Chloe Ma[d]e

Redirecting...

2009-10-02T14:09:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone,
Incase you're not automatically redirected, my blog is now located at:
chloemade.blogspot.com

love,
Chloé Mae.

Grey Skies...

2009-08-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

...are my favorite, just like this new grey blazer., which i bought at Bargain Box for only $2.

This outfit fits in with my last post about being obsessed with all things classy and business-like. There's such a classic yet modern feel to it, which i'm loving.

And the skirt kinda has a little history to it, i made it about 3 years ago, and this was my first ever "reconstructed vintage" item.

Thanks for sharing in this moment of Chloé Ma[d]e history.

love,

Chloé Mae.

Obsessing...

2009-08-10T15:32:00.000-07:00

Since starting my office job, I've become slightly obsessed with all things classy and business-related.
Check out this great little site i found: girlypc.com
Here's just some of the amazing things i'm daydreaming about:

(the next few are laptop bags, i'm now keeping my eyes open for a vintage bag the right size to remake into my own design)

and the cutest japenese paper tape!

So hey! I guess I haven't told you guys about my "new" office job, after one year of being gone, I'm now gladly working back at Calvary Distribution.

Also I have a vision for some changes in my blog, so don't be scared but there may be a whole new look for Chloé Ma[d]e coming soon.

Have a wonderful summer night.

love,

Chloé Mae.

insomnia.

2009-08-07T01:25:00.000-07:00

I have it, so instead of laying in bed wide awake, i'll get on my computer and blog for you...this is a dress I made last summer from some printed stretch cotton, it's my go-to dress for comfort and style on my days off:

Sleep Tight.

love,

Chloé Mae,

Check it out...

2009-08-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

In case you missed the show on Thursday night, there are some recordings on youtube, here's just one of my favorite songs, enjoy :)

also...
giantF.com

Summer Days..

2009-07-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

..call for a striped skirt with elastic waist band.

Hope you're having a great summer.

love,

Chloé Mae.

Striped Dress.

2009-07-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I bought this striped dress at that $1 vintage sale.

With a few alterations, I have a bold striped dress for summer, I'm loving the colors as they somewhat remind me of a circus in the 50's...though I'm terrified of clowns.

I'm also really excited because I recently welcomed a canon eos into my home thanks to Giovan's roomate Aaron. So there may be some better pictures, or more pictures, to come..but do bear with me as I get used to the settings.

Thanks!

Love,

Chloé Mae.

New Shirt.

2009-07-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

Giovan cleaned closet a few weeks ago and sent me home with some of his old shirts.

With a little bit of tailoring and adjusting, and adding on, I made this blouse:

What do you think?

Love,

Chloé

American Rag, Chris Brown.

2009-07-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

Today was my day off, so I finished hemming this plaid skirt and went to American Rag and bought these Corso Como sandals I've been eyeing for months from a cute guy who sells shoes there. ;)

I also saw Chris Brown, it was pretty cool.

Oh! and Happy Late 4th of July, I hope it was a good one!

love,

Chloé Mae.

Sophistiqué

2009-06-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

It was a good weekend, starting with friends, church, a long nap, some in-n-out and swimming.

And ending with breakfast on Larchmont Street with Giovan.

When I got home today I made this tan satin skirt from some old fabric found in my mom's closet.

I'm also wearing a somewhat improvised necklace, it broke on my way out the door and the only safety pin i could find was that huge one, but I was told not to fix it.

Thanks for the advise, It's rather growing on me.

Love,

Chloé Mae.

Dusty Rose

2009-06-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

I've been on the hunt for that perfect "Dusty Rose" colored skirt.

I saw one at H&M a couple weeks ago, but it's hard for me to pay even just $30 when I know I could make it myself.

So last week I found a skirt at that $1 sale i told you about, with a few alterations I have my Dusty Rose Skirt for summer:

Have a great day!

love,

Chloé.

Today.

2009-06-10T23:18:00.000-07:00

I had the day off with nothing to do...so I went shopping.

To my surprise there was a $1 sale at my local "Bargain Box Thrift Shoppe".

The Irish man who's always working said it's something new called wacky wednesdays and it'll be going on all summer...all I can say is :).

