tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58419481810209140572024-02-20T03:05:35.771-05:00Design by CassandraCassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.comBlogger367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-60985536665118406182012-03-12T20:59:00.000-04:002012-03-12T20:59:54.312-04:00Polyvore: Character Style from the MoviesEvery so often there's a movie character that inspires a small part of your personal fashion. Here are two collections from my favourite cinema heroines as of late: Marilyn Monroe and Lisbeth Salander.<br />
<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/michelle_williams_as_marilyn_monroe/set?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=44172939"><img alt="Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/44172939/id/Lx7qznCyRgWtGVeFThxe7A/size/e.jpg" title="Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=41675743" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/41675743.jpg" title="Retro dress" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=49833596" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/49833596.jpg" title="Giuseppe Zanotti platform pumps" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=47197175" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/47197175.jpg" title="Diane von Fürstenberg summer clutch" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=51320828" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/51320828.jpg" title="Tiffany Co heart jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=49870303" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/49870303.jpg" title="Tiffany Co diamond bangle" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=51201778" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/51201778.jpg" title="Sterling silver jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=22164154" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/22164154.jpg" title="Tiffany & Co. platinum earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=50292300" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/50292300.jpg" title="Printed scarve" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=47380772" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/47380772.jpg" title="Sabre Vision retro sunglasses" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=46443699" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46443699.jpg" title="Yves Saint Laurent lipstick" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=43666246" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/43666246.jpg" title="Yves Saint Laurent eyeliner" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=48265589" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48265589.jpg" title="Butter London nail polish" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div></div></div><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/rooney_mara_as_lisbeth_salander/set?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=44165103"><img alt="Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/44165103/id/a3wJN4q4SKmOj_ouw-GF-g/size/e.jpg" title="Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=50696311" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/50696311.jpg" title="Alexander McQueen sleeveless top" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=50166884" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/50166884.jpg" title="Isabel Marant wrap coat" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=50540193" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/50540193.jpg" title="Balmain jeans" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=48458307" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48458307.jpg" title="Balmain skinny pants" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=40348658" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/40348658.jpg" title="Alexander McQueen platform heels" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=43388186" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/43388186.jpg" title="Friis Company travel handbag" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=33417251" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/33417251.jpg" title="Skull jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=37622734" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/37622734.jpg" title="Dannijo spike jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=49159645" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/49159645.jpg" title="ABS by Allen Schwartz crystal jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=46442040" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46442040.jpg" title="Erickson Beamon chain earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=49164214" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/49164214.jpg" title="Emilie Morris square stud earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=50352229" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/50352229.jpg" title="Alexander mcqueen scarve" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=49149844" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/49149844.jpg" title="Yves Saint Laurent acetate sunglasses" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=43666246" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/43666246.jpg" title="Yves Saint Laurent eyeliner" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=36645891" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/36645891.jpg" title="Christian Dior nail polish" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div></div></div>Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-70788592257904012272012-03-10T15:12:00.001-05:002012-03-11T03:52:55.782-04:00Polyvore: 84th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet PicksI'm posting these a little late, but it's never too late to reconsider red carpet picks, potentially for future events, no?<br />
<br />
Polyvore.com hosted a contest to put together an Oscar-worthy ensemble for our favourite stars. Here are a few of the entries I created!<br />
<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/84th_annual_academy_awards_rooney/set?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=44452158"><img alt="84th Annual Academy Awards: Rooney Mara" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/44452158/id/vtMssBSVQ22z_WFHwMJaAg/size/e.jpg" title="84th Annual Academy Awards: Rooney Mara" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=51401970" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/51401970.jpg" title="Notte by Marchesa empire waist dress" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=50216961" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/50216961.jpg" title="Alexander McQueen sequin handbag" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=42375929" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/42375929.jpg" title="Mary Portas amethyst jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=48158019" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48158019.jpg" title="LORD & TAYLOR yellow gold earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=35745377" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/35745377.jpg" title="Kenneth jay lane jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=38020727" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/38020727.jpg" title="Ellis Faas eyeshadow" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=28716864" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/28716864.jpg" title="Stila blush" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=47424884" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/47424884.jpg" title="Lipstick" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div></div></div><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/84th_annual_academy_awards_melissa/set?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=44384712"><img alt="84th Annual Academy Awards: Melissa McCarthy" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/44384712/id/o0LMfxkqTkKOwTI7O63OEQ/size/e.jpg" title="84th Annual Academy Awards: Melissa McCarthy" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=48857615" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48857615.jpg" title="Layered dress" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=51192276" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/51192276.jpg" title="Roland Cartier slingback shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=46217813" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46217813.jpg" title="Clutch handbag" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=48001336" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48001336.jpg" title="Banana Republic pearl jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=40523234" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/40523234.jpg" title="Andara long ring" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=42900381" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/42900381.jpg" title="Worthington white pearl earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div></div></div><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/84th_annual_academy_awards_octavia/set?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=44380799"><img alt="84th Annual Academy Awards: Octavia Spencer" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/44380799/id/-2UEbGf4QZ_RsMUzeYf8lA/size/e.jpg" title="84th Annual Academy Awards: Octavia Spencer" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=50636711" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/50636711.jpg" title="Oscar de la Renta evening dress" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=32483903" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/32483903.jpg" title="Giuseppe Zanotti leather sandals" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=51050514" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/51050514.jpg" title="KOTUR box clutch" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=50025037" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/50025037.jpg" title="Statement necklace" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=51438680" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/51438680.jpg" title="MICHAEL Michael Kors turquoise ring" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=38441105" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/38441105.jpg" title="Sandra Dini turquoise drop earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=29393383" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/29393383.jpg" title="Yves Saint Laurent eyeshadow" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=50188833" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/50188833.jpg" title="Stila eyeshadow" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div></div></div><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/84th_annual_academy_awards_glenn/set?