Welcome Back - Treasure of the Week!

Hi Everyone!
Welcome back to the Ok, Millie Treasure of the Week feature!
I have been going crazy for quite some time- but never fear - I am back to tell you the latest and greatest Ok, Millie finds!

Today's feature is a great Etsy seller who made a wonderful "Ok, Millie" stamp for the shop.  Actually, she makes quite a bunch of amazing stamps and does custom orders as well!

Here is the Etsy shop for you to check out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlossomStamps

Be sure to follow her on Facebook too!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blossom-Stamps/

And as for the "Ok, Millie" stamp?  Here it is for you to check out!
Thank you Blossom Stamps!

Reorganize and Recharge!

I won't lie - I've been in a bit of a crafty slump lately.  I'm going to say for multiple reasons, mainly because I can't put my finger on one specific reason for my lack of ambition.
There is, however, one thing that stuck in the back of my mind.  Something that always breaks up the creative process no matter what.  Yes, it's the dreaded unorganized studio.
So...last weekend I hauled EVERYTHING out.  Well, except the desk and the table. I have all of my supplies divided by type in my reusable grocery bags (which worked quite well, I have to add).  They are slowly making their way back into the room.  There will be a lot more reorganizing today - interspersed with writing ideas or sketching possible projects (because a fresh look at some supplies gives me all new perspective).  I anticipate that the room will be semi-functional in a couple of days.  Within the next two weeks, I expect perfection.  (Read: I need to buy more organizational supplies next payday, but until then I can make do.)  Keep an eye out, and soon you will see the new, reorganized, Ok Millie studio!!!

Treasure of the Week!

We're back! I was on vacation for a couple weeks there- and I am back; recharged and refocused! Look to see new items coming to the Etsy site soon.  But now for the Treasure of the Week!

Today, in honor of their latest performance at Phoenix Comicon, I proudly feature....
The Dread Fleet!

This amazing group of pirates are just that (although they probably have more pirate-y descriptive words) - Amazing!
Please learn more about them at their website - http://thedreadfleet.com/

I have known one of these pirates for a long time, and yes I trust her.  (I don't always recommend trusting pirates all the time...)

Check out her page - and send some love to her and the rest of the gang!
https://www.facebook.com/BlackstrapGennie

Treasure of the Week!

Welcome to another edition of the Treasure of the Week! Here comes another performer favorite of mine who has an amazing voice!  Please welcome to the Ok, Millie stage.....Divalicious Candi!

http://www.reverbnation.com/divaliciouscandi

Here is one of my personal favorite songs performed by her! Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEnS291jtWs&feature=plcp

Love the music?  Well she also has an app for that! (yes, it was on my iPhone the day it came out!)

I am always on the lookout for great musical talent (that's what drives my crafty work time), and Divalicious Candi delivers! (this is where I admit to "duets" with her as I jam out in the art studio).  Maybe I will make a video of that one day.....maybe.

So enjoy this artist treasure of the week, and jam out to a song or two!

Ok, Millie Treasure of the Week!

Today I decided to highlight another artist friend that has been giving me advice along the way!  I have to give all the credit of meeting this artist to my sister Mo, because if she didn't marry Dan - I may never have met Jenny!
Jenny Harada is an amazing creator of some adorable monsters! They go by the collective name of Pomly, but there is more - paintings, create-your-own kits and even books on how to make monsters!   Check out these links!
http://jennyharada.com/index.shtml
http://www.etsy.com/p.eople/pomly

http://www.amazon.com/Me-Make-Monster-Mish-Mash-Monstercraft/dp/B005FOIA3K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335837012&sr=8-1

monster model!

Are you an aspiring crafter who wants to work on the business end of things too?  Look no more!
Jenny has been featured in a book that gives advice on how to get going on your own crafty biz! (and yes, mine is on it's way).
http://www.amazon.com/Crafty-Superstar-Crafts-Extra-Basically/dp/1600613209/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1335837012&sr=8-5

So please enjoy these wonderful creations, and get (or make) yourself a monster friend!

Treasure(s) of the Week!

Readers, I deliver you a most excellent set of treasures this week. I started by trying one of the products made by Alaffia, and was so impressed I soon started trying more.

Long story short: I had read so many reviews of their "Everyday Shea" lotion that I decided to try it out when I saw it on sale at my local natural foods store. (Note; I have a TON of lotions, but this was so worth it and replaces most of them now!)

Fast forward. A couple weeks later I am visiting the Boston, MA area and I stopped at a Whole Foods market in hopes of finding a newer, better facial moisturizer. And I find one made by Alaffia! I test a little, like it and buy it. This is one

of the best moisturizers I have found!

The following week (yesterday to be exact), I attended the Natur-Tyme Wellness Expo in Syracuse, NY. The co-founder of Alaffia, Olowo-n'

djo Tchala was presenting in the afternoon.....and he was at the Alaffia booth during the day!!!!!! I was so excited to thank him for the wonderful pr

oducts, the fair-trade standards and wonderful co

mmunity projects Alaffia has done!

