November 30, 2009

Blogger of the Month: December 09


Liv from Bambola's Diary is such a lovely person and truly inspiring. Liv is the first Blogger of the month here at The Magical Chip Bag. You should definitely head over to her blog and check her out!




P.s. She is currently on vacation for the holidays, but will be back after New Years!


Blog Related Questions

How or why did you start blogging?

I've always kept a journal of sorts, off and on since I was about 13. Dad got into blogging (mainly about his work) and mentioned I could start one about...well, whatever really. I took his advice to heart and created a blog. That was in April/May 2008 and I've not stopped.


Did you ever think you would have as many followers as you do now?

No! Definitely not. I had almost 100 on my previous blog and have a little over 70 now. I'd like to say "oh it's just a number" but to have the positive feedback through regular readers, is definitely one of the reasons I've kept going when I felt like stopping.


Care to explain what Lovers’ Diary is and how others can get in on it?

The Lovers' Diary was an idea of Ali's. It's a chance for readers of my blog (my Lovers) to have something of theirs published on it. It means they can reach a different audience and maybe get a few new readers. I try to write about each of the authors for each piece too, so it forces me to take the time to read up on them. It's been great getting to know my readers better! If someone wants to contribute all they need to do is email me (liv.bambola@gmail.com) the piece & a link to their blog (if they have one). I'll put it up on the next available Thursday <3



In what way would you say blogging has helped you?

I love this question. It's helped me to find like minded people and even like minded people that live near me!! The greatest thing is that it's helped me learn to write and develop my own style. I was a horrid writer when I started; I'd hope I'm half decent now :)


What advise would you give to bloggers just starting out?

Write and write and write! That would be my first tip. My second would be, take the time to blog surf & leave comments of posts that take your fancy. That's how you develop readers, there's a bit of a "you comment on mine, I'll comment on yours" type rule for most bloggers. You'll soon find other blogs you'll like reading on a regular basis & your blog list & audience will grow from there. Feel free to shoot me any specific questions if you like.



Have you ever met some of your blogger friends in person?


Yes! Lots of them! I've met Minteva, Em, Shannon, Holly, Tara, Kitten, & Jaz. I think that's all. They're a GREAT bunch of girls! I plan to meet more during my travels and over the next few years.





Random Questions


What are your favorite websites to visit everyday?

Twitter! I'm on all day, every day, it's an addiction!
Tumblr, it's the easiest way I can track the random thoughts & gorgeous images I find through out the day. It's like a visual diary; each thing has a connection to something in my world.



Can you list some of your favorite tunes to sway to?

At the moment I'm loving White Blank Page - Mumford + Sons, Blinding - Florence + the Machine, Islands - The XX, & Sunday - Bloc Party they're all on high rotation on my iPod.


Is there something you are really looking forward too?


My Europe Trip! Christmas last year we got our tickets & luggage, we had to postpone it but we're finally going!!!


If your style had a name what would it be?

Girl Next Door. :) It's a little bit cliché, but it fits. I don't have the fanciest wardrobe but it works for me. I like to be comfortable, and I like to look good. I don't think they're mutually exclusive. Funny story, my favorite top is more than 12 months old & I got it at an op shop!


Would you rather write a short story or poetry?

Poetry, I can't seem to formulate plot lines and develop characters. I find poetry, when it comes, flows and reads much more easily for me.



Extra Question: Message in bottle or Carrier Pigeons?

Message in a Bottle. There's something so romantic about the idea it could never be found, or it could be washed up on a neighboring country's shore in a few years time. There's an elegant desperation, they have enough tools to write a letter and seal a bottle, that's all. They're leaving it to fate that someone gets their message.

November 26, 2009

Thanks and Giving


Today didn't go quite as planned. I didn't get a wink of sleep last night due to a chirpy little kitty who would not be quiet. After trying but failing to sleep I made my way to the bathroom and got ready with 30 minutes to spare. That 30 minutes was filled with music and last minute checking of plans. Around 10:50am I went over to my mother and Step-dad's home to meet up and ride with them. We left right at 11:00am on our way to my Uncle's house which is about 45 minutes away. We arrived with the idea of eating and leaving because we wanted to set the Christmas lights up before leaving on our trip and I wanted to clean house before leaving. Well we got to talking and after eating they wanted to make custard so that took a little time. It was a great time. We didn't get back till 4:50 ish which means it had already turned dark. So no Christmas lights till tomorrow and all I was able to get done was washing dishes and sprucing up a bit. I'll have to do laundry and clean the car tomorrow. I Hope everyone had a great holiday and got stuffed on food!

