Lariats and Lavender

Meet My Sponsors (Part 3)

2012-01-31T22:40:00.000-08:00

Hi, everyone! Here are the rest of my absolutely amazing January sponsors! All of these ladies are WONDERFUL and you should definitely pay them a visit and give them a follow! I promise you will l-o-v-e their posts and them. ~A

Blog // Etsy // Twitter // Pinterest

Blog // Facebook // Twitter // Google+ // Pinterest

Blog // Twitter // Pinterest // Facebook // Polyvore

Blog // Twitter // Pinterest

Blog // Twitter // Flickr // Etsy

Vampirism Monday

2012-01-30T21:15:00.000-08:00

Hello, friends! It's time for January's LAST Vampirism Monday! Eep! Luckily February will bring a few Monday's our way, so don't think I'm done - oh no! Anyway, before I get started, I want to say that my flu is pretty much OVER. All that's left is that snuffly feeling in my head and sinuses. Well, that and major sleepiness, though that could be because I haven't had my morning glass of bloo-I mean my morning cup of coffee yet. *wink* Anyway, enough of my rambling!

This week, my theme for Vampirism Monday is PARTYING! Yep, here you will find a guide on how to throw the perfect vampire party, so what are we waiting for? Let's get started!

First... The decor!

Before planning anything else, you obviously need a place where your guests can rest! You DO plan on partying until sunrise, right?

Next, a little lighting can go a long way! (1, 2 and 3)

If you and your guests are a little more modern, here's an extra choice! (4)

Now that everything is fangtastic, how about food and drink?

Well, friends, this is where Vampire Vineyards is your best friend. (Also: if you think I'm kidding, I'm not! This vineyard IS called Vampire Vineyards and yes, they DO sell real wine! LOVE IT.) Whether you love a good Merlot...

A breezy Pinot Grigio

Or even something a little harder like some delicious Vampyre Vodka...

...or something a little calmer, like some Dracola!

Vampire Vineyards has you covered! But, let's not forget some of the other choices out there, such as

Some caffeinated B in a Bag! (I've had some of this, warm. SO GOOD.)

And of course, TRU:BLOOD! I'm quite addicted to this drink. It's amazing and energizing. I also LOVE mixing Tru:Blood with some liquor and making Dead on the Beach(es.) (Recipe below!)

Dead on the Beach - 1.5oz Vodka; 1/2oz Peach Schnapps; 2oz Tru Blood; 2oz Orange Juice

So, what do you think? *fangy grin* Come back next week for appetiziers, meals and outfit choices for your party!

Weekly Love List Pt. 2

2012-01-29T05:42:00.000-08:00

Hi, friends! I promised I'd return with some link and offline love yesterday but this flu just won't quit and I spent most of the day snuggled up in bed. Right now I'm in the stuffy and sleepy yet energized stage. I want to go, go, go but my body isn't quite up to speed with my motivation! Anyway! Here's what I've been lovin' from around the web and offline...

1. Link Love

Do you collect My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic dolls? Are you horrified because, out of the package, their hair is an unruly mess? Well, don't be afraid, because here are three tutorials on beautifying those mane six (or, er, three)!

Unemployed? Stay-at-home wife/mom/fur feather or scaly mom/student/etc? Just looking for some extra cash? Check out Jordan's post on making small amounts of money on the web!

One of my favorite bloggers as of late is Manic Mrs. Stone and one of her latest posts was on plants that naturally filter toxins from the air! Definitely a must read.

A recent lady I've begun following is Katlyn and one of her recent blog series' is "You Inspire Me!" This week, she featured her Aunt Shelly who is Transgender!

If you're more into arts and crafts than make-up, you may be drooling over WhimseyBox! It's a lot like BirchBox but instead of getting make-up and such every month, you get... CRAFT SUPPLIES!

Jen and I believe highly in gentle parenting and when we came across Meditation for Kids, we fell in love! Bonus: teenagers and adults can use this simple tool as well! Double Bonus: EVERYTHING on "Here We Are Together" is worth a read!

Alycia is one of my fav. bloggers and here's a list she put together of sites similar to BirchBox! I really really REALLY want to try Fair Ivy. ♥

Bianca posted some really cute illustrated grocery lists and this week I'll definitely illustrate mine!

2. Offline Love

♥ Jen playing nurse with sick ol' me like I did for her last week! She can instantly lift my mood, even when I'm snuffly. ♥ Rain instead of Snow! ♥ Trying a food I never tried before and LOVING IT (I'm lookin' at you, bruschetta!) ♥ Losing 5lbs, simply by eating less junk food - BOOYAH! ♥ Receiving fun purchases in the mail ♥ Finding out that Wal-Mart now has My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic blind bags in Utah! Yes, Yes, YES! ♥ Being inspired and making my own artist portfolio site (more coming so-o-o-o-o-on!) ♥ And SO much more!

P.S. If I'm feeling decently well in the next few hours, I'll post Meet My Sponsors (Part 3)! YAY!

Weekly Love List

2012-01-28T01:51:00.000-08:00

Hi, friends! It's been a weird 48 hours. I was fine... Than I had a sore throat, cough and sniffles plus I felt as if I was roasting over a fire... Than I slept, woke up and felt even worse than I slept for an ENTIRE DAY and now I'm feeling much better. Yay! Jen is also feeling better, which I am SO thankful for! I hate when she's sick. *frown*

Anyway, I missed a LOT on Friday, so before I play catch up - here is my weekly love list one day late!

1. Putting together Polyvore sets

I fell in love with fashion when I was a very little girl! I spent hours dressing my Barbie's, playing with paper dolls and sketching outfits. Hence why I love Polyvore oh-so-much!

When I first heard about Polyvore, all I did was make set after set! Lately I've only been making sets based on clothes from stores I know and love, and outfits I'd actually wear!

This set above has: top and headband from ModCloth, jeans and bangle pack from Dorothy Perkins and my beloved Hanaki boots from Blowfish Shoes (which I desperately want!)

2. Fabric Jewelry (each picture is linked!)

Lately I've just been SO in love with fabric jewelry! Normally I'm a metal and/or gem kinda girl. But ever since I bought cute little fabric plaid studs, I've realized how fun fabric jewelry can be!

3. Blogger Style Love (each picture is linked!) and Chictopia

I follow some totally amazing and extremely fashionable ladies, and I LOVE seeing the outfits they've put together! It's because of them that I've been branching out, trying new things and adding more color into my wardrobe! (Though I still love wearing black!) The above three are always wearing something that I can't help but *pin*! If you wanna see more fashion that I've found in the blogosphere, check out my Pinterest board "Blogger Style Love"!

I've also been introduced to my latest obsession, Chictopia.com! On Chictopia, you'll find ladies wearing extremely fancy and sometimes rich outfits to comfy cozy casual and definitely affordable outfits! Not to mention, plenty of inspiration! Here are some outfits I've found and l-o-v-e!

I hope you enjoyed! I will be back later with some of my favorite articles and blog posts from around the web this week along with my offline lovelies! ♥ Happy Saturday!

25 Ways of Beating Sadness, Sickness or Boredom

2012-01-27T23:48:00.000-08:00

Good evening, lovelies! Earlier today I was inspired by one of my most lovely and inspirational friends, Kayte and I decided I would make my own 25 Ways post. Kayte, this post is in your honor as I am not copying - I am following in your amazing footsteps! I hope you and, well, ALL of you enjoy!

Angie's 25 Ways of Beating Sadness, Sickness or Boredom. Tried, tested and approved!

Grab your significant other, your cuddly animal companion or your favorite stuffed animal and slide under your comfy cozy covers for a good cuddle session.
Prop up every pillow you have and make a large comfy igloo around yourself and settle down for an afternoon of book reading. If you're like me, you'll choose a fantasy title. I highly recommend Fablehaven, Howl's Moving Castle, Interview With a Vampire or the Sookie Stackhouse Series.
Sit down with a stack of plain paper, pencils and markers, envelopes and other fun supplies and write your pen pals. Bonus: write as if you were a posh Victorian lady. It's fun!
Go in front of a big mirror and play with your make-up. Try a look you'd never leave the house in! Or pretend you're a make-up artist for a movie and make yourself into a skeleton, zombie, vampire, etc.
Find a big, open, clear space (say your bed, carpeted living room floor or if it's warm enough - a blanket on the grass) and stretch. Roll around. Do a little yoga. Release your tension!
Visit your favorite magazine's website! Normally every magazine has a lot of stories they never printed on paper which are exclusively for their online readers. Plus many have fun slideshows!
Sign-up for Pogo.com (it's free), make your mini and find your new favorite game. I'm JazzyYu on Pogo if you do join and I can normally be found playing Mahjong Safari, Poppit or Bejeweled. Below is my mini! (Do you like Wedge, Mau and Jango? Hehe!)
Visit Doll Divine or deviantART.com and play dress up! (Below: Mori Girl dress up and EMO girl dress up) These may even inspire your artistic side!
Make a Neopet, play original Super Mario Bros or download Free Realms - a FTP (free to play) MMO game. Oh, and let's not forget the epic Lord of the Rings Online which is also now FTP. Or Guild Wars, which you must purchase, however once you do there is no monthly fee! Hello, lovely free gaming!
Speaking of gaming... Did you ever play The Sims when you were younger? I know I did and I have always been a fan. That's why Jen and I have The Sims 3, all of TS3 expansions and all of TS3 stuff packs installed on our computers. If you have some extra cash, consider restarting your love of controlling pixels!
Also, why not download a trial of World of Warcraft? It's free until level 20 and than you must pay a monthly subscription. Jen and I have been WoW fangirls since 2006 and I can definitely say it's an excellent game!
Clean, Clean, Clean... I know this doesn't sound very exciting, however I always feel better once I've done a little picking up. If you have a hard time figuring out just where to start, or what to do, follow my lead: grab a bag, gloves if you need them (I'm a germophobe so I do!) and start a timer on your computer for fifteen minutes. Now go! Pick up anything around you, even an empty soda can or a wrapper. Once the fifteen minutes is done, I guarantee you'll have a cleaner space!
Write a poem from your heart. Take your paper journal, sit down and write. This can be not only therapeutic, but inspiring and creative.
If you're feeling ho-hum, open up WordPad or grab your notebook and list why you're feeling down, how you can improve your mood and a few goals. Now, find ways to act on those goals. Set rewards for yourself!
Do some online window shopping and create wishlists for yourself, gift guides for your family and friends and even for your pets! Fun and sweet, yet also helpful for holidays and just because gifts!
Grab your camera, go outside and just start taking pictures of anything and everything. The leaves, the wood grain on your fence, yourself. Take a picture of any little creature that comes your way. Doing this, I once got a picture of a cute moth and I've also gotten a fantastic shot of a dragonfly!
Do a search on mythology and legends. Think of your favorite flower, animal, color, month... Everything has a background, and I bet you'll learn something new!
Start watching a new show from episode one. I highly recommend a good anime (Trigun, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Strawberry Panic...) or something sci-fi (such as Star Trek: The Original Series or Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Oh and let's not forget Stargate SG-1!) Or even a cartoon (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic anyone?! ♥)
Brew a big mug of something warm and delicious and sit outside, admiring the world around you.
Start a new craft... I've recently taken up crochet, which is SO relaxing and fun and my newest goal is to start embroidery. Jewelry making, painting, scrapbooking and miniature making are also fun ideas.
Visit Interpals.com and contact someone from a different country!
Do you know much about your family history? Try looking up your history on a genealogy website. Many are free!
Visit your local library and grab a book on something you've been wondering about. Feng Shui, Calligraphy, Palm Reading, etc. Go home, read and explore your new interest further.
Visit your local New Age store and buy the tarot deck that basically calls your name. Go home and try your hand at reading the cards. See what your future has in store for you! You may just be a natural. (I am - which shocked me!)
And finally, if all else fails: take a nap!