I was then introduced to some new products- like the African Black Soap. The citrus scent was amazing and I decided to buy some at the expo. It can be used as shampoo and I tried it out this morning. Most natural, minimal ingredient shampoos leave my super-fine hair looking plastered to my head. Not so here! I am a total convert!

So, to Alaffia, thank you again for your amazing products and company philosophies. I am happy to recommend your products!

And to my readers....try this stuff out - seriously!

For more information... http://www.alaffia.com/

Takin' care of business! (Working overtime)

Just a random post - I work best under pressure.

First craft fair coming up this weekend! Am I 100% prepared? Heck no! Now before you go and get all worried - I seem to work well under this kind of pressure. Most of my best college papers have been written about a week before the due date (although I did usually research and gather resources much earlier).

That's kind of how I craft sometimes with a deadline. Gather lots of supplies - make things a week or two before. It's fun, kind of scary (in a good way), and I find my best inspiration sometimes with a little pressure.

I worked on a bunch of pendants tonight, gathered some more ideas and prepped a little more. Now to work on some craft show paperwork (order forms, gift certificates and the like). Thanks for reading and I will post after the craft show this weekend!

Treasure of the Week!

So last week I was busy and preoccupied and forgot to post a treasure...sigh. Perhaps I can find a second one and post that later on this week. :)

Onward!

This week's treasure is one of my sources of inspiration, project ideas and supplies for some of my personal projects....and perhaps some yet to come!

A delightful, independently owned scrapbook store located in Bridgeport, NY. (just outside Syracuse - so I recommend you stop there if you have the chance!)

The shop is called "Stampin' and Scrappin' Time" and I love stopping in just to check out what is new and exciting! They have a wonderful selection, great staff and lots of classes! I took a card class there and enjoyed learning new techniques and walked away with 5 cards!

Here are a couple links for you to check out!

http://stampinscrappintimeny.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stampin-Scrappin-Time/

Enjoy! Continue on, inspired!

Treasure of the Week!

Treasure of the Week!

Here is this week's treasure, a little late but totally worth it.

So this is the deal - I absolutely love to craft (obviously) but I also have a lot of crafty friends (you have seen many already!). I love highlighting these people because
A. They are super talented
B. Because of their awesomeness

So, without further adieu - here is this week's treasure!
http://www.thecreativecrafter.com/Home.html
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreativeCrafterJess

Jess is an amazing crafter (and an amazing veterinarian I must add). Please check out here Etsy site and blog! I hope you love it!

And just to give you a hint of what she makes - check this out! Enjoy!

No I didn't forget....

Hi all! I didn't forget the treasure of the week - don't worry! It was a combo of trying to pick the perfect thing to feature and also this delightful change-of-season just-annoying-enough cough that have kept me from writing. But I digress.

Today's treasure of the week is somewhat related to another one.

This week's Treasure is the bellydance troupe known as Bint Hazine! This troupe is run out of the Phoenix, Arizona area and I have had the chance to meet many of them as well as dance with AdeebA Korsana! Whenever I visit the area, I make sure to catch a performance, or at least hang out with some of the girls at a rehearsal!

So without further adieu....here is Bint Hazine!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DO55bCVbTA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz9bYUUpNS0&feature=related

Also check out their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bint.hazine#!/bint.hazine Enjoy and dance on!

Random post - Changing my decision making process, or learning how to pay it forward.

I felt the need to write about my interesting experience last night. Not because it hasn't happened before, but because my reaction has changed about this type of situation. (Disclaimer - I am not saying I am going to walk around doing this every day, but I have my moments. And if anything like this makes you get the serious bad-feeling heebie-jeebies, make the best decision you can).

Onward. Ok, so as my hubby and I left a restaurant late last night, a man stopped us outside. He explained that he was jobless and had no money to feed himself and his child. He also told us how he had been asking people and how one man offered his food, then dumped it on the street. We talked with him for what seemed like a while, but in all honesty it couldn't have been more than fifteen minutes. He never asked for anything at all. Not once.

And then I did something I never thought I would do voluntarily. I had some extra cash (not a lot) and gave it to him and asked if it would help. Honestly, he looked like he was going to break down. (btw - no, he didn't look like he was needing any sort of fix - and yes, I am pretty good at knowing the signs). He told us he wished he could do something in return. I knew he couldn't so - I told him to think of this in the future and pay it forward. As we parted ways, he thanked us again and told us we were both angels.

I did this because I
-know how it is to have almost no money, thankfully I have an amazing supportive family.
-about a year ago someone helped me change my blown tire, and I tried to give them some cash, and they simply told me to pay it forward.
-I realized that the money I gave him might just be spent on something I don't really need. And he needed food. That's a little more important.

