Am I the only one who is freaking out about it being November 29th already? We are up to our eyebrows in work, and that, my friends, is pretty amazing. We have some exciting news, but that is going to have to wait for another day, because as for right now, we're going to grab a few hours of sleep before yet another busy day.

Also, how amazing is Malcolm in the Middle. We started watching it from the beginning. Yikes!

XO,

Beca

Coulda-Woulda-Shoulda

I was going to blog about Cyber Monday, and all of the amazing sales going on today, but then my day became a mess of really amazing parts and really saddening parts. I guess the universe has to balance itself out. As for the good parts, we were interviewed for a national publication today, which is always exciting. Here is a sneak peek at one of the photos from our shoot. I am very much in love with it! Doug's photos of the sunglasses just keeps getting better and better.

We also had a really successful black Friday - cyber Monday weekend and y'all are giving us a run for our money, because we have about a week to complete all of these orders and trust me, it's going to be late nights and little sleep until Christmas. I think I like it better that way.

I talked to my Dad this morning, and he told me that my Grandpa is being relocated from his home to an Alzheimer's care center. That, plus some other not so great shit going on with friends really effected both of us today. It's hard, owning your own business, and having to be a self starter to keep up both physically and emotionally when other aspects of your life are weighted. I can only hope the issues can be cleared up and fixed, and that my Grandpa gets settled into his new home as easily as possible.

I'm off to get a few hours of sleep before another long day. How was your weekend> Did you sell, or did you buy? If the later, what did you get me? ;)

xo,

Beca

With Care - Now Available in the Odd Shop

I am so excited to give you a sneak peek at some of the amazing With Care items that we now have available in our shop! I am totally, 100% obsessed with Elizabeth's designs and I hope you will come stop by the shop and take a peek, do some holiday shopping and say hi!

xo,

Beca

The Real McCoy

Today is Thursday. Thanksgiving. We took Miss Molly to the train station this morning, ran out of gas on the way home (thankfully there was a gas station about 5 blocks up, but my poor feet got destroyed by my new metallic pink mocs) came home and Doug left to do that thing he does on every holiday where businesses are closed; skateboard - and I put my pjs back on and got to work. I'm not real big on Thanksgiving, mostly because I don't like turkey, I feel super awkward in group settings and you know, Indians. I love Christmas and every other Holiday, but for some reason, Thanksgiving has never been a huge deal to me. So, work and then we'll make some steaks and watch a movie. All is well.

I spent all morning taking some photos for the shop, mostly of new products I received in the mail from some of our consignees, and a few sunglasses photos, just for practice. I am working on taking interesting product photos, and I enjoy it, but I am not nearly as good as Doug, and that drives me crazy...

I broke the last needle for my sewing machine and that means that I have to venure out into the world tomorrow at some point, brave the crowds, and get a replacement because we have about 8000 bags to make...Also, does anyone else wonder why dogs get themselves in what seems like the most uncomfortable positions possible, usually laying on something that isn't supposed to be laid on. I wonder that, often.

Oh yeah, I'm thankful for everything today. As always. Always thankful. ALSO, whoa, really important, but not important enough to make it's own blog post about. If you want to exchange Christmas/Holiday cards with our little family, email me you address. Mine are going out on Monday, so you better get to it. :)

Don't forget to check out the amazing Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals going on in our shop this weekend.

XO,

Beca

Things Are Not As They Seem

We love cameras. One of these days, I'll do a post about all of the camera shit we have just lying around, most of it gets used, but we have an entire closet full of camera stuff that we have collected over the past 4 years. Tripods, lenses, filters, polaroids, expired film, more lenses, camera bodies, film cameras, video cameras, even more lenses, and so on and so on. I noticed today though, we have a few little bits and pieces that look like cameras or camera accessories, that just aren't what they seem.

