MamiStyle

I am the mother of a crazy-smart, artistically talented four-year-old daughter. (Not too proud, am I?) I'm also married to a moderately cool engineer who bleeds logic and computer parts. We all live in Austin with our overweight but awfully sweet miniature poodle, Moe. I've earned a few higher degrees that I'm not using, had a business for several years designing and constructing custom wedding gowns (no stress THERE!) and now have returned to school to do what I've always wanted to do, be what my daughter calls a "doggie nurse," or a veterinary technician--love it! So I spend a lot of time studying and trying to wrap my brain around chemistry, which is totally NOT my forte. In what spare time I have, my favorite thing to do is work with my hands, and that almost always brings me back to sewing--for me, for my daughter, for other people, for swaps. . . LOVE sewing. I'm a raging tree-hugging pacifist, although I wouldn't classify myself as a hippy just yet. I also devote quite a bit of time to reading. Also, I'm relatively neurotic about all kinds of things, not the least of which are germs--bleah!

My tastes are eclectic, but my current playlist includes Queen, Kiss, Ozzy, Erasure, Abba, and any 80's artists. Also really enjoy old "hair bands" and anything that reminds me of younger days.

Torch Song Trilogy. Romeo and Juliet (Olivia Hussey/Leonard Whiting 60's version.) Big. Moulin Rouge. A Knight's Tale. Probably lots more I don't remember at the moment.

Anything medical-related, forensics, and I'm completely, utterly addicted to Project Runway and America's Next Top Model.

Sewing! Crochet and making jewelry. Almost anything, but sewing is foremost.

Teensy things-- Monsters-- Kooky things-- Food-related things (but not actual food!)-- Sewn stuff with a twist-- Hand-made jewelry-- Stuff for my daughter or husband

ATCs-- postcards-- ephemera-- earrings

Basically, I've got enough stuff lying around that I've GOT to resist MORE "bits and pieces" to add to the collection! Also, I don't have pierced ears any longer!

Handmade things-- Things that show the maker actually thought about what I might like-- Books-- Monsters!-- Teensy things-- Things with orange scent/flavor-- Things for my dog

I'll be honest--I'm usually up to three days late sending out my swaps. But I have never not sent one, and people are usually pleased with what I send. I just have a bad habit of overextending myself. Sorry!