my lil' monsters

This Blog Could be the Best Ever!

2010-07-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

This Blog Kills me. This girl is so funny, and her drawings are hilarious. You should check her out.

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/

Here is her post about her dog:

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Dog

A lingering fear of mine was confirmed last night: My dog might be slightly retarded.

I've wondered about her intelligence ever since I adopted her and subsequently discovered that she was unable to figure out how stairs worked.

I blamed her ineptitude on the fact that she'd spent most of her life confined to a small kennel because her previous owners couldn't control her. I figured that maybe she just hadn't been exposed to stairs yet. Accepting the noble responsibility of educating this poor, underprivileged creature, I spent hours tenderly guiding her up and down the staircase - placing biscuits on each step to lure her and celebrating any sign of progress. When she still couldn't successfully navigate the stairs at the end of her first week with me, I blamed it on her extreme lack of motor control. This dog is uncoordinated in a way that would suggest her canine lineage is tainted with traces of a species with a different number of legs - like maybe a starfish or some sort of primitive snake.

The next clue came when I started trying to train her. I am no stranger to training dogs - much of my childhood was spent working with various canines because I lacked the social skills to interact successfully with people. With so many years of experience behind me, I was sure that training this new dog would be a very simple task.

I was wrong. Not only is training my dog outlandishly difficult, it is also heartbreaking. She wants so badly to please me. Every fiber of her being quivers with the desire to do a good job.

She tries really hard.

But when turning her head at an extreme angle fails to produce a life-altering epiphany, she usually just short-circuits and rolls on her back.

Over the past two months, she's made some progress, but it's been painfully slow and is easily forgotten. Still, I was living under the assumption that maybe my dog just had a hidden capacity for intelligence - that all I had to do was work hard enough and maybe she'd wake up one day and be smart and capable like a normal dog. Until last night.

Last night I was sitting on my couch mindlessly surfing the internet when I looked up and noticed my dog licking the floor. Just licking and licking. At first I though maybe I'd spilled something there, but her licking did not seem to be localized to one spot. Rather, she was walking around the room licking seemingly at random. She lay down on her side and kept licking out of the side of her mouth while staring directly at me.

At that moment I realized that I needed to know for sure whether my dog was retarded or not.

I Googled "how to tell if your dog is retarded" and after a bit of research, I found a dog IQ test that looked fairly legitimate. It involved testing your dog's ability to solve a few very basic problems, like figuring out how to get out from underneath a blanket.

I gathered the necessary supplies and began testing.

The first test asked me to call my dog using a variety of words that were not her name to gauge whether she could tell the difference. I called out "refrigerator!" and was pleased to see that my dog did not respond. She also failed to respond to "movie," "dishwasher" and "banana." I was beginning to feel very proud of her. Then came the crucial step: I called her name. Nothing. I called it a few more times to be sure. Still nothing.

The words hung like a neon sign broadcasting my dog's failure. "It's okay," I thought. "She'll do better on the next one."

In the second test, I had to put a blanket over my dog and time her to see how long it took her to get out. I threw the blanket over her and started my stopwatch. She made some cursory attempts at freeing herself, but as the seconds ticked by, it became clear that she was not going to pass.

Still, I gave her the benefit of the doubt and assumed that she just enjoyed being under there and could get out if she wanted to. I added an extra couple points to her tally for faith's sake.

After flagrantly failing three more tests, it came down to the final trial. If she could score five out of five possible points on this section of the test, she could bump herself out of the bottom category into "below average."

First, I had to make her sit, which was a test in and of itself. Then I was supposed to show her a biscuit, let her sniff it, then - after making sure she was watching - place the biscuit on the ground and put a plastic cup over it. If she knocked over the cup to get the biscuit within a certain amount of time, she'd pass the test.

I put the biscuit under the cup and started the timer.

My dog ran over to the cup and sniffed it. She walked around it once and then looked up at me like I was some sort of wizard. I pointed to the cup. I knew it was cheating, but I wanted to help my dog pass her test.

She didn't understand, but she knew she was supposed to do something, so she just started frantically doing things because maybe - just maybe - one of those things would be the right thing and the magical wizard cup would let her know where the treat went.

After five minutes of watching my dog aimlessly tear around the house, I finally accepted that she was not going to pass any part of the test and yes, she was most likely mentally challenged. But damn it, I was not going to let my poor, retarded dog feel like she failed.

Meet Lucy...

2010-06-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

She's soft and cuddly and has a pretty bow! Lucy comes in sizes 3-6m, 6-12m, 12-18m, 2T, 4T, and 6T.

Meet Vito...

2010-06-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

Vito is jolly and happy and wants to be your friend. He may look soft and cuddly, but he can be big and strong to protect you! You should be his friend!

