I was shocked to see Tim Tams at Giant today, even marked with “Australia’s Favorite Cookie.” They are $2.99 a pack and come in original and caramel (none of the other Dangerous Liason flavors). I have no idea why they are here but I am happy and can’t wait to report how they compare to the originals. The weird thing is that they are being manufactured by Pepperidge Farms — not Arnott’s. I wonder if the recipe is the same and what made them want to bring them here?

My friend Courtney coordinated an awesome tie dye event. I haven’t tie dyed since Girl Scouts so I was excited. She bought soda ash and assorted dyes and we all brought various white garments we bought from local thrift stores beforehand.

The actual tie dying was really fun. There are so many different techniques available and directions on the internet. However, I’m not one for following directions so I chose to just make it up as I went along. As a result, I ended up with some  curious garments. I think my favorite is the tie dye onesie. I also liked the way the purple tie dye skirt turned out. The tie dye’s girl’s dress was labeled as a top and I only found out later that it wasn’t a camisole. Oh well. The tshirt was a funny disaster. One I will wearing alone and at home. It is really soft, though…

I finally sewed my neck tie bag. I followed a lot of the other examples on Craftster.org but made it a lot more simple. I haven’t really sewed before, but this project was pretty easy. I used black thread and the zig zag stitch. The top has a zipper. I didn’t line it or do anything fancy. I’ve been using it for about 6 months now and been putting all my school folders, books, etc. in it (it is a large bag). So far it has held up really well, despite all the heavy stuff in it. I got all the neck ties from the Freecycle community (McLean branch). Thanks to all the retired gentlemen who gave me their ties and could contribute.

UPDATE: Since this I have been commissioned to make a similar bag for a woman who works at my school out of her father’s ties (who recently passed away). I think this is such a great idea and such a nice way to remember someone. Something to keep in mind if you sew!

Virginia is pretty this time of year. So pretty. I wish I could make some fall inspired scarves out of crocheted wool leaves. I don’t know how to crochet or if you can crochet leaves but it would make an awesome scarf…

I went apple picking in Winchester, VA, with friends and had an awesome time. Apple picking is great and makes me wish I could can things and do other types of domestic cookery tasks.

While there I saw that the top part of the wall of one of the buildings had a ton of stacked old wooden fruit crates. I love the way it looked and I think it would look great as wall paneling if you pried the staples out of the crates and then used the sides as flat sheets. It would be County Living’s sort of aesthetic, which I love. If only I had a large amount of old fruit crates…

I saw these at Dots on Little River Turnpike in Alexandria today and had to take a photo. I documented the hooks to prove they are not really bangles. Seriously, who is wearing these things!?

Today I went shopping in Lincolnia, the nondescript yet eclectic stretch of Little River Turnpike in Alexandria. I like shopping at cheap ethnic clothing stores there and I haven’t been in Fashion la Fama in about a year. Previously, it had typical low quality and unimpressive clothing. Now it is under new Chinese ownership and the new people have brought in some fun wardrobe pieces with funky mannequin ensembles. I like it even if I am too old for most of the stuff. The clothing is cheap overall but higher priced for the area tops are around $16 and jeans for about $25. However, these are unique items and they also have dressed and other stuff. Their sale is pretty good. I bought one of those long underwear type of texture long sleeved shirts in charcoal grey with a cute argyle print for $5.

I also looked at their rings which are kooky and great. I love giant rings and they also have size 6, which is the largest size I can wear (tiny fingers). I love snake themed accessories for some reason – even though I feel like I shouldn’t. They had these awesome Cuban zirconia encrusted snake rings that reminded me of Hidalgo rings (which I love!) but they were $36. So, I ended up splurging on this funky snake ring in faux silver and CZs. I like how it wraps around and is so unusual…even though I know I probably should be giving up my love of snake jewelry…I will still be wearing it this winter. At $7.50 I can experiment.

My friend Nicole has this adorable stamp wallet that I love that is designed to look like a letter. I can’t find it online but it is well made and seems to be leather – I think it was purchased in London. It inspired me and helped me come across these great recycled wallets by (Dynomighty . They print designs onto Tyvek to create earth-friendly wallets with fun themes like Air Mail letters, vintage postcards, Subway maps, tattoos, etc. I noticed that a lot are on sale on eBay (and then you will earn eBay bucks). Also, if you Google “how to make a Tyvel wallet” you will find lots of tutorials on Instructables, YouTube, and How Stuff Works. I don’t have any Tyvek to try it. I do wonder if stuff falls out of the wallet because it looks like stuff could fall out of the sides?

My sister made these cute sugar skulls out of granulated sugar and some eggs whites. They are perfect to break apart and use in coffee and I crushed one up to use in lieu of syrup in my waffles. I love how cute they look.

Today at Target I noticed they are selling awesome kids Dia de Los Muertos nightgowns. I love the print. Makes me wish they came in adult sizes.