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=44376316"><img alt="84th Annual Academy Awards: Glenn Close" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/44376316/id/ISPCuVQMQlqb83P7hrkJZw/size/e.jpg" title="84th Annual Academy Awards: Glenn Close" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=49549246" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/49549246.jpg" title="Marchesa dress" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=34253076" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/34253076.jpg" title="Miu Miu glitter pumps" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=45883825" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/45883825.jpg" title="Anya Hindmarch box clutch" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=44118151" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/44118151.jpg" title="Cocktail ring" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=49821717" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/49821717.jpg" title="Yochi Design gold earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=46692678" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46692678.jpg" title="Dolce Gabbana makeup" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=48448236" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/48448236.jpg" title="Max Factor lipstick" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=40723786" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/40723786.jpg" title="Dolce Gabbana fragrance" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div></div></div><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/84th_annual_academy_awards_michelle/set?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=44336746"><img alt="84th Annual Academy Awards: Michelle Williams" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/44336746/id/4-g6ZpfgR4qoRi4_z3_18A/size/e.jpg" title="84th Annual Academy Awards: Michelle Williams" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=50278016" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/50278016.jpg" title="Proenza Schouler mesh cut out dress" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=46130658" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46130658.jpg" title="Manolo Blahnik patent leather shoes" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=49778287" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/49778287.jpg" title="Calvin Klein leather clutch handbag" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=46252132" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46252132.jpg" title="LORD TAYLOR diamond evil eye jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=49222315" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/49222315.jpg" title="Filigree earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=32762269" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/32762269.jpg" title="By Terry eyeshadow" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=38015585" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/38015585.jpg" title="Van Cleef Arpels fragrance" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div></div></div><div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/84th_annual_academy_awards_jessica/set?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=44335334"><img alt="84th Annual Academy Awards: Jessica Chastain" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/cid/44335334/id/rvLgN589RuKFufzrl0B2pw/size/e.jpg" title="84th Annual Academy Awards: Jessica Chastain" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 400px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=49981850" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/49981850.jpg" title="Mikael Aghal ball gown" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=50353480" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/50353480.jpg" title="Gucci high heels" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=46549636" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/46549636.jpg" title="Franchi gold clutch" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=44080999" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak2.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/44080999.jpg" title="Aurélie Bidermann gold plated jewelry" vspace="4" width="50" /></a><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing.outbound?.embedder=3412183&.svc=blogger&id=49083217" rel="nofollow"><img force="1" height="50" hspace="4" src="http://ak1.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/s/tid/49083217.jpg" title="Vince Camuto gold chandelier earrings" vspace="4" width="50" /></a></div></div></div><br />
Come <a href="http://designbycassandra.polyvore.com/" target="_blank">visit me on Polyvore</a> for more red carpet ensembles!Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-52492818107508002392012-03-09T21:46:00.000-05:002012-03-09T21:46:33.925-05:00I'm about to make a glowing recommendation, but I'm not responsible for the addictions you face.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyOBgmNogcllYenOgjyxNMLsKHm2NB2V2NdRqvNFusj0NoD4K09JnT8EijsDVf1tSJ6So1_3q34olT9tp_a9Yq5vjWQ4mzhIEeU1LVIQmwa7zPt4KN7EvU9jwAl_GAHpRuY2ndrDGTw/s1600/Pinterest_PrimaryLogo_Red_RGB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyOBgmNogcllYenOgjyxNMLsKHm2NB2V2NdRqvNFusj0NoD4K09JnT8EijsDVf1tSJ6So1_3q34olT9tp_a9Yq5vjWQ4mzhIEeU1LVIQmwa7zPt4KN7EvU9jwAl_GAHpRuY2ndrDGTw/s200/Pinterest_PrimaryLogo_Red_RGB.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VZvm8f7Eif2jES1SOrbfdM3EnUyqLmMwi6L6W9NaRUxwti6DpWiI4_BRDl-yrIjs4TWcMiiZTv7tRJc3bsqbOAduk6SxbCbfXGratX6MeKkH6IxHZCXhP63b99J0dfAzEM_XynPlMw/s1600/buddyicon_white_black_300x300.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VZvm8f7Eif2jES1SOrbfdM3EnUyqLmMwi6L6W9NaRUxwti6DpWiI4_BRDl-yrIjs4TWcMiiZTv7tRJc3bsqbOAduk6SxbCbfXGratX6MeKkH6IxHZCXhP63b99J0dfAzEM_XynPlMw/s200/buddyicon_white_black_300x300.png" width="200" /></a>Over the past few days, I've discovered the 'mood board glory' that is Pinterest, after hearing so much about it. After receiving an invitation from a friend to join the group (exclusive!), I went crazy and created something like 27 boards or so full of favourite images of all sorts - makeup and hair tips, fashion to covet, geekery, DIY ideas, and a few more in there. Come follow me if you're on it, we'll probably swap a bunch of cool stuff. <br />
<br />
Speaking of cool stuff found on Pinterest, that's what lead me to Polyvore. I kept seeing awesome-looking clothing ensembles in what looked like print magazine layouts being repinned, which peaked my interest. That lead to a site called Polyvore, and if your a clothes-horse, fashion junkie, trendwatcher or just someone who knows how to put together a good outfit, welcome to your dream closet. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Come find me on both sites and we'll have some fun swapping ideas!Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-21236563168280132532012-02-14T17:15:00.000-05:002012-02-25T21:39:49.622-05:00Happy Valentine's Day!T'is a day of tortured, unrequited love or the day you man up and confess it. Let me help you with these wonderful do-it-yourself Valentines!<br />
<br />
Free for you, just need to print out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7fLLXOcFxdt3hdX1o3UfXspk60O46PYENhNsSKrLZfmqwuqdKHoXT7zjkyaZ4a9Pk0JtOYhmPg4S9bdeAg9MWhb6LxF_7f-KILweHFanUq4E6dIWm89YspJWWCljH6HWHs-mmuqDVg/s1600/v-day+note+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7fLLXOcFxdt3hdX1o3UfXspk60O46PYENhNsSKrLZfmqwuqdKHoXT7zjkyaZ4a9Pk0JtOYhmPg4S9bdeAg9MWhb6LxF_7f-KILweHFanUq4E6dIWm89YspJWWCljH6HWHs-mmuqDVg/s320/v-day+note+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0eWWRDyjyin7WqjlUmKWYcn8mIo16h3BaHZ-I-oMataYNth7eAhX6wiIK9l4CbPQ26szMYZcqEiird27lS5Dhi2vT62ZVsGJVEM0Ha2JWxP_LeihLc72wNSmrfwDFCn5VeyTpejvYw/s1600/v-day+note+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0eWWRDyjyin7WqjlUmKWYcn8mIo16h3BaHZ-I-oMataYNth7eAhX6wiIK9l4CbPQ26szMYZcqEiird27lS5Dhi2vT62ZVsGJVEM0Ha2JWxP_LeihLc72wNSmrfwDFCn5VeyTpejvYw/s320/v-day+note+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1NcecF49C-0P7LNlq42-sBXbw80EmRIXf603n5FvcAsnrz0OQXzfsfPrn4E51qsiYs-rhGZ8Nzb3w957WMFpVNzbZXblRN87SVAPuhpKnwbx3rls0TCSBcJ17jjJzsYXEWN2LSqvxw/s1600/v-day+note+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1NcecF49C-0P7LNlq42-sBXbw80EmRIXf603n5FvcAsnrz0OQXzfsfPrn4E51qsiYs-rhGZ8Nzb3w957WMFpVNzbZXblRN87SVAPuhpKnwbx3rls0TCSBcJ17jjJzsYXEWN2LSqvxw/s320/v-day+note+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiK0mBN3NSRoMftvmnIs6G57eHhLTqR__r69BpME9LmjEVzPku4lknnEfnihaMDvdMdxiY46EsDu8uwk35IcOxS5SdgU0Kt8MbpHozQeJtGJ9gMagoAa04Z1278bDWspMVEM3hny3aA/s1600/anti-v+note+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiK0mBN3NSRoMftvmnIs6G57eHhLTqR__r69BpME9LmjEVzPku4lknnEfnihaMDvdMdxiY46EsDu8uwk35IcOxS5SdgU0Kt8MbpHozQeJtGJ9gMagoAa04Z1278bDWspMVEM3hny3aA/s320/anti-v+note+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxe0yPJBBkkz8nrw8UdYwm_yCzoj6P09Y8pmg4ItrWmHmZ-J6IKlgfUiTYP9uwq0Ug5F2JhfIJUyszPDs_IY7qj3B2TXFEipKBdGRWtVgCft9Nh6vhNROaxFfiCUrNoDsh6_wn0vQpkw/s1600/anti-v+note+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxe0yPJBBkkz8nrw8UdYwm_yCzoj6P09Y8pmg4ItrWmHmZ-J6IKlgfUiTYP9uwq0Ug5F2JhfIJUyszPDs_IY7qj3B2TXFEipKBdGRWtVgCft9Nh6vhNROaxFfiCUrNoDsh6_wn0vQpkw/s320/anti-v+note+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvG1fLpsr59CvPoNdRLw21sFhSkIbCkzm5ao-ChQ5oaouGJLYuh9W2PGz5YDYZ4osqeSZ_pjZbFqUyifMtSI1hdXkQEE7wae8XYsfaO-AiONhGl_D48TqPHbC0n9CZH8IctNceZo82Q/s1600/anti-v+note+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvG1fLpsr59CvPoNdRLw21sFhSkIbCkzm5ao-ChQ5oaouGJLYuh9W2PGz5YDYZ4osqeSZ_pjZbFqUyifMtSI1hdXkQEE7wae8XYsfaO-AiONhGl_D48TqPHbC0n9CZH8IctNceZo82Q/s320/anti-v+note+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-40750708930218027212012-01-28T03:15:00.002-05:002012-01-28T03:17:28.218-05:00I Got A Part in BMT's 'Guys & Dolls'!Oh, I've been away for a little while, I'm terribly sorry. I've been updating my performance art blog, <a href="http://cassandraspursuit.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Pursuit</a>, with a whole bunch of nutty rehearsal debauchery. I'm happy to say that I'm carrying a 'family tradition' of sorts and got a part in the ensemble cast of Brampton Music Theatre's <i>Guys & Dolls, </i>and have been recording rehearsals for posterity and memory's sake.<br />
