whichgoose.

Outfit post!

2011-12-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Headpiece: http://www.etsy.com/listing/86570745/teal-floral-fascinator-subterranean

Dress: http://www.etsy.com/listing/86804528/vintage-peasant-love-ivory-wedding-dress

Shoes: http://www.etsy.com/listing/87599018/christian-dior-vintage-heels-7

Happy Thanksgiving~

2011-11-23T17:18:00.000-08:00

Ah, my favorite holiday!

And I have SO much to be incredibly thankful for.

Passing my gratitude onto you with 20% off until Monday! :) Use code "TURKEY" at check out :)

Anyways, enjoy the last day of peace and sanity before the holiday stress ball starts rolling and growing!

P.S. I've been updating my Facebook way more frequently now ... just in case you care :P

https://www.facebook.com/whichgoose

It's OCTOBER!

2011-10-10T05:55:00.000-07:00

Well, this blog's gone a bit by the wayside ...

Life's been racing by and I can't stop to write much about it :(

The holidays are fast-approaching ... ugh! I'm going to be going to Seattle with the family to visit my sister and niece ... should be super fun! It will only be second Christmas away from home (once at my grandparents when I was little). Isn't it funny how certain days hold such meaning ...

Here's an update of my birthday fun:

Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center!!

The pretty ceiling in the opera house

Just in case you missed it!

2011-09-15T17:55:00.001-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/quit-your-day-job-whichgoose/?ref=fp_blog_title

Eye candy!

2011-09-07T05:01:00.000-07:00

The amazingly talented photographer Julia Arielle Cox took some amazing shots for Whichgoose last month!

And do you believe it? There's a video, too!! (Check back soon.)

http://juliaariellephotography.com/

What I did with my summer vacation

2011-09-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

Here's some postcards from my trip to the Virgin Islands :)

Whichgoose kiddos

2011-09-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

The marvelous Mindy Kid of Miabella Portraits was lovely enough to take some photos for the Whichgoose children's line currently in progress.

It's still in the planning stages, but here are a few of the super cute images!!

website: www.miabellaportraits.com

blog: www.miabellaportraits.com/blog

.............. vacation ...... :(

2011-08-25T04:10:00.000-07:00

If you've been following this blog for a while, you probably are aware of my fear (anxiety) of flying.

And for some reason, I've agreed to go to the Virgin Islands with my boyfriend.

Great, right!?

But the problem is getting there.

There's this to deal with:

And this to deal WITH it on the plane (s) :

YES -- PLANES! We go UP to Philly and THEN down to the islands. Oiy.

Anyways ... if I survive ... I'll be back around Wednesday and the shop will re-open then. :)

Studio MAKEOVER!

2011-08-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

So, I bought this HUGE MONSTER of a piece of furniture yesterday at a tag sale.

They were calling it an "apothecary" chest .. but really I think it was card catalog for a library.

No matter -- it is now housing all my random crap from my studio! Yay!

I had such a fun time organizing it yesterday and filling all the little drawers. Consequently, I have NO idea where anything is now. I just open about 10 drawers until I find what I'm looking for.

It's like a giant game of memory.

Here's the rest! :)

Bookshelf and my vintage slip collection.

Packing station and closet with supplies.

The desk and Caesar! (my little bird).

flower girls!

2011-08-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

(Kate Moss' bevy of flower girls)

The whole reason I started making crowns was so that women could feel like little girls again.

I mean, didn't we all make flower crowns out of daisies growing up? I thought I could capture some of that same youthful innocence and fairy-tale ...

BUT ... when you start thinking about crowns for YOUNG girls.

Is it the opposite?

Don't little girls want to feel grown up?

I've pondered this for a while now ... trying to decide if I should really jump into the whole "flower girl" arena of crown-making.

It seems like a natural progression ... but I don't know.

Kids heads' are generally not much smaller than adult ones ... so most of what I sell would work for the younger folk.

I need to do a survey with little girls --- see if they would rather wear a flower crown ... or maybe something like a miniature veil (like the bride!)

It's hard to say what kids want ever I suppose ...

And the winner is ...

2011-06-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the recent giveaway winner!!!

Here's the picture from the "random line picker" thingy :)

SOO .. CoralBug, please e-mail me at emilyzych@yahoo.com with your address and I'll send your comb along!

Thanks to everyone who entered and check back for more giveaways soon! :)

GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY!!!!!

2011-06-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

Haven't done one of these in a while! Thought it was about time. :)

Here's what you win!

Simply leave a comment (you don't have to write anything really) and I'll pick a winner at random in a couple days :)

ALSO!!! Check out my sister's awesome jewelry giveaway on Facebook!!!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/RogueRetro/245578433893

An Austen Love Affair

2011-05-31T12:42:00.000-07:00

Just HAD to share this amazing engagement shoot by Zoom Photography (as seen on StyleMePretty)

Tinywater Photography

2011-05-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

Look at these breath-taking images courtesy of Tinywater Photography!

http://www.tinywaterphoto.com/

Photoshoot!!

2011-05-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

Me and my super-cool model friend, Kate, had another photo shoot safari this past weekend. This time, we went to Surreybrooke Farm in Frederick.

It's this amazing little Eden full of sweet little gardens ... a pond ... and little ponies!!!

Here's a sampling of the images ...

ENJOY!

Happy Mommy's Day!

2011-05-07T14:21:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Mother's Day, I'm inviting you to check out three Etsy shops owned by my favorite MOMS!!!

---------

First, (obviously) is my own Mommy!

She sells all sorts of unique vintage and antique finds ---- jewelry, clothes, what-nots and who's-its! :) Great prices!

Here's a modeling job I did with here a while back at the homestead in West Virginia. FUN!

Visit my Mom's shop here: http://www.etsy.com/people/ABetterTime

--------

Next up is my sister, Amanda who is a SUPER mommy to my little niece, Ella (pictured below).

Visit her shop for the SWEETEST and CRAZIEST vintage clothes you will ever find. Great prices, too!

