the 27th element

2009-04-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

So me and my cousin Dalhya (on the left) went to the CABO (Carolina Alpaca Breeders & Owners) show in Concord, NC. We ran in to some alpaca friends and got a picture with Meadow. You can see Spero and Frito (her cria) in the background. Their farm High Meadow Alpacas is located in beautiful Asheboro, NC. The first time I ever saw an alpaca up close and personal was at their farm!

Wedding Plans

2009-01-31T07:40:00.000-08:00

Our wedding is coming up in June!! And I have lots of the planning done, but there are still things to accomplish. Cherry blossoms are the theme and pink and brown are the colors. Or more specifically, rose and chocolate. We figured we could have a cherry blossom cake, much like one of these cakes to the left. I was so excited when I found these cherry blossom cameras that I can set on the guest tables at the reception. Ben and I both love chocolate and love coffee, so we are going to have chocolate covered espresso beans for our favors. We are even thinking of doing a s'mores making station at the reception in addition to the cake. We are dessert fanatics, so it's only fitting! More to come!

My First and Second Day of Work

2009-01-22T17:34:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, I am working toward my master's in speech language pathology. I am done with all my coursework and just need to finish my practicum hours. I graduate in May!!! So this week I started my externship in the inpatient rehab center at the hospital. So far so good! I am really enjoying it, and my supervisor is very supportive. I am learning so much from her. I primarily work with stroke patients, but I also work with patients with other types of brain injury, dementia, etc. I anticipated it to be sad and taxing, but I find it more rewarding than anything. To be able to help someone regain the communication skills they once had is a great feeling, even if it happens in small steps. I love working with this population!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-21T17:07:00.001-08:00

Can you spot the Chihuahua?

Clasps of Wonder

2009-01-18T09:25:00.001-08:00

I have to feature Anne's handmade clasps!! They are so beautifully made and the best ever! I mean, look at all those gorgeous colors!! Here is her shop: nottoto
She offers lots of jump rings too for all you chainmaillers.
Anne is so great to work with, she has been such a helpful friend to me. Her clasps are truly one of a kind!!

It's FrEeZiNg!

2009-01-17T07:25:00.000-08:00

Kate at the Alpaca Show! It's her birthday Monday, but we are celebrating tonight with the girls.

It's 16 degrees. Hibernation is in the stars for me today.

Today will probably be filled with more listing new items in my Art Fire shop and cleaning up around the house. Also, I need to figure out what to make for Kate - She always knows shes getting jewelry from me, haha!

True story: It was so cold yesterday that, instead of driving half a mile down the road to Best Buy, I just ordered what I needed from their website. Granted, it was free shipping, and this is how I justified it. Not to mention, it was on sale. That's how I roll.

My Art Fire Shop

2009-01-16T13:50:00.000-08:00

Two posts in one day, YEAH! Talk about keeping up a New Years Resolution. (I probably should not get too ahead of myself). Anyway, I forgot to mention in my previous post that I have opened up a new shop on Art Fire. Here it is: Padaysia It's my jewelry shop. I am currently working on handcrafting items to put in my other shop too. This shop is called "Pretty Little Ditty" and will consist of crafted items from my fiber-liking. Wait for it!!

I've been listing stuff all day long!! I know Art Fire is not as common, well-known, popular, whatever as Etsy, but maybe with time it will blossom. It seems like it's got a good thing going. I was resistant for a while to open up an Art Fire shop, but everyone on Twitter kept talking about it, and I finally gave in.

My next mission: I am really getting into the chainmaille but have not listed it yet, as I do not yet feel that my skills are up to par, if you know what I mean. I may try my hand at selling some at Raleigh's Flea Market when the weather warms up, and see how it does.

The New Year

2009-01-16T13:40:00.000-08:00

Happy (Belated) New Year!!! One of many of my New Year's Resolutions is to maintain my blog. Why is it so challenging for me?
I typically get a little depressed when the holidays are over, but I think this is the first year that I am actually relieved. Then again it definitely was not a typical holiday. My dear cousin, Samar, passed away on Christmas day, after her 10 month battle with cancer. She is survived by two sisters, her parents, and a three year old daughter. Samar remained strong throughout her struggle, and in order to honor her, I am participating in Rely for Life this April. It's a fundraiser where all the donations go toward the American Cancer Society. If you are interested in contributing on my behalf, here is my personal page: Rely For Life
You can find a link on the page where it says "Make a Gift to Support Manal A Fakhoury" (that's me). My personal goal was to raise $50, but since I've already raised almost $200, I've bumped up my goal to $300!! Hopefully not too ambitious, but it's for a great cause of course.

Technical Difficulties and Whatnot

2008-10-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

I haven't yet figured out how to insert links and pictures into my blog posts, so you will have to forgive me, but I really do plan on featuring some Etsy artists and items soon!

I have really enjoyed reading others' blogs and the wonderful sharing community of people who love handmade stuff. Here is my newest favorite thing on Etsy: Snood
First line of the listing: "Keep your dog's delicate ears toasty, dry and warm with a cuddly soft fleece snood!" It doesn't get better than this, people. I hope you enjoy this listing as much as I have :D

My New-Found Etsy Obsession

2008-10-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

I adore handmade things. I find myself never again wanting to buy a product that I could buy handmade. How could you not with all the amazing creations on Etsy! I want to share with you some of the wondrous discoveries I have made!

2008-10-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Me & the husband

My First Blog

2008-10-18T11:53:00.001-07:00

I think it's going to take some time to get the hang of this blogging business. Anyways... I am a graduate student who, in what little spare time, loves to create handcrafted items, particularly jewelry. Here is my online Etsy Shop: the 27th element

More to come!! :)