Times are a Changin'

As in time zones, cities, and STATES! 

I am currently in the process of packing up my apartment in Southern California and I am heading back home to Maryland. I will be jobless, except for my little businesses on the side(tides. and Chesapeake Tides), and will be saving all the money I can by living back with my madre. 

When life throws you curves and balls that you miss, it's sometimes best to start anew and head back to the place where you feel most comfortable. Home. Maryland is a special place to me and it always will be the place where I feel most like myself. I have yet to find a place where I'm the happiest. 

I guess the thing that makes me the happiest about the great state of Maryland is a number of things but mostly family. All my family either lives in Maryland or somewhere else on the East Coast. It was really hard being away from any kind of family for two years, even though I would go back a couple times a year or they would come to visit me. It definitely wasn't the same. I wouldn't always see them and I never saw them all at the same time. It was really really hard. 

Another thing that I missed the most was my friends. Sure I have the best of friends and life time friends in California but there is definitely something about that childhood friend that will always hold a special place in your heart and mind. I went back for a wedding in October and I knew exactly then that I needed to move back home to be around what I had been missing for so long. 

It's going to be a change but I'm ready for the adventure. 

"When adventure has lost it's meaning, I'll be homeward bound in time."

So long California, until we meet again....

Ps: I will be posting a lot more once I'm home;)

Extra! Extra!: Chesapeake Tides

Some of you know if you are personally friends with me on Facebook or have found me through the grape vine of Etsy that I create, sew, and sell items that are inspired by the Chesapeake Bay. It all started with bow ties and now it's grown to a few other items as well.

Maryland Flag Bow Tie

This is one of my most popular items and sellers. As a Marylander, I must say we are very very VERY much in love with our state flag. Anything we can get our hands on with the flag, we pretty much own in.

Maryland Flag Hair Bow

Another very popular item with a lot of the college age girls in Maryland....especially in College Park, Home of the Terps!

Maryland Flag Pocket T-Shirt

These shirts flew off the shelves. I made a few of them to see how they would do and WOW, everyone loves them and I can't wait to create some more. I believe there is only a medium and large left in stock!

Multi Color Seersucker Bow Tie

Seersucker is such a classic material that can me created into a number of different clothing and accessory items. This multi colored tie is perfect for spring and summer and did I mention it's reversible?! 

Hooray for the Red White and Blue Bow Tie

There isn't an American out there that doesn't like to sport the American Flag. We love that flag and we're so proud of it! 

Monogramed Coasters

If it isn't moving, monogram it. I received an embroidery machine for my graduation gift from college last year from my grandparents and I have used it to death! I love monograming any chance I can get with anything I can get my hands on so if you have anything that you want monogramed, hand it over to me! 

Monogram Add On

Speaking of monograms, I now have the option to add on a bow tie or hair bow. You can choose for it to be on the bow it's self or the strap that tucks under the shirt collar. 

Blue Polka Dots with Lilly Pulitzer, White Fallin in Love Cosmetic Bag

I fell in love with Lilly Pulitzer my Junior year of High School when I wore one of her dresses to my Junior Prom. Since then, I have become obsessed! There was a little shop on Etsy at the time I purchased this fabric that sold some of the Lilly Pulitzer patterns so I decided to snatch some up! This bag is currently on sale and it's the last one so get it before it's too late!

Nautical Flag Bags

These bags are my newest edition to Chesapeake Tides. They are 100% custom made by me which means that they may take a little bit longer to get to your door BUT they are totally worth it, trust me. The idea for them sparked a few months ago when I was back home in Maryland visiting some friends and family. I had gone down to the city dock of Annapolis where some people keep there boats tied up on the pier. Looking around at some of the sail boats, I noticed how they have these flags tied up on some of their sails. I have seen in before because the flags are such a nautical staple anywhere along any coastal town; that's when the idea sparked. Any preppy or nautical person loves sporting these flags on different types of accessories and clothing, so why not create a cross body bag that symbolizes a first or last letter of your name?! 

I have sold a few and might possibly take some in to a few stores in some towns in California to see if I can start selling them there as well. 

Chesapeake Tides is my pride and joy. It's not only a little business but also something that I truly love doing. Please check out my other blog that is focused just on Chesapeake Tides and see what new products are coming your way and what specials I am currently running! 

Chesapeake Tides on Etsy!

Life: Painting, oyster

It's been a while since I've picked up a paint brush, about 2 1/2 years. I took my last painting class my junior year of college and the professor was, to put this nicely, not the nicest of people. This kind of ruined painting for me for a while....until now! 

Before I took my first official painting class I had always used acrylics, but we were required to use oil. Such a BIG change. Who knew there would be so many different types of chemicals and liquids to help the oil paint move smoothly, dry faster(it's not the fastest drying paint), or to get the paint out of the brushes. The first time I heard all this, it was kind of overwhelming...until now. I know what chemicals I like to use and not use. Liquid is my very best friend. 

I got a few canvases from Michael's crafts and got right to work on sketching out an oyster. I love oysters; whether it be eating them or decorating with them, they are the perfect nautical touch.

I can't wait to start painting more and hopefully/possibly start selling them in a shop on Etsy. This is also one of the goals that I will have on my "101 things for 1001 days" list. 

If you have any pointers on painting or techniques, I would love the feedback!