New Monsters

2010-06-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

I'm planning on posting some new monsters tonight or tomorrow! Stay tuned!

I Wish I Could Go!!

2010-06-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

The Taylor Street market opens in Reno, NV this Saturday! I won't be able to make it to Reno this weekend, but if you're there, you should go for me. :D I've been slaving away on my sewing machine to send new monsters that will be featured there. The market will showcase many interesting vendors that will offer one-of-a-kind treasures. Here's a little taste...

Hank and Hunt Fabric Garland

Gorgeous tags from Pink Cherry Mamma!

Flowers by Ozmaofodds

(I chose this picture because the flower shares my middle name!)

There will be so much more! Make sure to head down to the Midtown District and check it out!

Sat, June 5th

8-3pm

Los Angeles Here I Come...

2010-05-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

After getting a new job at E! Entertainment, I have almost managed to move into a new apartment! I had no clue moving was going to take so much out of me. Luckily I had my mom down here to help. :) Making monsters has been put on hault for the mean time, but I plan on using my free evenings to bust some out! Here's a picture of me and my mom in front of my apartment...can you tell we had been moving all day? We had to set the camera on top of the hallway fire extinguisher:)

Since my studio aprartment in teensie, and I need small furniture, my mom and I got to do one of my favorite things...go to antique stores. I grew up roaming the isles of thrift and antique stores with my treasure hunting mom, so it's something that was instilled in me at a young age! Check out the cute little desk I'll be using with my new laptop. I love the dainty little details it has, mixed with the hard rust!

My mom has an amazing eye for making the old new again, and she's turned the into a business you all know as Pickled Tink. Don't forget about the antique market Pickled Tink is throwing. I changed my blog to match their festivities. :D

Reno Market!

2010-04-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

My mom and future sister-in-law are holding a vintage inspired market near downtown Reno! The event will take place outside their adorable shop, Pickled Tink, and feature 25 vendors with all kinds of merchandise. Vintage will be the theme, but not the only thing sold. Mark your calendars, and get ready to shop furniture, home decor, jewelry, garden, baby clothes and accessories (including My Lil' Monsters!) and the list goes on! If you're in Reno on June 5, make sure you check it out! For more information call: (775) 323-8465, or email pickledtinkstudio@gmail.com

It gets me every time...

2010-04-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hi! I haven't posted anything on here in sooooooo long. My work schedule has been way too crazy! Hopefully things will settle down soon. :D I thought I would share one of my favorite pictures of my nephew. He was eating a PB&J, and started making silly faces...

It makes me laugh everytime I see it. He has such a funny personality! I hope everyone had a great Easter!

Chelsea King

2010-03-02T23:41:00.000-08:00

I normally don't like to post sad things on my blog, but I was recently touched by the Chelsea King murder that occurred near San Diego, CA. My Lil' Monsters is something that was based on the love of children, and they need our protection. Chelsea was only seventeen, and her devastating situation could have been prevented had California had stronger laws against Sex Offenders. Please take 5 minutes to possibly save the lives of other children, and sign this petition against sex offenders. Five-thousand signatures are needed. Please email your friends and family!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/change-sex-offender-laws

My Lil Monster Giveaway!

2010-02-24T21:43:00.000-08:00

The FABULOUS Tracey with "Just Another Mommy Blog", and "Just another Review Blog" did a review for My Lil' Monsters, and we are doing a giveaway for one lucky reader! Check out the review, and enter to win at: http://justanotherreviewblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/lil-monster.html.

Here's a picture of her adorable daughter in "Sara":

A NEW...

2010-02-16T15:56:00.000-08:00

Monster! Meet Charlie. He was named after the adorable little guy wearing him. :D He is available on my website at mylilmonsters.net. Here are some pictures, and his tag:

Hi, I'm Charlie. Have you seen all the monsters around? They're scary! Will you be my friend and protect me? I am pre-washed and can be washed and dried normally. Just remember to turn me inside out first. The more you use me, the cuter I get!

An Anthropologie Baby Shower

2010-01-27T23:17:00.000-08:00

That's right! Two of the girls at the Rancho Anthropologie (where I work) are preggers. One of our wonderful girls threw them a baby shower, and I was super excited to give them a monster with their chosen baby names on the tags.

I love these two beautiful girls, and I can't wait to meet their little ones!

Quiz!

2010-01-26T14:16:00.000-08:00

I found this cute little monster quiz, and here is my result:

You are a very natural, real person. You're comfortable with who you are - and your spirit truly shines through.

You are free of inhibitions and hang ups. Because of this freedom, you tend to be very creative.

You can't help but lust after wealth and shiny objects.

People think you're cute because you are so lively. Your natural glow makes you charming.