Well, everyone, I hope you enjoyed this!!! Let me know if you've tried any of these and what you thought! ♥

48 Q's with Angie

2012-01-26T04:12:00.000-08:00

Hi, friends! I came across 48 Q's on Liz's, Sarah's and Amanda's blogs, so, I thought I would play along! If you play along as well, make sure you let me know in my comments so I can click on over and read your answers! ~A

1. What time did you get up this morning? I actually woke up around 12:00PM yesterday... It's now 4:22AM! Yes, I'm a night owl. (Hoot!)

2. How do you like your steak? Well done. In fact, I prefer my steak nearly charred - same with all meaty foods.

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Harry Potter 7 Part 2 with Jen and her parents!

4. What is your favorite TV show? True Blood! Without a doubt. However, I also love The Big Bang Theory, Friends, Bleach, Strawberry Panic, Trigun, a plethora of other anime, Storage Wars, Pawn Stars, Cajun Pawn Stars, American Pickers, What Not To Wear, Myth Busters, Hoarders, Dog: The Bounty hunter and many other series'! I also LOVE anything on History and anything about "the unexplained." Oh and documentaries. I like TV!

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Right now, I really don't mind living in Utah, because of Jen's parents. Even when we lived in our apartment, we swung by every day. I'd miss them SO much if we moved far away. However, for the sake of this question, I wouldn't mind living in: Louisiana (which is, apparently, my dream state), Nevada, Florida (only so we could liveaboard!), Salem, Mass., Washington, Japan, Scotland or Canada. As for Utah, we both are totally in love with Sugar House. ♥ It's a mix of old houses, new age stores, foreign markets, etc.

6. What did you have for breakfast? Two slices of turkey with two slices of pepper jack cheese.

7. What is your favorite food? ANYTHING home-made by Jen! Seriously. Girl should be a chef! I especially love Italian, Asian and Southern foods. Mmmm! As for snackage, only lately have I been craving chocolate and sugar. Before this month, I was in love with cucumbers and bell peppers! Oh oh and I adore my MILs home-made salads. She's also an amazing cook and puts together the best desserts!

8. Foods you dislike? Olives, Mushroom, most seafood (except for popcorn shrimp, calamari, breaded walleye, breaded crappie and breaded tilapia.) I also don't like bologna, most pork products and I have never tried lamb or duck and don't plan on trying either... I don't really like peas (except I LOVE chick peas) or green beans.

9. Favorite place to eat? HOME!!! Seriously. I'd rather eat in any day. If we were going out, I'd choose Joe's Crab Shack!

10. Favorite dressing? Olive Oil Mayo. So, so good!

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Nothing, sadly! We are currently car less. In the past we had our baby, a Dodge Ram 1500 (named Earl) and a Jetta TDI (Toothless.)

12. What are your favorite clothes? In Spring: a thicker-material shirt, a cute pair of jeans and sneakers. In Summer: a tank top or a sundress with jeans, especially hole-y jeans and sandals. In Autumn: a cute sweater, cute black or dark blue jeans and boots. In Winter: a thicker-material shirt, black or dark blue jeans and boots! I rarely wear dresses or skirts because I feel totally uncomfortable in them, despite my love for them! Hopefully this year, I'll wear more!

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Tokyo, Japan without a DOUBT. Also Jen's family's castle and loch ness in Scotland and I've dreamed of visiting Italy for years. Oh and Canada, because I LOVE Canada despite never being there!

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Half full, always!

15. Where would you want to retire? Probably Florida or Canada, on our sailboat. Though really, I hope I am always creating art!

16. Favorite time of day? After dusk and before sunrise. Especially those in-between times, such as when the sun is JUST going down and JUST coming up. It's so peaceful!

17. Where were you born? Chicago, Illinois - born and raised!

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Neither Jen nor I are big sports fangirls, however we do watch NASCAR when we remember it's on and we'll watch bull riding every now and then!

19. What is your favorite fragrance? Haiku by Avon, Nectarine and White Ginger by Dove, Tenacious by Professional Bull Riding, Absinthe oil by Vampfangs, Funeral Parlor oil by Vampfangs and Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture.

20. What is your favorite face cream? I don't use any right now. *frown* I want to start though, because I have a mix of oily and dry skin that's annoying when putting on make-up!

21. Favorite baby/kids products? Oh goodness, I have no idea!

22. People watcher? I can't say that I really am. Honestly, I only notice people because I am looking for what my city's fashion is.

23. Are you a morning or night person? Totally a night person! Jen and I used to do most of our shopping after midnight, in fact! We really wish our city had a fun little 24/7 cafe!

24. Do you have any pets? Of COURSE. Wedge and Mau, our furry kitty children and Jango, our feather birdie child. *wink*

25. Any new and exciting news you’d like to share? Jen MAY be getting her SSI soon. Which would be SO amazing for us, financially!

26. What did you want to be when you were little? A wife, mother and artist! I'm a wife and an artist, plus a fur and feather momma and Jen and I definitely plan on having a little one someday!

27. What is your favorite memory? Jen and I meeting for the first time, falling in love and becoming a couple. When I saw her face-to-face for the first time. Our first trip with her parents. Our wedding day! Riding a bareback bronc and bull in the rodeo. Our first job. Hugging our kitty Salem. Adopting our fur, feather and scaly babies over the years. And so much more. I'm a very lucky girl!

28. Are you a cat or dog person? Definitely both - though more of a cat person! I LOVE animals!

29. Are you married? YES!!! Jen and I are going on five years this September 13th!

30. Always wear your seat belt? Yep! I thank my big sister Patty for that. She had a rule that before the car started, my seat belt would be clicked into place and I wouldn't dare un-click until the key was out of the ignition!

31. Been in a car accident? No - thank Goddess. And I pray I never will be!

32. Any pet peeves? People I don't know calling me "hun", "sweety", etc. People hitting on me, people who think it's okay to make fun of thin girls or instantly call them anorexic, anyone who messes with my family, ladies with super long nails (unnaturally long or totally un-groomed long), gender stereotypes and stereotypes in general, close-mindedness, animal abuse... The list certainly goes on. I'm a positive girl and I love making friends, but there are some things I really despise!

33. Favorite pizza toppings? Pepperoni with Italian sausage and bacon. The same, but with jalapenos added on. Or, my old favorite, chicken bacon ranch pizza. YUM!

34. Favorite flower? Red roses! I just LOVE how pretty they are and how they smell, as well as what they represent. I also love night-blooming flowers. And obviously: LAVENDER!

35. Favorite ice cream? Phish Food by Ben & Jerry's, Red Velvet by Ben & Jerry's and fresh peach ice cream. Yummy!

36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Pizza Hut, Papa John's, Carls Jr., Panda Express and Arctic Circle!

37. How many times did you fail your driver’s test? I've never taken one!

38. From whom did you get your last email? Tab from Geektastic! She's a friend of mine and Jen's and a total sweety!

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? Oh goodness... Wal-Mart, Target, Deseret Industries, The Lotus, Jeweled Maidens, Hot Topic, Pyramid Collection, The Magickal Cat, Think Geek, Jinx and of course, ETSY!!!

40. Do anything spontaneous lately? Tried Rockstar Coconut Water. It was DISGUSTING!

41. Like your job? I can't say yes or no, as I am unemployed. *wink* BUT I do love working on my arts and crafts, as well as on my blog and blog design!

42. Broccoli? Only if it's raw and with ranch veggie dip! I cannot stand cooked brocolli, unless it's covered in cheese... And even than, it's not my favorite.

43. What was your favorite vacation? I've had a few and I loved them all SO much. 1st was going to Bryce Canyon and Zion's National Park with Jen and her parents when I first moved here. 2nd was a month later, going to Las Vegas, Nevada with Jen and her parents for our wedding and honeymoon! 3rd was going back to see our sisters! 4th was actually for a job... We worked on Lake Powell. Totally amazing and 6th was also for a job, that time up at Bryce Canyon!

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Jen and her parents! We went to Joe's Crab Shack for Jen's birthday last year!

45. What are you listening to right now? Jen munching on BBQ sunflower seeds, a weird cartoon on Nick, Wedge softly mewing and Mau purring up a storm! Plus my typing, of course! :P

46. What is your favorite color? BLUE! Especially teal. Followed by black, hot pink and purple!

47. How many tattoos do you have? Sadly, none. But I really want a few!

48. Coffee drinker? YES! Daily. Normally a cup or two. Must be loaded with two Splenda and plenty of creamer!

PHEW! That took me a good hour. *wink* Sorry it's so wordy. I can never JUST answer a question... and now, time to hit PUBLISH! I hope you enjoy!

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: For Her

2012-01-25T13:01:00.000-08:00

Hi, friends! Can you believe it's almost February?! I can't. I'm so excited though... Why? Because February equals Valentine's Day! Now, I know that a lot of people see Valentine's Day as a commercial holiday and even more people say you should love your valentine every day of the year - and I totally agree on that last one - however! I don't think there is anything wrong with having one special day to celebrate that love, even if you do so every day! (In my opinion, it's like your birthday or Thanksgiving! Hopefully you celebrate you every day and hopefully you're thankful year-round!)

Anyway! Here's a little gift guide I put together for the lovely lady(ies) in your life! (Pssst, that can totally mean you.)

Wanna give her something sweet? How about this Han Solo in Carbonite chocolate bar?

Something pretty for the stars in her eyes - Gold Pressed Latinum eyeshadow! (Plus: it's vegan!)

Show her she's not only your world, she's your galaxy with some pretty footwear! (1 and 2)

Share some laughter with your valentine - give her this Mystery Science Theater 3000 necklace and cuddle up with a marathon!

If that special sweety in your life is a manga lover, why not give her, her very own manga self portrait?!

That's my guide for your special geek girl! I have many more Valentine's Day Gift Guide posts coming soon! Hopefully throughout the rest of January and into February! Woohoo!

A post on Transgenderism (Part 2)

2012-01-24T16:36:00.000-08:00

Welcome, friends! I wrote my first post about transgenderism and having a gorgeous transgender wife a week or so ago and here is part 2! I hope you enjoy and remember, if you have a question, don't be afraid to ask! ~A

Simple answer: whenever he is ready! Every person is different, however many transgender individuals prefer being called "he" or "she" by their family/friends/co-workers after telling them that they are trans. It's always best to ask though, in case he hasn't told anyone else yet or is shy, etc. You can simply take him aside and say that you're really glad he's told you, and you want to help support him in anyway you can and ask if he'd mind if you called him "he" in the work place!

