white bread for an 1820 recipe, and me- lavender rosemary scones!) I then taught her how to dye scarves naturally.

Erin hard at work with cabbage and tea.

Up close of her scarf.


Erin hard at work. We made a total of 10 scarves together using various fruits and flowers. Mine are sitting in the window reacting and dyeing. I cannot wait to show them off.

In other news!! tomorrow is keith's first day back at school. good luck k face!

Roadtrip to Dayton

I am a museum professional. I have been for the last 7.5 years. I mainly have worked in education and engagement, but I have dabbled in archiving, public relations and preserving. I am a museum go-er as well. I thrive when I am at a museum, my brain goes a mile a minute and I think of all the things I can do in my own job to make it better. Since finding museums as a career and a goal, my life has been very focused on that. I have spent nights at museums, hours looking for a matching plant in the rows and rows of shelves at the herbarium, and months trying to figure out the best way to teach fire safely to 4th graders. I love it, it's who I am.

I went to visit my sister and brother-in-law this weekend. My sister, knowing that I'm a BIG fan of museums, suggested going to a smaller outdoor history museum in Dayton. My new job is at an outdoor living history museum so I thought why not? It was a very fun museum.


This was some family's house! It looks like a tomb, or something really exotic. But nope, just a single family home in Dayton in the 1800s.


This was another house and my sister entering it. Inside was a very nice fireplace, along with an amazing candle dipper. I asked my brother-in-law to make me one. It was a large wheel with six offshoots. Each off shoot had slots to put wicks in, then you spun the wheel and dipped the candles into the wax then water. amazing.


This was an interesting structure at the museum. It was a clocktower that had been located on a building in downtown Dayton. very cool. and very big.

I also saw the wright flyer...an original wright flyer. how cool!!!! It was a decent museum. The highlight, besides being there with my family (minus my parents) was this old train car that went from Detroit to Mackinaw. It was BEAUTIFUL. Kim and I ran ahead while the boys looked at the old steam engines and looked at it in awe. I didn't want to get in trouble and take photos inside this old train, but it was done in Victorian fashion, stained glass windows, red velvet seats and wood tables. it was absolutely breath-taking. I wish I could take it from Detroit to Mackinaw. I'd love that.

I'm throwing in a photo of me playing with my nephew Gus. He is such a funny dog. He only likes little miss Loki, dogwise. But he likes his aunt, who is Loki's momma.

Thanks for a great weekend Kim, Chris, and Mr. Gus Gus.

Summertime is omgsomuchfun! I am pigging out at ribfests, shopping at farmers markets for lavender and cherries, and playing with keith. Yesterday I slept in, went through the zoo to the nature trail, then to the farmers market, ate a quick lunch at the korean bar-b-q place and took a hour and half nap. then we had a picnic by the lake for dinner. FANTASTIC.

I'm not ready for this weekend to end. I am having TOO much fun. I need to write mor ein this, but my pesto chicken will not cook itself. I'm going to try out the suntea I made today in my window and hope its good!

Monday Favorites!

Hi everyone. I hope Monday was a good day for everyone. It stormed then got to a heat index of over 95 degrees, so today was odd weather wise. However, It's time for Monday Favorites again.


I started reading thedaintysquid's blog a few weeks ago, and I found it via a friend. I love keeping up to date with her. I also love her shop! This CUTE bag that I want (hint, hint Keith) is called Under the Big Top Clutch in Moss. The colors of this little purse just make me so happy.


This bracelet is named to catch MY interested. Called the Ulysses S Grant bracelet, this simple bracelet really caught my eye. I usually like chunky, colorful pieces but I really like this simple piece by SamanthaKayJewelry.

Now on to the Tom. My mom loves Tom Selleck and always has since I was a kid. I grew up watching Magnum PI with her, and even bought her seasons 1-3 on DVD for various Christmases. I made my mom a special Tom Selleck Necklace located here for her birthday and she got a ton of compliments. Tom Selleck has grown on me so much so I got a mug with his face on it, and I did a search and these AWESOME nails popped up by LynnsBoutique.

On to non-etsy favorites. My sister's good friend (and mine too!) wrote a book!!! Today is the first day it's available for purchase on amazon. She's a fantastic lady, who knows how to have a great time during wedding dinners, and the starting lineup of the 1998 Detroit Red Wings. Anyway, help her out and purchase the book! :)


Alright, well I hope you enjoyed Mondays favorites. I am too busy watching Master Chef, and pretending I know the foods they are talking about. I am realizing I'm a good cook, but only in three of four dishes, and three of them are mexican, and one is rice crispy chicken. Have a great start to the week!

Constructor Craft Show

This Saturday, Loki's Jellybeans participated in the Constructor Craft Fair in the suburbs of Chicago. It was so cool. It was in a night club with vendors inside and outside. Keith and I were lucky by being inside (in 90 degree heat outside and air conditioning on the inside!) but we were in a very dark corner. Hence the photo being so dark below.
This is our crafty friend, the deer. He stared at us the entire show.
Two nice ladies walked by and noticed we didn't have any lights. They gave us a light from their home. How nice are they? One of them sells beautiful pottery. I really liked her stuff, and was so thankful of their helping us out.
My robot soaps were a big hit. Everyone smelled them, and would try to guess the scent. The biggest favorite: marshmellow! My biggest hit though was my earrings. I made the pair on high top shoes on Friday and they were bought instantly. Oh, and those are my too cool nails right now. (Sally Hansen's)
My bracelets were not as big as the earrings, but still were a hit. This show was a GREAT demographic. The vendors were so nice, the atmosphere was so exciting but relaxed. The food was amazing (a taco food truck!!!) and they even played the Blow and Belle & Sebastian, along with MC Hammer. I loved it so much. We can't wait to do it again next year.
Oh! and we made a purchase. This is Steve, he is my new friend. This came from Creatures! He is our happy little friend.