I found some great pieces which will soon be better pieces and I feel essential for summer.

Here's a sneak peek:

And for Giovan I found these bad boys:

More to come.

Happy Summer!

love,

Chloé Mae.

I quote:

2009-05-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

"I'm not paying $200 for something I can make myself..."

And that's how this little guy came to be:

Created from a long sleeved puffy shirt.

Love,

Chloé Mae.

Happy Birthday Blog!

2009-04-20T10:11:00.000-07:00

it's my blog's official on year post! thanks everyone for reading and commenting, let's hear it for many more?

Warm Weather...

2009-03-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

With the weather heating up and summer drawing near, i decided it's time to sew some cooler clothes.

Inspired by some black seersucker and some modern trends, i put together this little romper.

As a guide i used, believe it or not, a pajama pant pattern:

I'm obsessed with major zippers, so of course i had to put one in:

Thanks for Reading!

Love,

Chloé.

A little blue skirt...

2009-03-07T00:44:00.000-08:00

Made from a little blue shirt...

I bought a silk vintage blouse on ebay for about $2 maybe a year ago, i never wore it because it was too big...so why not make a skirt?

thanks for reading!

Love,

Chloé.

March 7th

2009-02-26T18:26:00.000-08:00

www.giantF.com

I hope to see you there!

love,

Chloé

He drove 40 miles...

2009-02-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

And bought me a heart shaped bagel on his busiest day this week.

How blessed am i?

Remember the Songbird Tote?

2009-02-13T16:23:00.000-08:00

I blogged a little about it a few months ago, (click here to see) but i never followed up!

Today i took advantage of my being sick, and the amazing rainy weather and am sitting down to share this with you!

It's constructed out of an old scarf, belt, and tee.

Created.

Chloé Mae.

Happy Birthday Sarah.

2009-02-02T20:10:00.000-08:00

it's a pillow...

Meow.

Jeremiah 9:24

2009-01-31T08:14:00.000-08:00

"But let him who glories glory in this,

That he understands and knows Me,

That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.

For in these I delight,” says the LORD."

Creation Station.

2009-01-28T11:37:00.000-08:00

For Christmas i got my own sewing machine, and an amazing one at that.

Please welcome my new Husqvarna. :)

There's only one problem, where do i keep my new sewing machine, nonetheless all my sewing stuff which seems to be taking over my room?

Well in the back alley behind giovan's work i found this little trunk, perfect for all my fabrics and notions.

And a few weeks later i found this little table at a garage sale for $5:

This is my creation station, i do believe good things will happen here.

love,

Chloé.

P.S. Giovan bought me that gorgeous dress for christmas, and then took me to see Phantom of the Opera for my Birthday so i had somewhere to wear it. :)

Story of my Life....

2009-01-27T23:24:00.000-08:00

"Sin took advantage of the law and fooled me; it took the good law and used it to make me guilty of death. But still, the law itself is holy and right and good.

But how can that be? Did the law, which is good, cause my doom? Of course not! Sin used what was good to bring about my condemnation. So we can see how terrible sin really is. It uses God's good commandment for its own evil purposes.

The law is good, then. The trouble is not with the law but with me, because I am sold into slavery, with sin as my master.

I don't understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate.

I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience shows that I agree that the law is good.

But I can't help myself, because it is sin inside me that makes me do these evil things.

I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn, I can't make myself do right. I want to, but I can't.

When I want to do good, I don't. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway.

But if I am doing what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing it; the sin within me is doing it.

It seems to be a fact of life that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.

I love God's law with all my heart."

-Romans 7:11-22 NLT

Sometimes I wonder...

2009-01-18T08:58:00.000-08:00

Is God crazy?

Because there's no reason for Him to love me like He does, and for Him to provide the way He does.

I am so undeserving.

Can i get an amen?

New Laptop...

2008-12-28T19:11:00.000-08:00

New Laptop Bag:

made from an old, lonely purse.

Created.

Chloé Mae.

kickin' it old school...

2008-12-25T22:02:00.000-08:00

Yeah, that's my bike :)

Giovan and I stumbled across this find on craigslist last week, and he drove all the way to Santa Ana to pick the bike up for me. (thanks love!)

