Hokahay Days

Indian Food with Friends

2011-06-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

The other day Katie, Lara, and I spent a fun day in Austin. We ended the day with delicious Indian food. Yum yum!

Flower Girl Head Wreaths

2011-06-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

I made these at Sprout the other day. I'm glad I know how to make them cause I've always wanted to wear one.

Simple and Good

2011-05-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

Vodka and Grapefruit Perrier with a dash of lime...so refreshing!

Leather Bracelets

2011-05-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

Making these for Renegade Austin.

New Cocktail

2011-05-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup sugar
2 (8 inch) rosemary sprigs
.5 cup Vodka
chilled club soda or seltzer

Garnish:

8 (3 inch) rosemary sprigs

Make:

Bring lemon juice, sugar and rosemary to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved, then reduce heat and simmer 2 minutes. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Discard rosemary sprigs. Fill 8 (8 oz.) glasses halfway with ice. Divide syrup (2T.) among glasses and add Vodka (1T.). Top off with club soda.

Weekend

2011-05-08T12:51:00.000-07:00

I was busy making things this weekend.

Flowers!

2011-05-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

Flower Trend

2011-03-12T09:26:00.001-08:00

Right after I listed this bag I read this article. :)

Cooking Experiments

2011-03-12T08:38:00.000-08:00

I've been cooking some extravagant things lately like lasagna, chicken pot pie, and salmon pasta which often means spending a lot of money at the grocery store. So, not wanting to make another trip to the store for at least another week I end up concocting little experiments with leftover ingredients. Here is a whole wheat pasta, peas, and feta cheese dish tossed in olive oil I made the other night.

New Pillows!

2011-03-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

3 handmade styles here.

Workspace

2011-03-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to adhering the cork tiles to my drafting table. I love having a large surface to work, although it gets a bit cluttered with all my finds. Oh well.

Makeshift Hanging Rod

2011-02-28T12:07:00.000-08:00

...made with a stick and some climbing rope.

Some More Birthday Presents

2011-02-28T11:59:00.000-08:00

Valentine shirt from Christian and Angie. Recipe cards from Katie and David T.

Something New

2011-02-25T12:35:00.001-08:00

Take a look here.

Sadie

2011-02-22T11:49:00.001-08:00

I've always wanted a donkey that I could ride. My dad recently bought one and I named it Sadie. Last evening Tim and I started breaking her. It was fun, although I was bucked off twice. It's going to be hard getting back on.

A Couple Birthday Presents

2011-02-22T11:47:00.001-08:00

Butterflies from Lara and Tim. Rhino from Katie and David.

More Loot

2011-02-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

Went to an estate sale this morning a this is what I found. Look for it on Flying Arrow Salvage.

Pink Champagne

2011-02-12T10:16:00.000-08:00

I love this pink lipstick. When I wear it I feel like I'm from the 60s.

Who picked this book?

2011-02-09T09:53:00.001-08:00

Oh yeah, me! I'm reading Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton with some friends and it is making my head hurt, in a good way, I guess. Last night to get in the mood I made some tea and butter bread.

New Loot

2011-02-09T09:50:00.001-08:00

Lara and I hit the thrift stores yesterday and we came away with a ton of great stuff. I love the earthy colors with a pop of coral!

Wall of Bags

2011-02-08T12:59:00.001-08:00

Take your pick. All bags can be found here.

New Goods

2011-01-23T14:48:00.000-08:00

Just added some new things to the etsy shop including this cool anchor dish. You can use it for rings, or on a desk for paperclips, or even an ash tray.

New on Etsy!

2011-01-18T11:55:00.001-08:00

A few more things added to Etsy today including this set of 3 white glass vases perfect for flowers and feathers.

Guest Post

2011-01-15T14:03:00.001-08:00

I did a guest post over at my sister's blog. Nothing like a little free advertisement. Thanks Lara!

Etsy!

2011-01-11T16:39:00.001-08:00

Just added some fun things to the shop.

Cool or Tacky?

2011-01-11T11:40:00.001-08:00

I put these studs on some denim cutoffs the other night. Not sure what I think. Any comments?

Pale Inspiration

2011-01-09T10:32:00.000-08:00

The other day, upon arriving home from work, I was welcomed with this view (top picture). I was excitedly overwhelmed with the possibility of a stormy night. I stopped the car and took a picture, which lead to a series of pictures I took that night all inspired by faded, earthy tones that have inspired me lately.

Etsy Shop is Live!...Finally!