Everyone in our family has responded definitely! The first person Jen and I ever told about her transgenderism was my mother, which was shortly after Jen told me. We were teenagers back then, so understandably my mother wondered if Jen was going through a phase and I explained to her that Jen knew she was transgender ever since she was a very little girl. My mom realized my "boyfriend" was really my girlfriend and would become my future wife and she welcomed Jen with an open heart. She even started buying her more cute gifts around the holidays, cute t-shirts that were either feminine or unisex, etc. It meant the world to both of us!

My dad doesn't really know, as far as I know, simply because we rarely ever talk. He does, however, have me on Facebook where I say that I am married, have a wife and that her name is Jen and he does know we are married, so I'm guessing he does know. Again, we never really talk and when we do, it's rarely more than a quick catch-up.

My sisters, Patty and Lori, were AMAZING when I told them. In 2010, I had wrote them a long, long e-mail explaining that I was into women and that Jen was my wife, not my husband. I explained her name, the fact that she was transgender, etc. and you know what they did? They acted like what I told them was no big deal and instantly accepted Jen as their little sister, which truly melted my heart and made me love them even more than I already did! Now when they send us something in the mail, they address the letter/box to Jen and Angie, plus they also call her Jen, buy her feminine gifts, etc. It's *awesome*.

She is very, very open around friends! She wasn't sure if she could be, however she's realized most people if not everyone we've met online is very supportive! Plus, she's told an old co-worker of ours and he accepts her whole-heartedly. Her friends support her as trans, her future with HRT and surgery and her as a person. Many of those friends have come from this here blog and our various gaming adventures. ♥

In public, no one can identify Jen as transgender because she currently is stealth. She doesn't take HRT yet, so she still has masculine features and she still wears masculine clothing when not around me. When we had our own place, she'd often put on her actual cute clothing and we'd drive, we even went to a Wal-Mart on New Years Eve! I love when she's more open and less shy about who she really is and she's always in such a good mood when she does so! Oh and we also had our friend Bella hang out with us in our old apartment and Jen was wearing a cute sweater and skirt. Bella told her she was GORGEOUS and I totally agreed. She's a beautiful woman!

As for how you can support other transgendered individuals: if they are in your family or are a friend BE THERE FOR THEM. You don't need to fully understand, you don't need to go out of your way to do or say anything in particular, just like/love them for who they are, listen, support them and I promise that WILL mean the world. Also, if you have time, volunteering is always an option! Also, if you're a fellow blogger, blogging about transgenderism can get your voice heard around THE WORLD. Remember that!

Great question, miss and one I am asked often! Honestly, I don't think there is a lot that is different. Granted, Jen is the one and only person I've ever dated and married. *wink* But really, we do what a lot of straight and non-transgendered people do: we cuddle, we watch our favorite TV series, we game, we read together, we go shopping, etc! The only thing that is different is that there is some worry, mostly about the HRT and surgery, as both can be potentially dangerous and can affect your moods. BUT! Jen has me and I know she'll be perfectly fine. As we're both girls, we love clothing, make-up and girly girl shopping. As Jen hasn't had HRT yet, she'll often look for make-up that can cover up the under shadow of facial hair. Even if she shaved just that day, there can sometimes be a dark-ish shadow on her face, so she'll look for heavy concealer. But like most ladies, she doesn't like the feeling of a thick, sticky covering so it's a little challenging!

Many transgendered women try and look for clothing that will fit their manly frame, however Jen has a very natural hourglass shape, along with a rockin' bod, so clothing really isn't hard for her to find AT ALL. Even her shoe size can easily be found in stores. (She's one size larger than I am, a woman's size 11!)

So, there you go! I hope you all enjoyed part 2, and if you want more, you know what you gotta do! Ask a question or request a certain transgender topic for me to talk about! ♥

Handwriting, yo

2012-01-24T14:23:00.000-08:00

Meet My Sponsors (Part 2)

2012-01-24T11:15:00.000-08:00

Hiya, everyone! How is your Tuesday going? Ours is going pretty good, except my poor Jen is sick. *frown* Please keep your fingers crossed that she feels better as soon as possible! Today I bring you part 2 of my lovely January sponsors. I can say that all of these ladies make the blogging community a better place with their amazing, creative, inspirational and just plain WONDERFUL posts! ♥ ~A

Blog // Twitter

Blog // Shop

Blog // Twitter // Tumblr // Pinterest

Blog // Twitter // Pinterest // Facebook // Etsy

Blog // Twitter // Facebook // Tumblr // Etsy // Polyvore

Blog // Twitter // Portfolio

Vampirism Monday

2012-01-23T04:27:00.000-08:00

Hi, friends! Happy Monday and a very happy Chinese New Year! It's the year of the Water Dragon and we will definitely be celebrating. (Despite the fact that Jen and her mom are tigers and I'm a snake. Ssss.) Come by tomorrow for a Chinese New Year re-cap, 'kay?! *grin* In the meantime, it's time for another Vampirism Monday!

When I first started Vampirism Monday, I didn't plan on having a different theme each week - so I actually surprised myself when I realized that was exactly what I was doing! This week, my theme is real life vampirism and no, I'm not talking about crazy ladies you hear on the news who bite people over a french fry and claim they are a vampire! They actually give vampires in general a bad name, and have turned real life vampirism into a joke, and even worse, a crime in many cases.

I'll be honest, I believe in the great world of the unexplained. You know, UFOs, Nessie, lost cities... Vampires. However, this post isn't about those kinds of vampires either. Nope, when I say real life vampirism I mean real life.

So, I've rambled on enough! Let's get to the point. I've kind of always been aware of real life vampirism, though I never did much research because much like with Wicca, you can't believe everything you read online. I would Google "real life vampirism" and find everything from teenagers claiming they were turned to adults claiming they could transform into a bat and yada yada. It wasn't until 2011, when Jen and I bought the Sanguinomicon by Father Sebastiaan that I learned the truth about what vampirism is and isn't.

While I can't share every detail, I can tell you that the Sanguinomicon focuses on Psi and Emotional Vampirism. Do you know what that is? Not many people do. I can point you to this FAQ by The Sanguinarium.

And this lovely Ordo Strigoi Vii information provided by Wikipedia:

"Unlike psychic vampirism and blood drinkers, Strigoi Vii see the art of vampyrism as a spiritual and esoteric path tapping subtle vital energies such as prana, ki and chi for spiritual evolution and as a path to immortality. Like those who do not practice vampyrism as a spiritual path within the Sanguinarium the Strigoi Vii relate to the vampyre virtues or "Red Veils" which are the positive aspects of the vampire archetype which include but are not limited to decadence, mystery, romance, primal nature, elegance, transhumanism and immortality. The core philosophies, teachings and traditions of the Ordo Strigoi Vii can be found in the books Sanguinomicon (Weiser 2010) and Vampyre Magick (Weiser 2012) written by one of the founding members Father Sebastiaan and published by Weiser Books."

As you can tell, Psi and Emotional Vampirism is not based around blood-drinking and OSV (Ordo Strigoi Vii) members do NOT drink actual blood. Blood-drinking is seen more as a fetish and, taken straight from the site itself:

"Do Vampyres need to drink blood to survive? No. Vampyres do NOT need to drink blood to survive. The very few that do anything related to blood consider it merely a fetish and only do it within monogamous relationships and never speak about it publicly as such actions are taboo and often illegal."

Now, another term one may come across is a Black Swan. A Black Swan is a friend or lover of a vampyre. These men and/or women is NOT a vampyre themselves, however they are in a relationship with a vampyre and/or understand the lifestyle. There is an entire site dedicated to the Black Swan community. This site DOES include talk of blood donors, however there is also talk of psi and energy donors as well.

Real life vampyres can be anyone. Your neighbor, your boss, your doctor, your best friend. Unless someone is open and willing to share this part of their life with you, you may never know who or what they truly are. It's obviously not something that is very common in the everyday world. So how do vampyres find one another without raising alarm?

One way is by accessories. A real life vampyre may be gothic and they may not be. They may wear bright pink clothing and have the bubbliest personality ever... or they may be a loner, with all dark clothing who is simply happy being in the shadows and they may be somewhere in between. Vampyres, after all, really are JUST PEOPLE. So, as I said, many find each other via accessories and or body mods. Say, a set of gorgeous fangs that they flash or a legacy ankh around their neck, or tattooed into their skin.

From what I have learned, many psi and energy vampyres can also sense other vampyres around them - some of these other vampyres may know or may not know what they truly are.

And, of course, there are also events! One of mine and Jen's very favorites is The Endless Night Vampire Ball. Last year, we had a high hope of going on a road trip, arriving and attending the ball and walking around New Orleans late at night, but sadly we didn't have the funds. One of our goals is definitely to visit the next ball in America, which will be October of 2012 and again in New Orleans. So wish us luck, please!

So now, you know a little bit about real life vampirism. I'll leave you with a few little tidbits around the web that I have read or watched and loved! I hope you enjoy and I'll see you next Monday. *fangy grin*

The Sanguinomicon by Father Sebastiaan! Of course, you should read this as soon as possible, even if you interest is only the slightest bit peaked.

A list of traits "real vampires" have. Take with a grain of salt. Some of these may, or may not be true and it's really up to the individual to say what they believe and do not believe in.

The Path. Sweet and Simple.

This video, which all should watch:

7 Pretties

2012-01-22T19:37:00.000-08:00

Hiya, everyone! I'm linking up with Gussy and sharing seven pretties that I am currently loving. It's such a fun linky party and a pleasure for your peepers, so hop on over and link up! And now, my seven pretties:

1. a pretty kitty calender my mother-in-law bought us for 2012

via me

2. a pretty dress, full of hearts and in a perfect color combo for February

via ModCloth

3. a pretty and romantic rose necklace from one of my favorite Etsy sellers

via DoodleBirdie

5. this pretty "love" ring which I ordered in silver on Wednesday

via Craftyforlife

6. this pretty lady who is one of my newest favorite artists! She's a singer and her name is Pixie Lott

via Pinterest

7. this pretty picture I took of a snowy Utah day <3

via me

I hope you enjoyed my quite random 7 pretties! See you on Monday for Vampirism Monday and this week will be full of sponsorship lovelies, honesty posts and so much more. <3

Let's be honest

2012-01-22T04:08:00.000-08:00

via Pinterest

I'm truly a positive girl, in fact, when I was a little girl I often annoyed those around me with my optimism. Even after family (human and fur/feather/scaly) loss, job loss, moving, debt, bankruptcy and mental illness, I've found my glass half full. But that still doesn't stop the heavy blanket of depression from covering me every now and then. Which has been the case lately. Between my OCD acting up (before and during my time without medication), stress that is hanging above my head for no reason and finally, some family stress (mostly talking to people I'd rather not talk to), I've been a bit of a basket case.

I've been finding comfort in Jen's hugs and kisses, as well as her nightly back rubs and encouraging words. I thank my Goddess for the fact that I have such a loving wife, who doesn't judge me and is on my side whenever I need her. Even with her loving, though, I have been down. I don't really share my depressed moods here on my blog often, because, well... I don't have them often. But lately I've been sitting in front of my computer, with no energy. I open my blog, start writing a post and hit that little red x. I'll start going through my e-mail and feel lost. I'll try and open my journal, so I can recipe plan for the next week or so and I stop halfway through my writing.