I am now the proud owner of a vintage free spirit 10 speed!

Soon to be seen riding around Silver Lake and beyond.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Love,

Chloé.

Rainy Days...

2008-12-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

Rainy days are my favorite, especially when you can stay home and work on a project...here's one i did yesterday morning, took an old pair of tights, made it into a bow and attached it to an unworn shirt....

Love,

Chloé.

Rain, Rain (don't) Go away.

2008-11-25T22:19:00.000-08:00

Today i walked out of work pleasantly surprised to see rain!

I looked at the people around me, i still don't understand why they ran to their cars or tried to cover themselves to stay dry.

As people were running and trying to dash between rain drops (how that's possible i don't know) I walked slower, i looked up at the sky and tried to take it all in.

There's something so comforting about being in my house now all warm and cozy hearing the steady pitter patter of rain drops outside.

So I thought i'd blog to share this moment with you.

I love the rain.

I also thought I'd share my last photo assignment with you, here it is:

Have a good night!

Enjoy the rain.

love,

Chloé.

Inspiration Board.

2008-11-21T00:12:00.000-08:00

This week's assignment for sewing class was to make an inspiration board of things that inspire me for a tote bag project.

The only guideline is to have a bag name, and to use at least one recycled material.

I will be making my bag out of old clothes and my inspiration is from art, history, thrift stores, recycling, old clothes, and life.

The bag's title is Song Bird.

Above is my board.

I'll let you know how it turns out!

love,

Chloé.

I want a floral skirt.

2008-11-12T20:15:00.000-08:00

So why not make one?

I got this long skirt probably about year ago and wore it as a dress over the summer, but it's time for some change.

This is also a little glimpse of what i did for my self portrait in my photo class...But the digital came out alot better, film is a tricky thing you know...

Oh, and by the way, Nordstrom is going great, come visit me!

Thanks!

Love, Chloé.

whoo goes there?

2008-11-12T19:47:00.000-08:00

Last week in Sewing Class we took a trip to South Coast Plaza in order to get inspiration for a pillow project.

There were several great ideas, but of course nothing was catching my eye...so i went to h&m.

No, not to shop for clothes, but to search the sale rack for some material.

Right away I found a silky skirt for $5, perfect. I grabbed the largest size (more fabrice) and went back to class.

Then I sat there,

And I sat there.

Then I stared,

And I stared.

I watched everyone around me sewing away, a few people already done.

What did i get myself into?

Is there such a thing as sewer's block?

Hmm, well let's see colors...maybe something to match my room?

okay, perfect found some fabrics and some trim....

I made the first cut and away I went, Here's the end result :

Praise God.

2008-10-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Today I had to do one of my least favorite things in the world-quit my job.

My stomach was sick as i drove from school to work, trying to muster up all my pride and smooth words and, i don't even know what.

This is the only time i've thanked God for the bluetooth law, so people didn't think i was crazy while i practiced what i was going to say and how to say it in my car. I thought up three or four different scenarios-none of which did i use in the end, of course.

I hit every red light on the way, 'Come on! Come on! I just want to get this over with!

I don't want to practice again, i just want it to be over so i can be happy for my new job!'

Finally, I'm pulling in the parking lot.

For those of you who don't know, Bella Terra is about as different from anything in LA as you can get- except one factor, no parking.

I search for parking, wanting so badly to turn around and maybe crawl into a hole and never come out.

Finally I park, my stomach is churning even as i write this.

I march right into Peet's, two of my favorite people are working (well they are all my favorite), I ask if my manager is here.

'Ya, she's in the back with the district manager'

Oh wow. If this couldn't get any more scary, now i have to tell the DM as well, but what am i gonna do?

I force my legs to carry me back, and with a professional, firm, and yet sweet voice I did it.

I quit.

All of this to say, I got the job at Nordstrom.

Love,

Chloé.

Ummm, Yumm.

2008-10-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

Inspired by our visit to oak glen (the apple land) yesterday, I baked Apple Spice Bread tonight.

How did it turn out?

Let's just say it's as good as it looks.

Plaid Jumper

2008-10-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

Today I finished my plaid jumper, It came out very well and I'm excited to wear it apple picking tomorrow!

What better way to welcome Fall than going to an apple orchard in a plaid dress?