2011-01-07T11:57:00.001-08:00

Hop on over to my Etsy Shop. I have tons more to add, so check back often.

Santa Fe Trip

2011-01-07T11:47:00.001-08:00

This Christmas Lara, Tim, and I spent a long weekend in Santa Fe. We skied, shopped for vintage, and ate!

Pumpkin Cheesecake

2011-01-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving I made this Pumpkin Cheesecake rather than the traditional pumpkin pie. Below is the recipe...

Crust:
1.25 cups graham cracker crumbs
.25 cups of sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling:
4 packages (8 ounces each) bar cream cheese, very soft
1.25 cups of sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
.5 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with rack in center. Assemble a 9 in. nonstick springform pan, with the raised side of the bottom part facing up.

2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter until moistened; press firmly into bottom of pan. Bake until golden around edges, 10-12 minutes.

3. Make the filling: With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar on low speed until smooth; mix in flour (do not overmix). Add pumpkin puree, pie spice, vanilla, and salt; mix just until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until each is incorporated before adding the next.

4. Place springform pan on a rimmed baking sheet. Pour filling into springform pan, and gently smooth top. Transfer to oven, reduce oven heat to 300 degrees. Bake 45 minutes. Turn off oven; let cheesecake stay in oven 2 hours more (without opening).

5. Remove from oven; cool completely. Cover with plastic wrap; refridgerate until firm, at least 4 hours. Unmold before serving.

Serves 12

New Sachets in the Works

2010-10-26T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to say my lavender sachets have been a hit. So, I am making more to take to Oklahoma City and to sell at Enid.

Flowers on my Desk

2010-10-26T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hat + Flower

2010-10-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

I was wearing this hat the other day while working at Sprout. This poor little bloom fell off its stem, so I gave it a new home on my hat!

Sprout

2010-10-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

I have really enjoyed working at Sprout lately. With all the weddings in town this fall Sprout has been busy making flower arrangements, bouquets, boutonnieres, etc. Above are some creations I made.

Stuff I Made

2010-09-09T16:13:00.001-07:00

I've spent the last few days making lavender sachets and a new batch of skeleton key necklaces for Renegade Chicago. They will be in my sister Lara's booth 62 along with her handmade pillows, necklaces, prints, and more!

Oklahoma Mission Trip

2010-08-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I helped lead a junior high mission trip to the Osage Reservation in Pawhuska, OK. We spent a week doing yard work, painting, serving food in a soup kitchen, and playing with kids. When we were not doing service projects we had personal devotions, "free time" (in which we played a lot of spoons and Egyptian rat screw), prepared meals, went to "club" (a worship/sermon service), and ended the night with individual church group time. Despite the long days, 115 degree heat, and community showers it was a rewarding trip. Here is a picture of the 11 rambunctious junior highers with Kelly (red shirt) and me (neon heart shirt).

Etsy Shop!

2010-08-17T13:42:00.001-07:00

I am in the process of taking pictures and creating images of all the vintage things I have collected. I am excited to share them on my etsy shop!

Horse Hair Firing

2010-08-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

The last day of ceramics class we learned a firing technique called horse hair firing. I'm not crazy about the outcome, but the process was a lot of fun. When we arrived to class our pieces were already in the kiln. My dad was the brave one who volunteered to take the pots out of the kiln. Once out, we used strips of newspaper and horse hair to create the black lines on the pots. Kind of an odd technique, but seeing the newspaper and horsehair catch fire when it made contact with the pot was thrilling!

Ceramics

2010-08-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

This is what I have to show for my ceramics class. I love the way the glaze turned out, not too glossy and a perfect shade of green.

Peach Margaritas

2010-07-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Last night I made my Aunt Cynthia's Peach Margaritas for my sister's birthday. They were a hit! Here is the recipe...

1 6oz can frozen limeade
6oz tequila
6oz Triple Sec
6 Tablespoons lime juice
2 cups fresh peaches
4 cups ice cubes

1. Combine all ingredients except ice in blender. Blend well.
2. Pour half of the mixture into a container. Then add 2 cups ice to the mixture in the blender and blend well. Pour the blended margarita into a container for the freezer.
3. Pour the remaining half of the mixture into the blender and add 2 cups ice to blend. Place in the freezer until ready to serve.

Serves 6 to 8

Perfect Pairs:

2010-06-19T17:36:00.001-07:00

Beer and Vogue/Butternut Squash Soup and The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. This is how I plan to spend my evening.

