A Fresh Start.

since the start of this blog, i've definitely had trouble finding direction.  after following some amazing bloggers, and reading countless articles on how to host a successful blog, i think i finally have a small clue!

i'm so excited about the potential for this new blog, and i can't wait to start sharing all my ideas with you.  of course, in order to wipe the slate clean i need to leave this old blog behind... and i'll do that gladly ;)  i've decided to move on to a new platform and work my magic with wordpress.  this move seems to fit my long term goals for both the blog and rockarooz in general.

i'm still working on the design for the new blog so in the mean time i may post a few new updates here on blogspot.  i'll let you know as soon as the new site is up and running!

thanks for sticking with me!

~ Shannon

The Biggest Rockarooz Giveaway... EVER!!! {A Good Life Blog}

it's true friends.

i've teamed up with one of my favorite bloggity bloggers to give y'all the opportunity to win $40 in rockarooz store credit.  yep, that's right.  all you have to do is visit amy over at a good life blog to find out the details.  it's easy peasy to enter, and in just a few short weeks your little rock stars could be sportin' their very own rockarooz gear.  and just like p-ray here, they'll probably be the coolest kids on the block.  i'm just sayin.

so what are you waiting for?  click here to enter.  giveaway ends june 17 at 11:59 pm pst.

good luck everyone!!!

Wordless{ish} Wednesday: Costa Rica Style

so i'm lounging by the pool today and this is what i see.  poor me, right?  i'm absolutely in love with this place!

happy hump day everyone.  may june bring no gloom.

My Paradise Awaits {Costa Rica}

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tomorrow night at 11:30pm i'll be jetting off to magnificent Costa Rica!  for 12 glorious days i will explore the wilderness, zip line over waterfalls, and bask in the sun on pristine beaches.  my packing list consists of sun block, bathing suite, book, and an appetite.  and probably a lifetime supply of bug spray.  i'm a little concerned about the bug situation seeing as how i'm horrified of the teensy little arachnids that dwell here in LA.  i'm sure my predicted screeches will entertain a number of locals throughout my stay. but i shall face my fears and add another stamp to my passport.

i'm hoping to have internet access throughout my stay, and will do my best to post updates for all my wonderful followers.

may you all have a fantastic, and safe, holiday weekend!!

adios!!... for now :)

Rockarooz Is Going Granny!

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one of my all-time favorite crochet styles has to be the classic old school granny square. i just can't help myself.  there's something about the granny square that's just flat out awesome.

maybe it's because it reminds me of my grandma who taught me how to make them when i was 8 years old.

maybe it's because you can make them in absolutely ANY color combination you could ever imagine.

or maybe it's because you can make just about anything with the always dependable, go-to granny square.  it's versatility is endless.

granny cushion covers {source}

no matter what you're making--a pillow, blanket, sweater, hat, or jewelry--the detail of the granny square brings its own special pop to every project.  i have to admit that sometimes the assembly step can get a little tedious, but the final product is always an amazing reward.

check out a few of these awesome granny square products available on Etsy.  and trust me, there are tons more.

motif cuff bracelet {source}

granny square earrings {source}

owl blanket {source}

granny square scarf {source}

rainbow granny square blanket {source}

aren't the colors fabulous??  i'm completely in love with the cuff bracelet by nothing but string.  i just might have to add it to my birthday wish list ;)

Creating Inspiration {Vol. 25}

i recently purchased a blogging magazine, which i'm loving, called Artful Blogging.  the magazine consists of multiple articles written by people who create visually inspiring online journals.

one of the articles in particular, written by Jessica Rose, caught my attention for a number of reasons.  she began her blog four years ago to help draw attention to her Etsy shop, Vol. 25.  i'm absolutely in love with her artwork.  the style and colors put me at ease, and the inspirational quotes bring a smile to my face.  she has so many wonderful pieces, but i think my ultimate favorite is "some see wishes".