Visit my sister's shop here: http://www.etsy.com/people/RogueRetro

---------

Third up is NEW MOMMY, Kate, who also just opened an Etsy shop!

Here's her little darling, Eliza, modeling her awesome pacifier clips!! (photos by me :) hehe)

If you know a new mommy or have a baby shower to attend coming up, these clips make a really USEFUL gift!! You know they will use it ... and they're cute, too!

Visit Kate's shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaBungalow

Spring has sprung

2011-05-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

I know it's really late in the game to be starting seeds ... but, you know, I'm busy! :)

Here's my little garden seeds just coming to life ... I'll hopefully keep you up-to-date with the garden goings on (if these little guys make it!!)

what up sniffles?

2011-04-27T19:56:00.000-07:00

ALLERGIES!!!

That's about all I have to say for this week.

Is it just me?-- or are they super-bad this year? I've been popping benadryl and zyrtec like candy. (not really!)

Finally we had an amazing spring thunderstorm this evening, so hopefully things will be calming down a bit outside and inside my nose.

Going to visit my parents this weekend and to help with their yard sale!! FUN!

Color obsession

2011-04-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter (almost) to everyone! I doubt I'll actually blog again before then, so this will serve as the holiday post :)

This week, I've been having a color obsession ... with light aqua blue ... otherwise known as Robin's Egg blue or Tiffany blue (after the box).

It's a very springy color ... but hard to comb across in the natural world (besides the eggs ...)

I can remember just about every year finding one on the ground and feeling like I've stumbled on this magical treasure. I feel the need to collect them ... but they eventually disintegrate. (like all beautiful things.)

Sneak peak!

2011-04-08T07:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek of a few lovelies I've yet to list!! :)

decor8 blog

2011-04-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Check it out! I'm mentioned on Decor8 blog :) CLICK HERE!!!

Here's what they say: "Emily Zych in Maryland who runs Which Goose, a shop specializing in mostly vintage-inspired clips and combs for decking your locks with flowers and bows. Such a sweet shop, and she has lovely product photography and a great eye for texture and color to be so young."

Ohhhh, why thank you so much! :) hehehe

The boots!

2011-03-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

The boots are my favorite part of these amazing photos by the amazing Heather Armstrong. (www.heatherarmstrongphotography.com )

But look, one of my crowns is lucky enough to be a part!!! Thanks for sharing, Heather!!!

Kate in the woods

2011-03-20T18:06:00.001-07:00

You might recognize my super lovely model, Kate, from our previous shoot. But we got together this past weekend and did some nature walking!!

In the midst of all our whimsical picture-taking, we saw a duck, a turtle and .... a snake!! AH!!!

It was such a lovely day though -- a real spring day -- and I hope the pictures paint a picture of it for you :)

The green-eyed monster

2011-03-18T18:35:00.000-07:00

If you want to be happy, be. ~Leo Tolstoy

It can seem like life is never quite good enough. No matter how hard I work, there will always be someone better.

One of the main struggles of life is to learn to be happy with what we have ... it sounds simple, but it's almost impossible I've found.

When I stop and think about it, my life is pretty incredible. I want for nothing besides the occasional overprices Anthropologie item.

I'm generally healthy (besides all the anxiety issues) and have a loving family and boyfriend.

But I think everyone who has a goal tends to compare where they are in their lives with others. It's not good.

There. That is my lesson for the day. :)

Pretty pictures ... and the end?

2011-03-10T19:35:00.000-08:00

Found this pretty ballet bridal shoot on SMP --- stylemepretty.com

Here's some slippers from my shop :) Not as old ... but still quite elegant I think :)

Anyways, the real point of this blog is to discuss the continuation of the blog. It's getting so hard to think of things to write about!

Back in "the old days" of my business, I had more free time during my day job to do things like write long blogs. (ha!)

It's ironic really that now that I'm working on Etsy full-time ... from home ... I find myself so super busy and not able to keep up!

Anyways ... thinking of moving this party to Facebook.

Any thoughts?

Sneak peak!

2011-02-28T06:46:00.000-08:00

Here's some lovelies that aren't up in the shop yet, because I haven't had time to take my fancy pictures :)

ALSO!!! I bought that fancy perfume from Antho. Not too enthralled with the scent overall .. but the BOTTLE is too cute!!! :)

BHLDN -- stands for CUTE!!

2011-02-18T06:56:00.000-08:00

Anthropologie (my favorite clothing retailer) now has a wedding line.

YES. Everyone who was ever married before now totally missed out, I'm sorry to say! :)

It's called "BHLDN" -- which it took me until yesterday that is meant to be "BEHOLDEN" -- clever.

And even though they have a hair accessory line, which directly competes with MY little shop, I am more than excited to share them with you on my blog!

Beware though, they are SUPER expensive ... as is everything with Anthro ... sob.

Ms. Chanel

2011-02-12T06:52:00.000-08:00

Just a bit of a picture post about Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel. I just watched the movie ("Coco Before Chanel") and really loved it. I think mostly because I related to her struggle to become her own woman -- and not to mention entrepreneur and world-wide fashion icon!

Anyways, enjoy some Audrey Tautou mixed in with Ms. Chanel :)

ta-da!

2011-02-11T14:59:00.000-08:00

Here's the finished product!! :)

I think it ended up being WAY too much work for what I can charge for it ... but I like the uniqueness of it :)

new project

2011-02-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

So -- I got this chenille blanket at an auction about a month ago.

I realized it had a BIG stain on it when I got home.

I decided to make something useful out of it (because that's what I do!) and I've starting making these chenille flowers!

I can't decide if they should be hair clips or more like brooches ... any ideas?

Sale flyer

2011-02-02T07:01:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd make a little post about some GREAT DEALS in my shop right now!

(this is supposed to be a used car salesman) hehe :)

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63415925/dancing-in-the-dark-butterfly-comb

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65279444/last-one-antigone-wire-hair-band

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66236900/pip-little-flower-clip

Knot magazine

2011-01-30T06:30:00.000-08:00

Check it out! My little twiggy belt/sash is in Knot magazine!! Woot!