Also I want to tell you all about my life lately...I've been working at Peet's Coffee and Tea for about a month now. Things are going great!

At the same time as i applied at Peet's I also applied at Nordstrom, Today I had an interview at Nordstrom South Coast Plaza for their B.P. Shoe Department, things seemed to go really well and I should be hearing from them soon if I get the job! So your prayers are definitely welcomed in this, as Nordstrom is practically my dream job and it's time to start making some real money, being broke can get really old!

Thanks for reading!

Love,

Chloé.

Men's Tuxedo Shirt...

2008-10-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

The After:

A few weeks ago i bought this men's Tuxedo shirt at a warehouse sale, This week I took in the sides and added the buttons to make a dress.

and The Before:

This is definitely one of my favorites.

Love, Chloé.

Sweetly Satisfied...

2008-10-07T19:27:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

Last week at my sewing class we had "creative free time".

Our only rule was that we had to create a small accessory.

My mind went blank. I've never been trapped with guidelines before, naturally i wanted to break free and not do what everyone else was doing, my mind was racing with ideas of how to make anything but an accessory.

After quite a while i was inspired.

It all started with a zipper, and then some fabric, and to finish it off some buttons.

Among the many wallets and cell phone cases on the table, mine was the only belt.

Here's the finished product:

Also here is a project that i finished a few weeks ago.

It started as a 2XL polyester jumper from a thrift store...

Before:

And now with a little help from scissors and the tie to an old dress for straps, we have...

After:

Thanks for looking!

Love,

Chloé.

Tonight's Soundtrack:

Begin to Hope-Regina Spektor

Today's Devotion...

2008-09-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

From My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

September 29

The Awareness of The Call

"For necessity is laid upon me: Yea, woe is unto me, If i preach not the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16

We are apt to forget the mystical, supernatural touch of God. If you can tell where you got the call of God and all about it, I question whether you have ever had a call. The call of God does not come like that, it is much more supernatural. The realization of it in a man's life may come with a sudden thunder-clap or with a gradual dawning, but in whatever way it comes, it comes with the undercurrent of the supernatural, something that cannot be put into words, it is always accompanied with a glow. At any moment there may break the sudden consciousness of this incalculable, supernatural, surprising call that has taken hold of your life - "I have chosen you." The call of God has nothing to do with salvation and sanctification. It is not because you are sanctified that you are therefore called to preach the gospel; the call to preach the gospel is infinitely different. Paul describes it as a necessity laid upon him.

If you have been obliterating the great super natural call of God in your life, take a review of your circumstances and see where God has not been first, but your ideas of service, or your temperamental abilities. Paul said - "Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!" He had realized the call of God, and there was no competitor for his strength.
If a man or woman is called of God, it does not matter how untoward circumstances are, every force that has been at work will tell for God's purpose in the end. If you agree with God's purpose He will bring not only your conscious life, but all the deeper regions of your life which you cannot get at, into harmony.

The Cheapest Purse I've bought...

2008-09-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

Last week as i was sewing a project, an idea popped into my mind.

With just a half hour before my local thrift store closed, i jumped up, grabbed my purse and started on a mission.

My goal: to find a leather skirt.

Bingo:

If you're reading this then hopefully you know me well enough to think "What would Chloé want with that aweful leather skirt?"

Of course it's not going to look like a skirt for much longer, about 3 hours later of wrestling with my mom's machine through the thick layers of leather, we have a finished product.

Which I am quite proud of:

The Bag is made completely from reconstructed leather items, with my brother's old belt as the strap (thanks for the sacrifice!).

I've always wanted a Chloé purse, who'd think i'd only pay $3.75? ;)

Thanks for reading!

Love, Chloé.

New Toy...

2008-09-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

About 2 weeks ago I welcomed this lovely little edition to my family...

It's a canon AE-1, manual 35mm, it was a great find for $50 on craigslist, and i have no idea how to use it, but i'm doing my best to learn...

The guy i bought it from was a real character, when i met him to pick up the camera the deal went down in about 5 minutes, but i got a free 20 minute story of...his life, which leads me to the subject of craigslist ads.