<br />
I also thought I'd have a little fun and make some 'fan art'. Whaddaya think?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW9L2rym8EtCBmO5mRpcjDu-8xuBwWRHE3DjRdRyMfsy9ql4YaHtHXQUzZMspIL80MbLkqS62QdYqMukGZxU7zWZI_YV3Yk91hF1SFwLGBvtum1EcLftQwkE48rKntam86CtAMMikoQ/s1600/G&D+graphic+dice+roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXW9L2rym8EtCBmO5mRpcjDu-8xuBwWRHE3DjRdRyMfsy9ql4YaHtHXQUzZMspIL80MbLkqS62QdYqMukGZxU7zWZI_YV3Yk91hF1SFwLGBvtum1EcLftQwkE48rKntam86CtAMMikoQ/s640/G&D+graphic+dice+roll.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><br />
Print design is like a grown-up colouring book for me. I slaved over this thing in ridiculous detail; the specific angle of the fedora, making sure the yellow wasn't too bright, and I went through a billion fonts (sorry, over exaggerating) for Lady Luck's signoff. I love it. I may print a few of these off on nice paper, laminate them and give them out as bookmarks to castmates as souveniers. <br />
<br />
Well, I guess the work paid off! I had been asked by the producer during our last rehearsal if I could design the program for the show. I am incredibly <i>excited.</i> This will be loads of fun. I'll be posting a few sneak peeks here of some stuff I come up with for your perusal!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, feel free to check out <a href="http://cassandraspursuit.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Pursuit</a> and follow the blog to keep updated with the G&D rehearsal process and where to get tickets!Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-59112796987557848462012-01-20T20:40:00.000-05:002012-02-25T21:39:49.625-05:00'The ants have invaded': Picnik.com is Closing April 19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiGi89STDB-4Z4ePMHOURIgpIDkraMHHl2PbPpKuT5iorNZ8O0daiu-O73U2iv6Eve7OsIbvaVZ-MyUGTGR2kwkEm4CXRJRo3YDU_KSUBl-cZrrCjLplhJumkPiFs3hGO4OSfMaylsA/s1600/picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOiGi89STDB-4Z4ePMHOURIgpIDkraMHHl2PbPpKuT5iorNZ8O0daiu-O73U2iv6Eve7OsIbvaVZ-MyUGTGR2kwkEm4CXRJRo3YDU_KSUBl-cZrrCjLplhJumkPiFs3hGO4OSfMaylsA/s200/picnik.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Yep, a little maddening and upsetting, it was my secret weapon for all this time. I created just about every single graphic on this and other blogs, made my jewelry photos and collages gorgeous, and now it'll be gone as of April.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://picnik.com/">Picnik.com</a>, one of the greatest and easiest photo editing tools this side of Microsoft Paint, will be closing its site on April 19, 2012. It seems that Google+ has requisitioned them in some way, yet I still don't seem to understand if and how they'll be available. <br />
<br />
So, I guess I gotta stop being lazy and learn PhotoShop.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I invite you to <a href="http://picnik.com/" target="_blank">take advantage of their premium packages</a> they're offering for free - I know I'll be ravaging the site for what it's worth. I've been working on an online portfolio of my latest jewelry creations and will be using all these features locked out to me before as a free user. :)Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-42098582650562278472012-01-09T23:03:00.001-05:002012-01-09T23:04:20.946-05:00How to make mini pom-poms!I came across something on Facebook from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vogue-Knitting/91533205498" target="_blank">Vogue Knitting</a> that I've got to try. It looks pretty simple, too!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0_kgBnlTITAAwSgxcQuqjfdIlOJMT0jWIjBAP5xXldvDP4ji-OK9Yh5h_ah5oi_Xns24HC5C7B9nmUUazoT9RWKHgAL7H9RGEVkdtAmKWrzNUzFwB4QGCcY0Dw4XjZj8mke0GYBIqw/s1600/270072_10150311692665499_91533205498_9838262_270675_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0_kgBnlTITAAwSgxcQuqjfdIlOJMT0jWIjBAP5xXldvDP4ji-OK9Yh5h_ah5oi_Xns24HC5C7B9nmUUazoT9RWKHgAL7H9RGEVkdtAmKWrzNUzFwB4QGCcY0Dw4XjZj8mke0GYBIqw/s400/270072_10150311692665499_91533205498_9838262_270675_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now I've got to find something to cover in pom-poms ... I'll be back ...Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-32675588416274188342012-01-07T11:37:00.003-05:002012-02-25T21:39:49.629-05:00Valentine's Special!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXpdmNrlNOmbaLseunfQ489NO-khpE3PSTZ2QpTPbjWUmQbE1AuLmqEkKwTG1jRdQj-RKXoe1Klm1DPlSNzJLWC6fVR7UXKwn7yAbYp9T63BOxS1Ry6Vuvr73zsD0qBh4hcgvvLRk7w/s1600/heart+necklace+internet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXpdmNrlNOmbaLseunfQ489NO-khpE3PSTZ2QpTPbjWUmQbE1AuLmqEkKwTG1jRdQj-RKXoe1Klm1DPlSNzJLWC6fVR7UXKwn7yAbYp9T63BOxS1Ry6Vuvr73zsD0qBh4hcgvvLRk7w/s400/heart+necklace+internet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thinking early about Valentine's Day? Me, too! I'll be opening my workshop/apartment to appointments and private parties and serving light refreshments for anyone who'd like to come by for a little shopping party! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't forget - mention where you saw the necklace above and receive a free gift when you arrive! Leave a comment below or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/designbycassandra" target="_blank">message me on Facebook</a> for your appointment!</div><span id="goog_976670553"></span><span id="goog_976670554"></span>Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-60993887874890765772012-01-07T02:54:00.001-05:002012-01-08T02:02:36.667-05:00The Pantone Colour of 2012: Tangerine Tango<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIYx-xJ9htn_xmxWQ_-DjUxdqCaO6HIrkjVnX_AWTqbxLQ3BZERy_8tIbP80tGV6c3WlMiOSeYBFD5lLGiGylUs4rTRapF8-O15QuXwC1UCbndZUj1s0Paq8HQasUUNTtKZ4bFtLZ2w/s1600/pantone+2012+spring+colour+palate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXIYx-xJ9htn_xmxWQ_-DjUxdqCaO6HIrkjVnX_AWTqbxLQ3BZERy_8tIbP80tGV6c3WlMiOSeYBFD5lLGiGylUs4rTRapF8-O15QuXwC1UCbndZUj1s0Paq8HQasUUNTtKZ4bFtLZ2w/s320/pantone+2012+spring+colour+palate.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Keep an eye on this colour palate; it will dominate fashion runways and couture in some interesting mixes and interpretations. Pantone Inc., the 'authority in colour', has released the <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr.aspx?pg=20911&ca=4" target="_blank">Spring 2012 Fashion Colour Report</a>, and has also announced the dominating hue that has been named the Colour of 2012 - <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/category.aspx?ca=88" target="_blank">Tangerine Tango</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Das righ'</i>, we'll break it down and say 'sunshine orange' for those who may not be the biggest fan of including the colour in your personal wardrobe. It's a fine line between statement and pumpkin, yeah? It's a happy colour, and I've so far personally identified it with a 'happy feeling', <a href="http://static02.mediaite.com/styleite/uploads/gallery/beyonce-vmas-2011/b2.jpg" target="_blank">watching Beyonce walk the 2011 VMA red carpet in a one-shoulder Lanvin 'tangerine dream'</a> as she featured a pronounced baby bump. (I was dancing in my seat when it happened - I love the woman!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But we ain't B, are we? *wink* It is a bold colour, but you can't help but smile at it when you see it. It's a colour I see myself wearing (whether the skin tone can handle it is another issue to deal with), but not head-to-toe - I'd rather not subject people to staring into a tangerine abyss and cause migraines. An accent or the right piece can always make a difference, or even softening the intensity of the hue, depending on the piece. The colour itself is dramatic with a strong red base, but gives a "friendly glow" with its heavy orange undertones, almost giving way to a yellow aura of warmth. It'll be a colour that just might make your day a little better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Check out a few different ideas Tangerine Tango can dance its way into your wardrobe, combined with other elements from the Spring 2012 Colour Palate!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvZZQuUEOm4fEVGJrz44l8IjLRo0fOdR4KfcRUkZC_iCaGiYchYpSmpfibb4eVgc-EMmMRuOZ6cfDNArxsnmKjWYGLMOfC7lirTGMhhLZeS1BRnF_qoyHEKARKeQgIrY7zq4jmrlpiw/s1600/tangerine+tango+statement+necklace+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvZZQuUEOm4fEVGJrz44l8IjLRo0fOdR4KfcRUkZC_iCaGiYchYpSmpfibb4eVgc-EMmMRuOZ6cfDNArxsnmKjWYGLMOfC7lirTGMhhLZeS1BRnF_qoyHEKARKeQgIrY7zq4jmrlpiw/s320/tangerine+tango+statement+necklace+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: cutout dress, Rachel Roy :: bib necklace, Lizzie Fortunato ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMYdXVmOTcb4fSz_jhc6p_uU_ie2qzXA_siCqKyQtTevU_btw10CSxVl94qcEIBpYFzIpTg3tjfzsJ2looqgnU5PVXgesyGW6eYTsUQNutM_Ftl7_b8JgdHLJjKvE5_-tcAP-i3YiPw/s1600/tangerine+tango+collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMYdXVmOTcb4fSz_jhc6p_uU_ie2qzXA_siCqKyQtTevU_btw10CSxVl94qcEIBpYFzIpTg3tjfzsJ2looqgnU5PVXgesyGW6eYTsUQNutM_Ftl7_b8JgdHLJjKvE5_-tcAP-i3YiPw/s320/tangerine+tango+collage+1.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: shirtdress, Nordstrom :: necklace pendant, no artist listed (let me know if this is you!) ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRAIL-eCxCeZgs85DRoz8unTyVxsRVFxp5KvfmYbadt8Y6LDawvArfLntWe8b1L1bRQhTzmUXFUFL08EwjGLEtlG4yaNcApXt6OBZxy35sJQ6yCfk3TpEqDVeMPu-t4fH-kFb3SuV_g/s1600/tangerine+tango+starfish+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRAIL-eCxCeZgs85DRoz8unTyVxsRVFxp5KvfmYbadt8Y6LDawvArfLntWe8b1L1bRQhTzmUXFUFL08EwjGLEtlG4yaNcApXt6OBZxy35sJQ6yCfk3TpEqDVeMPu-t4fH-kFb3SuV_g/s320/tangerine+tango+starfish+collage+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: tote, Diane von Fuerstenburg :: ring, Alkemie + Nautilus ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8agHjfWXrYVzhR6AtOmxcWlu-LHF5O8MQf8WYQbtaiY5qkdqLYdSKfxku1vSgABRszXFAQFoTmELth0joDFKTBtgdnKjYmujSgfzymqPO5pXDkhnl7xClxuXzookZZiVDcuOQV4LVw/s1600/tangerine+tango+starfish+collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8agHjfWXrYVzhR6AtOmxcWlu-LHF5O8MQf8WYQbtaiY5qkdqLYdSKfxku1vSgABRszXFAQFoTmELth0joDFKTBtgdnKjYmujSgfzymqPO5pXDkhnl7xClxuXzookZZiVDcuOQV4LVw/s320/tangerine+tango+starfish+collage+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: trench coat, Moncler :: ballet flats, Michael Kors ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcKuGe_n9EX80J6o_jso0P_SD3FkAtwi34AZA2BbV82RXFdPD3b1n6OT6X9D3lg2bNVS8opi8abp1NYx9CIrY_jpU9EXLx2S9F5T2G561boORmShqy5-pmLhEy6HsZrlPecpxJhficA/s1600/tangerine+tango+sodalite+collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcKuGe_n9EX80J6o_jso0P_SD3FkAtwi34AZA2BbV82RXFdPD3b1n6OT6X9D3lg2bNVS8opi8abp1NYx9CIrY_jpU9EXLx2S9F5T2G561boORmShqy5-pmLhEy6HsZrlPecpxJhficA/s320/tangerine+tango+sodalite+collage+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: tangerine briollette necklace, no artist listed (let me know if this is you!) :: dress, Amanda Archer :: </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dNT4g_s37lQSmqrhm6kvcB8gMHgXa3qN96bBl_WcBhCmWiYwKwaySfgekVfOTlRhTqUzwni9Zv9k1_Qzl24KFwcoc8RWqSmwowuQAaBXp5wn91LXrYInFhtC4QVMFcxO03tSEuPrnQ/s1600/tangerine+tango+sodalite+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dNT4g_s37lQSmqrhm6kvcB8gMHgXa3qN96bBl_WcBhCmWiYwKwaySfgekVfOTlRhTqUzwni9Zv9k1_Qzl24KFwcoc8RWqSmwowuQAaBXp5wn91LXrYInFhtC4QVMFcxO03tSEuPrnQ/s320/tangerine+tango+sodalite+collage+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: dress, Peplum :: necklace, Amrita Singh ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKoFL594yT92iABBk7kIvJzFdeUfgG4jhutvwzTu0OYg537sgj_SOtRhTLNa_roqEGgYEs5bZaUt_KCFEGMicg_rabdz2IT1OmO6Dsk2IdeiuKh-b-Zg4NvQIw8zftDSuwdlS5wSQVg/s1600/tangerine+tango+sodalite+collage+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKoFL594yT92iABBk7kIvJzFdeUfgG4jhutvwzTu0OYg537sgj_SOtRhTLNa_roqEGgYEs5bZaUt_KCFEGMicg_rabdz2IT1OmO6Dsk2IdeiuKh-b-Zg4NvQIw8zftDSuwdlS5wSQVg/s320/tangerine+tango+sodalite+collage+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: earrings, Not One Sparrow :: ring, Lola Rose ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_8T13OT7bdEC_t4RSkHnFqJhUW-8G48dRLQbFdsppta-NvY2ea-AVZGQrQC2OVvgiTnLfb2nfnOYeNj6rSVILQuyCKXRDvwi4BPc2sASGhXUCLz_mAnkt-JFeq5pwOT9YYRIqyDjfg/s1600/tangerine+tango+sodalite+collage+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_8T13OT7bdEC_t4RSkHnFqJhUW-8G48dRLQbFdsppta-NvY2ea-AVZGQrQC2OVvgiTnLfb2nfnOYeNj6rSVILQuyCKXRDvwi4BPc2sASGhXUCLz_mAnkt-JFeq5pwOT9YYRIqyDjfg/s320/tangerine+tango+sodalite+collage+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: clutch, ASOS :: platform heels, TopShop ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Aaaaaand, and few more outfit ideas I may borrow from in the future ...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VObBg94nGX52B73h2gndO-CSlXY2fzXtxMuzLwsSV6NHzfxra-DbwmH5-ls7SXtObk6ZnvRtSIH3cEsXNYyYWHvnM-PAH9FDVLFKotLpFAZMR_lln8IvLr3y51RMue7CeojD7okpBQ/s1600/tangerine+tango+outfit+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VObBg94nGX52B73h2gndO-CSlXY2fzXtxMuzLwsSV6NHzfxra-DbwmH5-ls7SXtObk6ZnvRtSIH3cEsXNYyYWHvnM-PAH9FDVLFKotLpFAZMR_lln8IvLr3y51RMue7CeojD7okpBQ/s320/tangerine+tango+outfit+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: D-Squared :: Kate Spade :: Marc by Marc Jacobs ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I'll be rummaging through my stash for some inspiration and see how I can blend a little brightness into my wardrobe for this upcoming season.<br />
<br />
What's your take on the colour palate? What colour combinations draw your eye the most?Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-3153442985075550812012-01-06T01:20:00.001-05:002012-01-06T01:20:22.467-05:00Catchup from the Holidays ...Hi everybody! It's been a while ...<br />
<br />
Since the new job, I hadn't been making too much jewelry as of late, which has really been taking its toll on me recently. It's all been a focus of clearing out stuff I'm not using, being more organized with my supplies and setting up a workspace that can be packed away a little more easily. I have lofty ideas, but they're attainable. I have come a little ways since my last purge; sometimes it takes more than one!<br />
<br />
My flakiness might also be an affect of the closing of my Etsy shop. I will say that I've learned quite a bit from my Etsy experience that I can take to further pursuits. I may open up shop again! All in due time ...<br />
<br />
My recent posts may have given you a bit of a toothache; my modest kitchen turned into a badass cookie machine over the holidays, as I had opted to bake some delicious treats for family and friends. As much as I didn't want to see another cookie between Christmas and New Years, I've got loads of ideas for Valentines Day ... as well as branching out on some other nifty baking ventures.<br />
<br />
And with all that cookie karma that I gave out, Nick and I got something really nifty this year. My Dad and stepmum had made us a set of stackable wood 'book cubes' made from knotty pine. We've got a rather large book collection, and it was nice to see it from stacks on the floor to a unique bookcase that is easily moveable if we move or decide to change things around. We made even add to it with our own cubes, if we're feeling ambitious! Thank you, thank you, Dad and M - they're beautiful!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAGVvqUPU57VEZzyXS5Y4geCsvLfp4O3sxFmi4rL9NLUqvHYB70KKWAvuC16RJJBBlB6lOfle5HpB96MzAsfNNX7Le16cDAMGVvwDJoLnXgHgZNz-L60E-JXYPEZNdSHyy5iDeb4GsQ/s1600/402479_10151085496350261_671760260_22103832_907405224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAGVvqUPU57VEZzyXS5Y4geCsvLfp4O3sxFmi4rL9NLUqvHYB70KKWAvuC16RJJBBlB6lOfle5HpB96MzAsfNNX7Le16cDAMGVvwDJoLnXgHgZNz-L60E-JXYPEZNdSHyy5iDeb4GsQ/s320/402479_10151085496350261_671760260_22103832_907405224_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-88209687088984093202011-12-25T08:21:00.000-05:002012-02-25T21:39:49.633-05:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1SqPdY0IC2q1VetIGk9HHr-LZbbR9S1tBdr7pZOuuBMlRtU0-P-TAxWnEBRi1g0HKaSeaXv9DjWt0XrqQrxlccj1jH2l-kpBciiZ68UNgA6wWmc2nDDXyDfZyrUKSiXqKiqJXSSdLg/s1600/xmas+card+outside+framed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1SqPdY0IC2q1VetIGk9HHr-LZbbR9S1tBdr7pZOuuBMlRtU0-P-TAxWnEBRi1g0HKaSeaXv9DjWt0XrqQrxlccj1jH2l-kpBciiZ68UNgA6wWmc2nDDXyDfZyrUKSiXqKiqJXSSdLg/s320/xmas+card+outside+framed.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
May your days be merry and bright!Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-23034165280085806192011-11-26T19:59:00.001-05:002011-11-26T19:59:57.214-05:00Cheating the Recipe ... and Winning!I'm very lucky that I've 'bastardized' these recipes and had some reasonable success. It's all about trial and error sometimes. It's more fun that way. Come check out the latest concoctions!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAMN4Bwoo1K-Y0IruvYdT0FW3N_bEE8d0I7_OfaYtShyphenhyphenEyy8fe3-ta3d8ALqQmGX23No5O4ZzTz993MekLFHdsXNGMBaYLWkk8fg0I34wCC0vNIVMA4GRsGMiYCQNY52GdMS2tE39zA/s1600/cherry+spearmint+shortcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAMN4Bwoo1K-Y0IruvYdT0FW3N_bEE8d0I7_OfaYtShyphenhyphenEyy8fe3-ta3d8ALqQmGX23No5O4ZzTz993MekLFHdsXNGMBaYLWkk8fg0I34wCC0vNIVMA4GRsGMiYCQNY52GdMS2tE39zA/s320/cherry+spearmint+shortcake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I had originally found this recipe on the back of the of a bulk box of Sour Patch Zombies when I bought them for Halloween. The recipe is incredibly simple, but patience is needed when you're moulding your little dumplings ... or whatever you'd like to do. I've scanned the clipping for the original recipe, called 'Monster Toes'.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivb7Hje9847UrL6hyzQETjAl5abucJFNRfNoFRF1v8ALIqgv3u3poCbfDevP_BpGL_OR18_sbNDIpt2rcaizDLtSX94KYBsrn1iPuDNNF-vKJIQenjDo7o7wx24tufluHQsc_G7PY46w/s1600/jello+shortbread+recipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivb7Hje9847UrL6hyzQETjAl5abucJFNRfNoFRF1v8ALIqgv3u3poCbfDevP_BpGL_OR18_sbNDIpt2rcaizDLtSX94KYBsrn1iPuDNNF-vKJIQenjDo7o7wx24tufluHQsc_G7PY46w/s400/jello+shortbread+recipe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: click to enlarge ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I had only made two changes to the ingredients; I had used cherry Jell-O instead of lime and replaced the Swedish Berries candy with gummy spearmint leaves. The dough is very crumbly, like a shortbread, and a little weird to roll out flat. I had instead made palm-sized dumplings and pushed the leaves into the middle. They turned out decently, I guess. They're not how I'd like them to look - I'm picky about presentation - but I'm impressed for the first try. Yes, I did eat one - and they're pretty damn delicious, like a flavoured shortbread consistency. An easy recipe to do with kids!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1FhtefB7Ilya_sAMdIy2QKgoCDyHHYcji0VfRvDmeBerKT7UayRCN66KxgwPbVlS_C7B7gabi58kFc5GUy_B4jPaLMTIHZmMi8-njXu-4-9yHMwoaqFEUWsdtH4s1iJEvbebBWFhQw/s1600/reeses+pieces+truffles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1FhtefB7Ilya_sAMdIy2QKgoCDyHHYcji0VfRvDmeBerKT7UayRCN66KxgwPbVlS_C7B7gabi58kFc5GUy_B4jPaLMTIHZmMi8-njXu-4-9yHMwoaqFEUWsdtH4s1iJEvbebBWFhQw/s320/reeses+pieces+truffles.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: Reese's Pieces Truffles ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>This one didn't turn out as well as I wanted, but I know how to correct myself for next time. In the meantime, they're still delicious and edible. Here's the original recipe that I found in a little holiday recipe book I bought in the grocery store, called<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0Ozrhz59RL2vEqC-kprXGN0UzzOkWurthTl2c46U8NJVp2eyQ_iO5xR6MlVZz16JDzw3oxwJGvQ2Ygzd_9adAIZgtItt4MkSJrFEniy-ChiAOuSlWWlsYVcRoJM4QV6sUzBDDlMrvQ/s1600/fudge+krispy+truffles+scan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0Ozrhz59RL2vEqC-kprXGN0UzzOkWurthTl2c46U8NJVp2eyQ_iO5xR6MlVZz16JDzw3oxwJGvQ2Ygzd_9adAIZgtItt4MkSJrFEniy-ChiAOuSlWWlsYVcRoJM4QV6sUzBDDlMrvQ/s400/fudge+krispy+truffles+scan.jpg" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: click to enlarge ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The changes here were using Reese's Puff cereal and dark melting chocolate. The problem happened with the cereal-to-melted-chocolate ratio - too much cereal in the chocolate and nothing would hold together quite well. I dropped teaspoonfuls into small paper cups and drizzled a little chocolate sauce over each to help them stick together. I shook some icing sugar over the whole batch for an added touch. I'll be trying this one again, second time's a charm, yeah?<br />
<br />