It's a one-of-a-kind piece they asked me to make for the photo shoot, but I am ready and willing and able to make another if you're into it :)

what, no crown?

2011-01-28T19:29:00.000-08:00

Richard and I had a bit of a challenge trying to take pictures of EARRINGS instead of CROWNS!

I did a little side-job to photograph some earrings for fellow Etsian excentrix.

Here's his shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/excentrix

This was the only weird shot really -- the rest were on my ears. It's so hard to get a flattering shot of earrings while wearing them though!

Anyways, these earrings are great! I love how they're really simple but totally stylish ..

ALSO --- coming up in a separate blog post --- did you know Anthropologie is coming out with a WEDDING LINE!?!?!?!?!

New faces!

2011-01-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

There comes a time when you get sick of looking at pictures of yourself!

So --- enter the new faces of Whichgoose :)

First, the lovely Kate!

She's a poet with a true artist's soul ... and such a classic beauty! She reminds me of Pre Raphaelite painting.

We met up last weekend on a VERY chilly day and did some guerilla photography around Frederick.

And here's a sample from my new collection photographed by Chloe Scheffe! Very long-awaited and anticipated.

I still plan to do a lot of the usual self-portraits, but this is a nice change! I feel like a real designer now instead of a designer/model/photographer.

Too many slashes! :)

Whichgoose on SMP!

2011-01-15T18:23:00.000-08:00

or ... Style Me Pretty for those not up with my Internet slang :)

Here's the full link! :) http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/01/10/los-angeles-wedding-by-max-wanger-bash-please/

THANKS to Kristen (the lovely bride) and Mr. Max Wanger (the photographer) :)

Whichgoose in ACTION! :)

2011-01-13T16:14:00.000-08:00

Check out the lovely Alex on her wedding day wearing my berry crown! :)

Don't you just LOVE the winter theme!?!?! That cape? The snow! >sigh<

The best bag EVER!

2011-01-11T12:51:00.000-08:00

Just thought I had to share my latest online purchase (not from Etsy, sadly...)

It's this hello kitty bag from ModCloth! (I'm not getting anything to pitch for them, though I wish I was!!!)

Portrait a day

2011-01-06T17:14:00.000-08:00

I've been painted by the lovely and super-talented Yevgenia Watts!

Her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/people/Thalweg

Her Blog (with the portrait-a-day) http://watercoloredhands.wordpress.com

Anna Piaggi

2011-01-06T15:49:00.000-08:00

Italian style icon and fashion writer --- a lady with true style.

I don't know much about her, other than she wrote for Italian Vogue and wears a lot of awesome hats.

But ... I find that when lacking personal inspiration, it's best to look to inspirational people.

Lessons to learn from Anna:

** To age does not mean to fade away.

** Accessories make the outfit.

** Hair and make-up are a key means of expression.

(note the glass of champagne on the desk. yes, please)

Those gloves!

Ageless style and beauty.

Movie post!

2010-12-25T18:04:00.000-08:00

Kind of excited about this new version of Jane Eyre coming out next year! There seem to be so many re-dos lately of older movies or books.

While it's kind of neat to get a new take or interpretation on a story, it can sometimes seem a bit overdone.

This is one of my favorite novels, so I'm inclined to like it no matter.

This is my favorite one for the time-being ....

I really did not get into the BBC one ... or was this BBC? Anyways...

Also excited to see "The Black Swan." Looks like there will be some good head wear potential! :)

2010-12-25T12:23:00.000-08:00

Here's how I'll be picking blog winners from now on (since the old name in the hat routine is getting a bit work-instensive!)

1.) Shuffle Shuffle Shuffle!!!

2.) Pick Random Line! :)

3.) Congrats to kellynD

4.) MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!!! :D

GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY!!!!!

2010-12-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

It's the Christmas giveaway!!

Winner to be announced on Christmas Day!!!

Enter by writing a comment on this post --- be sure to include your e-mail address (so I can contact you if you win.)

THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE a $25 gift card to my shop! You can keep it or gift it to a friend :)

GOOD

LUCK!!!!

Blooper reel!

2010-12-19T10:06:00.000-08:00

This will probably become a running gag on my blog....

Picture-taking is such a large part of what I do for my business ... but it can be a messy job.

Here is what you don't see --- the really bad photos that I usually promptly delete.

You see, to take a decent picture of yourself, you pretty much have to take about 300. One or two of these will be OK.

Here's a sampling ... ENJOY!! :)

The Zombie.

The distracted stare.

The half-blink.

The half-open.

The goofy grin.

Great billy balls of fire!!

2010-12-12T18:08:00.000-08:00

I consider myself to be a member of "The Wedding Industry" --- mainly because a lot of my customers are brides.

When I first started out making pretty hair things, it never EVER would have occurred to me that someone would want to wear something I made for their big day. But, now I've gotten used to the idea and don't stay up nights wondering if the color ivory is THE color ivory to match their grandmother's vintage dress :)

ANNYYYWWAYSS....

I like to keep up on the new bridal trends and such. The best place to do this is at Style Me Pretty -- the wedding blog (where you can also find my lookbook).

They have the trendiest weddings with awesome photography. A great place to spend an afternoon browsing.

This new trend I've noticed popping up a lot is "Billy Ball" flowers. They are this bizarre yellow flower that have a long leaf-less stem.

Pretty fun, eh? It may not be a new trend -- I might just be a bit behind on it.

I'm hoping to have some featured in my shop in the coming months!! :)

And bridal trends you love or hate?

Tree time!!

2010-12-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas tree!!!

I saw this tree at an antique store for 30 bucks, and decided it was the perfect size!!! The only problem (not really a problem) is that I am having such a hard time finding lights that have a white wire.