I have a story idea in my head, something I've desperately wanted to write and yet haven't. There is crochet I want to practice, drawings I need to do and want to do, friends I miss chatting with and just... Life. I wake up exhausted and by the time it's night, I'm finally awake and filled with energy. (12am-6am are truly my power hours.) The problem with this is that while we may be nocturnal, not everyone in our household is and so we can't go anywhere or do anything. Cleaning is a bit too noisy, cooking is as well and well, we don't even have a car so going anywhere would include walking which isn't the safest thing to do after dark. It's a rather trapped feeling for Jen and I, though luckily we have one another! Plus, we're SO thankful we have a roof over our head and that we're living with family who we know, love and trust instead of with friends, or strangers.

via me

However! Now that I have rambled on enough, I want to say that despite my rather gloomy attitude, I am truly focusing on the positive. Jen and I can't control what others do, nor can we control what we can't do, but we can control what we can do.

Last night I contacted our care manager and left her a message, so we can start finding out what needs to be done to look into low income housing. I also applied to several work from home jobs that sound promising. Next up is finding a cheap car, though the problem with this is that a cheap car can include so many issues, so we must be careful.

We are also working on life goals, such as weight loss, smoking (we're desperately waiting for a new product that's on the market called steam stone shisha) and getting into our creative jive.

I do my best when I can see something solid in front of me, so I've been writing my little heart out. Lists fill my journal, because I find I do better with guidance and that guidance can definitely be my own, plus Jen's amazing wisdom. (Girl is smart, yo!) Instead of saying I will do this, or I will do that, I write down step-by-step HOW I can achieve what I want. This may sound silly, but I like having what I must do laid out before me. It's so easy for me to see that, okay, this can be broken down into smaller goals and accomplished easier than having a panic attack over not doing x by x date and by x time.

So now that I shared how I am staying positive and how I organize my life, please share with me how YOU do so! And remember, one of the best parts of blogging is that we always have each others back. ♥

Weekly Love List

2012-01-20T02:05:00.000-08:00

Hi, friends! It's Friday (Friday, Friday... Don't hate me. *wink*) I was planning on posting yesterday, however I was exhausted and we were having a lovely rainy day, so we stayed in bed and caught up on some much needed sleep!

Before I get started on my list, let me just say: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ASHLEY! I hope your birthday is absolutely perfect and I hope you have a lot of fun! I am SO glad we met and became friends. ♥

And now, what I've been loving this week (each picture is linked!):

Beach/Sea Glass

I can't tell you how much I LOVE beach/sea glass! It's seriously so beautiful and mesmerizing, much like water itself. I'm hoping that once our weather starts getting just a little bit warmer, Jen and I can go and look around our local beach for some!

Owl This and Owl That

Sigh. I love owls! So much! They are wise, and... Well... ADORABLE! With their "hoots" and their big eyes. Plus, you know, they are nocturnal like us. *grin* I love all of these, though I really can't believe the detail on #5! He was made with needle felted wool! I would LOVE that sort of talent.

Rustic Home Accents

I didn't even realize how much I loved rustic little accents until I took a look around my favorite products on Etsy and home decor board on Pinterest! I guess it's only natural, I mean, growing up I did want to live in the outdoors. Seriously! While I do want a little more privacy than that, I still LOVE being in and around nature.

Other Lovelies 'round The Web

I absolutely loved Elsie's post on organizing inspiration

Want to make sure that the produce you put in your body is only THE BEST? Read this post on how to I.D. genetically modified food

I really want my very own little hanging mint garden. Learn how to make one yourself here

Whether you've just started meditating or have been doing so for years, this post by my mother-in-law is absolutely excellent

I have recently started following Laura and I think everyone should! Her blog is AMAZING

I'm a bit of a hippie (and proud) and I love Etsy, so the group known as EtsyVeg is one of my favorites. Here's their blog

I get SO giddy when I read that a lovely couple is expecting

Life Love

♥ Utah has been showered with lots and lots of rain lately and I LOVE IT! ♥ Lying in bed with Jen while reading is one of my favorite hobbies ♥ I bought a very pretty wire ring from Etsy and I can't wait to show you! ♥ Jango has learned to (nicely) kiss and it's so sweet ♥ Wedge's broken nail has been healing nicely and Mau has been a sweetie to him (for the most part... Ah, brothers!) ♥ It's almost the Chinese New Year! ♥ So far, I have some absolutely AMAZING sponsors for February. I can't wait to introduce you to them! ♥ And so much more! ♥

Recommend a book, please? 'kay! Thank you!

2012-01-18T17:15:00.000-08:00

Hiya, friends! How is your Wednesday going? We've had a busy and productive day: we woke up, ran around doing errands, came home, I snapped some shots of our lovely little fur and feather children; Jen made lunch and while she was cookin', I started placing some phone calls! Now we're relaxing. It's a gloomy, blustery, rainy Wednesday - which is okay, because I actually love weather like this!

Tomorrow we may go on a library adventure. I hope so! Jen and I haven't visited the library since JULY. Eek! We love getting DVDs (our plan for this month: start a new Star Trek series. Last year, we watched all of Deep Space Nine!) and of course, some wonderful reading material. There are a few stories I'm hoping I'll catch, as well as a certain series. (I'm not really being secretive, I just plan on using my finds as blog material. *wink*) But, I want to ask all of you brilliant people: What do you recommend?

I prefer YA novels, as well as manga and graphic novels, with fantasy or sci-fi elements. I also love supernatural stories, but I often stay away from non-classic horror and most thrillers. (Some of my favorite past reads: Harry Potter, Fablehaven, Sookie Stackhouse series, Death Note, Chibi Vampire, Dracula...)

I'll be honest, I am currently reading both Legacy of Ghosts AND Interview With a Vampire! And yet I can't help but add even more reading into my week(end)!

Now I'm off for Pecan Praline Coffee, blog reading and commenting, Dog The Bounty Hunter watching with Jen and cuddling with these precious boys:

Our First Birchbox Box

2012-01-17T19:16:00.000-08:00

Good evening, lovelies! It's time for my very first Birchbox review! I swear, for the last week or two we've hardly gotten any mail and than today I received our Birchbox box, our monthly Redbook (which, I swear, a squirrel or some wild critter attacked!), two catalogs and some junk mail. Mail day success! Anyway... Review time!

Here is our January Birchbox products! Aren't they pretty? Here's what we got:

1. C•O• Bigelow "Lavender and Peppermint" Shampoo and 2. Conditioner

3. Viva La Juicy perfume

4. Jouer lipgloss

5. Birchbox magnet

6. Zoya nail polish in "Kristen"

7. LARABAR Natural Energy Bar

Let me start out with our new Shampoo and Conditioner! While we haven't used any quite yet, the smell is calming and invigorating in one. Plus, lavender - how perfect, huh?! *wink*

When you take a little whiff of Viva La Juicy, you can catch some of the floral notes, however once sprayed on the skin, the only way I can describe this scent is as a spicy cookie. I know that sounds crazy however it's a very pleasant and warm scent, that has just the right amount of woodsy spiciness and sweetness. I often imagine where I'd wear a certain outfit, or where I'd wear a certain scent and I can easily picture wearing this scent while going on an ice cream or dessert date or out to Gardener Village for a candy shop trip. ♥

Our little sample of lipgloss appears bright in the bottle, but it's actually a very pretty and rather subtle shade of fuschia. One coating will give you a shimmery shine, and the more coats you put on the brighter the fuschia gets! Here's my smile after three coats!

You can also see my freckles, which I love!

I'm a total Zoya virgin, so I was so excited to try out our Kristen polish and wow. It's absolutely amazing. I love nail polish that is thin, as in NOT GLOOPY (I have totally bought gloopy nail polish before. Such a pain!) yet goes on thick and doesn't need an extra coat. Kristen was, exactly, like that. Plus, the bluish-gray color is so dainty!

And finally, our LARABAR. Jen and I broke the sample in half! It was delicious and quite energizing. Our flavor was "Coconut Cream Pie." Unlike granola bars, our bar was very soft and smooth. I do like granola, but I'll often get very thirsty (or get a piece stuck in my throat - eek!) Plus, knowing our bar was made with all natural AND healthy ingredients made us feel extra good.

We're definitely planning on keeping our subscription, because our first box was THAT lovely. Thank you, Birchbox! ♥

I was not compensated in anyway for this post - my thoughts are 100% my own and I paid for our subscription! I truly just LOVED everything we got!

Oh and as a quick bonus, here's how my wild-critter-attacked Redbook came in the mail. Crazy, right?! Oh well, I can't blame them critters for wanting a good mag once in a while!

Vampirism Monday

2012-01-16T01:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome, friends! Today is my third Vampirism Monday and while I was decided on what I wanted to post about today, I realized that my love for everything vampiric started when I was a very little girl! Like most little kids, I was scared of ghosts, "monsters" and the like... But never was I afraid of the vampire. I couldn't even tell you how I learned about vampirism when I was a little girl, as we didn't have the internet and of course, I wasn't quite old enough to read Dracula! Anyway! I realized that as of yet, I didn't post anything for those baby vampires in your life, or for the cutesy lovers among us. (Myself included! Don't be fooled, I love cute stuff!) So, enjoy this very cutesy version of... Vampirism Monday!

Start your little one off right, with this adorable Lil' Vampire Pacifier from ThinkGeek.com!

I'm truly in love with this adorable Vampire Hair Clippie by One Little Monkey on Etsy!

As a lover of cute hats, I want this Black BAT Fleece Hat from Animated Apparel on Etsy so very badly!

This sweet wooden Baby Bat can be used as a safe teether for babies, fun toy for children or even as a cute decoration for your home! See more from SnapdragonFortress on Etsy!

For my fellow True Blood fangirls, here's an adorable Jessica Hamby Amigurumi Doll! Isn't she precious?! She was made by Chubby Ninja Crafts on Etsy, who also currently has in stock...

The cutest Lafayette EVER!

And Pam! Ah, Pam. I adore her so much! (Also, I don't spy any Eric dolls yet, but once one is there you can bet Jen and I will buy him!)

If you are not a True Blood fan, Chubby Ninja Crafts also has a rather adorable...

Count Dracula for sale! Aw!

Valentine's Day is coming up and I think this little Felt Vampy Heart is perfect for love with a BITE! Sold by Senorita Whiskers on Etsy!

Isn't this Vampire Kitty necklace super kawaii?! I think I'm in love with his big, round eyes! ♥ He's sold by G.A.T.U.M.I Jewelry and Beyond on Etsy, who has a LOT of kawaii jewelry for sale!

Em & Sprout is one of my favorite Etsy stores and here's just another reason why! Adult Size 9 Dracula Mary Janes! If only they were a size 10, they would be in my shopping cart!!!

One of my favorite vamp series' turned into a purse?! Yes, please! Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles Book Purse sold by Novel Creations on Etsy! (They also have Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, Edgar Allan Poe and many others!)

Looking for CUTE wall art?! Look no further! Fairy Goth Vampire Cupcake 8 x 10 Print sold by The Fantasy Art of Terra Bidlespacher on Etsy!

And finally... My favorite book series from when I was a little girl!

The Bailey School Kids "Vampires Don't Wear Polka Dots" and "Dracula Doesn't Drink Lemonade"! Looking around Amazon.com, I see that several other vampire/Dracula related stories about the Bailey School Kids have been made and... I kind of want to read them! >.> Seriously, though, when Jen and I have children I hope we can collect this series for them - it's wonderful!