Camera Lighter // Vintage Camera Cream/Sugar // Canon Lens Coffee Mug

Do you collect anything that just not be what it seems?

xo,

Beca

Local Business Spotlight // eloS

I have been meaning to stop into eloS for the past week or so, but you know me, homebody + busiest person alive right now, but this evening, after a quick post office run, we had about 45 minutes until Tao opened, so we walked the two blocks down to this new little shoe store. Being that we own a small business on Adams Avenue, I get a little amped when I see other new shops opening, especially when they are not dollar stores or another nail salon. eloS is not quite like the other popular shoe stores in town, I am more familiar with Mint, as it was right next to the bakery where I worked. Mint is street wear for hipsters, fashionistas and Urban-Lumberjacks. eloS is a bit different, valuing comfort and quality over the hippest trend.

I met Lisa, the owner of eloS when she stopped into our grand opening, and she is definitely well versed in the world of footwear. A long time shoe designer, Lisa has curated quite the selection. From Clarks to Keds, the fact remains, if you're looking for shoes that last, eloS is the place to go.

facebook // website

So, if you're in Normal Heights, make sure you make plans to drop into eloS, they are right down the street from us! Also a great place to get holiday gifts, while supporting a small business!

xo,

Beca

Little Bits of This, Little Bits of That

Today has been ultra productive so far, we are really, really busy. Trying to get as caught up as possible before this weekend. We have high hopes and are staying super duper positive that this holiday season will blow our minds. And pay our bills, you know! :)

A little snippet of my ongoing to-do lists. I have multiple lists. That's right.

These are a new style we are introducing to our shop. This is Tobacco Burl.

It is pretty breathtaking. And these round wayfarers are perfection. What do you think?

And this is how we work.

The poor dogs have been so neglected lately, with us being so busy, that they just stomp around the house pouting and whining. I feel so bad, but at least we are home and with them, instead of at some crappy job, right. Well, to spoil them a little we went to the treat buffet at Petco and got them a pound of cookies, crackers and even little teddy grams. They are pretty hyped on it to say the least. Also, funny story, there was a 5 month old Great Dane in line next to the treat buffet, and while his owners were paying their bill, he was helping himself to the treats, and NOBODY NOTICED!!! We just stood back and watched. It was quite possibly the cutest and funniest thing we had ever seen.

Back to work for this lady. I have about a million bags to sew while Doug is finishing a handful of glasses to send out today, then well, you saw my to-do list. Please don't forget to check out the auction going on over on the Dinosaur Toes Blog this week!

XO,

Beca

Black Friday // Cyber Monday Deals for Tumbleweeds Sunglasses

The time is now!! The countdown is on. Just under 4 days until the biggest shopping day of the year. We, of course, will be participating. How could we not give ya'll some kind of deals. The first, and most important, is that we have been and will be offering free shipping in our shop using the code FREESHIP. You must use the code in the etsy coupon code box in order to receive free shipping. We also offer expedited shipping for both domestic and international.

Important date to remember: since the international deadline for Christmas orders passed yesterday, the cutoff date to order sunglasses to arrive before Christmas is December 10th. We will still accept orders after that, but we cannot insure your sunglasses get to you by Christmas.

We also now have gift certificates available. $65, $100, or $200.

Now onto the special Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals. We are offering three super amazing specials for Black Friday / Cyber Monday, to insure you get a white, bright christmas.

1 // Your favorite Mahogany and Maple Wayfarers will be available for $50 for this weekend only!!! These are our best sellers and a personal favorite for mine. There are no substitutions with the wood species and we can only guarantee domestic orders by Christmas. You may still get this great deal if you live outside the US. Check back here on Thursday for the link to this deal! Only 15 available, so don't miss out!!

2 // Our traditional His & Hers set, the perfect Christmas gift for newlyweds or the recently engaged. Get one for your lover, and treat yourself to the other. These will be available in our shop for an incredible $95. Only 10 sets available, so better get them while you can!