I did find some blue ones .. so we're going to have a blue/green-themed tree :)

Inspiration on a rainy day

2010-11-30T19:23:00.000-08:00

(top three from vogue.com)

These shoes I'm debating on whether or not to sell ... they are pretty much my idea of a perfect bridal shoe and ... they fit!! But, I don't want to jinx it, either.

New Year's Party anyone?

Talking TURKEY!

2010-11-26T12:17:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Mine was great :) It was the first time the whole fam had been together in like 5 years ... AND the first time I'd actually had off work on the day-of! Awesomeness.

So now, we're all hanging out, being lazy and eating leftovers :)

Definitely NOT participating in any sort of Black Friday shopping today because, well, that's just crazy.

BUT, I thought I'd set-up a fun sale in the shop to get you all in the holiday shopping spirit!!

TAKE 20% off EVERYTHING in my shop! WHOOOOO!!!!

Enter the code: "TURKEY20" at checkout and Etsy will automatically set up a discount :)

Getting too old for this.

2010-11-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

For those long-time followers of my blog, you know I'm a big Harry Potter nerd.

And the (almost) culmination of my fan experience happened very VERY early this morning :)

We went to the midnight showing of Part I of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" (the last installment in the series.)

It was pretty great. All around -- GREAT. I loved it. The pace might have been a little slow, but all things considered, I give it 4 out of 5 stars :)

My favorite part was the animation in the middle of it for the "tale of the three brothers." It was this amazing silhouette-style.

The worst part was having to see it in a theatre full of people who were TALKING. But whatever, I'm just an old grumper :)

ouchies

2010-11-17T18:26:00.000-08:00

I know I've been slacking on the blog writing lately ... it just seems like nothing is really happening in my life right now that's worthing of sharing with the "world at large."

And tonight, I sliced my finger open while chopping onions for some broccoli casserole. = :(

[image not included due to yucky-ness]

I hurts and is still bleeding a little bit. uugggghhh..... so, I think I might take a "day off" tomorrow to recover an maybe do some Christmas shopping.

Anyways, that's the big excitement in my life right now :)

Thanksgiving is coming though -- and my sister and niece are visiting from Seattle!! HURRAH!

Any one else got some excitement to share??

Ooooo that smell!

2010-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

I tend to judge books by their covers,

and perfume by its bottle.

Take, for example, this beauty I am currently lusting after:

Happ & Stahns Perfumers Eau De Parfum

It actually comes with a pincushion topper complete with a selection of whimsical pins!

Amazing. I'm sure it smells good, too, but wouldn't it be a lovely addition to my little collection?

Anna Sui (for special occasions only.)

Some vintage bottles (for decoration only) My mom's scent on the far right -- "white shoulders" -- she only wore it when dressed up, and I still can picture her putting on makeup white I watched at the vanity.

My old standbys for daily wear. The winner is mostly "moonlight path" by bath and body works (far right.) I guess it would be my signature scent. Hmm. strange.

The early bird catches the ... sanity?

2010-11-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

Whichgoose is getting into the holiday spirit WAY before the radio stations start playing carols .. before the Santas descend on the malls ... before the houses glitter with lights ....

NOW! :)

Here's a sampling of the Christmas goodies you will find in my new "gifts/holiday fun" section:

Plus ... did you know you, YES YOU, could be the owner of your very own Whichgoose mug!?!?!

Check it out here.

With sincere admiration ...

2010-11-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

Happy (late) Halloween!

I got drunk and had an allergy attack last night ... plus ate about 10 miniature candies. Good times...

bangs (again)

2010-10-22T10:37:00.001-07:00

Do you ever feel like my blog is just going in circles?

New projects!

2010-10-19T18:54:00.000-07:00

Usually I go through all my flowers every month or so --- trying to find goodies I forgot about other to weed through the trash.

But this time, I decided to make use of all the "leftovers" that seem to accumulate in my flower bins!

Hope - floral art

I stayed up pretty late last night :)

Heart - floral art

Blog winner//COUPON//pictures :)

2010-10-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

So, now I know why people don't usually do giveaways like this -- it's SO hard to choose!

But, there is only one comb unfortunately, so there can only be one winner. And that person is:

CarolineOwl!

Congrats, Caroline :) Please send your mailing address to me at emilyzych@yahoo.com

Here's Caroline's entry that my boyfriend and I agreed was heart-felt :)

"oh no i might just have a melt down! This is really really so cute! I have been following your blog and etsy for 2 years now and iv never win your giveaway:( this is my favorite giveaway i have ever seen, on ANY blog, and its perfect for me! I love animals and too, am a vegetarian! But I love sweet things too, as you can tell by my blog i have a passion for cute cupcakes and sweet things. :) I take hikes and walks through the forest all the time and hope to see critters and baby deer like this so maybe (hopefully) my new comb would lure them for me to see them! I just love it. it really made my day to see it and i hope i get the chance to wear it :) but Ive got tough competition. :( -Caroline Owl"

---

But to show you all that I care and LOVED all your entries, if you entered, you get a $5.00 coupon good for my shop. I only ask that you don't use it on the $9.99 items (since I'm not WalMart :P)

Anyways, be sure to let me know that's you're using the deal in the "messages to seller" section at checkout and I'll refund $5 back to your PayPal.

---

And for your visual enjoyment:

It's a BLOG-EXCLUSIVE giveaway!

2010-10-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

OH YES! It is that time again ... GIVEAWAY!!!

And this giveaway is ESPECIALLY special ... it's an item that has NEVER appeared in my shop. It's brand-spanking new and never-before seen! :)

Here's what you can win:

"Fawn in the forest - whimsical hair comb"

TO ENTER:

(And this is a bit different)

Post a comment on this blog post stating WHY I should pick you to win this item!! Points will be given for originality, humor, sob-stories and shameless sucking-up! :)

HAVE FUN! Spread the word :)

Winner will be announced sometime this weekend.

And P.S. ..... there might have to be a second and third prize if I feel torn :)

Attack of the stink bugs!!!

2010-10-10T06:21:00.000-07:00

DISCLAIMER:::: Scary close-up pictures of bugs coming .... beware if you are easily creeped.