If you ever need a good laugh just browse the website ads and find things like (this is a real excerpt) "I have come to grips with the fact that my dream is over. She was good to me for the first 8 years of our relationship. I'm a loser for being able to part ways with her for a mere $350."

Come on people, craigslist is not a a therapist...

Love,

Chloé.

Homemade Granola...

2008-09-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

If you've never had granola fresh from the oven, or have never made your own, please promise me you'll try this recipe. It's so easy to make and it tastes much better than anything you could buy.

This is a spin off of a recipe i found online here.

I hope you enjoy it as much as i do.

Honey Maple Granola:

INGREDIENTS:

about 1 cup oatmeal

1 1/2 cups mixed trail mix (i used mountain trail mix from Fresh and Easy Market it has slivered almonds, and mixed berries, and chocolate chips)

1 cup raw sunflower seed kernels

4 Tbs maple syrup (grade b, not aunt jemima)

2 Tbs Honey

1 Tbs Canola Oil

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350º

2. Spread the trail mix out on a baking sheet. Pick out the berries and chocolate chips (This sounds hard but it only takes less than 2 minutes) Add oatmeal and sunflower seeds, and bake for about 10 minutes, stirring half way through. Let cool.

2. While the oats and nuts are baking, mix together maple, honey and oil. In a large bowl mix together all ingredients until evenly coated.

3. Spread on baking sheet and bake for about 10 minute, or until golden brown.

4. Let cool for at least 10 minutes and enjoy!

Love,

Chloé.

Summer Vacation...

2008-08-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

Last week i went to the Sequoia National Park with my parents.

I haven't been camping for a few years so it was nice to step outside my comfort zone a little bit. We roughed it with sleeping bags, tents, and my first 6 mile hike in the sierras.

I was sore for about 3 days after, but it was so pretty up there and well worth the trip!

Here are some pictures:

We ate lunch at Hume Lake, it was the first time any of us had been there, it's so pretty!

On Friday we went through a burned out forest, interestingly, the only way sequoias reproduce is through fires, the smoke and heat causes their pine cones to open up, which drops the seeds into the new soil.

This tree is still alive even though the inside is hollowed out from fire, these trees grow to be about 200-300 feet tall. For a comparison in size, it's the equivalent of a mouse looking up to a 6 foot person, i always wondered what that felt like.

On Friday we also went for a hike along King's River:

Here are the pictures from our 6 mile trek through the Sierras...

A view from the top...

The last night i took it upon myself to do some art:

Thanks for reading!

Love, Chloé.

Weekend Project...

2008-08-02T15:18:00.000-07:00

Before:

I bought this mexicana-hippie dress a few weeks ago for about $7, from the before picture all you can see is the collar (note i had already taken off one layer of ruffles). It also was full length with layer upon layer of lace...a bit too much going on for me, soo...

(after.)

I took off the ruffled collar and many layers of lace, for straps i used leftover lace from the collar and stringed it through the top.

Thanks for letting me share!

Love, Chloé.

A little birdie told me...

2008-08-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

my mom's birthday is coming up, and usually i take her out for pedicure or breakfast, but this year since funds are a bit low i thought i'd try something new...

I've never really painted a picture before so i grabbed an old leather bound book and used the cover for my canvas, i tried my hand at painting and here's the finished product:

Thanks for reading!

love, Chloé.

in season.

2008-07-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Zucchini, and tonight i made a sweet treat.

I made the batter and added some dried cranberries,

with the leftover batter i threw in mini chocolate chips, and made muffins, mmmmmmmm.

(sorry to tempt you.)

love, Chloé.

One night project...

2008-07-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

Last night i was struck with inspiration and determination, the idea popped in my head and i raced to the computer in search of something to give me hope that what i imagined was possible. I nearly jumped out of my seat for joy when i found the very thing i was looking for. I ran to my room and hastily started making a pattern and cutting away, sewing ironing, mearuring, threading, and everything inbetween, here's the result:

The Inspiration:

Ive had these sandals for bout 2 years, and they used to have a gold strap, well the strap fell apart so i cut it off, but then they were just too plain and wouldn't stay on right...I wonder if i could....

Before:

What gave me hope:

The Result:

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(i do apologize for the bad photography)

Thanks for reading!

Love, Chloé

Reconstructing...

