Happy Holidays from My Dear Darling

I've decided to take the rest of the year off from blog updates since Husband gets it off too. :) Wishing you a warm holiday season and a happy new year!

101 Things To Do In 1001 Days

After reading this month's Real Simple magazine (thank you, B), I decided to try the 101 in 1001 project with Brandon. :D So here's our list starting today!

FAMILY

1. Make an addition to our family. Accomplished 09.30.2010

2. Make Brandon 3 handmade notes. Accomplished 09.26.2011

3. Have date night every Friday for a month.

4. Have a game night every week for a month.

5. Finish decorating the office.

6. Finish decorating the bedroom.

7. Make Katsu's scrapbook.

8. Make our family album.

9. Train Katsu to be friendly toward other dogs.

10. Move into a house.

TRAVEL

11. Visit a state we've never been to.

12. Visit a country we've never been to.

13. Go on a weekend getaway with the girls. (Akiyo)

14. Go on a trip with the guys. (Brandon)

15. Visit Disneyland.

16. Go on a road trip.

17. Go on another cruise.

18. Visit Yosemite.

19. Visit Akiyo's relatives in Japan.

20. Go to a tropical island.

ACTIVITIES

21. Take a dance class.

22. Go to a planetarium.

23. Go to a museum. Accomplished 10.16.2011

24. Watch a show in Vegas.

25. Build a snowman. Accomplished 11.20.2011

26. Go on a picnic. Accomplished 04.23.2010

27. Go kayaking.

28. Go hiking.

29. Go biking.

30. Take a helicopter ride.

SEWING PROJECTS

31. Make a dog bed for Katsu. Accomplished 01.21.2011

32. Make a heart pillow for Aunt C. Accomplished 01.30.2011

33. Put buttons on Brandon's shorts. Accomplished 07.31.2010

34. Sew Brandon's torn shirt. Accomplished 01.14.2011

35. Sew Brandon's torn umbrella case. Accomplished 01.14.2011

36. Make a couple pillowcases out of leftover duvet fabric.

37. Make pillows for outdoor furniture.

38. Make a decorative pillowcase for our bed.

39. Make a cover for the printer.

40. Make a cover for the ice chest.

OTHER PROJECTS

41. Hang wedding/anniversary gift. Accomplished 07.17.2010

42. Create a small photo gallery in living/dining space. Accomplished 01.22.2011

43. Organize old photos into one photo box.

44. Paint a painting. Accomplished 11.25.2011

45. Make a sculpture.

46. Make our wedding album.

47. Draw a portrait of each other.

48. Make a film together.

49. Make a handmade gift for a friend. Accomplished 08.06.2010

50. Learn a new craft and make something with it.

BABY BRUCE

51. Make room for Bruce's items in the closet. Accomplished 09.18.2010

52. Buy wooden letters and hang. Accomplished 12.18.2010

53. Make a first years book.

54. Hang frames on Bruce's wall. Accomplished 09.18.2010

55. Make a crib skirt.

56. Put the crib and bedding together. Accomplished 07.20.2010

57. Write Bruce's birth story.

58. Print photos and fill out belly book.

59. Start filling out Bruce's baby book. Accomplished 09.01.2011

60. Hire a photographer to take family photos. Accomplished 05.07.2011

SOCIAL

61. Help a stranger with something. Accomplished 03.26.2010

62. Send an email to 5 people we've lost touch with in the past few years. Accomplished 01.28.2011

63. Send out 5 birthday cards to friends on time. Accomplished 11.27.2010

64. Throw a dinner party.

65. Make a new friend. Accomplished 03.26.2010

66. Attend 3 social events. Accomplished 08.20.2011

67. Visit a distant friend.

68. Donate to charity. Accomplished 01.26.2010

69. Participate in a charitable cause.

70. Host a BBQ. Accomplished 05.29.2010

COOKING

71. Make lunch for Brandon 25 workdays in a row.

72. Bake cupcakes once a week for a month. Accomplished 04.30.2010

73. Learn 5 new recipes. Accomplished 01.15.2010

74. Learn how to make pho.

75. Put favorite recipes into cookbook.

76. Bring a dish to a potluck. Accomplished 08.20.2011

77. Bake cookies and gift it to someone. Accomplished 01.23.2011

78. Bake Bryce my famous muffin tops. Accomplished 05.13.2010

79. Bake a pie. Accomplished 04.04.2010

80. Learn a good soup recipe or two. Accomplished 01.25.2010

OTHERS (edited 01.11.2011)