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this piece brings me back to my childhood when i used to close my eyes, blow on a dandelion, and pray that my wish would come true.  my dreams were big, my hopes were high, and i was determined to reach for the stars.  the joy and simplicity of it all warms my heart.

i'm so excited to have found Vol. 25.  being a fairly new blogger, and Etsy seller, it is important to find people who inspire me.  as much as i love what i'm doing with Rockarooz, sometimes it's hard to keep my head up.  i just have to remember to believe in myself and know that my hard work will pay off.  one day i hope to inspire someone else, as so many have inspired me.

go check out Jessica's blog here, and her Etsy shop here.  it'll brighten your spirit and bring cheer to your day.  i promise.

now, let me send you off with a couple more of my favorites.

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Some Recent Projects

per usual, i've been a busy little bee lately.  i sincerely apologize for neglecting my amazingly awesome blog fans so here's a little update....

on easter i had a little dilemma... i had no idea what to do with my hair.  it's getting way too long, and with the weather warming up i have zero interest in drying and styling it.  so {in true rockarooz fashion} i made myself a headband and popped a fun multi-color flower clip on it!  everyone loved it and i ended up having to make one for my cousin's girlfriend too.

then, yesterday was my sister's birthday.  i honestly can't believe she's 17!  so {again, in true rockarooz fashion} i made her a totally awesome patchwork bag.  i just might have to make one for myself now.  words can't describe how exciting it is when you have an idea in your head and it actually works out!  this will definitely be a new rockarooz item.

and finally, i'm finishing up a baby blanket that was special ordered by my aunt {back in november - shhhh}.  i definitely slacked on this one a bit, but it's coming out beautifully.  the colors are simple but it's perfect for the design.  i'll always have a soft spot for granny squares.  they're perfectly timeless and so versatile.

Stop and Smell the Roses...

today i did just that!

when i woke up this morning the sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and i simply couldn't stay cooped up inside all day.

sooo...

i packed up my projects and moved to the back patio.  i listened to the neighbor's rooster "cock-a-doodle-doo!" and for a moment thought i was in the country.  there was a perfect breeze cooling the air, and Felix and Fonzie (my cats) explored the backyard as i worked.  shortly after lunch i watched four humming birds feed on our flowers and flutter through the yard.

what a perfectly peaceful afternoon, and a great way to finish off the week.

i even made some flowers of my own... soon to be rockarooz hair clips!

WARNING: Kitchen Hazard

i'm not exactly sure what's happened, but it turns out i'm a complete hazard in the kitchen.  let me explain:

just a few weeks ago i was nearly impaled by my once trusty jack lallane juicer.  while happily tossing my fresh veggies into the juicer it began smelling funny and then burst into a small explosion.  a piece of the inside saucer broke off and shot through the spout.  luckily the piece was bigger than the spout thus saving me from impalement.  i chalked this one incident up to a rare case and went on my way until i jumped back in the kitchen yesterday.

i was really excited about experimenting with a couple new snack recipes but unfortunately things did not go as planned.  the veggie dip i attempted in the food processor never actually became a dip.  the food processor went kaput and left all the delicious ingredients sitting in their full form.  another appliance to the graveyard.

then i moved onto making some homemade veggie chips.  this unfortunately was a complete failure in every aspect.  the chips never "chipped" and instead cooked uneven and mushy.  while in the oven (not baking properly) the oven light burned out.  at least this one can be easily repaired, but after my other two fiascos my boyfriend has stated i am no longer allowed to touch any power food appliances.

cooking is usually so much fun, but when things don't go as planned it just turns out to be a pointless mess you've created and now you get to clean it up.  i did, however, broil some talapia that came out amazing, so i guess the day wasn't a total loss.

in the end, i think we can agree that i'm no iron chef.  i'll just stick to admiring their culinary talents through the television ;)

A Rockarooz Special Order - {Loafers & Headband Set}

today i was super excited to finish up this special order from another fabulous rockarooz customer.  i think the colors are just perfect, and i've totally fallen in love with this matching set!  whenever i receive special orders i'm always so excited to play around with the colors and see how each item turns out.  i have to say that rockarooz has some seriously hip customers!! you guys never cease to amaze, and i absolutely love bringing your ideas to fruition.

thanks for being so awesome!!

you make my days so much fun :)

p.s.  these adorable little sets will be available on the rockarooz site very soon!

loafer booties pattern by polka dot posh
flower headband pattern by rockarooz

today i'm linking up with tea rose home for link party #48.  check it out and share your awesome creations!