Well, I hope you all enjoyed this weeks Vampirism Monday! I did!

Liz's Link-Up Party

2012-01-15T10:35:00.000-08:00

Hello, lovelies! I know I just posted a little earlier this morning, however I thought I would spread the word right here on LnL: Liz, the fabulous blogger behind The Blue Eyed Owl, is hosting a link-up party on her blog --- all you do is link-up YOUR blog, and visit a few other people, say hi, mix and mingle and most of all: HAVE FUN! So get your party hats on and go-go link up!

If you're someone who is stopping by because you saw my link on Liz's blog: Hello and Welcome! I hope you enjoy your time here!

I thought, in true party fashion, I would post a few little facts about me. This isn't required, but... well... It's FUN!

♥ I'm the youngest in my family

♥ My favorite flowers are roses

♥ My latest music addiction is Credence Clearwater Revival

♥ I love singing and sing, well, all. the. time.

♥ I love the sound of windy, stormy weather

♥ Some day, I want to try fake dreads

♥ My eyes change color - they change between blue, green and gray

♥ I often write poetry, yet I rarely share any here

♥ I've had a story idea brewing in my head for almost a year now

♥ as well as a manga idea

♥ I think kitties smell warm and comforting

♥ I love Valentine's Day!

♥ I collect owl related products

♥ I'm already day-dreaming of Spring weather and getting my hands dirty in our garden

♥ My wife, Jen, is truly my best friend

♥ I'm a magazine hoarder (yes, I ADMIT IT!)

♥ I've rode a bull in the rodeo, his name was Widow Maker

♥ I think glasses are hott

♥ Anime puts a smile on my face

♥ I don't watch or read "what's popular," I go with what I personally love

♥ Etsy is my crack! I love that site!

♥ I'm truly a "big kid"

♥ I love anything pirate related

♥ and I love watching My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

♥ I'm a "color nerd" - I love colors, their meaning and color combos

♥ My favorite food is a plate filled with cheeses, fresh fruits, vegetables /w dip and some summer sausage. Or anything - seriously ANYTHING - Jen creates

♥ I love camping under the stars

♥ and I really miss hiking and being on the water

♥ ...I think this is long enough! *wink*

I hope new (and old) readers enjoyed this little get-to-know-me post!

Meet My Sponsors (Part 1)

2012-01-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

Hello, friends and Happy Sunday! I have quite a few absolutely amazing ladies visiting Lariats and Lavender this month and I'd like to take some time to introduce you to some of them! Make sure you stop by their home's on the web and say hi when you have a chance - I promise you'll love them and their blogs! ~A

Blog // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest

Blog // Facebook // Twitter

Blog // Twitter // GoodReads // Pinterest // Flickr

Blog // BlogLovin // Pinterest // Twitter

Blog // Shop // Twitter // Facebook

Blog // Pinterest // Twitter // Facebook

A Picture An Hour

2012-01-14T17:39:00.000-08:00

Good evening, friends!!! I haven't done a picture an hour post in... quite a while, so I thought I would document my Friday! I hope you enjoy! If you've done a picture an hour post recently, let me know! They are some of my very favorite posts around the interwebs. *wink*

♥♥♥♥

7:00AM

Jen and I woke up nice and early (though we did only sleep for two hours!)

We pet the kitties, woke up Jango and I headed downstairs to make us each

a cup of coffee! {Hazelnut with Cinnamon Dulce creamer, mmmm!}

7:30AM

I sat down and opened my Gmail, GReader and Twitter,

said good morning and chatted with some of my friends

and got started reading all of my new e-mails and the most

Fill In The _____ Friday

2012-01-13T21:51:00.000-08:00

Every now and then I get a hankering for a good meme and this one caught my eye! I've been following Lauren for a while and I love her Fill In The Blank Friday series! I don't participate very often, but I really love these prompts, so here goes! ♥ Drop by Lauren's blog, say hi, read her amazing posts and maybe play along as well. Happy weekend, friends!

1. The last thing I ate was, surprisingly, some ribs! Which is totally unlike me, however they smelled absolutely amazing and so I dug in!

2. The last song I listened to was ...I really have no idea! I was tuned into K-Bull 93.3FM and there was some epic country music playing, so... Something good!

3. Using the letters in my name I can spell (Angela) Angel, Angle, Nag, Gal, Gel, Lag, LAN, Leg... That's all I can think of!

4. If I had to dress in one color for the rest of my life I would pick black... or possibly blue. I look wonderful in both and they are my favorite colors! (Black IS a color, because I said so!)

5. If you were to look in my bag right now you'd find a Smoke Land receipt, a little list of grocery prices, my Wal-Mart receipt, my pocket calculator, a list of how much each purchase cost (I like knowing exactly how much I have!), another Smoke Land receipt, my Sentimental Circus notepad, my coffee notepad, my 2012 planner and... birdseed. For some odd reason! I blame our feathery little Jango bird. <3

6. When I finish filling in the blanks I'm going to sleep, hopefully! I am a tired, tired girl. *yawn*

7. My all time favorite song to dance to is "So Damn Hot", "Hot", "Judas", "Bad Example" and many upbeat, rockin' country hits!

Weekly Love List

2012-01-13T07:47:00.000-08:00

Good morning, friends! It's Friday... and even better... it's FRIDAY THE 13TH! ♥ 13 has been my lucky number for years and years. So much so that Jen and I started dating on Friday, February 13th, 2004 (which wasn't even planned!) and we were married on September 13th, 2007! (Which... Obviously was!) ((Though I totally don't knock eloping. It's just as romantic!))

Anyway! I'm getting off track. It's time for another Weekly Love List. I have some major eye candy for you all this morning and I hope you enjoy! Also, tomorrow I'll be posting a Picture an Hour post (from TODAY!) So I am quite excited for that!

♥ (Velvet) Lime Green/Olive Green Couches ♥

(I know this is a VERY specific love. So here's some background: during our latest thrifting adventure, Jen and I were wandering around the back of the store when our eyes both met a delightfully tacky, velvet, lime green couch covered in a floral swirl. I said "Oh my gosh, LOOK AT THAT COUCH!" and Jen said "I was JUST going to point that out to you!" We checked her over and she was in fabulous shape AND only $25.00 but... She didn't have a bed underneath. *sadface!*)

One // Two // Three

♥ Gorgeous & Simple Shirts/Dresses ♥

(I've really been loving pretty and simple shirts and dresses, with either a subtle pattern or accent, such as these...)

Four // Five // Six // Seven // Eight // Nine

♥ These Flats ♥

(Purple on the inside, black and zippered on the outside - what's NOT to love?!)

Ten

♥ I won a giveaway! ♥

(The fabulous Mrs. Miller aka Shawna hosted a seriously kawaii (cute in Japanese) giveaway and... I WON!!! Here's a picture of my loot. I can't wait until everything is here! Thank you, girl!)

Eleven

♥ Pretty Jewelry and Accessories ♥

(When putting together an Etsy treasury, I realized I have a very unique style... I love rustic, simple, craftsy, cutesy and interesting pieces. Such as...)

Twelve // Thirteen // Fourteen // Fifteen // Sixteen

For my whole treasury, click here!

♥ Link Love ♥

I love Moorea's Red Lipstick Challenge

and Amy's amazing Official Juice Cleanse Post

I really found Liz's 5 Tips for Achieving Your Goals post inspiring!

Want to play a game for charity? Check out Laura's post here on how to do just that

My AMAZING friend Clair is starting up her blog, Learning to Wander again - stop by and say hi!

Jen showed me one of the newest My Little Pony Tumblrs: Ask Pia Ikea and it's so cute!

5 Minute Brownie in a Mug? It's delicious and here's the recipe!

♥ Other Lovelies ♥

♥ Waking up super nice and early with my honey! • Having so many sweet people commenting on my honest and heartfelt posts lately • Receiving a super sweet e-mail late last night from a super sweet lady • Making new friends • Discovering HOW GOOD whipped cream in cocoa and coffee is! • Feeling so. good. about myself and my blog • Getting ready for Chinese New Year! • Getting excited for February and especially Valentine's Day • and SO much more! ♥

P.S. Want to sponsor LnL in February? I still have some spots available, so grab 'em while you can!

A post on Transgenderism

2012-01-12T16:52:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon, everyone and welcome! Last year, in December, I mentioned that I planned on doing a post on transgenderism and asked if anyone had a question. I was floored with how amazing every single question was. This is one reason why I love my generation. For the most part, we are full of positivity and support, open-mindedness and the willingness to learn. Are there still close-minded and negative people in the world? Of course. But I truly do believe LGBTQ (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer) pride and support is blooming. I haven't come across any hatred from individuals over being a lesbian lady, nor have I come across any hatred towards my transgender, lesbian wife.

For that, I say thank you. You all really confirm my belief that there are amazing people in this world. ♥ Now, before I get started, I want to say that everyone is different. What's right for some, isn't right for others and every transgendered person goes through a different journey, with different thoughts, with different families. However, I hope this will give you a little glimpse into our life and hopefully help you learn more about transgenderism, something which certainly is not talked about enough in our world.

♥♥♥♥♥

Before I get started, I want to share a little bit of our story with you! Jen and I became best friends and fell in love when I was 13, and started officially dating when I was 14. Shortly after we started dating, Jen was trying to find someway to tell me she was transgender. She knew I was the girl she wanted to marry and she didn't want to lose me. She had no idea how I would react.

Jen knew from a very young age, and by young I literally mean four or five, that she was a girl. However, she had no idea what transgenderism was. When she was around eleven, she finally learned that YES, she was normal and that YES, she could be in the body she had always wanted.

One February night, Jen decided to tell me that she was, indeed, transgender. I was SO relieved, because she was so nervous that I had thought something was wrong. When she told me she was a girl in a boy's body, and that she was transgender, I told her I loved her even more for sharing something so personal with me, and for trusting me enough. I told her I loved her, for who she IS. I never had any doubt in my mind, nor did I need anytime to adjust. However, many people do. And that's OKAY. Whether it's your son or daughter, your brother or sister, your spouse or your friend... Lots of people do need time to adjust. I just simply knew Jen was and is my soul mate and I knew I wanted to be with her. Gender didn't matter and now that I knew her real gender, I could have even more fun with her and get to know her even better!

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When you consider I was 14 than and I am 22 now, you'll realize I have been researching, learning and gaining more knowledge of transgenderism for eight years now. During these years, I am realized that a lot of people do hide that they are transgender. Or they try to tell themselves that they really aren't. A young man will marry a young lady, never telling her he is transgender. He will go along with typical masculine hobbies and even have children... And than, when he is in his 40s or 50s... He'll realize that he shouldn't hide who he really is. And he'll announce that he is really a she and will receive hormone replacement theory and go through SRS. I have heard so many stories like this and I feel it's a shame that ANYBODY should hide who they are. Who they really are. We should be proud of ourselves.

On the other hand, I have also heard many stories of teenagers who realize they don't want to wait. They will tell their parents, their friends, their teachers that they are transgender. Only to be told it's a phase because their parents/friends/teachers/etc. do not want to acknowledge that they really are a girl in a boy's body, or a boy in a girl's body. Or their parents (and sometimes friends) will think it is their fault. As if it's something they made happen. The fact is, being transgender isn't anyone's fault. It's something you ARE born with and it's also NOTHING to be ashamed of. It's something to be CELEBRATED!

