New Month, New News

After having one of the best Wednesdays of my recollection yesterday (which included stuffing my face with delicious sushi at Kyoto Happy Hour, playing with puppies, and catching a Dropkick Murphys show), I am in a fantastic mood today! It's great getting a weekend high in the middle of the week slump. Note to self: do that more often. I'm also in a great mood because of all the exciting news for DGAJ.

For starters, last Saturday, I took a new batch of jewelry over to Pangaea. They are officially open at their new location at 2210 S 1st St, which makes them neighbors with fabulous Austin shops like Secret Oktober and End of an Ear. I also have some new bling over at Parts and Labour that is lookin mighty spiffy and is as ready to brave the SXSW crowds as I am. Anyone know of good shows goin on? I'm taking vacation days on the Thursday and Friday of the music week, but I have yet to thumb through the Chronicle.

I have to contain my excitement about this next bit of news because I was (and am) completely surprised and flattered when Austin's own The Cupcake Bar asked me to participate in their Cupcake and Wine Sip and Shop Event. As you guys know, I love cupcakes and all things cupcakery. I mean, come on. How many people do you know who love cupcakes so much that they display jewelry in cupcake stands? Soigne Boutique and Austin's House Wine will also be participating in this hotsy totsy shopping event. So, mark your calendars! Wednesday March 24th from 4:30-7:30pm is when the fun will be goin on.

That's all the new news for DGAJ. As for me? I'm catching Alice in Wonderland this weekend, and I couldn't be more excited! Here's to hoping my post can keep everyone sidetracked at work in the meantime.

Action Jackson out.

Viva La Vida Fest Recap

For anyone who missed out on Mexic-Arte's Viva La Vida Fest this past Saturday, you should be kicking yourself...and marking your calendars for next year's event. The day was such a blast, and I plan on going next year, whether I'm selling or just attending (yes, I'm willing to plan out a year in advance for this fun lil fest). The day started off a little frantic for yours truly because I had to work the morning of as well as run a few errands (not to mention park downtown, which is always undeniably manic). However, by the end of VLVF, I was sold on the idea that every day should be Day of the Dead (as if I wasn't already).

One of my favorite parts of the day was the food- sweet bread, empanadas, tamales, actual sugar skulls (which I'm told you can't/shouldn't eat because they're made of something comparable to fondant- I might try anyway), tacos, and all the Mexican soda you could handle! Food is especially near and dear to my heart when I'm selling jewelry at shows due to a) sitting in one place for a long time and b) the semi-grueling duration of the show (this show was 8+ hours long!). So, I was thrilled to have plenty of delicious food all around me. Overall, the show had a great feel- there were tons of people there, good live music, a plethora of costumes and festive faces (endless Frida Kahlos and even a Che!), and great art for your eyes to feast on. There were murals galore (see above), altars lining both sides of the street, diy stations for mask and paper decor crafting, giant paper mache creations (think giant Frida heads, skulls, and skeleton hands), and of course beautiful work being sold by Austin artists.

I'm happy to report that Etsy Austin was well represented at the fest and that we were lucky enough to have our tents next to eachother. Check out the shops of the lovely EA ladies I sold with on Saturday (pictured above, clockwise from upper left corner) if you haven't already: Waxela (Spirit Mama) Cathie (Sweet Wolf), me :), and Kim (Devil Girl Design). All in all, Saturday was a long day but definitely a good one at that. If I haven't convinced you to go to next year's festivities, let me know so I can work on you a little more. Mexic Arte has posted their pics from VLVF. Enjoy!

Action Jackson out.

Currently Listening: Swimsuit Issue- Sonic Youth, Waiting for the Bus- Violent Femmes