Central Avenue Boutique - {April 9th}

i'm officially back to work getting ready for my next craft show!

the Central Avenue Boutique sounds like a great event, and the best part is that a portion of the proceeds will benefit The Painted Turtle.  this is an amazing organization that provides an innovative camp and family care center for children with life-threatening illnesses.

if you're looking for something to do on april 9th, come swing by to check out all the great festivities. and stop by the rockarooz booth to say hi to ME!!

to top it all off there will also be dog adoptions by Dogs Without Borders.  that's a whole lotta awesome in one single place!  i don't know about you, but i seriously can't wait!!

hope to see you there!!!

location:
central avenue church
725 n. central avenue
glendale, ca 91203

Weekend Cooking - {Artisan Bread}

this weekend i discovered something totally awesome!  well, my boyfriend discovered it a while back when a coworker of his brought in some amazing homemade bread, and this weekend we decided to give it a try.  i'm no baker, but apparently this recipe breaks all kinds of baking rules.

but rules or no rules, this recipe works!  all you need is 4 ingredients:

1 1/2 tbsp salt
1 1/2 tbsp yeast
3 cups water
6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

this is the basic recipe, but you can adjust these ingredients to make all kinds of delicious breads.  next i'd love to try olive bread and rosemary bread.  i just might have to buy the book to check out all the different variations.  my mouth is watering just thinking about it.  check out this video to see how easy it is to make your very own homemade bread.

obviously the bread itself isn't done in 5 minutes, but your active working time is no more than 5 minutes tops. i didn't have any corn meal so i baked it on some flour instead.  i baked it at 500F for 35 minutes. it came out great but it's a little doughy.  next time i think i'll keep it in for 40 minutes and see how that works out.

if i can do this, anyone can do this.  enjoy!!

Happy St. Paddy's Day!

okay, so i know i've been a total slacker lately.  i got a little caught up in the preparation for the spring boutique i worked last weekend and i totally let everything else go.

well, it's time for me to get back in the groove!  i have another craft show coming up on april 9th, but i am going to do my very best to keep up with my blog too :)  and the best part?  now i have an iphone so it makes things 1000 x's easier.

happy st. paddy's day everyone!!!

i'll be back with more posts soon :)

Workout Wednesday - {Slow Start} w.2

so apparently my plan hasn't fully kicked in yet.  i did make it to the gym this week, but only once.  i suck.  i seriously thought about it every day though, ha.  at least my one workout this week wasn't half bad.  i ran 2.5 miles on the treadmill in 31 minutes.  not great, but not terrible either.  now i just have to add another 0.6 miles and then i'll set a goal for my time.  i've always wanted to finish this 5K in under 30 minutes, but that might be a tad over ambitious for this year.  i'm definitely hitting the gym tonight, so wish me luck!

sorry i don't have a more exciting update, but i promise i'll do better next week!

see, working out IS fun!  ;)

SALE! SALE! SALE! - {20% Off Rockarooz Purchase}

TODAY ONLY!!!!

use coupon code MIDWEEK20 to receive 20% off your entire Rockarooz purchase!!

remember, 10% of all purchases, now through march 31st, will also be donated toward cancer research through the Revlon 5K that I will be running on may 7th!

what a perfect way to overcome that mid-week funk. tell your friends to stop by for a great deal and a great cause!!

www.rockarooz.com

My "Little" Brother - {Happy Birthday!}

fifteen years ago my baby brother, joshua, came into this world at a whopping 9lbs. 5oz. beating my own birth weight by 1oz!  he had long beautiful eyelashes, sky blue eyes, and a head full of bright red hair. people were amazed that one woman had officially given birth to not 1... not 2... but 3 redheads!