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As I said, on Twitter I received a lot of wonderful, encouraging comments from people who are eager and excited to learn more about transgenderism and I also received some questions, which made my heart so, so happy. So let me answer those, before moving on and finishing this rather long post!

I was asked

Hey, Alexandra! Right now, we don't, simply because we live with family (and because of money) Jen hasn't started her HRT (hormone replacement therapy) yet. Whether we will in the future or not, I have no idea. Online, however, we haven't received any negativity. In fact, we've only received people who are open-minded and caring. No prejudice, they simply just want to learn more about transgenderism.

I was asked

Hey, Lisa! The process is a bit complicated and everyone has a different choice of what they'd like to do. The most common is that first you must see a therapist. Basically, you must tell them how you feel about being transgender and they will make a decision based on how you feel, how long you've felt that way, etc. to make sure it isn't just a phase. Once they determine that you are in fact transgender, you usually need to live as your preferred gender for a period of one year while still stopping in and talking to your therapist. During or after that one year, you may begin Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT.)

HRT will basically help Male-to-Female transgendered people become more feminine in appearance, scent and libido. I have heard many trans women say that this is like a second puberty for them. Breasts will begin to develop (and you may receive a stretch mark here and there), skin will become softer, body hair will start growing slower and even your body fat will be redistributed. Your body odor and sweat will also start changing after beginning HRT. Some of these are reversible, some are not.

HRT for Female-to-Male transgender people will help with: deepening of the voice, body and facial hair growth, increased libido, muscle development, coarser skin and much like Male-to-Female HRT: body fat and body odor, as well as sweat, will change. Breasts may also shrink or soften and ovulation plus menstruation will cease. I'll be honest, I do not know as much about Female-to-Male Hormone Replacement Therapy simply because my wife is Male-to-Female as are most of my transgender friends. But I am always willing to learn more, because I support all LGBTQ individuals. And straight individuals as well, of course!

Now, HRT is really JUST THE BEGINNING. Male-to-Female transgendered people will begin working on their voice during this time, which is a very important aspect of transgenderism. Sounding like the gender you really are! Many will also go in for laser hair removable treatment instead of shaving, as this does leave a softer appearance and hair does not grow as quickly. Many trans women will also begin doing yoga, and other exercises for a more feminine shape. Those few amazing brave souls will also go into stores, many of them by themselves if they do not have a partner, for more feminine clothing including training bras and other undergarments. If they are working and cannot afford to let their employer know they are transgender, many will tape down their growing breasts so as to not raise questions.

Finally, when the time is right and they have gathered enough money, many trans women will go in for Sexual Reassignment Surgery. Since I am basically knowledgeable on transgenderism thanks to my research, as well as my transgendered friends, I really don't know all of the medical terms of SRS so I will let Wikipedia speak for me on this part of my answer!

"When changing anatomical sex from male to female, the testicles are removed and the skin of foreskin and penis is usually inverted, as a flap preserving blood and nerve supplies (a technique pioneered by Sir Harold Gillies in 1951) to form a fully sensitive vagina (vaginoplasty). A clitoris fully supplied with nerve endings (innervated) can be formed from part of the glans of the penis. If the patient has been circumcised (removal of the foreskin), or if the surgeon's technique uses more skin in the formation of the labia minora, the pubic hair follicles are removed from some of the scrotal tissue, which is then incorporated by the surgeon within the vagina. Other scrotal tissue forms the labia majora."

Thank you, Wikipedia! Now, if you aren't of the squeamish variety and you're someplace that's nice and private (because while none of these pictures are "adult" in nature, they are up close and personal vagina shots after surgery) this is one site I have found to have a lot of wonderful information.

I hope that answered your question, miss!

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Now, I didn't realize this post would be so very long however it's a major part of my life and something I am so in love with and proud of, proud of my wife and all of those who are caring and sweet and supportive and AMAZING. So I think I will call this post "Part 1" and "Part 2" will come along very shortly! In the meantime, let me leave you with a few lovely ladies who I have followed for many years. They are all "Vloggers" if you will and they are incredible. Their journeys are fascinating and I have really come to respect them and admire them. I am only putting up their first transgendered related vids, so you can follow them along their journey or if you wish, you can skip ahead however far you'd like! I hope you enjoy and come to respect and admire these ladies as much as I have! And if you do a simple search on YouTube for other trans ladies, or trans men, you will find there are SO many transgender vloggers putting their awesome lives out there. So check them out! Love and Peace, ~Angie

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Blogger of The Month: Kayte from Mermaid Eyes

2012-01-11T11:57:00.000-08:00

Hi, friends! Before I show you my interview with the lovely miss Kayte, I want to take a moment and say how amazing the internet is. For those of you who don't know, I met my wife Jen online in 2003! Than in 2010, I started blogging and in 2011, I met some of the most amazing friends a girl could ask for.

I had heard that a sweet blogger named Kayte was giving away a Ball-Jointed-Doll on her blog and I had always wanted one. So I hurried over and entered! As had a lot of other people... When I heard that I had won, I was SO stoked. However, I didn't realize that not only was I gaining a sweet dollie whom I've named Adelaide, but that I was also gaining an amazing friend! Kayte is an inspirational girl and her blog is filled with glitter and sparkly encouragement, just like she is. She's still in high school yet she's one of the most mature people I have ever known! She is open-minded, involved in LGBTQ rights and issues, incredibly brilliant in both smarts and attitude and I have to say, I am so so glad we've become so close.

So now, let me introduce you to the lovely girl known as... Kayte!

Hello, Kayteand WELCOME! I am so honored that you accepted my proposal of being my Bloggerof The Month for January.

So let's get started on your interview! First, please introduce yourself andyour blog?

Hey, all! I’m Kayte – said Kate, not Katie! -- and I write a blog called Mermaid Eyes. It’s an eclectic mix ofliftestyle, inspiration, and personal posts, and it’s what makes my heart soar.When I’m not blogging, I’m usually snapping away with my camera, rearranging myfurniture, or coating everything I own in glitter dust. I’m a messy, artsy typeof girl, and my notebooks look like exceptionally sparkly copies of Wreck ThisJournal. My closet is stuffed with thrift stores finds. I’m the kind of girlwho actually wears a tutu in public.

What made you want to start a blog?

In February of 2011, I came out as gay. I was sixteen, heavily involvedin church, and living in a town where gay + out teenagers are exceptionallyrare. It was a hard time in my life, and when my church – which had truly beenmy emotional rock for the past year – stopped supporting me, I found myselffeeling lost and isolated. Mermaid Eyewas my solution; it became my new “rock”. I had ran blogs before, but when Istarted writing on Mermaid Eyes, I embraced the blogging community in a way Inever had before. Reading Gala Darling, I realized that bloggers could havetheir words read by hundreds, even thousands, of people, and that thoughtthrilled me to no end. I started blogging out of necessity, and I continue toblog for the same reason! It’s an excellent coping mechanism, and has kept meout of a lot of trouble!

Has your view of blogging changed any since you first began?

Not really! I went into blogging with the intent to write for myself, andthat’s still what I do. I knew there were people who write only for money, or whowrite only for readers, and since that doesn’t fit my morals, I don’t pay muchattention to those writers. I’ve learned more about the mechanics of blogging –I’m pretty competent with Wordpress now! – and I’ve gained insight as to whattopics should be avoided in blogs – super-personal things stay out of my webpersona – but at the end of the day, I’m still a girl writing letters toherself and sharing them with the world.

I know you are a fellow caffeine fueled girl, so I must know: what is your favoritecoffee? (Example: brand + flavoring, type of coffee, etc.)

I’m not picky with coffee, actually! I drink whatever brand we havelaying around, which is store-brand French Roast. As for flavoring, I put milkand sugar in it, and that’s it! Fancy creamers are usually too sweet for mytaste, and I quit putting Splenda in it because of the funky aftertaste. Nogood! However, if I go out for coffee, I’ll usually get something along thelines of a peppermint mocha.

If your city could be awake and active during dawn, morning, afternoon, dusk,evening or late night... Which would you prefer and why?

Late night! I am such a nightowl. When I have breaks from school, I’m up until 4 a.m. I guess that’s theteenage sleep pattern, but it drives my family crazy. There’s something magicalabout the night – anything can happen, lines between reality and fantasy areblurred, everyone’s a bit sleepy and soft, and even the littlest adventure is automaticallya wild & wonderful expedition. However, my little nowhere-Alaska town has no nightlife whatsoever.There’s a café that’s open until 10pm, and that’s about the only place to goafter 6! Between 6pm and 10am, it’s a ghost town as far a businesses go, andthat bugs me. There’s a lot of mystery, a lot of glamour in getting chai tea atmidnight from the café down the street, or dancing all night at a punk show togo home at the break of dawn, and we don’t really have those kinds of things.Plus, since no one’s open late, I feel like I need a bodyguard to go on walksat night – if someone creepy turned up, there’d be no one to see it, and thatworries me.

You're a brilliant 17-year-old - mature beyond your years! What is one piece ofadvice you'd give other teenagers around your age?

Be yourself, even if that means looking or acting a little different. Youmake more friends by being unique, anyways, and you’ll always be remembered! I’mthe girl who wore a tiara for two years straight, left a trail of sequinsbehind her in the hallway, and decided that crusting her lips with silverglitter was a good fashion statement to make in sophomore Geometry – andsomehow I’m not a social outcast! People will like you for being yourselfsimply because it’s brave and different.

When you have your own little son or daughter, what is one value you wouldinstill in them?

I want to teach my kids about thepower of an open mind -- being understanding of new people, new places, newthoughts & ideas, new cultures. Stuff like that can change your life! If myparents hadn’t taught me to be open-minded, I don’t think my life would be asrich as it is. Living inside of a box, under a set of preconceived notionsabout the universe, is just plain dull!

Describe your dream day (or night)?

My dream night: getting dressed up with a small group of my bestgirlfriends, dancing through the night, running off to the beach with a cute brunettein a leather vest, having mochas and bagels for a breakfast picnic whilesitting in the back of her pickup truck, and falling asleep cuddling on myfuton while listening to a softly-playing Bon Jovi CD.

What is one trait your future spouse MUST have?

I don’t really have a type – Itend to date girls who like anime, I guess! – but it’s definitely importantthat, while she should have a spontaneous side to her, she’s able to keep myfeet firmly on the ground. I’m a bit of a dreamer, and I need someone who’s asteady bouncing ground for my weird ideas.

And finally, if someone was designing a shoe in your honor, what would thisfabulous footwear look like?!

Shiny pink platform pumps, a laBarbie!

Isn't she AMAZING?! I think so!!! Thank you for being my Blogger of The Month, miss Kayte and thank you for being a sponsor! Most of all, though, thank you for being my friend!

Weight Loss: It's NOT a Bad Thing*

2012-01-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

Before I get started on this post: everyone is beautiful and should love their body, inside and out. This is a huge belief of mine. What you are reading may be considered a sensitive topic, because we are all unique people with our own unique beliefs. I wish no offense and hopefully I will make more friends with this post and lose none.