In summary, I realized, as of late, that we are all human and my compassion for the world has been growing exponentially. And to the man we met - I hope you find whatever help you need.

Treasure of the Week!

It's that time again! What, oh, what will the treasure be today? Hmmm.....

I think I am going to highlight another wonderful vegan product this week, mainly because I find their products to be outstanding. Today I give some due credit to...

Gardein (namely their beefless tips)

Yes, they are beef-less. But are they amazing? Heck yes and easy to make! Simply saute them up, and my personal favorite ways (so far) are to add a mushroom gravy or also warm the sauteed tips in some barbeque sauce. I have even fooled the occasional omnivore friend with these. I will definitely be trying out some more recipes - soon to follow! So, in closing, thank you Gardein! Can't wait to try more and more of your new products!

Treasure of the Week - fashionably late!

Ok, so I missed blogging last week and somehow missed Monday this week. Back to work I say!

That would make this blog a double feature!

The first Treasure of the Week (I must pay tribute) is the late Davy Jones of the Monkees.

Not a day goes by that I don't play a Monkees song while working on some Ok, Millie crafts. We will miss you, Davy. <3

On to my next treasure of the week.

My friend Sarah is an amazing artist, and I decided to feature her Etsy shop as a treasure of the week. Find adorable notecards on her site!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/artbysarahprice

And also check out her blog!

sarahdraws365.com !!! Enjoy!

Treasure of the Week!

Today's treasure is a bit unconventional. It's not a product, something I found or something I made. Nope.

Each month I go to gatherings called "The Red Tent". It is an amazing space for women to be together, share stories, and just be. There may be singing, dancing, crying, laughing, and a general sense of fulfillment and acceptance. I highly recommend it.

Is that the treasure you ask? Well it's how I figured it out, but for more info on the Red Tent -
http://www.redtentmovie.com/
(fyi- the Just For Fans tab has a link to find a Red Tent near you!)

Which leads me to the treasure of the week. You. Everyone is their own treasure and sometimes we forget to celebrate that. You are a treasure to many.

It was kind of a short and sweet Treasure of the Week - but I felt it deserved special mention. Enjoy, be well and much love!

Treasure of the Week!

Today we highlight a wonderful item made by a dear friend. Honestly, they could all be the treasure of the week, but I decided to showcase this lil' guy.

His name? Zauwphryus Mwerphysg.

The design of this character is just beyond cool. The colors and design evoke a super sea monster feel, and the story of the character is also told on the Etsy website. Yep, he's available ladies and gents - right on Etsy!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/80sixed

This is my buddy Jenn's shop. Here you will find monsters a-plenty to welcome into your home. All come with their own personalities and stories, and beautifully handmade! Check them out and enjoy!

Treasure of the Week - (late, I know)

What???? I waited until Tuesday to post the Monday "Treasure of the Week?" What was I thinking? Monday was super busy this week - posting new items, crafting and creating, and some miscellaneous business stuff. But I digress. On to the fun stuff!

Today's find was at the grocery store. Green Planet Grocery in Syracuse to be exact (love you guys!) Honestly, this place could be a treasure of the week all by themselves; helpful and friendly staff, great selection and cool deals abound.

But the treasure was to be found at the checkout counter. Now readers, to give you a bit of background, I recently went vegan and love buying organic. I also used to love "commercial" peanut butter cups. But alas, they are not vegan or sustainably produced. What is a girl to do?

Well, you find these!

Justin's Organic (and vegan!) Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups!

(they also come in the milk chocolate variety)

Amazing! Superb! Out of this World!! Thank you Justin's for making my day!

So that's what I did today. Have an adventurous and creative week! Watch for new posts coming soon!

For more info on these great treasures, check out:

Justin's at http://www.justinsnutbutter.com/

and Green Planet Grocery at http://www.gpgrocery.com/

Treasure of the week!

Ok, Millie (myself included) is very big into going green, upcycling and buying vintage/gently used, and repurposing. For instance, I have a huge bin of clothes that were gently used, but now have some kind of issue that isn't fixable. What to do? Can't really donate it, but I can make it into something new.

I love treasure hunting too! Whether it be at a closeout store, Salvation Army, or at the summer garage sales, I can usually find a treasure somewhere. I have decided to dedicate Monday to be "Treasure of the Week" day!

Today's find came at the Salvation Army. While wandering the aisles, picking up some neat looking paperbacks, and records, I happened upon quite the score in the shoe section - a nice, spiffy pair of red canvas Converse One-Stars! For the bargain price of 3.99- and half off! So I ended up paying two dollars for a nice pair of Converse. My sneaker of choice! (I will have to post a photo blog of the collection at some point....) Win!

Check in next week to see what the treasure will be!

The beginning!

Hello everyone out there~ Welcome, welcome, welcome!

Sooner than later, I will have some wonderful blog posts! Some days you will find great recipes, fun crafts, moments of whimsy, and more! Stay tuned!