Room Tour: My Handmade Shelf

I made this wood shelf in one of my many wood shop classes in high school.  Fun fact: I love using power tools.  I finally put it up in my room and loaded it up with a tiny part of my increasing collection of handmade jewelry and jewelry displays.  I made all of the jewelry in this photo except for the earrings on the picture frame display.  The simple instructions for making this picture frame display can be found at the end of this post.  The necklace on the left will hopefully be heading to a local shop soon.  The jewelry display on the right was a thrift store find and the teacup and blue deer were scored at yard sales.  The deer was originally a bright brass color that didn't work for me, so I painted it with nail polish, Wet 'n' Wild in 218A I Need a Refresh-Mint.  I love how it turned out and it's such a unique ring/bracelet holder.

I have more room tour pictures to share with you in the coming weeks.  I've lived in this room for almost two years now, so I thought it was about time I showed it to you guys.

Movie Review: Odd Thomas

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Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz is one of my favorite books and I have reread it many times.  For those of you who don't know, Odd Thomas is a series of books by my favorite author, Dean Koontz.  It is about a small town fry cook who just happens to be able to see dead people, and among other things he helps the police catch their killers before they can strike again.  When I heard years ago that it was going to be made into a movie I was excited but not too excited, because books tend to be better than their movies.  I noticed that this movie was finally on Netflix yesterday. (and Netflix didn't even recommend it to me!)  I was busy yesterday so I watched it today, with low expectations, and was not disappointed.  This movie is an incredible adaptation of the book.  I would even say that it was very nearly as good as the book, if not as good.  The cast was wonderful, despite the fact that some people didn't like Stormy but she was very true to the Stormy in the book.  I don't think they could have cast it any better.  The special effects were fantastic and super creepy, especially the bodachs (which look way different and better than they do on the movie poster).  I really loved this entire movie and at the end I cried my eyes out, which never happens to me when I watch movies, even though I was pretty sure I knew how this one would end.  I give this movie 4 stars out of 5, and I highly recommend it to people who like supernatural movies involving serial killers.

One reason this movie made me cry is the beautiful relationship that Stormy and Odd have, which is all I can say about the movie without spoilers.  One of my high school friends committed suicide a few days ago and for some reason it didn't really hit me until after I watched this movie.  It's sad that anyone would ever feel so alone.  So watch this movie and make sure your loved ones know that you love them.  Life is short and precious.

Modcloth Spring Outfit Contest

FTC Disclosure Statement: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

A Spring in My Step by jaythejedi

Share your spring style with ModCloth’s ‘Spring-Time to Shine’ Contest, and you could win a $50 gift certificate! To enter just take a photo of yourself in your freshest spring ensemble and upload it to the Style Gallery. Outfits do not need to feature ModCloth (although it is encouraged!), and users can submit as many entries as their hearts desire. Two winners will be chosen and featured by ModCloth. This contest is open to both domestic and international applications through 1 p.m. PT on 4/28. Please see the ModCloth blog for more details. Good luck!

Two for Tuesday: Anna Joyce and Rachel Pfeffer

Two for Tuesday is a post series where I'll be sharing two great Etsy shops and two of my favorite items from each one.  Click the image to go to the product on Etsy.

I picked Anna Joyce this week because the fabric is so bright and colorful and great for spring.  Her shop contains all sorts of lovely sewn goods, including purses, totes, clutches, table linens, and pillows.  I love the bold prints and fun patterns.  These two items are my favorites from her shop.

This hoodie has been a favorite of mine on Etsy for a long time.  It just looks so cozy!

I love the design on this pillow.  It also comes in blue, but orange is my favorite color.

I discovered Rachel Pfeffer Designs over a year ago and I love everything that she makes, so it was really hard to choose just two favorites, but I did it, kind of.  I won't say that these two are absolutely my favorites but they are definitely two of my favorites.

I really love the look of the double chains on each side of this.

I love mixed metals, and I adore the stunning blue color of these stones.