3 // Lastly, "You Call It" $60 Sunglasses. Limit one per customer, single species, no substitutions, and wood options will be available in the listing. We're only doing 20 of these, and you can get free shipping by using the coupon code. Which coupon code is that, oh you know, the one plastered all over our shop page. ;) FREESHIP and don't you forget it. Please check the shop for the listings on Friday morning, at Midnight.

That's all for us, we are working late again tonight. Lots of prepping, sanding and sewing to do in the next 72 hours. All international holiday orders will be shipped on Friday morning before I go into work. Have a great Monday night!

xo,

Beca

Dinosaur Toes x Lost Cabin Collaboration & Auction

I am a sucker for incredible causes and handmade collaborations. Not only is this auction being hosted by one of my very best pals with a new friend, it is for an incredible cause. If you haven't noticed the button on my sidebar for dinosaur toes yet, take a peek, because Danielle is supporting a cause that is near and dear to her heart.

Head on over to Danielle's blog and start bidding on some really amazing handmade items that would not only make perfect holiday gifts, but are supporting a really amazing cause.

Have a great Monday!

xo,

Beca

What's in my Bag

I love blogging because it's a little snippet of other people's lives. Some are pretty normal like me, and some live extraordinary lives. I like to see both. I love blogs about artists and moms and small business owners and well, I think I just love blogging. I also love being nosy, like what is that hiding in your bag, there, fellow blogger? Well, since the last time I did this, I have certainly tried to downsize what I carry around. Someday's, I am ultra successful, other days, I feel like I am carrying a bag of bricks.

And honestly, I just wanted to do this so I could show off my new bag. Yesterday I got a box in the mail, and after a really, really upsetting morning that I don't want to go into detail about, it kind of, sort of made my whole day better. Inside this box of magic, among other things, was this bag. Something I have been dreaming about since Danielle posted about her amazing tote bags a long time ago. I even bugged her recently to see if she was going to keep making them. Well, I guess my annoying texting skills paid off and looky what I got.

So before I gush more about my amazing new bag, I wanted to say a little something about these two bags I have purchased from Kaylah at The Dainty Squid. I have had the Native print pouch for almost a year, and it has held up, perfectly. Not a stitch has come loose, the zipper is in perfect condition, and the craftsmanship is worth probably triple what I paid for it. I have had little bags like this my whole life. I love them, I store everything in them from make-up to money to change and cards and more. This is the first little pouch that I have owned that has lasted more than 6 months. And the little camera pouch is absolutely perfect. I can't say enough about the quality of the product and let me tell you, I am not easy on my stuff. I wear out everything I own. Until it is unusable. I can probably use both of these for many years without having to get a new one. Except I probably will, just because I love everything that Kaylah puts together (...and because I busted a pen in my purse and got ink all over the tribal print bag, but that didnt' stop me from still using it!)

Also, speaking of incredible craftsmanship, the tote bag that Danielle made for me is out of this world quality. It looks like it was made for Anthrolopgie. I kid you not, every single seam is perfect, the stitching is immaculate and I can tell this tote bag will do me good for a long time. SO, if you want one for yourself, go to Danielle's blog and tell her to start making more tote bags. Please, for the love of all that is holy, go tell her to make more bags!!! You should also tell her that my shop needs some pretty tote bags.....hmmm.....

Also, I know that it is still 2011, but I have been carrying around my 2012 boy girl party planner since I got it from Susie a few months ago. I hope that there isn't an apocolypse, so I can actually use my planner for more than to-to lists and phone number lists. Also, my 5 year journal is from Tamara Shopsin and I love it!

So, that's what I've been carrying around. Nothing too interesting. This week I am going to do a few camera related posts. See, I have this thing called a BFA in film production, and it's about time I put it to use.