81. Learn different settings on the Nikon.

82. Make custom designs on the embroidery machine.

83. Place photos in all picture frames.

84. Organize media display cabinet. Accomplished 01.14.2011

85. Make a memory quilt for Bruce.

86. Handmade gift for Courtney. Accomplished 06.05.2011

87. Handmade gift for Veara. Accomplished 06.23.2011

88. Handmade gift for Sarah. Accomplished 07.11.2011

89. Handmade gift for Young. Accomplished 07.25.2011

90. Handmade gift for Sandra. Accomplished 08.08.2011

MY DEAR DARLING

91. Vend at 5 craft shows.

92. Finish the shop website.

93. Make 5 new products.

94. Make a new booth display.

95. Organize images and files.

96. Organize computer work area.

97. Organize craft/packing area.

98. Place products in 2 store fronts.

99. Host 4 fan competitions.

100. Create an activity to interact with more fans.

LASTLY

101. Try something we both don't want to do.

Darling Moments: Pink & Blue Polka Dot Mugs

During Thanksgiving weekend, we stopped by a shop in Japan Town and my dad bought Brandon and me these matching mugs. :) He also got a green one for himself, a yellow one for my sister and another green one for my other sister. A family of matching polka dot mugs!

WHAT News: Birthday Sale

In celebration of my birthday, I thought to offer a sale in my Etsy shop. :) So today only, all plushies are 20% OFF and all stationery is buy one get one free. Enjoy!

(I'm feeling a bit under the weather unfortunately, so I'll be posting a couple photos of what I bought from the craft show later this week.)

Shout Out - Martin Hsu

Earlier this week, I promised I'd Shout Out to an awesome artist I met at Bazaar Bizarre. While my husband and I were going through our second round to make purchases, we realized we completely missed Martin's booth! "How'd we miss this?!" We were drawn in by his illustration style. And since Brandon was excited about the dragon boy illustration, I bought him the t-shirt. :) From what I got out of small talk, he seemed like such a chill, happy and humble person. (There was another vendor there that seemed too into proud of his work and that was such a turn off in a buyer kind of way.) In any case, his work at the craft show made me want to see what else he'd worked on so I went to his website and was blown away by all his illustrations, paintings, etc. He's the creator behind Ruby Gloom and currently, a character designer for the Nickalodeon show, Ni Hao, Kai-lan!

Photos: Dragon Boy, Okapi Holiday

Check out his website to see other works or stop by his shop here! :) Which was your fave?

My Dear Darling Workspace Update

Today, I present you Lori, my new iMac! :D Isn't she gorgeous and big?! I think I'll be making a cover for her this weekend so she won't get too linty and dusty from all the sewing. It's one of the biggest birthday/Christmas gift I've received. Haha, one of the best combo deals for sure (since my birthday is a few days before Christmas).

What's on your wish list this holiday?

Fan Moments: Elf Penguin Tree Topper

Yesterday, I received this awesome photo from D, who bought the Elf Penguin to use him as a tree topper! How cute is that? I love how his stance is like a star and the way his hat is pointed. :) Thank you D for sending this in!!

WHAT News

Good morning on a lovely, sunny Monday. We haven't seen sun in a while and it looks beautiful outdoors. And indoors, it's just as beautiful! Because... Brandon surprised me with a brand spankin' new 27" iMac for my birthday! (It's a week early but it's okay!) I've only been using it for a few hours here and there since we've been busy this weekend but I am so in love with it. The screen is so big and beautiful, the wireless mouse and keyboard is flawless. *sigh* I'm just in love with her. I named her Lori. Don't ask, the name just came up when I looked at her. :P I'll post photos of my *updated* workspace sometime this week. :) I seriously can't stop smiling everytime I walk into this room.

Okay, now on to the real news. The My Dear Darling: He Said She Said podcast has ended it's first season. I wanted to do another episode before we took a break, but Brandon's already in the holiday mode. We'll be back next year with a new season of He Said She Said so we'll keep you posted on that. Thank you to everyone who listened in on our conversations and all our special guests!