2008-07-12T15:37:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Ive been reconstructing alot of clothes lately...and here's a little glimpse (sorry they don't all have before pictures...)

This was a long skirt that i got at a warehouse vintage sale for about $2..i'm still notquite done as it needs to be hemmed. what did i do with the extra material from it? another post soon to come!

I fell in love with this dress the instant i saw it, i saw right through the hideous puffed sleeves and nearly floor length hemline, we're talking little house on the prairie, i took off the sleeves and shortened the length...voila!

i think this is one of my favorites...

Next. this is the before, it was a collared oversized puff-sleeve 80's dress...

and now...

i took the top off and sewed it to an old tank top i had..

finally.

I also got this dress at a vintage warehouse sale, i didn't do much to it, except remove the puffed sleeves (I'm getting good at this) and make them into cap sleeves...

Thanks for reading!

love, Chloé

soon to come...

2008-07-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

So I've actually been quite busy, doing lots of projects, and haven't taken any pictures to share with you!
But i plan to document it all this weekend, so now that i've said it, it's up to you to hold me accountable!
thanks.
love, Chloé.

Yesterday's Devotion.

2008-06-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

From: My Utmost For His Highest
By J. Oswald Chambers

June 24, 2008
Reconciling Yourself to the Fact of Sin

This is your hour, and the power of darkness —Luke 22:53

Not being reconciled to the fact of sin— not recognizing it and refusing to deal with it— produces all the disasters in life. You may talk about the lofty virtues of human nature, but there is something in human nature that will mockingly laugh in the face of every principle you have. If you refuse to agree with the fact that there is wickedness and selfishness, something downright hateful and wrong, in human beings, when it attacks your life, instead of reconciling yourself to it, you will compromise with it and say that it is of no use to battle against it. Have you taken this "hour, and the power of darkness" into account, or do you have a view of yourself which includes no recognition of sin whatsoever? In your human relationships and friendships, have you reconciled yourself to the fact of sin? If not, just around the next corner you will find yourself trapped and you will compromise with it. But if you will reconcile yourself to the fact of sin, you will realize the danger immediately and say, "Yes, I see what this sin would mean." The recognition of sin does not destroy the basis of friendship— it simply establishes a mutual respect for the fact that the basis of sinful life is disastrous. Always beware of any assessment of life which does not recognize the fact that there is sin.
Jesus Christ never trusted human nature, yet He was never cynical nor suspicious, because He had absolute trust in what He could do for human nature. The pure man or woman is the one who is shielded from harm, not the innocent person. The so-called innocent man or woman is never safe. Men and women have no business trying to be innocent; God demands that they be pure and virtuous. Innocence is the characteristic of a child. Any person is deserving of blame if he is unwilling to reconcile himself to the fact of sin.

Picnic in the park..

2008-06-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

One day this week I went to the park on my lunch to have a little picnic date with Jesus.
It was so peaceful as i laid in the shade under the trees, and just as i was finishing my reading i look up only to see a guy about my age walking straight towards me.

I wasn't sure what to expect, so in hopes he was going to walk right past, i dug my head in the Word and tried to focus while really watching to see where he'd go.

Yep, his destination was me.

"Hi, i noticed you sitting over here and...Can i share something with you?"

"Hi, umm...okay, ya!" (maybe he was a fellow christian? ha.)

I soon figured out that he was high as a kite. He started telling me about his first time taking psychedelics and other various drugs. He also educated me on how trippy death and life is.

I was waiting for my chance to share something with him, but i was late for work and he never paused from talking, except to ask me for my number as i was leaving.

I somehow avoided giving that to him, but I did get his name, Hugo.

There really was no reason for me to be at that park at that specific time, my lunch was later than normal that day, and i never go to the park alone, so he must need prayer and he may not know it, but i believe the Lord saw his need and sweetly ordained that meeting to the very last detail.

If the Lord puts it on your heart, why don't you pray for Hugo too?

What was i reading?

James 1:2-3

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

The joy of the Lord is my strength.

2008-06-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, Giovan was in the hospital this last week. He had a relapse of the same thing as last year, but not quite as severe, this time on the right side of his body.

He was in the hospital about 5 days and is now happy to be home recovering.