It's probably not as bad where you live ... and maybe you've never seen one of these creatures ... but we here in the D.C./Baltimore area are INFESTED with this little stink bugs! They are horrible. If you kill them, they STINK. And they seem to swarm around the windows and doors, trying to get inside your house.

SCARY.

Here are a couple having a jolly old time on one of our pumpkins.

EXTREME close-up.

I call this one "I hear you knocking, but you can't come in." There was actually one ON the actual handle ... maybe this same little bugger ... and I touched it!! ACHKHGHGH A!

I'm so forreal now

2010-10-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

CHECK IT OUT!! It's my "official" Whichgoose logo -- designed by Sarah from OhMeOhMyDesign on Etsy.

I think I need a coffee mug with it on it now... :)

Udates, etc.

2010-10-07T07:55:00.000-07:00

Wow. Isn't it strange when you completely lose any and all desire to do ANYTHING!?

I've been a bit of a lazy girl lately ... sleeping in, taking naps, generally sitting around and sometimes shopping.

SO. To try to end all of this sloth, I bought "Dance Dance Revolution" --- the video game for XBox. Richard was a bit impressed that I bought a video game, but now that he's seen me dancing like a fool on it, he's not so impressed :P

Anyways, so far so good. This little kid in the video is FIVE MILLION times better than me. I'm still in the training mode and sucking royally.

But, it's a pretty good workout all in all. Lots of bouncing around .. reminds me of jumping rope.

OH!!! --- and the Renaissance Fesitval ....

No pictures to update ... I was a bit disappointed this year I am so sad to say!~

It was SUPER crowded!!!! Like, we waited in line for food and beer most of the day. And just walking around was difficult .. you kept running into people!

I think it's probably better to go on a Sunday instead of a Saturday from now on....

Renaissance Festival (Part I)

2010-10-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

This is the before-leaving for the Renaissance Festival excitement!!!!!!

I chose a pretty flowery crown this year -- got the business cards in my pocket again (though no one asked LAST year haha!!)

Anyways --- I will update later with photos from (hopefully) and awesome day! We are planning on having Steak on a Stake and maybe some other treats :)

It's my birthday and I'll blog if I want to.

2010-09-29T17:17:00.001-07:00

Well, it is my birthday ... and I'm using it as an excuse to write a blog. But really, I haven't thought of anything good to write about it a long time!!!!

Anyways, taking a break for today to digest my HUGE meal of chicken burritos and margaritas.

Yay 28!

Greetings from Maine!

2010-09-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

Wish you were here! Maine (Bar Harbor more exactly) looks like an Anthropologie catalog... and the air smells so amazing ... fresh and cool like autumn, with sweet smoke mixed in.

We've spent a lot of time going around Acadia National Park ... lots of moss and smooth stone beaches.

Tomorrow we head on our trip back south --- down towards Boston way.

I'm sure the lobsters will not miss us.

The little things ...

2010-09-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, the most exciting things in life are the most mundane. Take, for example, my new little "package decor" that I'm trying out.

It's mostly to cover-up fed-ex labels and such on recycled packing ...but isn't it just too cute?

I've used stamps I ordered from SugarSkull on Etsy -- http://www.etsy.com/shop/sugarskull7 ---she's super cool.

And Frida -- I love Frida. She could rock the flower headband look like none other.

SMP WoooHooo!

2010-09-14T06:24:00.001-07:00

This has been my BIG NEWS that I've been working on for the past few weeks and am SO SO SOOOO excited to share!!!

I'm in the Style Me Pretty LookBook AND featured on the front page today!!!!

CHECK IT OUT!!!

And here's what the LookBook looks like --- http://www.stylemepretty.com/lookbook/

New book!

2010-09-08T19:14:00.000-07:00

I bought this book --- "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" for the beach 2 weeks ago. It's apparently a HUGE bestseller -- and I figured 'you can't go wrong' with a bestseller. (I know you can name a few rotten eggs, but still!)

It's pretty good so far. I'm about halfway though and it's starting to get all interesting.

Definitely a crime/mystery novel --- not my usual genre, but it's definitely worth a read!

Anyone else read or reading it now? We should have a book club discussion thingy :)

(Photo's of the movie adaptation that is coming to the U.S. soon)

VACATION --- Part 1.

2010-09-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

Cost of two tickets for Ferris Wheel: $16

Time spent waiting to board Ferris Wheel: 25 minutes

Number of bad country songs blasted in our ears in waiting line: at least 4

View of Ocean City at night: PRICELESS!!

hahaa --- cynical me.

But really, we had a GREAT time at the beach!

The best part was the food and the long hours just laying in the sand doing nothing. My favorite thing by far.

My parents will be shocked to hear that ate mostly seafood! I have apparently just developed my adult taste buds and love fish now. I ate mahi mahi with a cashew crust ... a broiled flounder ... and some fried clam strips (but I liked those before because they are mostly just fried stuff.)

Anyways ... a good time all around! :)

BUT --- the bad part of vacation (the only bad part) is the coming home and feeling "out of it" part. I'm definitely going through that. It takes me a long time to get back into a rhythm of life .. especially with my business!

We took lots of photos today, and that usually helps get me going.

And GUESS WHAT!!! In two weeks we're going on ANOTHER vacation! This time to New England (Maine/Massachusetts, etc.)

It's a bit hectic for myself, but Rich didn't have much of a choice about when he would have off this year, so we're really making them count!

I can't complain though :)

Awe-inspiring!

2010-08-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

Isn't this the most amazing wedding you've ever seen!!

Photography by Elizabeth Messina ...

See it all HERE.

Important business lessons.

2010-08-25T18:26:00.001-07:00

You can't please everyone.

That is all.

Another one!

2010-08-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Lookie! Another one! :) I made the flower girl crown and the bridal comb (with super-great vintage birdcage veiling!)

You can see the entire posting on the Style Me Pretty website HERE.

Purple perfection!

2010-08-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

This was a fun one!