Do you love my new bag? And my old pouches? Do you have a favorite from either Danielle's shop or Kaylah's shop? Happy Sunday! We have so much work to do, and about 5 more episodes of Breaking Bad to get us through the next 5 hours of work!

xo,

Beca

PS I leave you with two of the most amazing boys to ever grace my life. They are a reason in itself to wake up each morning. My heart. Charlie too, but he's in trouble because he knocked over Jack's bowl again and Jack didn't make it. Three years with that fish, so sad. I still love Charlie though, of course. More than anything. Back to work.

Miniature Mac & Cheese Tarts

I didn't invent this, although I thought I did. Don't you hate when you think you're a genius, then you google your great idea to find out other people had your same idea too. That's what happened with my lovely little mini mac & cheese tarts. But, to me, I still invented them and they are mine!

We have a "friends Thanksgiving" party to go to tonight. It's a yearly tradition and last year by the time I had gotten off work, everyone was done eating and had moved onto drinking heavily. Nobody even got a chance to eat the desserts I made (a pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies and an apple pie.) This year, since I am 100% self employed, I am closing the shop early to go enjoy an early thanksgiving with friends and not only did I make pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and garlic rolls, I also made my invention. Mini Mac & Cheese Tarts.

Easy, peasy mac & cheesy tart recipe.

12 mini uncooked pie shells

1 box of mac & cheese (I got Target brand shells & white cheddar cheese)

1 package of ritz crackers

This recipe is so easy and southern, you don't really have to "make" anything, just put it together. Pre-bake your pie shells, and set them aside. Make mac & cheese with a little extra milk/butter so that it is extra creamy. Some of this will bake off in the oven. Put a spoonful of mac & cheese in each pie shell, top with crushed ritz crackers and bake for about 5 minutes.

Enjoy!

xo,

Beca

Doug Has a Blog!

Doug has a blog now. I made it for him. He's really stoked about it. You can tell, in his face. Ha! ;) But for real, it will be a documentation of his incredible photography and opening the studio (which will actually be open to the public on the 2nd of January, 2012. Not December. I was being insane when I said December.) Also, do you like that in the screen capture, I am his first follower. Eep. Biggest fan. So, if you want to be in the loop, check it out. It's still kind of under construction.

Also, the amazing design that you see on his button and on the sidebar of the blog was designed by the incredible Amy Morby who I could rant and rave about all day and all night, but you should just pop on over to her blog or shop and say hello. {There really is just something about girls who drive a van.}

Back to the grind, ya'll.

xo,

Beca

Mr. Lentz Amazing Handmade Bike Light

***WARNING, DAD IF YOU ARE READING THIS, TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER AND WALK AWAY!***

Just kidding. my Dad doesn't really read my blog, at least not that I know of! But really, I am about to share with you something really incredible. Inside this box. What's inside the box. Come on, whats in the box? {I watch a lot of movies...}

When Evan from Mr. Lentz contacted us about doing a trade, I was overjoyed. I love all of his incredible work. It's unique and the craftsmanship is quality. But, I didn't know what to trade for. His jewelry is insane, but since it's the giving season, I thought I would pick out something to get for Doug. Of course, the first thing that really stood out was the bike light! Well, then I just felt sneaky for having Doug work on a pair of sunglasses for one of his Christmas gifts, so I told him the plan and he suggested we give this bike light to my Dad, an avid cyclist and craftsman who will totally appreciate it. So, here it is.

Jaw dropping gorgeous. I love everything about it. It is small enough to not be bulky, but big enough to not get lost in the bottom of the bike bag. It is obviously durable and I love that he uses a natural beeswax finish.

So, I am pretty positive I am the best daughter of all time and my Dad will go gaga over this. Brownie points for that washer and dryer I need help buying. Just kidding, guys. I hope that Mr. Lentz loves his sunglasses as much as we love this bike light.

I have to walk down to the shop right now and get it straightened up before tomorrow. We got flooded from the rain over the weekend and it's a big old mess in there. Then it's back to sunglasses. All night long.

xo,

Beca

PS Did I mention that we have a pair of patchwork sunglasses available to be shipped asap. No wait time! :)