Some Christmas Funnies :)

We headed out into the Gallatin National Forest on Saturday to pick out our Charlie Brown Christmas tree.  It was quite comical as we got out of the car at Moser in Hyalite...  I said to my son, oh look we can head up that road, or use that trail...  Instead my strapping young man decides to head up...  Straight UP!  For the most part going up wasn't a problem until we got to an area that had not been blazed by someone else first...  So picture me stuck hip deep in snow, unable to move with two dogs floating near my face wondering if I am okay and licking my face out of love and concern I'm sure, and my son behind me pushing on my arse trying to get me unstuck!!  I died laughing hysterically after I was freed from the snow and we then continued tromping in another direction to find our tree :)

Now mind you, even after 6 years I can't get used to the Christmas trees available to us here in Montana.  Being a Pacific Northwest girl, I grew up with the most AMAZING trees to choose from.  For many years now that has been the one thing that I have refused to compromise on living here in Bozeman, until now.  You know that old cartoon, "due to the economic downturn Christmas has been cancelled"?  Well that's kinda what it's like at our house this year. 

Not one to be deterred, I decided that Christmas should just be different this year...  So we are doing white elephant gifts and making a game out of our gift giving.  We are having breakfast instead of dinner, we are playing poker on Christmas eve (only for pennies!) and watching Dr. Suess' "How the Grinch stole Christmas".   Now that the course has been set, I am starting to look forward to the festivities!!

Leaving you for the day with some Christmas funnies...  Enjoy!

Newest Treasury :)

I got an e-mail a few weeks ago that one of my bags was being featured in a treasury by Hannah with PureReflections .  Her treasury is 16 ways to recycle your old jeans , which of course is right up my alley :)  I love the items she has featured in this collection, from the jeans, to the ornaments and the cute little apron for little girls!

 So head on over to Etsy and see what else you can find that is repurposed, upcycled or recylced!!

Cheers!

Jules

Christmas Treats :)

One of the best things about Christmas is all the goodies and sweet treats that come out of the woodwork this time of year.  Of course we all have our faves :)  For our family it's the peanut brittle...

and the divinity...

but this year I am also going to add a new one...  Chocolate and Peppermint Woopie Pies :)

You can find the recipie for these scrumptious looking woopie pies at crave indulge satisfy .  I found this website (among many more) at tastespotting .  This in one of the most yummy looking foodie blogs I have ever come across.  It works like a comminty with people from all over contributing recipies with links to their blogs.  If you have never been to tastespotting before, make sure you have a good cup of coffee and paper and pen, and settle down for a good hour or more of perusing just a little bit of what they have to offer on this site!

Cheers :)

Jules

Green Minded Fashionista :)

Okay so really what does this term mean?  This one was a little harder for the google queen to find, so I am putting my own definition out there.  Being a green minded fashionista means re-using or repurposing.  This is a powerful way to impact your environment. Using existing items cuts back on emissions from the transport of goods and reduces unnecessary waste. Shop at consignment or thrift stores or even your own closet.  Is there something in your closet you can spruce up by adding some retro buttons to it, or finding a gently used scarf at the thrift store that compliments that sweater perfectly?  What about taking and item and completely remaking it into something different?  If so then you just re-used or repurposed an item and voila, you are a green minded fashionista! 

I perused the internet to bring you some inspiration to help you on your way to becoming a green minded fashionista :)

this smart little vest is made from a pair of jeans...

ties anyone??

cozy little handwarmers with flair :)

belt from recycled bike tires....  Hmm, really inventive, but smelly!



 An absolutely gorgeous dress made from old shirts and dresses

 With this in mind, what have you done to become a green minded fashionista?

Cheers,

Jules

Color Crush...

Recently I have found myself drawn to a certain color combination... Turqouise and red. So rich and vibrant, icy yet hot at the same time. I love the mix of these two colors, they are so enticing and pleasing to the eye and they just POP into your field of vision. Something about them, says "hello, I am over here!"   Here's a little bit of eye candy for inspiration :)

 

So what's your color crush???

Cheers,

Jules

a little photo shoot :)

A few weeks ago I ran over the hill to Livingston to see my gal, Jenn and have her take some photos of my bags.  I LOVE how they turned out and now that my big show is over I have some time show them off!  Michaela was a sport about it, the wind was blowing so strong (of course, it's Livingston right?) and it was a little chilly this day.  But she made the best of it and the photos turned out amazing!!  Most of these are of bags that are already in my Etsy shop , but I thought I would share them here as well :)

Don't ya think she did a great job modeling the bags??!!??  I am ever so grateful to Michaela and Jenn :)  Smooches!

Cheers,

Jules

Bozeman Christmas Stroll

Be a part of Downtown Bozeman’s greatest holiday tradition…the Christmas Stroll. On Sat., Dec. 4th at 4:30PM Santa Claus works his way from the Emerson Cultural Center down Main Street, singing Christmas carols and lighting the downtown holiday lights with more than 6,000 people in tow as Bozeman's annual Christmas Stroll gets people into the holiday shopping spirit. Enjoy horse drawn wagon rides, pictures with Santa Claus, the gingerbread house display, entertainment, holiday treats and much more! The fun lasts until 7:30PM and I will be right in the middle of it!!

Come and see me at the old Fantasia Tile Co on the corner of Tracy and Main (5 E Main) and check  out in my bags in person :) 

Happy Holidays!

Jules

Handbag vs shoulder bag?

Got a question for ya'll...  I want to branch out just a little from my totes and handbags but I need some opinions first :)

Currently my handbags only come with a smaller handles and unless you are a tiny person (like my model Michaela) you are unable to carry the purse over your shoulder.  I want to start making them with shoulder straps, possibly adjustable ones.  So please chime in and let me know if that option appeals to you more than the smaller handles!

Thanks everyone!

Jules

Custom orders :)

As the holidays approach I thought I would let you all know that I do custom orders.  I recently did a custom totebag for LoriJo at work.  She wanted a LARGE totebag, one that would hold all of ther gym clothes, lunch, wallet, etc.  She loves the fact that it had a pocket on the inside and one on the outside.  She claims the outside one has been a lifesaver as a place to put her keys.  You can see her review of this custom totebag on my Facebook Fan Page .

So if you are thinking that you want a bag with maybe your colors, your jeans or your belt, drop me a line and we can work out the details :)

Cheers,

Jules

Little Green Things...

No I didn't loose my mind and I am not seeing little green things everywhere :)  Little Green Things happens to be the name of a local business owned by Leah Boelman.  She takes old vintage belts and attaches wonderful belt buckles to them.  Each belt buckle is unique and done with vintage pictures from old books and magazines.   Don't ya love the owl! 



She also has a few that have been painted with chalkboard paint so you can have your own message on the belt buckle :)

Her switchplate covers are amazing as well.  She had some at the show this past weekend with a Boy Scout theme, camping, fishing, birds and so much more.  All of her designs are one of a kind, original works.  She takes amazing pride in her work and she is a really neat person to chat with!  She definately helped me get through the craft show when things were a little slow.  Be sure to check out her shop and drop her a line.  As a matter of fact, I think she is running a sale right now!

Cheers, 

Jules