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!