Have fun with the recipes - lots of wiggle room!Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-47657182307541783902011-11-26T15:45:00.004-05:002012-01-07T22:01:03.482-05:00Late Night ShortbreadSo, I couldn't sleep last night with all the excitement and nerves of my <a href="http://cassandraspursuit.blogspot.com/search/label/BMT%20Youth%20Troupe" target="_blank">BMT Youth Troupe classes</a> performing after ten weeks. The Theatre Tech class is having a bake sale to support the upcoming youth troupe production of Disney's <i>Camp Rock: The Musical</i>, and just so happens my work friend LA had let me borrow all sorts of fun baking stuff - including a guitar-shaped cookie cutter.<br />
<br />
So, what's a girl to do when she can't sleep? Fish out the secret family shortbread recipe and try it out for the first time. I'd like to tell everyone at this point it was about three in the morning when I decided this.<br />
<br />
Again, forgive the picture, it's from my iTouch. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbr3Wg6WZDT_SN_5IovM3jgZAm-HVPsw5JdP74w5coqLncFXS21WhGGpZJaevhvxFsVXcEqUUURrKsvigzAxUn8a0s_VIE_pGQIS9d0BaZB4Eb6uhg5vUj23BMvVqEYgvUHww_5_tykw/s1600/rock+n+roll+shortbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbr3Wg6WZDT_SN_5IovM3jgZAm-HVPsw5JdP74w5coqLncFXS21WhGGpZJaevhvxFsVXcEqUUURrKsvigzAxUn8a0s_VIE_pGQIS9d0BaZB4Eb6uhg5vUj23BMvVqEYgvUHww_5_tykw/s400/rock+n+roll+shortbread.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
No, I'm not giving you the recipe. It's a family secret. What you do see sprinkled on top are crushed rainbow candy canes, because who doesn't like candy with their shortbread?<br />
<br />
The performances went very well, and the cookies sold out rather quickly. Not bad for the first batch ever. In life. Mum, aren't you proud of me?<br />
<br />
I'm going to bed now.Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-68889525573420469112011-11-23T20:19:00.005-05:002011-11-26T15:48:01.184-05:00The Quickest Way To Santa's Heart - Christmas Baking!I loved giving and receiving baked goods for the holidays. Knowing the person took time to make it with love, and you're anything like me, you want to get every detail right in presentation. Experimentation is always fun, too, adding different ingredients and having a little fun with different recipes.<br />
<br />
I've been posting <a href="http://www.facebook.com/designbycassandra" target="_blank">photos on Facebook</a> of the stuff right out of the oven with my iTouch, with some fantastic feedback and demands for recipes. So, I relent. Here they are - and the best part is that you can probably mess with 'em a little yourself!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUREpd1Pj2HaojgbPMZRsmiOAU7GeNwbPDrFsT54yQ2KeVIiUZ7mGln8NLTIfMX_1YuMc0ZYz_wpkfbsW7HgC7NRXOlTcyY-IJbPZY1rnMFmwCALwHN5ZO4UxOL1KlW1WUoG7IIz8HKA/s1600/apple+cinn+banana+bread+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUREpd1Pj2HaojgbPMZRsmiOAU7GeNwbPDrFsT54yQ2KeVIiUZ7mGln8NLTIfMX_1YuMc0ZYz_wpkfbsW7HgC7NRXOlTcyY-IJbPZY1rnMFmwCALwHN5ZO4UxOL1KlW1WUoG7IIz8HKA/s320/apple+cinn+banana+bread+trees.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: Banana Apple Cinnamon Tannenbaum Cakes ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Banana bread is a staple of mine, and it's popular wherever it goes. I have a few variations and 'secret ingredients' depending on what's around in the kitchen. Here's the basic recipe to build from:<br />
<ul><li>1 cup sugar</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>1 1/2 cup flour</li>
<li>1/4 cup melted butter</li>
<li>1 tsp salt</li>
<li>1 tsp baking soda</li>
<li>approx. 3 ripe bananas (add another half or full one if you want, s'okay)</li>
</ul>This recipe was given to me from a former roommate's mum, written hastily on an auto parts memo pad. There's no specific order to combining ingredients, just throw 'em all in a big bowl and mix away till it's nice and smooth. Bake for about an hour or so until those toothpicks come out crumb-free.<br />
<br />
Here are a few 'ingredient variations' that I've made:<br />
<ul><li>I've used brown sugar instead of white, making the bread more dense and moist.</li>
<li>I don't really melt the butter anymore. In fact, soft margarine is just as fine.</li>
<li>Baking soda or powder is really interchangeable in this recipe.</li>
<li>I've used bananas in all sorts of states; frozen, ripe and fresh. For best banana flavour, catch 'em when they're bruising and black. If you're buying bananas for future baking use, leave them out on a wood surface to bruise, them throw them in a safe place in your freezer. Preferably where your boyfriend or husband doesn't throw the ice cream. Fresh bananas give the bread a nice light flavour, not too overpowering.</li>
<li>Mix in fruit! I had finely chopped up some Spartan apples and added a dash of cinnamon into the batter for the Banana Apple Cinnamon Tannenbaum Cakes. Previous recipes have also included strawberries, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, whatever cereal's in the cupboard, marshmallows, cookie crumbles, candies, all sorts of stuff. </li>
</ul>I've got these individually wrapped in plastic wrap and tucked away in a strong cookie tin in my freezer. I've read that so as long as the wrap is good, your banana bread will keep for a few weeks. I'm not too worried - these babies will be consumed before too long. Like I said, they get around, and they're <i>popular.</i> <br />
<ul></ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2i2ZVWSGEoBlbE8YDXyLD0rxO3iBzGP6Rzl3DYoJTgBtXjF0qqMoniNUUhHsXNEsvPWCnZA7KFgKdLowbNlX98VsjPwhRz24VtNGB1a-poiH5dzrYxm_K8hK-flB6qv8vdqGtFpEYuw/s1600/chocolate+mint+cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2i2ZVWSGEoBlbE8YDXyLD0rxO3iBzGP6Rzl3DYoJTgBtXjF0qqMoniNUUhHsXNEsvPWCnZA7KFgKdLowbNlX98VsjPwhRz24VtNGB1a-poiH5dzrYxm_K8hK-flB6qv8vdqGtFpEYuw/s320/chocolate+mint+cupcake.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: Chocolate Mint Cupcakes ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GAF4uBxZ6vHJwnQvRkaemmeZokRPuomDUka2Q6OcFxVbPTDhdQ8kt60Qv50CXO9putbUyWjMci1hyTfYnmmnBk06XqbnwgKtno59FbFwa9kFrcf8YyzvL-WlBMTYrApYD15hLU3ywQ/s1600/chocolate+tree+cakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GAF4uBxZ6vHJwnQvRkaemmeZokRPuomDUka2Q6OcFxVbPTDhdQ8kt60Qv50CXO9putbUyWjMci1hyTfYnmmnBk06XqbnwgKtno59FbFwa9kFrcf8YyzvL-WlBMTYrApYD15hLU3ywQ/s320/chocolate+tree+cakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: Chocolate Tannenbaum Cakes with artisan strawberry-rhubarb jam filling ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
These delectable beauties came from a devil's food cake mix. Dollops were dropped into paper cups and sprinkled with crushed peppermint and chocolate mint candies. The mini-Christmas tree baking tins (also used for the banana muffins above) were so much fun! The cupcakes somewhat overfilled the tins which made for nice snacks during the rest of the preparation process. After cutting the tops off and leaving some nice chocolate-shaped tree cakes, I had cut them in the middle lengthwise and spread a teaspoon of a lovely artisan strawberry-rhubarb jam, given to me as a gift for attending a colleague's wedding. I threw them in the freezer for now, hoping I'll get a chance to coat them in melted chocolate and turn them into little Jos Louis.<br />
<br />
Here's a few more brainstorms for cake filling:<br />
<ul><li>Fluffernutter (for those not in the know, it's spreadable marshmallow!)</li>
<li>Peanut butter - check for allergies!</li>
<li>Favourite jams, jellies or preservatives</li>
<li>Hazelnut spread, or your classic Nutella</li>
<li>Pie filling</li>
</ul>The jam I had used for these chocolate cakes was a homemade jam given as a gift, so it was something I wanted to use sparingly, or for a special purpose. I admit - I had a few. They're so good. <br />
<br />
I've got a few more recipes I've found in some interesting places I'd love to share. I'll be trying out some more over the next few days or so, so keep an eye out here and on the Facebook page for more fun Christmas stuff! <br />
<ul></ul><span id="goog_360621798"></span><span id="goog_360621799"></span>Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-9780615048635517952011-11-20T01:58:00.002-05:002011-11-22T21:12:25.485-05:00Meditation #6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAllvM8dnyiJSWsjqz9lX5eFy3OBHx2un_3YbLZeqZDXMzbz3ErQjihdMsDXTqTHYfbn8qAQaYovlNBgfpTAxKoAOx08prL47xT0OxvsC9NXePiI4VxBEA-RiTjNvdYGO0Vi-L0GeqbA/s1600/people+cry+framed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAllvM8dnyiJSWsjqz9lX5eFy3OBHx2un_3YbLZeqZDXMzbz3ErQjihdMsDXTqTHYfbn8qAQaYovlNBgfpTAxKoAOx08prL47xT0OxvsC9NXePiI4VxBEA-RiTjNvdYGO0Vi-L0GeqbA/s320/people+cry+framed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Visit <a href="http://cassandraspursuit.blogspot.com/2011/11/know-thyself-fear.html">The Pursuit</a> to read more.Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-92131678609047287182011-11-19T20:56:00.001-05:002011-11-25T04:30:43.048-05:00A good idea for those extra beads ...After a while of actually having this up on my wall, it had suddenly hit me that I haven't shared this beautiful piece of art all of you.<br />
<br />
My craftie-bestie Karen - responsible for <a href="http://cassandraspursuit.blogspot.com/2011/04/shout-birth-of-fringe-dress.html">a certain green dress</a> - took a dive into my destash bead collection with a very ingenious idea. The result was this beautiful surprise she made for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmP8MWQ1nOIrsqrGo8xZDVjg6-4ZLxklA-47QawX4Z8OeIqr8eJ9RdRRk6xIz0X74O7EBHRCrWnRnoaUGUNQyOTNZSSHxeLOgKPfNFTeh_4XnoRbDvJyzGAF3tMD_sjYJeTX4dA69kw/s1600/bead+picture+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmP8MWQ1nOIrsqrGo8xZDVjg6-4ZLxklA-47QawX4Z8OeIqr8eJ9RdRRk6xIz0X74O7EBHRCrWnRnoaUGUNQyOTNZSSHxeLOgKPfNFTeh_4XnoRbDvJyzGAF3tMD_sjYJeTX4dA69kw/s320/bead+picture+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Karen had mounted this beautiful spring day bead picture on layers of recycled cardboard. She used a paint with a really nice lacquer finish that complements the sheen of the beads oh-so-beautifully. I think this whole project started off when she saw a collection of acrylic rose beads in the destash pile, she had asked at the time if I was doing anything with them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40WebztuURsv3jntn3BorfX46LUwmW9AI30O9N54gWdOjeQfr0-WzuRUCC2_zriPSnBcXNldd0ohQE9rDP10et5Jw3_1A5wnDXQNt3O06M6q-mpnTD5ppWcYux5vkeB4hHF8fGNr8ug/s1600/bead+picture+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40WebztuURsv3jntn3BorfX46LUwmW9AI30O9N54gWdOjeQfr0-WzuRUCC2_zriPSnBcXNldd0ohQE9rDP10et5Jw3_1A5wnDXQNt3O06M6q-mpnTD5ppWcYux5vkeB4hHF8fGNr8ug/s320/bead+picture+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzxn7fyPge9ZRECvoKoi0sKHw7PxyaSg4-fXKJ8MRSBFNFRNEJy0B3wjB_-YabHCH_2fdi8yHWrhgmJ3wlnf1pBke2DAU5BHhvNQPKII1MxQ5kye_nQsWJbH8LrtDzsDmxHtdONeFOA/s1600/bead+picture+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzxn7fyPge9ZRECvoKoi0sKHw7PxyaSg4-fXKJ8MRSBFNFRNEJy0B3wjB_-YabHCH_2fdi8yHWrhgmJ3wlnf1pBke2DAU5BHhvNQPKII1MxQ5kye_nQsWJbH8LrtDzsDmxHtdONeFOA/s320/bead+picture+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm currently cleaning up the workspace/dining room right now to make my supplies less conspicuous, so it's in a safe place with no risk of damage. I'll be finding a new place to hang it with love. :)Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-28972294147196973422011-11-05T21:41:00.001-04:002011-11-06T00:20:36.104-04:00Crystal Lori Boyd: (Paint) Splatter AnalystI've got a good friend I want you to meet. She does wonders with the unexpected.<br />