never too cool to push a baby doll
in a stroller

one of my favorite pics of my
brother and sister

i was one month shy of 13 years old when my sister was born, and about 3 months shy of 15 years old when my brother was born.  having a little boy in the house was a whole new ball game.  contrary to the picture on the left, this kid practically came out of the womb running and climbing.  he's always been a natural athlete and these days he plays high school soccer and volleyball.

after playing soccer in the rain on christmas day

although he towers over me at about 6' tall, he will forever be my baby brother. i will never forget that sweet little voice and his precious little face.  i still have voice mails he left me from 2004, and they melt my heart every time i listen to them.

now he's growing into a charismatic young man with an amazing spirit and a caring heart.  i look forward to watching him live life to its fullest, and i can't wait to see what the future has in store for this kid. 

HAPPY 15th BIRTHDAY LI'L BRO!!!

my "little" bro and me!

Momma Go Round GIVEAWAY WINNER!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

jazmin miller is the big winner of our most recent giveaway hosted by the wonderful and fabulous nina over at momma go round!

jazmin will receive this adorable rockarooz hat pictured on the right for her precious little girl.

If you didn't win this one, don't go anywhere... information on our march giveaway will be coming soon!!

also!  check us out on facebook if you haven't already.  as soon as we hit 100 fans we'll be hosting another fun filled giveaway!  we're getting close!!

HUGE THANKS to everyone who participated in this great giveaway!!

Workout Wednesday - {Motivation} w.1

okay, i'm in desperate need of some serious motivation!  the 5K i run every year is two and a half months away and i really need to get into training mode.  not only to get through a 3.1 mile run, but for the ultimate goal of getting back into some of my pants!  i'll admit the 2010 holiday season hit hard on the waste line... ugh.

by confessing my motivational needs for the whole world to see, i'm hoping i'll finally get my butt in gear.  from now until my run on May 7th, i plan on posting workout updates every wednesday.

if you, too, have been procrastinating that initial gym visit, get up off that chair and throw on those workout clothes.  let's work our butts off together (literally), and show off our awesome progress every wednesday!!

FEEL THE BURN!!!

Work Work Work...

last week i decided to participate in a craft show at the La Crescenta Woman's Club on march 12th.  this is very exciting news but now i have a TON of work to do!  every day for the past week i've been working away on building up my inventory.  up until now i've mostly run my business on a "made to order" basis.  although this system has been working well, i would prefer to keep more items on hand and shorten up my turnaround time.  my ultimate goal in making this decision is to ease up my workload during the busy months and, most importantly, provide improved customer satisfaction.

i have a variety of new items to release for spring including headbands, sandals and, of course, more hats!  stay tuned for a couple sneak peak posts... coming soon!

in addition to working on my actual products, i've also been working on some marketing materials.  yesterday my wonderful hubby and i finished up a Rockarooz post card, and started on a new st. paddy's day design.

Rockarooz Post Card

per usual, my initial design concept couldn't be executed so the post card took a bit longer than expected.  i think you could say i have a love hate relationship with the design process.  it's frustrating when you're ideas don't translate on paper the way they do in your head, but with a little time, and a lot of patience, you can create something even better!

the holiday stuff you're just gonna have to wait and see as each holiday comes around.  all i can say is... SO DARN CUTE!!!

A Little Secret

shhhhh... don't go telling anyone, but I did something totally crazy this week.

i sat down and made a hat...
for ME!!!!


believe it or not, this is truly a completely unbelievable event.  i've been crafting my entire life and i've never actually made anything for myself.  seriously!!

something just came over me this week and i decided it was time for me!  i found this super cute pattern on knitpicks.com and thought i would give it a whirl.  i originally tried it with some practice yarn i have laying around, but it was a little too thin so my gauge was off.  i decided to use vanna's choice instead
{one of my favorite yarns!} and it came out just perfect!

turns out my timing was perfect, too.  just this week it started raining here in los angeles.  it doesn't happen often but now i'm prepared, hehe.  if you're a crocheter, and you're looking for a fun and easy project, this is a great choice.  click here to purchase the pattern from knitpicks for only $1.99.

i'm absolutely loving this hat!