As I mentioned last week, I went to Bazaar Bizarre yesterday and saw some awesome works from various artists. I was able to buy a few Christmas presents but one stood out the most. I'll be giving a Shout Out to this artist on Thursday so stay tuned!

Have a great Monday! :D

WHAT News: Waiting List

Happy Friday!

I wanted to announce that if you're looking to buy a personalized plush next year, I do have a wait list going. I'm booked until February, as of now, so if you'd like to be on the list, please email me at info at mydeardarling dot com. Thank you for your patience and I'm looking forward to working on everyone's special creations!

Also, this weekend, the husband and I will be checking out Bazaar Bizarre in San Francisco. I'm hoping to do all my holiday shopping there and seeing more lovely shops. :P

What are you up to this weekend? Have you finished your holiday shopping?

Mill Valley Holiday Craft Fair Photos

I finally posted my craft fair photos on my flickr page. :) Here's a few of them:

View more photos here.

I also showcased a video of some personalized penguins. Special thanks to my husband and his dear friend, V, for making the animated penguin! :D I LOVED it! We got so many compliments on it so thank you, both!

Fan Moments: Fotobie & Lemony in Thailand Part II

Hello to a new week. I hope it's starting out well for you. :) As promised, here are the rest of the photos of Fotobie & Lemony in Thailand. Courtesy of H and her husband.

Lemony & Fotobie taking a stroll in the garden

Fotobie taking photos of a beautiful lotus.

Fotobie & Lemony in the outdoor bath tub

Lemony trying to open the door of the villa

Lemony sitting beside the pool trying to put her feet into the water but couldn't because she was afraid of getting wet and her legs aren't long enough.

Aren't they adorable? :D

{ Part I of Fotobie & Lemony in Thailand }

Episode 12.1: My First Craft Fair

Show Notes:

• Have everything ready and packed the night before.
• Get there on time so you don't rush set up.
• Practice greetings and be social.
• Make sure you figure out the credit card handling before the show.
• Products under $20 sold the most.
• Next time, bring food & water! :)

Would you like to be featured on our podcast or share your thoughts with us? Please comment below or email us at HeSaidSheSaid@MyDearDarling.com! :)

WHAT News: Mill Valley Holiday Craft Fair

Happy Friday! :)

I can't say I'm not nervous about tomorrow's craft fair, but I'm definitely excited. Hopefully, I'll meet a lot of great people. There will be a raffle during the fair in which I'll be giving away a Mini Penguin so I hope to see some of you there. ;) Have a lovely weekend!

WHAT News: My Dear Darling eNews

Starting January 1st 2010, I'll be sending out My Dear Darling newsletters via email! :D So sign up on the right, with your name and email address to receive the quarterly issue of My Dear Darling eNews.

Thank you! ;)

Shout Out - An Awesome Book!

I came across An Awesome Book by Dallas Clayton via poppytalk's post here and was immediately drawn. I loved the concept of reminding children, even adults, to dream big.

Awesome Book Tour from Dallas Clayton on Vimeo.

After stopping by Clayton's website, I found that you could read the book online here. I read through and at the end, had tears in my eyes. (Okay, I may be a little more emotional than the average person, but it was THAT good!) It was awesome! ;) So I bought two copies, one for myself and another for our friends' kids, the perfect Christmas gift. I recommend this book to anyone, really... at least read it online and be touched. "For every book we sell, we give one away." Now, that's an awesome project!

Photos: Mini reading An Awesome Book!

Fan Moments: Fotobie & Lemony in Thailand Part I

Hello to my favorite month of the year, December! :) I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving for those of you who celebrated it and for those who didn't, I hope you had a wonderful weekend. We had a successful one full of fun and definitely overstuffed ourselves with delicious meals and lots of sweets. :P

Today, I'm excited to share another special Fan Moment post from H and her husband. They celebrated their one year wedding anniversary in Phuket, Thailand and took Fotobie, Lemony and a couple other plush friends along. Here are the adorable shots:

Fotobie & Lemony

Fotobie and friends lying on massage beds

one of the buddy giving massage to Lemony (so nice of her)

Happy anniversary to the lovely couple! :D Stay tuned next week for Part II.

{ past photos of Fotobie & Lemony }