Sword of the Spirit

2010-06-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

A month or so ago I decided I wanted to design a sword pendant. I was inspired by a couple of things; the Sword of the Spirit found in Ephesians 6 and Joan of Arc. Here is the final product. I love the way it turned out. Next up: the Shield of Faith.

Vintage Prints

2010-06-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

I love how these antique botanical prints look in the shiny freshly painted frames. Lara will be taking them to the Dallas Flea this weekend.

Lambies

2010-06-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

Today one of my dad's ewes had triplets! I helped him move them from the pasture to the pen so we can keep an eye on them and make sure they are getting enough to eat. So far so good, but we have lamb food ready just in case.

Things Found on a Walk

2010-06-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

I've been walking a lot lately; to work, to the store, etc. When I spy something interesting, I pick it up. I thought this made a cool collection.

Separated at Birth

2010-05-27T11:07:00.000-07:00

Never in her wildest dreams did Vivian expect to meet her long lost twin today. It was a short, but sweet reunion.

Happy

2010-05-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

Enough said.

Bad Day Treat

2010-05-13T13:56:00.001-07:00

I've given up caffeine except for a cup of coffee in the morning, but sometimes a bad day just calls for a special drink to make it all better. Goodbye bad day. Hello iced latte.

Skeleton Key Necklaces

2010-05-12T11:16:00.001-07:00

I made these necklaces today just in time for the Renegade Craft Fair in Austin this weekend. You can find them at booth 109 along with my sister Lara's printed tees, handmade jewelry, refurbished frames, and planted succulents.

Bamboo Chair

2010-05-06T14:29:00.001-07:00

This is my latest find. It is in perfect condition. And it swivels!

No clothes for a year!

2010-05-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, tis true. I have given up buying clothes, shoes, and accessories for a whole year. To some that might sound like a piece of cake. To others it might sound impossible. I have held my promise for 4 months and I am here to tell you it is not impossible. Hard, yes, but not impossible. There are several reasons for this decision. One reason is to practice self-control. Another is that I have enough clothes, shoes, and accessories to clothe an orphanage. The main reason, however, is that I am trying to become less materialistic. I think it is working. I highly recommend it.

P.S. It helps to have a really cool sister and awesome roommate who give you a little black dress with gold owls on it for your birthday. Thanks Lara and Katie!

A Beautiful Mess

2010-05-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple pictures of my desk. I think most would find it a bit messy, but I think it is beautiful. Stay tuned for some more snapshots of my home.

3 Little Indians

2010-05-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

Ali's band, Little Indian, has their first gig this Thursday. So Ali, Hope, and I hunted for flowers and feathers and fashioned these cool headbands to wear to the event.

Meet Haylie

2010-04-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

So, I ran into this girl on Main St. and I thought she had the coolest outfit. I mean, c'mon, a yellow pillbox hat?! I ran after her and asked if I could take her picture. She was very obliging. I just might be the next Sartorialist. And she might just be the next Jackie O.

Weekend Finds

2010-04-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

Here is the loot from the past weekend's treasure hunt. The groovy plate, clear horse head bookends, and metal rooster letter organizer are all available for sale at etsy.com/shop/LaraCollins. I decided to keep the tin canister for myself. It's perfect for holding my matcha green tea.

VW Rally

2010-04-20T18:44:00.001-07:00

This last Sunday I went with my two friends, Ali and Hope, to the Volks Wagon Rally in town. I would love to own a Volks Wagon bus someday. I can see myself cruising the countryside with the windows down and my dog Scout in the passenger seat. Sadly, my camera battery died as soon as I got there, but I came away with a couple cool pictures.

Treasures

2010-04-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some treasures I found this weekend. Treasure hunting is one of my favorite things to do. I consider myself a genuine scavenger. These items can be purchased at enidlifestyle.com.

Hokahay Days

2010-04-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Hokahay Days. I know I know, you are wondering what the hell Hokahay means. Well, let me tell you my friends...

It all started one summer in high school, my dad and I went on a backbacking/rock climbing trip in California. Our guide, Dave, taught us the word, Hokahay, which he said was an America Indian word meaning "to suck the marrow out of life." My first thought was gross! but, once I put bone marrow out of my mind, I found an idea that portrays richness and fullness and deepness; a way of life that takes risks and is full of experiences. Since then it has served as a motto for my dad and me. My regret, though, is that I have not lived out this concept. My desire is that this blog serves as a journal/record of my life, starting at this pivotal point that jump starts a journey to discover what it means to truly live, what it means to know myself, and to find what it is that "makes me tick", as a good friend put it.