revgrlutena

I live in the land of extreme snow and cold and I love every second of it. While the rest of the world waits for sunshine and beach weather, I relish the -50 windchill that accompanies a blizzard. There is nothing better than being in the middle of nowhere under a full moon after a fresh snow.

I like to travel and most extra cash that I have goes towards trips. My best friend lives in Japan so that gives me an excuse to visit. I've also been to Berlin, London, Northern England, Ireland, Italy, Canada, Mexico, and most of the states in the US. I'm currently planning a trip for 2011 to either Peru or New Zeland.....or perhaps Japan again.

I've always been, as my mom puts it, "the starving artist of the family" and recently I've been unmotivated to complete a single project for myself. Thus, one of my resolutions of the new year is to try something different with my crafting. Since I find it much more fun to make things for other people than for myself, this is it! Plus, actually having a deadline is very motivating for me. I look forward to trying something new.

As cliché as it sounds I really like most types of music. I bounce between show tunes and punk, from classical to electronica. Some of my favorite artists/albums are: the “Wicked” soundtrack, the “Glee” soundtrack, Apocalyptica, Luna Sea, Barenaked Ladies, Flogging Molly, Gustav Mahler, Norah Jones, Backstreet Boys, Olivia Lufkin, Daft Punk, Snow Patrol, Utada Hikaru, Foo Fighters, and the Rogue Traders.

I am an English major, with an emphasis in literature and creative writing, so I read a LOT. I like to read, I like books. As I write this on my nightstand are: “I Know This Much Is True” by Wally Lamb, “Nefertiti” by Michelle Moran, "The Light Bearer" by Donna Gillespie, “Shadows Return” by Lynn Flewelling, “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, "Me Talk Pretty" by David Sedaris and “Children of God Go Bowling” by Shannon Olson.

My top shows right now are: National Parks- America’s Best Idea, Planet Earth, Firefly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Doctor Who, The Inbetweeners, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Castle, Gillmore Girls, House, Top Gear, The Big Bang Theory, Life on Mars, Daria, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Merlin, NCIS, Law and Order: SVU, Being Human, and Dead Like Me.

Movies are great! I like: The Red Violin, UP, anything by Hayao Miyazaki, Onmiyoji I & II, Moulin Rouge, most animated Disney films, Becoming Jane, Hot Fuzz, Muppet Treasure Island, Bottle Shock, The Three Musketeers (Live action 1993 Disney version), Brotherhood of the Wolf, 300, Galaxy Quest, and Finding Neverland.

I currently spend most of my crafting time sewing. I like to make clothes and purses, but I'll try making anything. I also cross-stitch, scrapbook, paint/draw, and make jewelry. Although not technically a 'craft,' I really enjoy photography.

• Most anything travel related
• Cute animal things, especially: okapis, owls, foxes, otters, capybaras, red pandas,hedgehogs, horses, and tigers
• Cooking related things, I LOVE to get new recipes but please no actual homemade food.
• Purses
• Kanzashi
• Picture frames
• Pushpins
• Magnets
• Cute Fabric
• Well made handmade items
• Salt and pepper sets
• Homegoods (blankets, pillows, placemats, napkins, et cetera)
• Stargazer lillies, wisteria, lilacs, morning glories, and water lillies
• Hair accessories
• Undersea life
• Mythology (any culture)
• The outdoors
• San-X
• Sanrio, Kuromi is the best

While I always appreciate any gift I'm given (and I don't want to be picky) there are things that I just won't be able to enjoy.

** Anything heavily perfumed. I know a lot of people have sensitivities to fragrances and I'm no different. I cannot use most skin or hair products (even ones that are 'fragrance free') because of this. This also carries over to things like smoke, dryer sheets, dish soap, and some cloth dyes. I especially cannot tolerate vanilla, florals, and musks.

** Homemade food. If you think there is something that you make which I would enjoy, I would prefer to get the recipe instead of the actual dish. That way I can modify if needed and still enjoy it! Commercially packaged food, candy, and treats are ok.