Do over. and Favorites!

I'm starting over with a lot of things. This blog has been neglected. I am going to care for it more. I'm also going to reinstate meatless mondays in my apartment (meaning, me and when Keith is here, him too) I am going to read more, today's book "Sin in the second city" (its all about vices in early chicago) I'm also listen to music more, which takes me back to college.

But lastly, I'm also bringing back my favorites. I think I will do favorites every Monday, to start the week fresh and excited!

So on to Monday Favorites

1.) I am loving Botny on etsy right now. I purchase two sets of earrings from her. They are perfect. I am really digging these right now:
2.) My friend over at ponderandstitch just released some adorable necklaces! This one is my favorite:
3.) I just received this amazing print from RebeccaMich that makes me homesick. Yes, I know I talk about Michigan too much, but thats okay. It's a great place to talk about! I cannot wait to hang it up! It's the perfect print for my apartment.

That's all my favorites for now. You'll have to come back every Monday until I get too busy or run out of favorites. Until then Happy 4th of July! I will spend it reading and drinking tea.

planters

I used to have this amazing window garden. With mint, basil, lavender, lemon balm, cilantro, etc. I even grew carrots one year! It took up my WHOLE window. With my recent changes in schedule, and my longer days, I have not found time to plant the garden I want. I still have my aloe (which needs a lot of love) and some cacti. However, I wanted more. Then I found a shop on etsy, plaidpigeonI fell in love with their dinosaur planters RIGHT away. I got three. They all came with names, but I forgot them, so I might need to rename them. I think that big green one is an Alvin.

This blue guy, I don't know what to name him. The planters are great. It did take over a month and a half to receive them though. So if you are on a schedule, you might not be able to order from them. But I wasn't, so they are perfect for me.

They are the perfect replacement for my garden. Even if I don't get any cooking herbs out of them. They are still great little guys.

Dreaming Big

I love what I do. I love creating and matching colors. I love bending metal, and using tools. I love hammering steel, and the glow of the fire. I love teaching. I love being surrounded by excitement, and the scaffolding for knowledge. I just can't get enough of teaching and my jewelry business. It makes me, me.

On our trip back from Mackinac, I saw an empty store front and I got a bit antsy. Which, if you know me, like really know, you know this is nothing new. I'm always antsy. Just today I fiddled with THREE paper clips until they broke in a span of 5 minutes. I can't watch movies because I get up and pace. I am an antsy person, but this store front, it was different.

When we left, I felt a pull to that store front, in which I spent way too much money at as a girl scout visiting the island back in the 90s and early 2000s. I told Keith, kidding of course, that one day I want to open a store on Mackinac. I don't know if I'm kidding anymore. I would love to own a small trinket shop up there, but not like the rest. Maybe one day eh?

When I lived on the island, we regulared this bar that was an irish bar, with loads of decor all of the walls. My favorite was a vintage sign that read "Beware pickpockets and loose women" I loved it, and I'm not sure why. Well, I found one on etsy, and told Keith about it in passing. He found a really swanky one, that was handmade to look vintage. It's much nicer then the one at the bar. I love it!

Upon giving it to me he said "for when you open your own shop!" Too bad, I'm not leaving museums for awhile, so we might have to wait 20 years to hang it ;)

Craft Fair Update

Keith and I did a craft show a few weekends back. It was really great. Good neighborhood, good sales, and an AMAZING bar-b-q place right behind our booth. This is a photo of our jewelry section. I finally got to use my jellybean fabric thanks to secondsanctuary. I love it.


Keith worked hard to get all my resin pendants ready for this show. He really helped a lot. But thats doesn't surprise me. He's a great boyfriend and business partner.


This is a photo of the whole booth, including the earring holder my brother in law made for me for xmas. I love it. It was great except the children who just would spin it fast. I wasn't quite sure where their parents were, and I didn't feel comfortable turning on my teacher voice, so Keith did instead.

All-in-all great show. We did have some moments of overwhelming feeling because there was just SO many kids. I also had a woman kind of insult me saying I make only things for kids. I don't think that's true. Although I do like bright, funk and funky stuff it's for the young at heart. I do have several things for ALL ages, including this fun Stephanie Necklace, made of a simple vintage cabochon and chain. I love it actually.
Anyway, I hope you all have a great day. My next craft show in July 9th! We hope to do really well, fingers crossed!

Wide open road

I have been M.I.A. lately. I'm very sorry. Personal and professional life have gotten in my way of Loki's Jellybeans. Things have calmed down, and I'm ready to start being the type of business woman I want to be. I have a new line of cluster necklaces that will appear in my shop soon. I also have wire wrapped rings ready to be put online.

This weekend Keith and I took a MUCH needed vacation and drove from good ol' Chicago to the island that holds my heart, Mackinac. It was a long and happy journey filled with friends, laughter, good food, and even better memories. Every time I leave that place, it leaves an 8 mile sized hole in my heart.

So now we are back. and work begins again. I will update this more and more. I promise.