So, let's get started. I've been a part of the blogging community (officially) for a year. During this time, I have come across people who participate in fat acceptance (which is wonderful, in my opinion, as long as they are healthy. Simply because I care, not because I judge.) Some are anorexic (which I don't agree with, because of the damage this does. However, I again do NOT judge.) Some are like me, bigger girls (or smaller girls) with a goal. And finally, some of us are exactly where we want to be weight wise and health wise. All of us, every "group" if you will, are people. We may have a different opinion of weight loss, or weight gain, but we are all still people with hearts and souls and minds of our own and for that I never judge. What is or isn't right for me, may not be right or wrong for someone else.

However... I have come across people who think that weight loss is a bad thing, especially talking about weight loss. Many of these people think that women (and men) who want to lose weight should love their bodies. Well... I do. I do love my body. And that is why I am on a weight loss journey.

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I am 5'4" and 185lbs. I wear a size 16 jean... Most of the time. (You know how sizing is!) Am I upset about this? Embarrassed by this? No. I have never been that girl who doesn't mention her weight, or is embarrassed when people ask simply because this IS who I am. Do I look in the mirror and hate on myself and my body? No. Though I do have my down days and nights, where I wish I was a little more this or a little less that, but the thought doesn't often weigh on my mind and with one brilliant smile from Jen, I feel like a million dollars again.

Right now I am considered "obese." Even that doesn't bother me. What does bother me is how I feel. As I've gained more weight, my energy levels have gone down, I sleep more, I feel less enthusiastic and I rarely ever exercise. (Something I am working on changing!) Because of this, no, I do not feel healthy.

Am I pretty? Really pretty? I think so! I really do. Do I want to lose weight for appearance sake? I'm not going to lie, here. Because this is all about being honest. I do. Yes, I do want to be thinner in appearance and I do want my old body back. My body that had smaller wrists, a flatter tummy and a slightly less curvy bottom half. I've researched which weights are acceptable for me. Based on my height and my age. 125lbs is perfectly acceptable. It's in the "right" zone.

But let's say I feel perfectly healthy once I do reach 150lbs. That is where I will stop. I don't care so much about the number as I do how I feel. I know that my appearance will change with even 5lbs lost. I know I love my body now and always will and Jen constantly tells me how beautiful I am. And well many people will say it's not important how your spouse feels, I don't feel that way. I do love that when she compliments me, it's sincere and I do love that she is in love with me, mind, body, heart and soul.

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My main point of all of this is that talking about weight loss doesn't mean I am anorexic. It doesn't mean I hate my body. It doesn't mean I don't think someone who is 100lbs or 300lbs is unattractive or ugly. It simply equals: I know what I want and need. It equals me being healthier. It equals me accepting my body as is and working on making my little home even better.

Talking about weight loss, for me, with like-minded people equals: having support! Building friendship! Discussing what is and isn't right for me. Discussing my goals. Does this sound negative, or like I hate my body? I sure hope not!

And let's remember this... There may be a young woman out there, who simply does need to reach out and talk about her weight, for whatever reason. Or a young man. They may be getting bullied for being "too thin" or "too heavy." Talking about healthy weight loss may save someone from becoming anorexic. Talking about a healthy self image may save someone from hating their body.

So instead of closing up... Lets open up. Lets support one another, no matter what our journey is! Strength in numbers.

♥♥♥♥

I wasn't planning on posting this tonight, in fact I wasn't planning on posting this whatsoever as the idea wasn't even in my mind this evening. However, I am joining a few lovely ladies on a new exercise path on Monday, so I felt this was a fitting time as I am sure you will be seeing posts from me on healthier living, eating and healthy exercise and self image soon in the future. And I don't want anyone getting the wrong idea about how I feel or why I feel that way.

Goodnight, lovelies. Oh and if you've wandered here and something in this article does "click" with you - if you need a chat, a friends support, a vent session - hit me up, okay? Like I said, I don't judge. I put a lot of time into researching healthier living, eating, exercise and self image. I'm happy to help anyone I can. So don't be afraid! ~♥

Funeral Parlor Oil Review by Jen

2012-01-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

Hey lovelies, Angie here! I asked Jen if she'd write up a review on Vampfangs' Funeral Parlor Oil for me for Vampirism Monday and SHE DID! I love whenever she gets involved with my blog, so this is a great treat for me and for you! I hope you enjoy! If you do, leave her some lovin'. Here is her review...

Ang has asked me to share my thoughts on the Funeral Parlor scented oil…

As someone who has sadly been to many funerals, many from a very young age, I was really creeped out by this at first. I love the gothic/vampire life style. I crave the dark, the purples, and the blood reds. I love things others find weird. Heck, I even want to get a fake certificate of death with my name from the Salem Witch trials! However this…this creeped me out and made me a bit queasy.

It arrived in a cute coffin box, and was carefully wrapped in a velvet bag. The oil was an odd sort of orange color. Smelling the bottle didn’t raise my hopes. “This doesn’t smell at all what I expected!" The scent was much like a very weak perfume, hardly able to tell any distinctive scent at all. After dabbing just a tiny bit on my wrists, and behind the ears I waited…Trying not to feel sick from the thought of it! Almost immediately the scent grew stronger. After only a minute or so it was at full strength…It’s perfect, subtle, yet easy to pick up.

It doesn’t over power you or those around you at all. I was complimented all day about the lovely scent “mmm that smells familiar, I think I had that perfume once, what is it?”…Until I told them what it was. The look of shock and disgust on the faces of people was worth the price alone! The real value however, is the wonderful scent you get. It’s truly hard to describe. Hints of flowers...The linen curtains...The rest I can’t describe, but it truly does smell like a funeral parlor. Immediately you think of the bright…but somehow dreary parlors. The flowers everywhere, the curtains, the bright paint. All that comes across as dark and gloomy when you’re there. You get that slight “uneasy” feeling, or at least I do, when I have to go to a funeral. It’s never brought back any of the unpleasant memories, but it certainly does remind you of the building itself.

In all it’s a disgusting, creepy and very odd scent…Yet it smells so lovely, it’s not overpowering…its strength is perfect. The scent lasts for a long time, we’ve had it for almost four years and it still smells like the day we bought it. It lasts all day, from when I first put it on in the morning, to my shower at night. The scent holds up to its name, yet is oddly a relaxing and peaceful scent. Plus you get the “weird” factor whenever you tell someone what it is!

I think, for anyone into the macabre, creepy, gothic, vampire, or just plain strange. This scent is worth getting, if you can find it! You won’t be let down; it’s a tad pricey, but in my mind well worth it. Our little bottle is now saved for special occasions, the scent is that good.

Vampirism Monday

2012-01-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon and WELCOME! I am so excited that so many of you were interested in my first Vampirism Monday. We're all a little vampy, right? *wink* Here's my second installment of Vampirism Monday - I hope you enjoy! ~A

A large portion of today's Vampirism Monday will be about one of mine and Jen's favorite places, the online Gothic Superstore known as...

We've been fans of Vampfangs.com for years now, seriously, I think we first heard about Vampfangs.com back in '05 or '06. Along the years, we have purchased a lot of vampy products from this amazing store and have always received amazing customer service.

Some of our favorite products include...

The blood vials! Filled with (of course) fake blood, these necklaces are gorgeous and will surely draw attention to your gorgeous neck. *wink* They are for both men and women and come in many styles (you can even purchase a ring, if you prefer!) This particular vial is the Royal Eternal Blood Vial Test Tube Necklace.

But, what if like us, you want to wear a necklace filled with real blood? Or you want to give your lover a vial of your blood to wear? Never fear! For you can find the...

Deluxe Empty Vial Variety Pack! Last year we did not have the money for one of these, sadly, so Jen bought a small glass bottle and filled that with her own blood for me. (Squeamish yet? Sorry, people!) I know for some this may be... odd? But in my opinion, it's a super sweet gift and something I highly treasure.

I would like to take a moment and show you a little message from the Vampfangs staff, just in case you are thinking of trying this at home: "You can fill these vials with anything you like. If you decide that you prefer to fill your new vials with your own blood. We HIGHLY recommend asking your doctor to do this for you." Obviously, you and your blood are important so take heed of this advice! I don't want anything to happen to any of you!

But this isn't all of what Vampfangs.com has to offer, oh no! You can also find glorious fangs in all shapes, sizes and varieties! Here is Jen modeling a pair of her very own!

Isn't she GORGEOUS?! I think so! So, you want a pair of fangs of your very own?! Here's a few we can highly recommend...

The Scarecrow Retractable Fangs are amazing. They look extremely lifelike and well, you can have great fun with them. *grin* Want to look "normal"? Retract those babies! Within a second, seriously, you can pop them out and show off your fangy grin.

Want something a little more... flashy? Go for the Scarecrow Hot Pink Metallic Vampire Fangs!

These come in a lot of great colors, so you can match your vamptastic outfit!

Now, we have your look covered... But what about your scent? Never fear for Immortal Scents are here!

When I first moved in with Jen, she and I bought these two scents. "Absinthe" and "Funeral Parlor"

This was before we had ever taken a drink from the green fairy, however a few years later we tried Absinthe for the first time - while still having a little bit of this scent left (remember: you only need a drop or two! These last A LONG TIME.) The scent matches the drink perfectly and will leave you smelling delicious for hours.

As for Funeral Parlor, Jen has stated that when smelling this scent she will immediately feel as if she is - indeed - in a Funeral Parlor. It's a calming yet eerie scent. A little musty, a little floral and yet there is something else in there and let's just say, the scent fits the name! We both really do love this scent, so don't let my words fool you - it's one we wore often! Read Jen's review HERE!

Back when we ordered these two scents, we also ordered one called Dragon's Blood which is no longer sold! I can tell you, however, that IT IS AMAZING!!! Yes, we still have some. We're very careful with our scents and try to stretch them for years!

I will wrap up this week's Vampirism Monday with a few scents I am hoping to try soon! They are...

Salem Witch Shoppe, described as:

"Salem Witch Shop" is an aroma combining such fragrances as incense, old books, herbs and musk. A limited edition, "Salem Witch Shop" is an uncanny and nostalgic replica.
Simply spell-binding. This scent was designed for both men and women.

And Leather Scented Body Oil! Because vampires and leather just go together. Am I right?! I'm totally right.

P.S. Those cute coffin boxes? We saved them and used them as change holders and such. They are AWESOME!

Mixin' and matchin'...

2012-01-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

I am a huge fan of Polyvore! I can easily spend hours mixing and matching outfits, putting together cute and comfy or wild and outrageous ensembles. Last night I came across what I call my current favorite clothing store - Dorothy Perkins! Everything sold in this store is SO right up my alley... So I thought I would make a few Polyvore sets! Here's what I'd love to be wearing...

A gray themed Cozy n' Stylish outfit. If you can't tell, the sweater has a slight bubble hem!

Comfy cozy, sweet and feminine - I call this outfit Nude Peach.

And finally, one that's a little fun and funky! I love those heels... I love anything snakeskin really! I think this would be perfect for a Girls Night Out.

What is your current favorite store???

Today is for...

2012-01-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

Here's my day! Napping and lazing around in bed with Mau (pictured), Wedge and of course, Jen! Drinking hazelnut coffee with cinnamon dolce cream, playing TS3 (I think I'm gonna make a new family...) and reading Legacy of Ghosts by Joleene Naylor. While all of this is going on, I'll be inhaling our new Nag Champa incense which smells so good! Also, do you notice something...? Something as in... SNOW?!