P.s. I am so excited about my vacation!!! EEEIII!!

xoxo

November 25, 2009

Day of Thanks





So I think we all know what is coming up, Thanksgiving! I'm doing something a little different this year. Usually every year since I was a wee lassie I have gone down the street and turned right to my grandmothers house to have a family meal. We usually eat the traditional Turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, green beans, and other things that get mashed up together to add to the festivities. Well this year my uncle bought a new house with his lady friend and want to show it off. After that this Saturday I will be going over the river and through the woods to the Gatlinburg, Tn for a two day vacation. I can't tell you how excited I am to be going on a vacation. I haven't been able to go on one for the last five years. I am going to have a photo extravaganza this weekend like you wouldn't believe. Plus it's supposed to snow this Friday so there might be snow on the mountains tops eeh!! Fingers crossed!!

Hope you all have a great Turkey Day or had one!!

xoxo

November 24, 2009

Tune Tuesday


This is the first installment for Tune Tuesdays. I'm truly excited because music is something I really enjoy. Sometimes you might stumble upon a song that you like to sway to, listen in the car, sing to, dance to, or even that song that you play when you're heart broken or upset. Music is fascinating and wonderful. I hope you all who read this enjoy it; you might not like this band but enjoy the next?

Band: 22-20s

22-20’s was formed in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. Their songs fill your head with alternative beats and scorned lyrics. Sadly the band split in 2006 and was stated to be a mutual agreement. They’ve been described as having a “trademark blues rock meets adrenaline skiffle sound”. 22-20’s had their share of lime light with their music being featured in the film “RocknRolla”.


“Shoot Your Gun” is a personal favorite. When Martin sings (Oh baby) in that high pitched voice it just gives me shivers.

Listen to "Shoot Your Gun" Here

Lyrics
spin me some sad story
sell me some excuse
to help me understand the things you do
'cause the way you treat your lovers
well I just can't relate
well where'd you learn to shoot your gun so straight?

oh baby won't you cry?
show me there are some tears behind your eyes
oh baby won't you cry?
show me there's a hurt behind your eyes

once you had a reason
and once you had a place
you had it all and laid it all to waste
and I know you hate to need us
but why'd you need to hate?
and where'd you learn to shoot without restraint?

oh baby won't you cry?
you cut yourself so let me see you bleed
oh baby won't you cry?
cry for all the things you'll never be

don't you see your father?
don't you feel the love?
don't you see your brother?
don't you feel the love?
well could you be a mother
could you ever find the love?
that you would not place yourself above

oh baby won't you cry?
show me there are some tears behind your eyes
oh baby won't you cry?
why'd you have to kill to feel alive?
why'd you have to kill to feel alive?
why'd you have to kill to feel alive?


(P.s. I didn't link back to the bands official website because it just shows you that they split and won't let you go further than that.)

Feel free to comment on whether you liked the band or not. If you already have heard of them, maybe didn't like them or did.

November 22, 2009

Random File Dump Week! Book Bonanza (Final day)

These are just some random books on my wish list. Today is the last day of Random File Dump Week! Phew, it's been a long week. Well I have 2 things you should be looking forward to! Number one is I will be starting "Tune Tuesday". Every Tuesday I will post about a band! We'll see how that one goes. Second order of buisness is "Blogger of the Month"!!! The Magical Chip Bag will chose a blogger and interview them. The first installment will be December 1st since it's so late in the game for November it wouldn't be fair to the first Blogger of the Month. Well I hope your interests have been peaked!



A Most Improper Magick by Stephanie Burgis


Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly


Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater


Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines


The Waters and the Wild by Francesca Lia Block


Gamer Girl by Mari Mancusi


Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner


Marcelo in the real world by Francisco X. Stork


Kissed by an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler

xoxo

November 21, 2009

Random File Dump Week! Flickr Flip Through

+ Hinz by Yiba Yiba IS NOT my favorite cartoon

Before the end of the world by Che-burashka

Stay Tuned by Anna Morosini

In time of test, family is best
by Little Thoughts

What's in my bag
by Michilove <-- uber cute

Viento y Luz by Memo.Michel



Decole Gel Candles by Jen44

zoin by Honey Pie!

Kokeshi Dolls by ::samyii::

hello kitty Pt II by R di Rimmel




Love is in the air by kh2rac

Ice Cream Couple by Rachael H

Chi Chai Monchan Monkey by Haargeweih



Musical start Madge Elliott and Cyril Ritchard by State Library of New South Whales collection

wedding bride groom thank you card by smooth dude

HDR wedding by amundn

Sloan by lamtastic




Lolla singing by renata


Hold me tight and don't let go by Syka

Always choose happy taste by anfal Y




Cupcake party! by Magicbeanbuyer

early morning by James Philips

Delayed blow-up by kediwah




Hakoinu by Warm n' Fuzzy

King snacking Niko by Seattle Roll


November 20, 2009

Random File Dump Week! DIYs and Cool Links

Friday's File Dump mainly involves DIY sites and cool links that I have kept for a long time in my bookmarks. I also want to let you in on a little something something!! I have something special coming up, can't really tell you what it's going to be a surprise but I can't wait to start it!! ;)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!