Check it out using the link below, and find out what YOUR monster says about you. :D

The Cute Monster Test

Blogthings: Quizzes and Tests and Memes, Oh My!

Stuffed Monsters!

2010-01-22T10:48:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago I started making stuffed monsters. I gave them out to a couple of loved ones, and they became the inspiration for my clothing! My mom has been trying to build up her inventory at her boutique in Reno, NV, and asked me to add some monsters to her store. Here are some of the monsters I came up with...I think they are kind of fun and silly :D

This is a little family of monsters.

They all have little spots on their backs!

If you'd like to check them out in person, they will be at Pickled Tink Boutique in Reno, NV.

Monster Mittens

2010-01-15T20:08:00.000-08:00

I love Martha Stewart's stuff. Her and her massive team always come up with the cutest ideas. These monster mittens really caught my eye because of my love for monsters, and how cute they are! They would be a super fun project to do with your kids, or even for a gift. I think they would look fabulous paired with a Lil' Monster. Here are the instructions on how to make them yourself. :D You can also check the instructions out on her website at: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/monster-mittens

"On chilly days, slip kids' hands into mittens you've decorated to look like ferocious beasts. Try a pair of fire-breathing dragons for maximum toastiness. If it's bitingly cold, however, our shark works best. Lion mittens are especially good when the wind roars. To create them, simply sew features cut from felt to fleece mittens. Buttons and embroidery will complete the face."

"Mittens How-To"

"Download and print the monster mittens template. http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/2008Q1/tvs_3097_012808_monster_mittens_templates.pdf Attach felt pieces to fleece mittens with all-purpose thread and a sewing needle. Use embroidery floss to create nostrils, and sew on buttons for eyes."

"Mr. Shark"

"Cut out three felt fins; sew on. For teeth, sew white rickrack to front curve of glove."

"Senor Leo"

"For mane, cut 2 wide felt pieces to cover the top 3/4 of mitten. Crease felt lengthwise down the middle with an iron. Pin pieces together, and cut a fringe on each side with pinking shears. Sew to mitten along the crease. Glue pink and orange felt triangles together for ears, and sew on; cut a felt tongue, and sew on underside of mitten."

"Flames McGee"

"Cut two same-shape felt pieces for scales. Stack; slide top piece down. Pin; crease down the middle with an iron, and sew to glove. Sew on a notched rectangle for a darting tongue."

Resources:

The felt used for this project can be found at magiccabin.com.

Valentines Day is Coming!

2010-01-11T10:26:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day is getting closer and closer. Don't forget about your little loved ones! A pink, purple, or red monster is such a festive gift that they will love! Here are some of my favorites:

Happy New Year!

2010-01-08T10:05:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had an amazing Christmas and New Year! I know I did. It was spent with my family, and my boyfriend's family, and I don't think we stopped for one second. We bowled, and saw movies, and went sledding, and ate wonderful food. For me, it was my ideal way to spend the holidays.

While sledding, (as usual) I took way too many pictures of my niece and nephew. :D These were a couple of my favorite pictures, so I thought I'd share them...I love how intense Blake's beautiful eyes can be, and look at those eyelashes!

Happy New Year everyone, I hope the start of your year is going fabulous!

Christmas

2009-12-17T08:58:00.000-08:00

A Lil' Monster is a great Chrismtas gift for your little loved one! Pick one to fit their personality. :D

I'm Back!

2009-12-14T20:50:00.000-08:00

I haven't updated the blog in forever...between getting sick (twice!) and going home for Thanksgiving, life has been CRAZY! I'm super excited for Christmas. This season gives me a warm happy feeling that I look forward to all year. When I was home, I shot our family picture for my parent's Christmas card...take a look!

Holiday Shopping

2009-11-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

If you're in the Reno area this week, make sure you check out The Reno Sip n' Shop! The Sip n' Shop is a seasonal boutique and charity event where over 30 local businesses come to give you an exclusive shopping experience. Proceeds support The Ronald McDonald House.

The event is held at the Grove in Reno, and takes place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

My Lil' Monsters will make an appearance at the event in Pickled Tink's booth! They have many different sizes and designs.

There is so much to be seen (and bought) at the event, so make sure to check it out. You'll be supporting local businesses, and donating to a wonderful cause!

For more information go to:

http://www.sipnshopreno.com

Also check out:

http://www.pickledtinkstudio.com/

I <3 monsters!

2009-11-13T17:35:00.000-08:00

Working at Anthropologie has been an amazing experience for me...not only because it's fun and I've met great people, but also because the store is sooooo inspiring. Since the day I first stepped into one of their shops, I fell in love with everything about the company. Now they've stepped it up a notch with something near and dear to my heart...MONSTERS!