Yep! Winter has arrived. I'm hoping we won't get much more snow than this, but... In the meantime, I'll enjoy the Winter weather and cuddle up under extra blankets for warmth with my honey. ♥ A snow day doesn't really seem that bad!

New Year Cheat Week

2012-01-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

You're finally getting over THE AMAZING madness that is... Holiday season. It's January 1st. NEW YEARS! Do you really feel like getting started on goals right away? If you do, congrats and good luck! If you don't... Well, neither do I. My power word for 2012 is "Growth" however my WoTM (Word of The Month) is "Relaxation." So, I created... Cheat Week!

I vowed that from Jan 1st until 12:00am Jan 9th... I wouldn't focus on any of my goals. I will simply let my body relax and rejuvenate. And I won't feel guilty for doing so. With this mindset, I've actually had a very calm week.

I'm a goal setter, a list maker, a doer... So I often forget about how important just being is. This week I have actually slept better, my stress-induced acne is fading and I even stopped grinding my teeth - a painful tick I've developed.

So, my advice? Breath. Relax. Just be and enjoy.

Meditate. Take a shower and pretend you're in a rainstorm or under a waterfall. Stay in your PJs and watch TLC (it's junk food for your brain!) Enjoy the unnatural warm weather we've all seemingly been having and go for a walk. Take a silly picture of yourself (my favorite is holding my camera a few inches from my face while spinning around! See above picture!) and if you can, sleep in or take a long, luxurious nap!

That's my advice for January!

Weekly Love List

2012-01-06T01:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome! If you've been following my blog for a while, you'll know I do a weekly post based on what I'm loving. If you're new here, well, welcome and now you know about my Weekly Love List! *wink* I hope you enjoy!

♥ Sweaters ♥

(I also wanna find and collect "ugly" sweaters!)

One // Two // Three // Four // Five

♥ Terrariums ♥

(this year, I plan on building a few of my own! In the meantime, here are a few from Etsy that I love!)

Six // Seven // Eight // Nine // Ten

♥ Chinese New Year ♥

(I'm so excited! It's the Year of The Dragon and every year, Jen and I celebrate with my mother-in-law! Here's an Etsy treasury to celebrate a little early!)

Click here for my Year of The Dragon treasury!

♥ Other Lovelies ♥

Enjoying a New Year with my little family + finding new and amazing bloggers + reading more than I have in a long time + Utah's spring like weather + cleaning cleaning and more cleaning + dreaming of re-modeling our bedroom + Lariats and Lavenders fresh start + so much more!

So, what are YOU loving this week?!

Thrifting Adventure #1

2012-01-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

HI, EVERYONE! I promise, I'm yelling for a good reason... I'm really, really excited. Why? I'll tell you why! I went thrifting for the first time today, woohoo! Jen and I went into Deseret Industries with a goal: we were looking for used BDUs (they didn't have any this time!), an old Nintendo (same) and some clothes for me! I tried to contain myself, as there were a LOT of lovely clothes and I came away with three shirts and one dress. I just tried all of the shirts on and much to my surprise, they all fit beautifully! (I never pick the right size for myself!) The dress is a wee bit small, but ya know what? That's perfectly fine, because it's a dress that has the exact pattern and shape I've been looking for and I plan on slimming down a bit this year, so I'll call her my "goal" dress!

Okay! Picture time!

This adorable shirt drew my eye instantly. It's apparently from Forever21 and was: $4.00! I LOVE all of the lace! So pretty!

Next was this stretchy striped tee from Kathy Ireland. I've been looking for something in this color combo (black, caramel and white) and I loved the lace-up front (which has a nude panel underneath for some modesty.) This was: $3.00

I've been looking for "bright" green shirts for a while now, as I love how they look with my pale skin and I spotted this one, which (if you can't tell) is glitter-y! I love the thick subtle striped pattern as well! From F•A•N•G and only: $3.00 (Note: Enjoy the picture of Eyeless Angie.)

And finally...

The dress! *dreamy sigh* Isn't she GORGEOUS?! I'm so excited! (Note: Wedge didn't come from the thrift store, but he does love picture taking time!) Made by: 62 East and only: $8.00

So in total, I bought three shirts and one dress and only spent $18.00 They are all in perfect condition and fit me perfectly (except for the dress!) I would call this a first time thrifting success and I cannot wait to go back!

5 Things I'm Loving Right Now

2012-01-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

Good morning, everyone! You all know how much I love a good link-up and this morning I noticed my reader was full of Chesterrific's link-up called "5 Things I'm Loving Right Now"! So, here goes...

As much as I love Pandora, I hate how often my station will deviate from what I was enjoying. So I began making YouTube Playlists and I am IN LOVE. So far I have one called Forbidden Love which has: Judas, God Love Her, Animal, Set Fire To The Rain, She's Got You High, I'll Be Yours, I Want Candy (it's an Eric and Sookie video which equals BONUS POINTS!), Hey Na Na and Edge of Glory. I'm also starting playlists for my favorite Wiccan/Pagan/New Age music, my favorite country songs and "ass kicking" country songs. ♥ If y'all like my playlist, lemme know and I'll start posting more about my favorite music!

When I first joined Pinterest, I had NO IDEA that I would become so addicted, so I just went with the suggested boards. "My Style" hosted EVERYTHING. My favorite clothing, blogger styles, Polyvore sets, etc. So I am now making separate boards for everything, organizing them so they are all purty and such.

For more on this love of mine, head on over and read my post "Vampirism Monday" where I cover how much I love Shades of Gray and Joleene Naylor's writing!

I'm in love with baggy shirts, skinny jeans and sneakers/boots. Especially if they have Country & Western accents, like the above shirt! I just feel *comfortable* and like myself in the above outfit. I really do need to work on my own fashion line, which is a tiny dream in my head called "Gothic Cowgirl Co-Exist." ♥

I'm in love with Fat Mum Slim's January Photo a Day Challenge and am taking part via Twitter and my blog! Every day on Twitter, I post my picture and on Sunday's I'll round 'em all up and post 'em here!

Well, I hope y'all enjoyed this!!! Let me know if you're linking up so I can see your 5 Things!!!

Vampirism Monday

2012-01-02T06:49:00.001-08:00

Good morning, lovelies! How is 2012 treating you so far? I hope wonderfully! I decided I wanted to start a new weekly series... Unlike "What I've Been Lovin'" which is a little list of what I love every week, Vampirism Monday will be a similar post... Except, the only topic I will cover is... Vampirism! Obviously. I love following Vampirism - both real and fictional. I'm sure you're thinking "real?!" and by real I mean reports of historic vampirism, stories of modern vampirism and even The Ordo Strigoi Vii and your every day Sanguine's. I know this series may not be of interest to some, but it's certainly an interest of mine. So I hope at least a few of you will enjoy! ~ A

First of all, I want to talk about my first book read in 2012. I was hesitant... You see, back in 2010 I read the first book in the Twilight series and my faith in modern day vampirism series' was crushed. Until I got into True Blood! Since than, I've been hesitant but obviously not unwilling to read other vamp stories set in modern times. My mother-in-law suggested I read the first book in the Amaranthine series, Shades of Gray by Joleene Naylor.

Oh. My. God. This is seriously SUCH an excellent book. There is THE PERFECT amount of action (which I personally love) and a little romance. There is lots of bloodshed - which I consider excellent and the entire story is believable and amazing. There wasn't one boring part of the entire book. I read twenty-five chapters in one day!

Next, I want to talk about bloody jewelry. This awesome blood glass slide necklace was made by kitty on Etsy and instantly caught my eye a week or so ago. I'm hoping I can buy one of my very own soon! I also recommend checking out the rest of what kitty has to offer, because her shop is full of bloody, steampunk-y, dark whimsical jewelry!

I also really love this cute and simple little necklace, giving you the appearance of a bite mark on your neck! Vampire Victim Necklace by Kerri McAlpin!

These Fangtasia martini glasses would be perfect for our Absinthe nights! Sold by HBO. (Plus, they'd go with our True Blood and Fangtasia pint glasses!)

And finally, ending with one more book. This one fact, instead of fiction, about real life psychic vampirism and those who call themselves Strigoi Vii. Jen and I bought this book in January of 2011 and it's one of our very favorites. Not to mention, Father Sebastiaan is quite an excellent writer and person - someone who I have spoken with personally! He's also an excellent fangsmith.

Hello and Welcome!

2012-01-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

Hello, everyone! My name is Angie and I'm your Hostess - hehe - seriously, though, Lariats and Lavender is my home sweet home on the web and I'm truly happy you're visiting! I'm a 22-year-old girl living in Utah with my gorgeous wife and soul mate Jen! ♥ Together we have two kitties named Wedge and Mau, who are our fur babies and one birdie named Jango, who is our feather baby.

I'm an unemployed professional artist (I call myself professional because I am selling my prints, however I still don't have a monthly income!) as well as a gamer and general geeky girl. I'm a Wiccan and am a supporter of LGBTQ rights, as well as animal rights and certain charities like Child's Play. I love shopping, fashion and make-up and spending a lot of time outside doing, seriously, anything.

I mention all of these interests and hobbies of mine, because they are what Lariats and Lavender is all about! I call this my personal blog and my home on the web because I share anything and everything in a way that, I hope, is enjoyable for you as well!

About Lariats and Lavender: I originally started Lariats and Lavender in 2010... However, I didn't like the direction my blog was going in (I sometimes found myself going towards what I thought I "should" be blogging about and not what I wanted to blog about) so on January 1st, 2011 I decided I would start over - fresh. And I did and I LOVED my little blog. I've made some of my closest friends through blogging and I was pretty proud of my content. Until October...

In October, I started reading through my old blog posts and I didn't like what I saw. Honestly, I think that's part of having OCD... I second guess myself often. In October, Jen spoiled me and bought me my very own domain, so I thought a fresh start was in order!

Now, you're probably wondering why I am starting over again. Well, I decided that on Lariats and Lavender's first birthday, I would start over on January 1st and go from there... I don't plan on deleting old posts and I don't plan on starting over anymore. This is my little blog, what goes here goes here and what doesn't, doesn't! So, on Lariats and Lavender's first birthday... Let me say... WELCOME!

You now know more about me, more about my little blog that I call my home on the web and hopefully whether you're a new follower and friend or an old one, you'll stick with me!

Before I leave, I want to post my 12 for 12. 12 little (or even big) goals I have for 2012:

Provide more support for my sponsors and engage with them more often
Remodel our bedroom (this is a HUGE goal of ours this year!)
Get back into Wicca
Post more about Lesbian and Transgender rights and issues
Hit my mini-goal weight of 150lbs and my dream weight of 125lbs through healthier eating and exercise
Make every holiday and Sabbat special
Quit smoking (eek!)
Start up airsoft again (we're actually so close!)
Read one new book a month
Have even more date days/nights with Jen than I did in 2011 ♥
Adopt a brother for Wedge, Mau and Jango (most likely another cockatiel, but we're keeping our minds and hearts open to other possibilities!)
Do more with my heart instead of with my head

Do you have a 12 for 12 list?