My sister's good friend Jen was getting married and got hooked up with some whichgoose goodies! :)

Are she and Bob totally cute together?

The big 4-K!

2010-08-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

"Happy back to school" if it applies to you --- sorry if it does. I remember the night before the first day back to school each year was always crappy for me. So much dread and anxiety!

Anyway --- today I am thankful for hitting the 4,000 sales mark! It doesn't really mean anything concrete ... except it proves my ability to keep the business going long-term! And that's the goal really.

If I could be doing the same thing 10 years from now, I would consider myself the luckiest girl in the world ...

Also --- CAN YOU HANDLE THE CUTENESS!?!?!?!?

I got this little "money sock" while antiquing this past weekend with Mrs. Beth. She's a real-life librarian! Isn't that cool?!?!

She got a cute little 50's coffee table and a canvas/oil portrait.

I got a bunch of vintage hats to de-flower and re-create :) PLUS an awesome mirror that I'm trying to convince Rich to hang up in our entrance way instead of his Iron Maiden poster.

Mid-August ... blech.

2010-08-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

First sunny day in a while here! We've had some lovely, cloudy and rainy days ... perfect for coffee-drinking and reading under the covers!

I'm reading "I Am Legend" right now .. haven't seen the movie re-make with Will Smith yet ... I hear it kind of sucks. Oh well. The book so far is pretty good... scary!

Anyways --- wanted to show off my NEW BOOTS! They are are South Moon Under ... and I luv them. Can't wait till it's actually not 90 degrees so I can wear them!

Also, we're dog-sitting Cooper again! His "mommy" is becoming a real mommy and gave birth to their daughter yesterday. How sweet! So, we are making sure to spoil him a bit before the baby takes over at his house! :)

Here he is with my latest "sockie" creation --- which was actually made with a pair of gloves!

SOCKIE!

2010-08-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

I finished my first "sockie!"

Here's the listing.

What was I thinking?

2010-08-16T05:56:00.000-07:00

I think I've blogged about this before, but inanyevent ...

One of my "tricks" for inspiration, or for feeling better about my business when I'm feeling down, is to look through my "sold" listings on Etsy.

Vintage whichgoose.

It goes back quite a ways, and I can see my changing hair styles, changing photo editing styles, and changing face.

It's amazing to see how young I looked!! These last few years have definitely been stressful, and you can totally see it on my face. No matter.

Look at my designs though! I think I was a bit more bold .... kind of funky and crazy!!

I guess I've settled in a bit with my work to be a bit more "wearable" ... but maybe it's time for a bit more craziness ...

Our fabulous winner is ...

2010-08-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

Here is the super-scientific method I used for picking the winner:

Step One: Write all names on little scraps of paper.

Step Two: Put little scraps in box. Shuffle well.

Step Three: Pick out strip. Read winner ...

It's MISSY!!! Woohoo!! Way to go!

Thanks to everyone who entered!! And just so you don't feel sad and left out, if you entered the contest and write, "BLOG CONTEST" in the message to seller section, I will refund your shipping costs for any purchase until next week. (ENDS SUNDAY NIGHT eastern/U.S. time. at midnight.)

YAY! :)

In other news:

Check out my sock elephant. I've been playing around with ideas to supplement my shop during the winter months (when things typically slow down for me.) Gotta pay the bills!

And, just because I think it's pretty ... check out my new bulletin board!!! FUN.

GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY!!!!!

2010-08-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a good ol'fashioned giveaway to clear the mind and freshen the senses :)

Here's what you can win!!

It was just taking forever to sell in my shop --- no idea why! I think it's totally girly and fun -- it even has some vintage material and pearly bits!

Anyways, post a comment below, SPREAD THE WORD, and my boyfriend will be picking a winner at random once we get a bunch of entries :)

GOOD LUCK!

the wall.

2010-08-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

This is really a combination of writer's block (because I haven't been blogging) AND creative block (because I'm in a bit of a designer's rut.)

I think it's all the life changes I've been going through ... but I can't seem to find my muse/inspiration. I also think that a lot of my creativity used to come from being alone in my apartment and being kind of sad. So ... now that I've got Rich at arm's length and am totally happy, there isn't much room in my heart/brain/soul for much else!

I'm thinking of trying some new techniques ... like sketching, clipping from magazines, etc.

Any suggestions?

Read this!!!

2010-07-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

Okay. So, this is the first blog post I've written while under the influence of alcohol. My typing skills may suffer.

Be forewarned.

I am AMAZED I was able to spell that correctly.

Anyway. The reason I just HAD to write a post right now (in this altered state) is because I just read this article:

http://mscharmschic.wordpress.com/2010/07/27/trading-a-night-job-for-whichgoose/

Isn't it amazing?!?!?! I feel so validated! Those nights of staying up late worrying about how I was about to quit my job ... WORTH IT.

Maybe it's the alcohol talking (just a bit) but I feel pretty dang good right now.

Life's like this:

2010-07-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Life really is good right now. And I know saying that pretty much guarantees something bad will happen soon. But, whatever. Bring it on! I finally feel at ease with my life ... like I'm not constantly striving for a better job, a better boy, a better car, better clothes ... anything. I am content with myself and my situation .. and that is a FINE feeling :)

I'm all settled in here ... feeling super productive in my cute new studio! And Caesar (my bird) is loving his new perch by the window. He finally has started going up there by himself ... only after I put a mirror up there.

And things with Rich are great ... no annoying habits (that I didn't already know about!) hehehe just kidding bo-bo :) We are having fun making dinners and eating leftovers the next day. And we both love playing the board game, "Careers" --anyone know it? It's the bomb.

OKAY -- all for now :)

2010-07-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Caitlin on her amazing wedding! Check her out rocking the whichgoose crown :)

This lady had a true vision for her big day. She loved one crown in my shop, but wanted to add a bit to it for some interest in the back.

SO ... we made a couple coordinating clips that really did the trick! Clever girl :)

Snaps to the photogs!

http://www.hazelwoodphotoblog.com/

http://sarahmorrisonphotography.com/

New studio tour!