<br />
Please meet my friend <b>Crystal Lori Boyd</b>, an artist here in Brampton, Ontario. I'd like to call her an 'extreme fingerpainter', but I'm worried it doesn't speak of the maturity in her art. Crystal is what we'd like to call 'green-conscious', using recycled and reused materials in her art. Most of her canvases consist of cabinet doors, countertops, wood planks, tiles and probably lots more I can't think of but she's used. She also likes to 'texturize' her paintings by including crumpled materials drenched in paint and moulded much like the splatters on the canvas - her favourite lately being party streamers. It makes for an incredible effect that adds wondrous depth and dimension.<br />
<br />
She confesses that she doesn't use paintbrushes very often, but does most of her creations in paint with her hands. Crystal had done an interactive art show for Synergy's Grand Opening at the end of the summer, and I'm a fool for not getting any pictures - I had <i>sworn</i> there were some! Covered in paint up to her forearms and all over her legs, she had produced some beautiful paint in front of a wonderstruck audience. Here are pictures of some of the finished pieces she had brought with her and completed at the event.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sTs60hyphenhyphenSO5lNkSthsCLB0Yo9tv8n8rrQvIAQ20YjGcwmSGSHb3HCv2mxzpo8Mp8DNBZwp5d917-YYpNjkZVLf7kjQH2LOih_4z1pEIl9a1lHSnyJGvTnTw3RD-Zw1mCkMNIDLDMQdA/s1600/CLB+art+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sTs60hyphenhyphenSO5lNkSthsCLB0Yo9tv8n8rrQvIAQ20YjGcwmSGSHb3HCv2mxzpo8Mp8DNBZwp5d917-YYpNjkZVLf7kjQH2LOih_4z1pEIl9a1lHSnyJGvTnTw3RD-Zw1mCkMNIDLDMQdA/s320/CLB+art+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbOnoj-gO7Tud5oA_AbbnJXr99zve-yVSh7Tj6pcO1_AY_8SizSPRSfl5YeVdsBZBQo2SK0wr20z1p_tan_y7aHdHW1seIVGVHGkE_zC441KTqB4NI8tQ3Kcfzi74fwfyqoZ-FEdmkA/s1600/CRB+art+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbOnoj-gO7Tud5oA_AbbnJXr99zve-yVSh7Tj6pcO1_AY_8SizSPRSfl5YeVdsBZBQo2SK0wr20z1p_tan_y7aHdHW1seIVGVHGkE_zC441KTqB4NI8tQ3Kcfzi74fwfyqoZ-FEdmkA/s320/CRB+art+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nJqYtOLg2KYciJJobjRcCv6Y09RviLmHqIOHf1WRBib30jnlNpXqY51IB8pphDGgX6BVBGMIpOuTl2EojGvEy21vGmj-qNskyOii4tknwgQR5E6H7c-DXbZlxFnKfk19gpGjeOV3Pg/s1600/CRB+art+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nJqYtOLg2KYciJJobjRcCv6Y09RviLmHqIOHf1WRBib30jnlNpXqY51IB8pphDGgX6BVBGMIpOuTl2EojGvEy21vGmj-qNskyOii4tknwgQR5E6H7c-DXbZlxFnKfk19gpGjeOV3Pg/s320/CRB+art+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7X8U1W7u1pSRpsX1lJP223mzYhsbhnKooUsWmmFAtbW49b1iqwpM7CPNOK-QigJ7xtyjM0kxODfzV6M2k3cjCu0vosPMLm0iMXuPLpPniSNRxiBvaE60VAJVfsaH52k91ruGqS3gQwA/s1600/CRB+art+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7X8U1W7u1pSRpsX1lJP223mzYhsbhnKooUsWmmFAtbW49b1iqwpM7CPNOK-QigJ7xtyjM0kxODfzV6M2k3cjCu0vosPMLm0iMXuPLpPniSNRxiBvaE60VAJVfsaH52k91ruGqS3gQwA/s320/CRB+art+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Crystal is such an awesome friend, she had gifted me a beautiful piece I had been secretly admiring. I had never told her and planned to buy it, but I think she may have telepathically pulled it from me. I need to find a spot with the right lighting. In the meantime, it sits atop a pile of favourite books yet to find a bookshelf home. Thank you, Crystal! :) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzUkd9SqJzqOKeOFBKl-YCyKTcWFIGAfLji8uEX96iviB46pCcO0EksvffWZyJSY4hQDC2cgwdGTTfd53CrqdGTQ4gRggCRb_HOgihJFXIhDYI7OVYnXJxpdbcUj5Rt7Q63Wlk2EjnQ/s1600/CLB+art+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzUkd9SqJzqOKeOFBKl-YCyKTcWFIGAfLji8uEX96iviB46pCcO0EksvffWZyJSY4hQDC2cgwdGTTfd53CrqdGTQ4gRggCRb_HOgihJFXIhDYI7OVYnXJxpdbcUj5Rt7Q63Wlk2EjnQ/s320/CLB+art+6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Crystal has artwork on display in the upstairs gallery at <a href="http://www.greencuproastery.com/">Green Cup Roastery</a> in downtown Brampton, across from the Rose Theatre. You have to see these for yourself, because these pictures don't do any justice.Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-52188574684044642982011-11-04T00:28:00.003-04:002011-11-06T22:56:21.059-05:00Happy Halloween, Indy Fans!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUM78u2PfE86uBlnxOQAv0T6tLbRvHIXwRsqYQYQTRvPGVEHzE36nlVWaxFw_XjKyoMCEK_DdplwqGaIC6RmE5RM8rj1BT8Yi5iGB7Eb22X_nGZ7Qi6ej8wn9MnFOtBb1bpIxHWTMFnQ/s1600/happy+halloween+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUM78u2PfE86uBlnxOQAv0T6tLbRvHIXwRsqYQYQTRvPGVEHzE36nlVWaxFw_XjKyoMCEK_DdplwqGaIC6RmE5RM8rj1BT8Yi5iGB7Eb22X_nGZ7Qi6ej8wn9MnFOtBb1bpIxHWTMFnQ/s320/happy+halloween+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>(EGADS! This didn't publish! Damned this Auto-Publish option ...) <br />
<br />
It's a great time of year when it comes to being anything you want for one day a year. This year, I was a zombie at Toronto's Zombie Walk, <a href="http://cassandraspursuit.blogspot.com/search/label/Toronto%20Zombie%20Walk%202011">with a few souveniers</a> to remember the day. The work-safe costume was the ever-popular Indiana Jones, this time with my official Indiana Jones plush whip that plays the theme song from a button on the handle.<br />
<br />
Yup, I'm a geek. More appropriately, fangirl. Lemme show you my bunch of official Indiana Jones merchandise gifted and collected over the years.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXv79EdWFiXWY-eFTHg3MTtedRTVlnIgWR9hRp15jRlthQo4NuhVu264u7jIYJw9zBoZOw7bh8wcnLK9Z4B0PFm-VYaa_i3KTlEpYY1j-AdRScMQtqhcdKPhV7qU0ARCVVCuLFvKaPg/s1600/indy+fangirl+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXv79EdWFiXWY-eFTHg3MTtedRTVlnIgWR9hRp15jRlthQo4NuhVu264u7jIYJw9zBoZOw7bh8wcnLK9Z4B0PFm-VYaa_i3KTlEpYY1j-AdRScMQtqhcdKPhV7qU0ARCVVCuLFvKaPg/s400/indy+fangirl+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: Indiana Jones plush whip - press the button on the handle to play whip cracking sounds and Indy theme :: "Idaho Spuds" Mr. Potato Head, complete with golden idol, bullwhip and theme-playing fedora :: Remote control Giant Ant with Crystal Skull controls, from </i>Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull <i>::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWojguCxS8EKHFb5BMlvy99Pxie5_tHCStu1GNHl3jcrDankYo8-SVHBYpNImErnLTV9EMj8LNeWC3DGR4VJjRmGZHTmWOHdpwOUZpy-iK7pMBwGW-QY9Yk6UKIEAWdwl13fr4ZCKdPw/s400/indy+fangirl+2.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: September 2008 issue of Vanity Fair featuring Harrison Ford and Shia LeBeouf (ech?) in costume and on set of </i>Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull <i>- great article! :: Han Solo backed by R2D2, for your consideration ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZTGRZA_M9xpEAfjpygPjlYdxDoQv1-y1945oEWjjxPIWGe_eiVUK5oPEZdUDmIjwXCu9bMlimbLDI1meS5moMAUqT2BfuxxYt7SCRmXPnI4EvAlww4hGCYWEV2SXmfmWfEme-fJRGw/s1600/indy+toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZTGRZA_M9xpEAfjpygPjlYdxDoQv1-y1945oEWjjxPIWGe_eiVUK5oPEZdUDmIjwXCu9bMlimbLDI1meS5moMAUqT2BfuxxYt7SCRmXPnI4EvAlww4hGCYWEV2SXmfmWfEme-fJRGw/s400/indy+toys.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: Burger King toys from their kids' meals promoting </i>Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull<i>; Indy on top of a pyramid discovering the crystal skull beneath - press down on Indy for the sand to fall away, and a giant ant that surprises you when you open this crate, seemingly from the Area 51 warehouse ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOGjq6G1Z9AnnEWiDY9OfQJ2AyVDUx4l7CHCFg0xRSCsurs20-2qfluVgjzz5KU3toTD9VMmxVKrmvchD2efG_DyEwbM1yjuhyKSkjDXZKkP_26Ve4TkegYEgC1Dmmr99eQ8Fi99vzg/s1600/indy+cutout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOGjq6G1Z9AnnEWiDY9OfQJ2AyVDUx4l7CHCFg0xRSCsurs20-2qfluVgjzz5KU3toTD9VMmxVKrmvchD2efG_DyEwbM1yjuhyKSkjDXZKkP_26Ve4TkegYEgC1Dmmr99eQ8Fi99vzg/s320/indy+cutout.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: A little more difficult to photograph, but my favourite part of my collection, from the DVD realease. Yes, of course I have the DVDs. ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Certainly the favourite part of the costume is the hat. I bought this hat in Black Market in downtown Toronto a few years ago and it was my happiest accessory purchase to date, I believe. I love this hat, not only because of its reminiscence of my favourite hero, but the texture, fit, feel and colour of this hat was all right with me. I can be Indy whenever I want, not just Halloween.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4FIdawBRTGy73oG8n8wlxqqmWiqA5uYz5mRpXgOFcmfYAucpSRRWhotj09RC3ZzcI16Bg9AQ6mDuqQOt3LzNE2UjhBB6lsaPsGX6WJMiK7AFF4gNP24aIpg21-o7gnG7y2tM5e__MA/s1600/indy+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4FIdawBRTGy73oG8n8wlxqqmWiqA5uYz5mRpXgOFcmfYAucpSRRWhotj09RC3ZzcI16Bg9AQ6mDuqQOt3LzNE2UjhBB6lsaPsGX6WJMiK7AFF4gNP24aIpg21-o7gnG7y2tM5e__MA/s400/indy+hat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: brown wool fedora, Black Market Vintage ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Kids in costumes are so cute, especially when they're playing piano. Here were a few brave students who trickled on Halloween night. You'll find me in Indy regalia on the right. You can check out all <a href="http://cassandraspursuit.blogspot.com/search/label/Toronto%20Zombie%20Walk%202011">my 'zombie adventures' on The Pursuit</a> - in the meantime, here's a little peek at the awesome... uh, <i>gruesomeness</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_M9v367OdGJIwTGDfJ9Rv9K_E7epIT_uOLXxFBv7I_PwbeaHr9pAnPpnDRt5yLOgiQeuzXp9CONs3uLPfdKWOSVvBh8W2Z2HOkrayVgi8Oa4hjyvYFgEFbJ4cT0dPG2o_Mf1xXHEMw/s1600/synergy+halloween+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf_M9v367OdGJIwTGDfJ9Rv9K_E7epIT_uOLXxFBv7I_PwbeaHr9pAnPpnDRt5yLOgiQeuzXp9CONs3uLPfdKWOSVvBh8W2Z2HOkrayVgi8Oa4hjyvYFgEFbJ4cT0dPG2o_Mf1xXHEMw/s400/synergy+halloween+2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpOH5kPw2zoHiJ-XQ4e8mmUAECLo6YoA6hKSBpY6h2hsu_opGDvL_pLqtQTwh5B3ff44puvetFtVZrMsuCxYYPoK6tAajqi75Ru21GA_1qE7ch8IApsCwCzV7UOPM24tPaXcVOwOzeA/s1600/308561_10150421577320783_688165782_10557089_464657302_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpOH5kPw2zoHiJ-XQ4e8mmUAECLo6YoA6hKSBpY6h2hsu_opGDvL_pLqtQTwh5B3ff44puvetFtVZrMsuCxYYPoK6tAajqi75Ru21GA_1qE7ch8IApsCwCzV7UOPM24tPaXcVOwOzeA/s400/308561_10150421577320783_688165782_10557089_464657302_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Happy Halloween!Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-20413069405019819222011-10-26T03:43:00.000-04:002011-10-26T03:43:10.407-04:00Movie Star Boots!If I didn't want to get paid for my second day of extra actor work <a href="http://cassandraspursuit.blogspot.com/2011/09/extras-on-set-total-recall-2012.html">on the set of the Total Recall remake</a>, I'd just take these home.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vTaBum93UvswUjqiPfOR4dkXtcajhfwHk4wAbaYfdMFvyRic48CoOgej-em9gTbVVL-kGTb0wSUn0fPr76t8-FVLP83ecz2ohtNd7-D0bpRwms5q5KT7rL3YY9ZDOw2VJM2kcFsvEQ/s1600/TR+boots+day+2+rounded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vTaBum93UvswUjqiPfOR4dkXtcajhfwHk4wAbaYfdMFvyRic48CoOgej-em9gTbVVL-kGTb0wSUn0fPr76t8-FVLP83ecz2ohtNd7-D0bpRwms5q5KT7rL3YY9ZDOw2VJM2kcFsvEQ/s320/TR+boots+day+2+rounded.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: suede leather boots with chain detail, BG Max Azria, Pinewood Studios Wardrobe Dept. ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I was offered these boots to wear after my own boots suffered water damage on set and started to fall apart. I was so in love with these boots, it was very tempting. I've been scouring around the internet since for affordable options ... meaning under $50. I'm very picky about my shoes, though. Here's what I like so far:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw72fj6E3IcL9U3pIlrdMN8eyU117ISdZ9kkjhINM306heTFnigC1MwE2ahccQwRuN8Ay0NtnIjq0ip1Zala1MkkohXFRu3jmQqLFEqyNEF8FQj4Ltl4M6xJCogAo30Ln48_ukyvW7iQ/s1600/boots+collage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw72fj6E3IcL9U3pIlrdMN8eyU117ISdZ9kkjhINM306heTFnigC1MwE2ahccQwRuN8Ay0NtnIjq0ip1Zala1MkkohXFRu3jmQqLFEqyNEF8FQj4Ltl4M6xJCogAo30Ln48_ukyvW7iQ/s400/boots+collage+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: Alice + Olivia for Payless :: Rocket Dog Chain Gang Boot :: Twiggy London for HSN ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Seen any cute boots around yourself?Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-77193470648753952662011-10-12T03:29:00.001-04:002011-10-12T03:30:11.477-04:00New blog 'everything'.So, you'll notice some changes around here since you may have been here last. Lemme help you out.<br />
<br />
The top row of buttons will lead you to the 'meat n' potatoes' of the blog.<br />
<ul><li><b>Home</b> speaks for itself.</li>
<li><b>About</b> will have a little 'hello!' from me sooner or later. (I hate typing those things, but I'll get it done.)</li>
<li><b>Press</b> are mentions from fellow bloggers and other media mentions about my work here.</li>
<li><b>Jewellery</b> is everything I've made personally.</li>
<li><b>Artbeads.com</b> will lead you to every Artbeads.com-tagged post, including my written portfolio on the pieces I've made with their products. You can find my Artbeads.com Portfolio by pressing the button on the left column under 'Jewellery Portfolios'.</li>
<li><b>Bead Soup </b>will lead you to every post about the Bead Soup Blog Party pieces and the creative process. You can see the entire portfolio, the button just below the Artbeads.com button.</li>
<li><b>High Fashion</b> is my guilty pleasure of well-made, expensive clothes and couture, with a few other nice surprises thrown in.</li>
<li><b>Gonna Wear ... </b>is right outta my closet as I make the most of what I have.</li>
<li><b>Photography</b> will lead you not only to my own work but to the work of friends and colleagues in the art. Portfolios coming soon.</li>
<li><b>Crafty! </b>is the miscellaneous stuff I like to do with my hands and anything else that might be inspiring, whimsical or compelling.</li>
</ul>I'll be adding a few more features, but keeping it simple. I'll have a few more portfolios up, a new button or two to grab for your own blog, let's see what happens. I know I get dizzy looking at a flash-crazed website. Let me know how you like it!Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-43684555368154806562011-10-11T21:45:00.000-04:002011-10-11T21:45:07.941-04:00FanBoy, FanGirl ... FanDog?If you've been strolling Facebook lately, you may have seen this photo. Fanboys and girls with pets, beware!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzJiPfN26Do0aV1qEd6ZmMLMNIrlY30ftharsiNvF2i8SqF7RMXLuy9l6AiAAhRAazSdMMr_IqQdnuXNQokwqgVScZjNbq8_JYtNwMmNqsOfXRc-zkCdfzxEQo-oWzKVVFDLPwCzDbg/s1600/star+wars+dog+costume+rounded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzJiPfN26Do0aV1qEd6ZmMLMNIrlY30ftharsiNvF2i8SqF7RMXLuy9l6AiAAhRAazSdMMr_IqQdnuXNQokwqgVScZjNbq8_JYtNwMmNqsOfXRc-zkCdfzxEQo-oWzKVVFDLPwCzDbg/s320/star+wars+dog+costume+rounded.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The ATAT Puppy. Oh yeah.<br />
<br />
I gotta admit that the 'fangirl' side goes a little crazy over stuff like this. I was raised on Star Wars and wanted to be Indiana Jones when I grew up. My boyfriend and I have action figures and comic books galore between the two of us, and we keep collection on occasion when a really awesome find comes our way. <br />
<br />
This one is pretty awesome, but I'm not too sure it'll go over well with our toy-breed chihuahua, Shiva. Besides, I'm not entirely sure we can get something that small. And Shiva's a "chewer".<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5aO5FtoSR4pxE3VpAOHv0vlMyHNTP_mvt-dz-G-j-9ETteqZKztYF2hjj6IohZx5fbJHoQMZD8_i_uIM37T7-7rLAakY7myRrq2ev3AcVoJll4OZ3Q0WUfgjCQuwd50a4Y458buW_A/s1600/nick+shiva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5aO5FtoSR4pxE3VpAOHv0vlMyHNTP_mvt-dz-G-j-9ETteqZKztYF2hjj6IohZx5fbJHoQMZD8_i_uIM37T7-7rLAakY7myRrq2ev3AcVoJll4OZ3Q0WUfgjCQuwd50a4Y458buW_A/s320/nick+shiva.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
How 'bout your pets? Do they have costumes planned, or are they just gonna chew it up on you? Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-49323746604277932712011-10-09T19:26:00.007-04:002011-10-12T03:02:42.393-04:00"You're in my light, Sticks."<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcD0bLMIC-HD5hXRE9q7FRiockzIzVbqSxvgVm5jzIIUgblOFZD3Yss7QXpk1rFzWpZcWDlNllTlmeN6nVil-LRB-iFiribgmKCaGnPyM8xVcBHcq6VV6q2HvNOH2Q72Da1Xg3qbrlcA/s1600/navy+blue+h%2526m+60s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcD0bLMIC-HD5hXRE9q7FRiockzIzVbqSxvgVm5jzIIUgblOFZD3Yss7QXpk1rFzWpZcWDlNllTlmeN6nVil-LRB-iFiribgmKCaGnPyM8xVcBHcq6VV6q2HvNOH2Q72Da1Xg3qbrlcA/s320/navy+blue+h%2526m+60s.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: knock-off Chanel black sunglasses, discount store purchase :: navy blue H&M knit shirtdress, thrifted :: black tie belt from my kimono nightgown :: black-and-white animal print flats with espadrille detail, Stitches Outlet :: chunky black statement necklace, Claires :: Frederick Harris Music Company canvas bag full of doggy stuff for the walk ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I like a lot of my clothes, so I'm gonna blog about some of the cool and versatile stuff in my closet over the next little while. I've been complimented many times for looking so 'put together', and I consider what I put together. If you're gonna ask me what the style is, you're gonna pidgeon-hole me, but I try to put together an 'effortless cool' with a combination of draping and slim fits, depending on how I feel that day. This day was the last day of what I could take advantage of acceptable short skirt weather.<br />
<br />
I snagged this amazing H&M knit shirtdress from my local Value Village a little while ago and had always worn it 'safe' with pants or tights underneath. Today marks the first day I've actually worn it as a dress - but I still put shorts on underneath, just because I'm modest.<br />
<br />
I love the 'spoken rules' of colour coordination - no red-pink, no black-blue or black-brown. Bah. The navy blue in the shirtdress is dark enough to throw a few black touches in. The chunky black necklace is a puzzle of chunks and slivers of rounded plastic tubes. It's very eclectic-looking. The original tiebelt didn't come with the shirtdress when I bought it. (How do I know? There are small threaded loops on the waist.) I snagged my tie from my kimono housecoat and it turned out perfectly. I threw on some comfortable, yet eye-catching flats with an animal print. Not bad.<br />
<br />
We're on our way out with Shiva to meet our friend, Dave, to talk about the new short film he's finished shooting and getting Nick involved in the scoring process. It's a great opportunity for him to get into a new realm with his music! Dave's also a good friend of the family - he's lived across the street from me since high school! <br />
<br />
Destination - Dairy Queen just down the street on a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend. Strap up the puppy and head out for a Blizzard and conversation! It's great to have the time to catch up with friends and hear about their latest projects and what's keeping them busy. Dave's got lots more coming up - he's a man full of great ideas. Hopefully we'll get a chance to work with him in future productions!Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-54100605089134781412011-10-09T12:42:00.001-04:002011-10-12T01:49:55.751-04:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLj8uv2wsYzELrHy-dHnMg2Yp_RSUtvzi6h03MMtV2HHuXjitiojmai1g5cA1dzut-_8I60ScD5ajSeDinspKGlvdTYqjSGe9mReAeYpP_JRXmOZhEea0ZUc4lOeZKb4K4gaaYSfBvg/s1600/happy+thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnLj8uv2wsYzELrHy-dHnMg2Yp_RSUtvzi6h03MMtV2HHuXjitiojmai1g5cA1dzut-_8I60ScD5ajSeDinspKGlvdTYqjSGe9mReAeYpP_JRXmOZhEea0ZUc4lOeZKb4K4gaaYSfBvg/s320/happy+thanksgiving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We're heading to Mum's for turkey on Thanksgiving Monday, and I know it'll be a good one. We always have a good time at Mum's, and Shiva always does, too. Running around with two chocolate labs can tire out a chihuahua pretty quickly. Mum and I pour out the family tree stuff to figure out the pieces, which has been our personal project for the last little while. Nick and Bill head to the basement or to the garage to go through the multitude of tools they're looking to unload - Nick's only happy to oblige. There's always conversation over after-dinner drinks after all the relatives leave, and the dogs tire themselves out from chasing each other, sprawled over the living room rug looking exhausted, but content. So, as I look forward to a lovely day with Mum's amazing cooking (I can't wait for those brussell sprouts!), I consider the impending holiday and what it represents.<br />
