I found this cute “how-to” for making a pencil bag via Craftzine. I think it could easily be used as a cosmetic bag or any sort of little carrying case (to keep a digital camera or caseless iPod scratch-free) and it might be a fun starter project since I’ve been thinking of taking up sewing (on a machine - branching out beyond my button securing, hole-darning and hemming skills).

The publishing company I work for is putting out some new craft books and one of them is going to be a fairly hip sewing title, so this might be a good skill to have under my belt. Also, I’ve got these super cute sample fabrics from textile designer Anna Maria Horner (click image to visit her shop):

They’re pretty nice. My favorite is on top.

While pulling that photo off of my digital camera, I found this photo of the full moon from a few nights ago. Sadly, I don’t have a kick-ass digital SLR camera - or a stronger zoom - so it’s not as impressive as it could be (particularly since it was shot through a skylight window). But you can still see how bright the moon was.

And here’s a fun song to get your toes tapping/hands clapping/bring out your inner cheerleader. It’s by no means serious music, but sometimes an ear-candy song is what you need. I give you, “That’s Not My Name” by The Ting Tings (British pop fun).

I’m a strong proponent of rewarding oneself for a job well done. Over the last four months, I’ve been working fervently to get into better shape and I have managed to shed a respectable amount of weight. As a matter of fact, it’s equivalent to, say, a three-year old child. Yes, I’ve essentially shed a toddler. I felt it was time to reward myself for this accomplishment in some way.

And by “some way”, I mean “with shoes.”

I made my first visit-with-intent-to-purchase to Zappos.com (since I’ve read amazing and miraculous things about their customer service for many moons on Consumerist.com), and narrowed down my search to black heels, 3″ high or less.

The shoes pictured here caught my eye; the shape, the curve of the heel (not visible here and the image on Zappos cannot be saved), the stitching and all the other details.

It’s got a certain modern sculpture sensibility to it - except it’s a shoe.

Then I saw the style name : Oolong from John Fluevog’s “Teapot” collection. There are also styles called Darjeeling and Sencha, among others. I am guessing the collection name is derived from the shape of the heel; it’s quite reminiscent of the spout of a traditional teapot. I’m a girl who loves her tea. Could it be fate?

Cheers to free overnight shipping from Zappos. The shoes arrived at work on Friday and I was placing them on my feet before lunchtime to see how they felt and looked. Office opinion was positive, and they’re quite comfortable. One commenter stated, “They’ve got just the right amount of toe cleavage!”

Another item I purchased (not as a reward, but because it’s officially and finally winter here in the metro New York area) was a long-sleeved t-shirt from Etsy. If you’re not familiar with Etsy, it touts itself as “your place to buy and sell all things handmade.” Essentially, it’s a shopping site where artsy-craftsy people who make their wares can sell them - and other people can buy them.

For the last two years, I’ve done at least some of my holiday shopping through Etsy because you can find things that are truly one of a kind - or at least made in a very limited quantity. It also feels sort of good to know that you’re supporting an independent artisan (an actual person who will email you back if you have a question and include a handwritten “thank you!” note or extra treat with your order) rather than a production line somewhere in Macau. I’m just saying… and now I’m getting off my soapbox.

So here’s my purchase - a green t-shirt silk-screened with an orange gingko leaf. I love the shape of the leaves. It’s also a striking color combination.

I wore it to work earlier this week (because it works with a black skirt and sensible shoes). It was nice to answer the, “Where did you get that shirt?” question with, “Oh - I ordered it on Etsy. The artist silkscreens them on demand.” Eyebrows arch and the inquirers say, “Wow. I didn’t know people did that. That’s very cool.”

Yeah it is.