2010-07-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

The day has finally come when my new studio is ready to be unveiled! Really, it's been done for a few days now, but we've been so busy working on other things that I haven't had time to take any pictures.

In any event, check it out! I'm pretty proud :) And special thanks to my wonderful Richard who made it all happen! (And his dad helped a bit, too) hehe.

P.S. Sorry again about the allergies on the video ... it is totally gross. And yes, it's from the dog :( SAD.

P.S.S. If you were interested, the Hello Kitty sewing machine works GREAT! So simple to use.

P.S.S.S. I saw "Inception" last night. Don't really have anything to say about it though. 3.5/5 stars :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ0NoveKM7Q

New house, new camera, new boots!

2010-07-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

I know you might be expecting some really cool blog entry about my new studio space and the wallpaper and all the new exciting organizational techniques, but, sadly, it's all still in construction.

My poor BF and his dad have been hard at work since (and before) I moved in a few days ago.

It's getting pretty well along though -- all that's left are the closet doors, a new hallway door and trim around the windows.

I'm finding it hard to get all my Etsy work done in this new environment though! In my old apartment, everything had a space, and I knew just where that space was. But now, you'll find my shipping scale in a carton in the corner of my studio room, my scissors somewhere in the kitchen, and a big roll of bubble wrap next to the coffee table.

I'm being patient though, and using this time as a semi-vacation time ... I'm only packing and shipping -- no creating just yet.

It will be SO SWEET when it's all ready though! I think I'll do a video-tour when I've got it all set-up.

In the meantime ...

Aren't the boots awesome! They're from Wal-Mart -- which I guess is bad, but, whatever .. I'm cheap :)

Here's some views of the backyard flowers! My BF has this awesome camera that I plan on using all the time ... thus making it mine (sort of) hehe :)

Phew~

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

It is SO HOT TODAY!!! AAHHHHhh.

But, on the upside: After one more sweltering sleep in my apartment, I will be moved in with my lovey for good!

CHECK THIS OUT:

A wedding with my cocoon comb was featured today on the 100 Layer Cake blog! Lovely!!! :)

Another outfit post ..

2010-07-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

My life is too crazy right now to really write a cohesive blog about --- (in a word -- MOVING!)

So, I thought I would just share this SUPER CUTE dress I found at Target! I love love love it!

P.S. Should I dye my hair pink? Like all the way?

Anthropologie package at the front door!

2010-07-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

There is just about nothing better in the world (in my opinion) than an Anthropologie package waiting for you at your front door....

So here's my new favorite outfit for the heat wave we've been having here on the East Coast.

Also! Check out the craziness that went on in my parking lot on the Fourth of July!!

(See the WG for whichgoose! Yay! Go Lauren!!!) We also watched the fireworks on my neighbor's roof -- awesome view of the park!

Just Peachy!

2010-07-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

So ... I lied a little bit. We didn't actually get to putting up the wallpaper this weekend.

Turns out there was a lot more prep work to do than we originally figured on. SUCH AS....

Tearing up all the trim and old carpet! Wah!!

I know ... it doesn't look like much now. But. We will call this the "before" picture :)

Here's the color I chose to go with the wallpaper. I was definitely leaning toward the exact beige/background match, but this color "spoke" to me at the Lowe's.

I think I bought it mostly because of it's name ... "Just Peachy," which is how I want the room to look!

Hopefully, it's different enough to contrast, but similar enough to draw the eye toward the wallpaper wall.

We shall see!!

Here's my (very) little garden I've been working on a bit. The super-hot weather is frying all the new plants I get though! Hopefully next year they will all spring back ...

Official moving day is this Friday!!!!! :D

Inspiration (part II)

2010-07-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

Congrats to our ThePaperButterfly giveaway winner, MissAlyssa!

Thanks so much for entering everyone!! I definitely want to do more giveaways soon, so stay tuned :)

-------

IN OTHER NEWS::::::::::

Look at this. Just look at it. I found it on Brides.com and just swooned when I saw it!

It made me think about "inspiration," you know. Sometimes, just a color or a pattern or a song can trigger some creative impulse ... but other times, there is an actual physical design or piece that really speaks to you.

I know it would be totally wrong to downright copy something like this ... but it does inspire me to get MORE creative!

What can I do that will take someone's breath away like this did for me?

------

Also: THE WALLPAPER IS GOING UP THIS WEEKEND!!! WHOOT!

I will definitely have to photo-document the debauchery.

The Paper Butterfly -- GIVEAWAY!

2010-06-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

Oh my word. You guys ....

One of my super duper cool blog sponsors, ThePaperButterfly, had this AWESOME idea ... and I was like "Why didn't I think of that?" haha :)

Anyways, Caitlin, the genius herself, is offering a GIVEAWAY for whichgoose blog readers! :) I know, right? WOOT!

Here's the deal: Leave a comment with your favorite print/item from her shop. A winner will be selected at random on Thursday (possibly Friday.)

The lucky goose will win their choice of any 8X10 photo and a set of 4 cards. How fun!

And look at these from her shop ... little sun-print lockets! I remember making those sunprints in Girl Scout camp ... ah, memories.

SO-- spread the word and check out ThePaperButterfly now! :)

Hello Kitty sewing machine

2010-06-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

...... yeah, I bought it.

The little things.

2010-06-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

A fresh jar of peanut butter ...

Morning coffee in a charming cup ...

Enjoying a leisurely breakfast on an otherwise busy day ...

P.S. I made a treasury!!! --- check it out :) - http://www.etsy.com/treasury/dreams-of-venus

Words-only post.

2010-06-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

First of all, apologies for the larger-than-average lapse in my posting! Things have gotten CUH-RAY-ZEE in my life as of late and I just haven't had the time.

So tonight, I was laying away in bed, listing to the request show on the soft rock/romance radio station, and I felt this NEED to blog!! I guess it's taken the place of an actual journal or diary. And it's better, in a way, because instead of hiding away my thoughts in a locked book, they are out on the Interwebs for all to see! It's cathartic in a way I suppose.