This holiday season when you purchase a gift card at Anthro, it gets eaten by this little green monster. His white teeth are a tag that pulls out for a place to write your name!

I honestly thought I couldn't love the store any more. :D

Anthropologie's Childrens' Clothes Are Here!

2009-11-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

Children's clothes at Anthropologie mean one thing...the Holidays are coming fast! I am sooooo excited about these clothes. They are super adorable, and made extremely well. Of course I had to post all of them in my blog, because each one is really unique. Check them out:

How cute is this acsot? It has a little bird in the middle. :D

These gloves have turtles for fingers!

If you want more details on the clothes, check them out at:

http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/category.jsp?popId=CLOTHES&navAction=top&navCount=450&isSortBy=true&pushId=CLOTHES-KIDS&id=CLOTHES-KIDS

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween everyone! I hope everyone's night is filled with fun and candy. :D Here are some pictures of some pumpkins we carved at a party...they put me in a Halloween mood! The first two are mine.

ANOTHER New Monster!!!

2009-10-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

Yep....another new monster to enjoy!

Meet Jefferson...I love him because he looks so happy. :D

This is what his tag says:

"Hi, I’m Jefferson. I love to eat anything, which is why my mouth is so big. If you feed me, I’ll be your friend forever. I am pre-washed and can be washed and dried normally. Just remember to turn me inside out first. The more you use me, the cuter I get!"

Check Jefferson out here:

http://www.mylilmonsters.net/apps/webstore/products/show/649395

A New Monster!

2009-10-26T22:43:00.000-07:00

A new monster has been added to my shop!

His name is James, and he has three eyes and lots of teeth! Here are some pictures of my adorable nephew, Blake, modeling:

Here's Jame's profile:

"Hi, I’m James. Don’t worry, I won’t bite you. I’ll watch over you with my extra eye and bite any one who isn’t nice!"

Check James out here:
http://www.mylilmonsters.net/apps/webstore/products/show/656272

DISNEYLAND!

2009-10-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

I spent some of last week at Disneyland. Everytime we go together, my brother always insists we buy hats. :D

Here's the one he chose for me:

It had goofy ears hanging down, with gold hoop earrings on them. :D He had a Peter Pan hat on.

Halloween

2009-10-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

Dress your lil' monster in a Lil' Monster for Halloween!

We have orange monsters if you're feeling especially festive, but any monster would be scary AND cute for Halloween! They are comfortable, and can easily be worn under a sweater or jacket. Pick one of ours, or help design your own...there are so many options to fit your lil' one's personality!

Not to brag, but...

2009-10-08T00:27:00.000-07:00

...I am forunate to have an extremely talented mother who can make just about anything she decides. :D She makes plates, cards and furniture, but one of my favorite things she creates is birdhouses. Each birdhouse has its own unique look and personality!

All of her birdhouses can be found at Pickled Tink Studio in Reno, NV. Check them out at www.pickledtinkstudio.com

Our friend, The Praying Mantis

2009-10-05T19:04:00.000-07:00

While babysitting my niece and nephew, this little guy appeared in the backyard. In Africa, it is believed that the bug brings good luck to whomever it finds. My mom and I picked him up to give the kids a better look, and they were pretty fascinated by the strange bug. Alyssa named him "Biff" and wanted to keep him. Blake was not afraid of Biff at all, and kept touching him. :D

In France, it's believed that if you are lost the praying mantis points the way home...hopefully if that happens, you can find one!

Halloween is Coming!!

2009-10-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

I was back in Reno, NV for a week, and when I was there, the weather started to turn cold. It made me even more excited for fall! The holidays are coming, so I thought I would post some new pictures of my nephew Blake in a Halloween inspired monster!

Disco

2009-09-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

I love these Jib Jab dances! The always make me laugh, and they're really easy to make...enjoy!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

2009-09-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

Oh My Gosh! This was (and still is!) My favorite cartoon... Lambert The Sheepish Lion. It's long, but SO worth it! (You may need to pause the music on the right to watch)

Spotlight on Jasper

2009-09-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

This is Jasper. I love him because he reminds me of my logo, and I always seem to be partial to the red monsters. I think he looks like he would be a nice, little shy monster. His tag reads:

"Hi, I'm Jasper. I am shy and scarred. Will you be my friend and protect me from monsters? I am pre-washed and can be washed and dried normally. Just remember to turn me inside out first. The more you use me, the cuter I get!"

I Love These Kids!

2009-09-14T21:18:00.000-07:00

Can you believe these kids? They are so cute! I'm sure most of you already know, but I take a TON of pictures of my niece and nephew. :D I just can't get enough of them! I was going through my pictures, and these are some of my favorites from over the years.