DIY: How to make Marble Magnets


DIY: How to stencil a shirt


Comic: Sequential Art (Click for larger picture)


DIY: How to make a Harajuku Punk Shirt


DIY: Chair reupholstered


DIY: How to make a guitar bag


DIY: Corset


Comic: Noses Optional (Click for larger picture)



Other Cool Links to check out!

Mythology and folklore dictionary

Top 10 incredible recordings

How to make a chalkboard calendar


xoxo

November 19, 2009

Random File Dump Week! Extreme Etsy Dump

Why Extreme? Well I guess because there are so many to post about. I literally went through all my Etsy favs. These are the ones that still show up, some links were broke or so old they didn't work. >.> I need to clean more often

P.s. Sorry for not posting yesterday, lot to deal with, but to make up the file dump will last till Sunday instead of Saturday as previously intended!

The Half Blood Prince inspired Journal by Celeste Fittata

These are so amazing especially if you are a Harry Potter Fan. She has a journal for almost every class mentioned in the books. If my text books looked like these I would probably read them more often.

Glitter Bears found at Miss Sapporo

I have actually bought from her before, she is an absolute sweetheart! Her store is full of cutesy items, bows, stickers, and more.

A Bundle of Three by Bitowhimsyprims

These are adorable, she has many more animals and even some cute doll inspired ones as well.

Snow Bunny by Moon Creations

These are too cute! Moon Creations even makes a few that the proceeds are donated to charity. This one is from her special holiday themed section.

Tune Ring by Rickson Jewellry

You can get the ring specially made with what ever tune you want, I think it is a great idea, especially if you happen to hold a very special song close to your heart.

Holiday Ring by Stoopid Gerl

If it's cute and glittery this groovy chick will have it!

Nevermore tee by Binery Winter

These guys have many steam-punk inspired tees but this happens to be my favorite.

Grow Together by The Paper Apartment

GAH! I love this, the pale colors the clean lines. Beautiful

The Book Of Good Thoughts by Gild Book Binders

The Gild has a large selection of old looking journals. This one is from there small Journal section but they have many sizes!

Erasers by Jujubee555

If you are looking for a weird present for someone or just love kooky erasers this is the shop for you. Need a hotdog eraser? Maybe a Hamster one?

Doll
found at Pardon My Vintage

This lady has such a great selection of vintage treasures! But hurry because once they're sold, that's it!

Typewriter
found at Poetic Home

It's hard to find a working typewriter but Poetic home happens to rustle them up for the taking!

Wire Sculpture by Catherinetterings

Can you do this with wire? Look at all the detail. It's amazing what this lady can do with metals and wires. She evens makes some you can wear from rings to necklaces.

Leaves by Lynn Cardwell Pottery

These are actually made from real leaves. These gorgeous leaves can lighten up a table for the holidays by putting a tea candle in the center. She also makes beautiful mugs and bowls.

Canvas Gift
by Geezees

Want something different for your special day? Try a canvas of you two with your own person message!

November 17, 2009

Random File Dump Week! In Honor Of Pixie

Today Jodi's cat, Pixie, passed away due to leukemia. We have been very depressed since we were told. She loved Jodi. She would nozzle him, sit in his lap when he played video games, and sleep on his chest when he slept. I want this post to honor her.

Pixie Mittens Terry: October 2008 - November 2009 (We will always love you)


Book: Varjak Paw

Varjak is about this really brave cat that is more than meets the eye and comes to the rescue of the other cats.


Recipe: Broccoli Chicken

When ever Jodi and I would get Chinese take out Pixie would try and get the broccoli from Jodi's box.


Gift: String-Ring

Besides the fact that kitties like string, I found this ring about a year or so ago and fell in love with the idea. Long ago people would tie a string around their finger to remember something.


Flower: Pixie

Jodi and I decided to plant some flowers in Pixie's honor. I tried to find a flower with the name pixie in it. This is what I found. If it's not the true name, I don't mind it's still a beautiful flower.


Gift: Pepsi Cola Hello Kitty

This is made out of recycled cans, they have more in different cans.


Gift: Bring it on!

Pixie wasn't afraid of anything really, she would play with dogs and win.

E-Comic: Dream Catchers

Alexisneo started the e-comic "Dream Catcher" February 2008. It's a cute story about a young girl who is afraid of everything! EVERYTHING! These two dream catchers come to help her get over her fears before they consume her!