Anyway, back to the craziness.

If you've been reading this blog since its inception, you'll have followed me along three moves!!! It's always in the blistering months of summer, and it's always up a couple flights of stairs.

This time (we all hope) will be the last time!! (for a while at least...)

I'm really excited to be moving in with Rich. I know It'll be a big change, but I really can't think of any negatives ... EXCEPT ...

Rich and I decided to undertake this whole house renovation of painting walls and new carpets, wood floor, etc. at the same time that I'm moving in box by box. Everything looks GREAT so far, but it seems we'll be living in a construction zone for the first 2 or 3 weeks of our co-habitation.

Nothing like a little added stress! :)

But I think I'm OK with it ... and willing to deal ... This whole Etsy full-time thing has really changed my thinking about life and what is really needed to be happy. I'm slowing starting to learn that the bed can be left un-made for a day or two and nothing bad will happen :) The key is to concentrate on loving the ones that love you back.

P.S. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DADDY! :)

Style Me Pretty!

2010-06-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

CHECK IT OUT!!!

Craft time!!

2010-06-16T15:30:00.000-07:00

I came across this SUPER CUTE pair of vintage shoes at the Goodwill yesterday. I LOVE THEM. They are a tiny bit small, so I was going to sell them ... but ... yuck-O! Look at those gross sole inserts!

Here's a little crafty trick to re-furbish some old shoes!

STEP ONE:

Remove the nasty inserts and set aside. Wash hands!

STEP TWO:

Trace the soles on some pretty material of your choosing. I liked this vintage tapestry material I had laying around. Maybe too much tapestry, but whatever.

STEP THREE:

Cut out around your tracings. (I like to cut off the toe area because it gives the toes a bit more room to wiggle.)

STEP FOUR:

Put some glue (any sort of craft glue will work) on the top of the soles and insert your newly made inserts!

TA-DA!! Refurbished shoes!

You can also do this on new shoes if you just want some pretty material inserts :)

Deathly Hallows Pt. 1 TEASER!!!!!!!

2010-06-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

How did I possibly miss this?!?!?! I just happened to see a replay of the MTV vma's (which they keep playing over and over again ... ) and I almost pooped my pants!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S. Don't watch this, Mom! (She is about to start on book 6 and something will be spoiled!)

P.S.S. Does Ron have facial hair?????

Video!

2010-06-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

This was maybe a bad idea (because you really can't understand what I'm saying)....

And I'm a bit ragged and drunk after 5 or 6 hours on a plane .. HAH! Enjoy... OH - and the best part --- when I make that goofy grin for about 5 seconds at the beginning.

NICE! :P

HONK!!!!!! I'm a goose.

2010-06-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

(My sister Amanda hangs out by our basket waiting for the next change-out)

----

This is life at the bins.

It is war.

War is hell.

Hell is an allergy attack!

But otherwise, the bins are AWESOME!!!

Basically, this is how it goes:

A huge warehouse is full of rows and rows of big blue bins that are full of things like clothes, shoes, accessories and housewares.

Every 15 minutes, a group of workers roll a row of bins away and bring out NEW BINS.

Now, you can't just walk right up and start routing through ... you have to line up and WAIT until they give you the signal ... then BAM!!!!

FREE FOR ALL!!!!!!!

(Mom is on the hunt.)

Then you basically fill up your huge cart with everything you can get your hands on, and pay by the pound!!!

(Here's the car loaded up with the day's bounty.)

(Here's my sister with the spread/sorting back at home.)

There is this whole class system of shoppers at the bins ... but the ones we were up against were "the pickers." These gals are out on the hunt to re-sell at vintage shops and are rude and all get-out! We spotted a couple today that weren't too much competition (bad taste ... ) but we managed to get some good finds :)

Welcome to Seattle~

2010-06-05T17:46:00.003-07:00

We are here! (We've been here.)

I've been enjoying

the non-Internet dependency too much! But I thought it was time to update with a bit of what's been going on.

--Party with sister's 2 friends and their 2 little (3-year-old boys) CRAZY!!

-- Drastic haircut from sister's friend, Beth. (!!!)

-- Shopping at a couple awesome vintage shops in the U-district of Seattle.

-- Digging for thrift finds at "THE BINS!!!" (Goodwill Outlet store).... (will need a post on that later.)

-- Trip to the zoo.

-- rain, coffee and SLEEP!

Here's some photos for your photo enjoyment! :)

Isn't my sister's house cool!?

Only a couple more days then it's back on the plane ... yikes.

Welcome to Seattle~

2010-06-05T17:46:00.001-07:00

Up in the air!

2010-06-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Travel notes:

-- Why does the word "Terminal" appear everywhere at the airport? Not cool.

-- Never again eat Chipotle before cross-country flight.

-- Guy behind me tapping my seat needs to die. Firey death.

-- Sky Mall magazine will have a new home at my toilet for hours and HOURS of entertainment.

Up... Up.. and AWAY!

Martha Stewart Weddings magazine for a bit of research (for the shop...not life....) And a Jack and Coke! (The first of two.)

Here's Mom and that guy next to us that was eating a HUGE stinky sandwich!!!

We made it to Seattle safe and sound and I'm wigging out about the time change. Stay tuned for more travel adventures! :)

To wallpaper or not to wallpaper ...

2010-05-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

The very detailed and involved process of decorating my new Etsy room has taken a new turn ... WALLPAPER.

I know it's a scourge to many ... but mostly because it's old and yucky and you have to spend a few weeks trying to scrape it down.

BUT .... check this out ....

oooohhhh....

Rich was less-than enthusiastic as I was lovingly stroking the sample at Lowe's this weekend ... But we both think just doing one wall (with the rest a nice coordinating color) would be nice.

So... I can't make a decision this big without the help of my blog peeps!! :)

1.) YES/NO for the wallpaper

2.) If YES, which color to coordinate; If NO, what color instead?