<br />
Every holiday that comes around, we're reminded that we should be celebrating the sentiment everyday. Thanksgiving is no different, when we consider at times how fortunate we are in hard times nowadays. We have friends and family who sacrifice when we come to call, we have the basic necessities of life to keep us through another day, and we have the freedom to pursue what we please to the ends of a better society and self. Although at times financial and emotional burdens make our hearts heavier with dread and worry, I remind myself of recent times that make me thankful for what I have today.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Through unemployment, career changes and new challenges, I wouldn't have been able to make it without a support circle of friends and family who have stayed by my side. I've had ups and downs with my depression and applaud myself with how everything was handled. Really, there's no point in saying you'll do anything differently, because you can't - the thing to be thankful for are compassionate people who understand what you need and why. A lot of friends haven't heard from me in a while and I'm grateful to be accepted with open arms. <br />
<br />
I'm also thankful to be strong enough to pursue a career in theatre and performing arts. I stuck my neck out, prepared myself as much as I could and dove into it head first. It's going great so far. I'm thankful for my employers who are open to me pursuing my craft and expanding my horizons, and trusting me so much with important decisions. More doors have opened and I'm rather excited about what's to come when I walk through.<br />
<br />
There have been a lot of learning experiences with what I do here, both in the creative and business processes. Although I've closed my Etsy shop, I've learned quite a bit how to represent my 'brand' and how I can shape it into something more cohesive in the future. It's not easy, especially being a one-person operation. I've made a lot of friends and had many influences over the past few years on Etsy. There's thought of returning. I'm still thinking about it. What I've gathered from Etsy is invaluable, and I don't think I would have had the opportunity anywhere else when I first started.<br />
<br />
And, of course, there's all of you. I started this blog way back, jibber-jabbering about how I make stuff and why I make stuff and what kinda stuff I like to make. I've strayed, I've disappeared, but you guys are still here. That's why I keep trying. I ought to give it a better shot, y'know. It's pretty fun.<br />
<br />
So, here's to you and everything you're thankful for, because I'm thankful for you. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-35680000479243429372011-10-04T23:32:00.016-04:002011-10-08T21:00:29.517-04:00Readjustments<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu67q10xGiH0CsyK7EomQHAXyvD6H-Q1c10f9ZyWQa119L4KCV_b6nkkM6WUcoWYE81wMY1Y6tphRzg4gU1zuSRtIpsGAnNb5ID1bpP0E3hL-hg0ZBP1Q0NBZpbeyAx-ScuDgoXsMOGg/s1600/nick+cass+hat+picnik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu67q10xGiH0CsyK7EomQHAXyvD6H-Q1c10f9ZyWQa119L4KCV_b6nkkM6WUcoWYE81wMY1Y6tphRzg4gU1zuSRtIpsGAnNb5ID1bpP0E3hL-hg0ZBP1Q0NBZpbeyAx-ScuDgoXsMOGg/s320/nick+cass+hat+picnik.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>:: My favourite brown wool fedora, vintage store purchase :: 'Blues Brothers' Ray Bans knock-offs, bought during a trip to my parents in Neustadt :: 'Brownie' striped tee, American Eagle :: Key to My Heart earrings, made by me (Artbeads.com Design Partner Portfolio) ::</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Harumph ... well, hello everybody. It's been a while, but there's been progress! Nick and I have been rather busy living the 'starving artist' life while trying to enjoy the finer things. Well ... <i>trying</i> is the operating word here. We're fortunate to be doing what we love, where we feel we make the most impact, where we are the most productive. Teaching theatre has been rather enlightening and humbling (more on that in <a href="http://cassandraspursuit.blogspot.com/">The Pursuit</a>), and it's <i>sucking the energy out of me to create</i> anything in the realms of accessories or jewelry. Not to mention the crestfallen heaviness of <a href="http://designbycassandra.blogspot.com/2011/10/its-not-you-etsy-its-me-i-just-need.html">closing shop on Etsy</a>. Oh, crap.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Nonetheless, I find the time and opportunity. I know, I've dropped off the face of the earth again - but I've been working! Readjusting the schedule has been tricky, and I haven't been feeling confident as of late. Lately there's been a great boost in things, and a spiral seems to happen whenever I trip over the metaphorical pebble. Again, the idea of teaching anything that I've learned simply by trial-and-error seems like a ridiculous notion to me, but I think it's because I hadn't really organized myself yet. This goes for theatre <i>and</i> art; what I do here, my jewelry, I consider art, and I learned it all from 'feeling it out'. Betcha a lot of you started out that way, too.<br />
<br />
I mean, don't we all? Didn't we as kids? Don't you mothers out there fret over the fact that your daughters and sons want to take ballet lessons and play hockey, spend hundreds of dollars on leotard and shin pads, only to be selling the gear - skates included! - for $50 or best offer in next spring's garage sale. Don't we still do the same thing as adults to a moderate degree? I had given my father a clarinet for Christmas a few years ago because of his severe determination to learn it in his retirement years. He's been retired for about three or four years now and has barely picked it up. That thing cost me $500. Just as guilty when I was a kid when it came to flute, karate, hockey, dance, guitar ... there's probably a dozen more or so. We feel things out until we find something that is our magnet, in a way. Our polar field that allows us to focus and master. Some find a few different outlets, some are trying a few out to see where they fit. Now that I've found a few different ones, I'm trying to find where they all fit in this rich opportunity of an artistic life I seem to be leading now.<br />
<br />
Once I find the discipline in all this, confidence will rise. My lack of confidence doesn't necessarily lie in my ability, but my execution. I have an idea of how it should turn out, what it should look like. I'm just not too sure my brain can catch up with my cognitive functions to instruct. I just <i>go for it</i>, y'know?<br />
<br />
Painting and visual art frustrates me. I don't think I have the patience for colour mixing, waiting for it to dry, I guess. Jewelry is something I can enjoy immediately, something I can throw together the afternoon before the big night out, so to speak. Something unique that transcends the perfect outfit, turns 'casual' to 'chic' (pardon the cliche). I'm still refining that style, and I'm enjoying the process at my own pace, discovering more techniques and processes on the way.<br />
<br />
It wasn't very fun closing the Etsy shop, but when you're one person against the world, so to speak, it can get a little overwhelming. Not to mention the <a href="http://designbycassandra.blogspot.com/2011/06/canada-post-on-strike.html">Canada Post strike</a> didn't help business either, possibly being the reason for the loss of now five of my customers' packages domestically and internationally. Sometimes, it's just best to cut ties when you're at a loss. Maybe I'll return, maybe not. I'm not too sure yet. I still want to share my stuff, though, and some other cool stuff I found that inspires me. I'm hoping you'll stick around and it'll inspire you, too.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I'll be restructuring the blog a little differently. New pages, new graphics ... I might even try out that new Dynamic View, if it tickles me. Let's see how I feel today. Let me know what you think, too. Constructive criticism is essential.<br />
<br />
I've got loads to share. Keep posted for some cool stuff here and at my other blog, <a href="http://cassandraspursuit.blogspot.com/">The Pursuit</a> - I've got a <i>really</i> cool story about Colin Farrell.Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5841948181020914057.post-72042824995835148612011-10-03T23:25:00.001-04:002011-10-03T23:26:57.878-04:00It's not you, Etsy, it's me. I just need some space.I don't know how else to start this without just saying it: I'm breaking up with you. I'm sorry. And it's not you, I swear, it's me. Give me a chance to explain before you rip this apart.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, there are things that are beyond your control, and in this instance, it's an outside influence. I've lost four packages in the last month, and my soul just can't stand any more unhappiness and disappointment. You see, <a href="http://designbycassandra.blogspot.com/2011/06/canada-post-on-strike.html">C.P. seems to stand in our way</a>. He's what keeps us together, you see. But, when he disappears in the middle of the summer, only to come back unreliable and untrustworthy over a month later has put a wedge between us, because without C.P., I can't fulfill your needs. How sad, that someone with so much responsibility to so many people, the lifeline to so much progress can siphon the love of creativity out of so many passionate people like us? What are we to do?<br />
<br />
Well, I need to think about us, which means we're not going to see each other for a while. Don't get me wrong - I'll stop by and say hello, see how you're doing, see what's new and all. I mean, we have a lot of mutual friends, and we run in a lot of the same circles. So, we're bound to run into each other! The last thing I want to do is make anything weird, y'know. I still care about you quite a bit. Like I said, I just need to 'gather the troops' and figure out what's next for us.<br />
<br />
Keep on doin' what you're doin', don't change a thing. We can still be friends, right?Cassandra Watshamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02086990765356036120noreply@blogger.com2