The doctors are going to diagnose MS but still aren't like totally certain, so we are in the process of finding a specialist to look at his case.

The Lord has given me a total peace about this whole thing, like seriously the joy of the Lord is my strength.

Among the many verses and parts of scripture that have ministered to me during this time, the one that the Lord keeps putting on my heart is this:

Matthew 7:11

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

Thanks so much to all of you who've been keeping us in prayer, we would love your continued prayers, and i would ask that you simply pray as the Lord leads, because i really don't even know how to pray sometimes, but that is an awesome place to be, literally.

Anyone up for...

2008-05-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

...mocha cookies with strawberry icing?

Summertime is near...

2008-05-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

Summer is just around the corner!

It's a funny thing growing up, time passes so fast and i think part or the reason is because all days and seasons just melt together.When you're a kid, summer is actually a time of rest, and the little kid inside of me keeps getting excited for summer and all the things i'll be able to do, and then, i realize, i'm all grown up. Summer is no different. I still have to get up and go to work. Then on Saturday i can fight the crowds on the beach. I guess summer has already arrived for me, as the days are longer. That's one way to look at it, i'm truly following mother nature, my seasons start with the weather and the solar...(whatever it is that's solar and makes the weather change).

This is sounding rather negative, so i'd better add in here that i really am looking forward to summer, i love bike riding and swimming. Being able to throw on shorts or a sundress and some sandals is the best feeling ever. Drinking smoothies (pina colada is my favorite) and eating cold deserts...

Anyways, now to the real point of this blog. Tonight i finished sewing a dress, i made the top from some knit fabric and the skirt is from an old faded dress:

To kick off my summer and to celebrate Giovan's new house, I made lemon squares:

Thanks for reading.

-Chloé.

2008-05-19T00:23:00.000-07:00

Jon Foreman: Learning How To Die-
I'm gonna miss you
I'm gonna miss you when you're gone

She says I love you

I'm gonna miss hearing your songs

And I said please don't talk about the end

Don't talk about how every living thing

Goes away

She says friend

All along Thought I was learning how to take

How to bend not how to break

How to live not how to cry

But really I've been learning how to die

I've been learning how to die

Hey everyone, I've got no where to go

The grave is lazy - he takes our bodies slow

And I said please don't talk about the end

Don't talk about how every living thing

Goes away

She said friend

All along Thought I was learning how to take

How to bend not how to break

How to live not how cry

But really I've been learning how to die

I've been learning how to die

Have you checked out Jon Foreman (yes, he's the one from switchfoot) ?

Well I'm in love with his new eps...check it out.

http://jonforeman.com/

Is My Grandma...

2008-05-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

...getting cooler?
This last weekend was my Grandpa's 80th birthday, and we show up to his house to celebrate, and expecting just some home made cake and Marie Calender's pie (which there was plenty of)
My Grandma whips out this trendy lil' box that says Sprinkles.
Since when does grandma know about the cupcake fad?
Leaves me wondering, "What's next?", Maybe she'll be brewing some intelligentsia coffee in a french press...one can only hope.

Here's some pictures of my nieces enjoying good old family time...

(and trendy cupcakes).

One Year Ago...

2008-05-01T22:18:00.000-07:00

It was one year ago today that i sent this picture in a text to Giovan in hopes of raising his spirits as he laid at home, practically bedridden. Little did we know that two days later i would not physically be able to smile, or move my mouth much at all.

Praise be to God for the healing He has done not only physically, but emotionally. The Lord takes seriously the matters of the heart.

For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, or maybe would like to be reminded of it all, here is the myspace blog i created on may 24, 2007, just one month after it all started:

"Thursday, May 24, 2007 Megaphone from God
I think that God really loves to amaze me. As many of you know, my boyfriend, Giovan, went into the emergency room on April 28th. He had lost muscle strength on the left side of his body (so basically unable to walk or even barely lift his left arm). The doctors weren't sure what was up but they said it looked like the symptoms of MS(multiple sclerosis) but that only an MRI could tell for sure. The soonest they could get the MRI was two weeks away. So he went home and during the week he wasn't showing much improvement so he went back to the emergency room on Thursday. I stayed the night on their sofa Wednesday night in hopes of getting Thursday off work so i could go to the doctor's with him. For some reason as hard as i tried i could not get the day off work, so i got up early Thursday morning to go home to orange county, work a 4 hour shift, and then come back up and meet Giovan at the hospital. On the way home, driving my old mustang, traffic in front of me came to a sudden stop. i slammed on my brakes as hard as i could. My brakes locked up and my car began to fishtail, i guess my car made a 180 degree turn into the carpool lane where i was hit head on by an SUV. i don't remember being hit i just remember waking up and knowing i had gotten in an accident, grabbing my phone and dialing 911. The ambulance took me to the hospital, i broke my nose into 3 pieces and lacerated (split) my lip really bad, i also broke my left cheekbone and sprained my right thumb. Needless to say, i did not get to return to Giovan that day.
He stayed in the hospital for like 6 days while various tests were ran, they did a MRI, and a spinal tap (painful). Yeah, it was so hard to not be able to be there for him and to know that he was probably worried and concerned about me, but then again that kinda forced both of us to rely on the Lord, to find all of our peace in Him.
So now we are both doing pretty good, on our way to recovery. Giovan is starting to walk around a bit and he could stretch open his palm for the first time yesterday. Today he had more blood taken so that more tests can be done to try and figure out what's going on. I'm almost normal, all the bruises are gone and the stitches are out, just a tiny bit of swelling left. I have to go to the chiropractor 3 times a week for the next 2 months due to a fractured vertebrae in my neck. When i talk about my injuries i think of how painful it all sounds, but the Lord was definitely with me because it was all relatively painless. God is continuing to heal day by day.
The Lord has revealed His heart to me during this, and God's heart is a truly beautiful thing. God is amazing, it's sad that we are so stupid sometimes that it can take something drastic for us to realize that He is good and He wants to bless us. The Lord desires to give good things to His children. He really does.

A C.S. Lewis quote became very real to me this last month:
"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
Thank you to everyone who has been here with me through all this, i couldn't have made it through without your prayers, and loving! "

~The doctors never did figure out what it was, sometimes Giovan and I think God likes to stump doctors to get a good laugh.

~Thanks to all of you who have been a blessing and encouragement to us this last year, the Lord used each of you in ways you could never imagine, even the simplest things are still an encouragement to me a whole year later.

Verse to live by..

2008-04-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."

Philippians 2:3-4

Recently Discovered..

2008-04-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

As i was uploading some pictures tonight i stumbled across this one. I remember the day very well. Giovan surprised me and took me to six flags, and that night we went to see a string quartet covering the radiohead album 'ok computer'. That was one of the most incredible shows i've ever seen.

So i'll use this as an opportunity to give a shout out to my Giovan because he's the one who inspired me to make use of my blog, thanks dear!

Tâches Domestiques

2008-04-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

(Domestic Duties)

Hey guys,
Tonight i was feeling rather domestic as I...

...hemmed pants.

...baked...
... peanut butter cookies. ...unfortunately ate more than one
&made a hat out of an old sweater. :)

Have a good night!

tonights soundtrack: beirut & feist.

Pressing On...

2008-04-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already
perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

Philippians 3:12-16
Picture taken by Giovan during his morning devos
at a coffee bean :)

Three White Tees

2008-04-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

Here's what i did this week with a pack of men's x-large white v-necks tees...

I guess this is the before picture..and i still haven't done anything with this shirt...i'll have to wait for the creative streak to hit again.

I took v-neck #2 and attempted to dye it a dark grey, unfortunately as i've never used clothing dye before it came out blotchy and more of an olive green...

I was determined though to complete the idea in my head, so i just went with it and proceeded to create a tunic dress...

One thing led to another and this is what i ended up with.

I thought the blotches actually looked kinda cool so i took a chance and wore it to work, where i had about three people prove me wrong by telling my i had spilled ink on my dress.

Oh well after all that work i think i'll still wear it...

This was my original idea for the pack of shirts...a V-neck dress (much like the ones at American Apparel). I made it today and i am actually surprised at how well it fits me...

It is a little bit short, but that's nothing leggings can't fix.

It only took about 30 minutes to complete. And got the Sewing bug out of me.

Thanks for reading,

Chloé.