{Links} 14.10.27

1. I've started {and stopped} a bunch of blogs over the years. Of course none have ever gained any strong readership, but it's something I enjoy doing. Every single time I started a blog I had the most difficult time coming up with a name. I once re-branded a blog because I was so over the original name. I enlisted my brother for help and I think he eventually came up with the winning name.

I've gone back and forth many times over what I want to call this blog. I don't want to pigeon-hole myself into one specific craft (sewing, photography, lettering, etc.), which is why I didn't create a pun on sewing or include 'photography' in my name. I also knew I most likely wasn't going to become a hardcore photographer anyway. I use my name because it's an easy option and I haven't met anyone else with the First-Middle name combo so I'm assuming I'm the only one with this name so I think it has some uniqueness. For awhile though I gave this blog a different title, 'Calmez-Vous', but I recently removed it, which may or may not be correctly reflected in your reader.

Anyway, totally long-winded way of saying, I came across a book called, 'Don't Call it That' that is supposed to help you develop your business {or blog?} name. What's your opinion on business naming? Are you for or against using your name in a business? Would it be confusing if I re-branded this blog? I always think it would be cool if I could start a side business through this blog, which is why I care so much about the naming thing.
{Don't Call it That via Aeolidia}

2. I've never bought anything from ModCloth, but I am so tempted to do so after searching their website for alllllll the cat items! I may do some xmas shopping there for some feline-loving friends because there is some seriously cute and/or hilariously ridiculous cat items for sale.
{All the Cat Items at ModCloth}

3. I read CNN Money fairly religiously because I'm a personal finance geek. Recently they've been running a "24 hours with [...]" and have been highlighting some odd jobs. One was about a concierge for a very wealthy family and another was about a kindergarten teacher (ok, I guess that's not actually an odd job). The most recent story is about a professional cosplay character, which I didn't even know was a real job. She makes all of her costumes and the one she wears and created in this story is very intricate. It's mentioned that she'll spend 600 hours on a costume! Knowing how long it takes me to make a dress, I'm not surprised by that time estimate.
{24 hrs w/a comicon character // CNN Money}

4. How have I only just heard of Pattern Workshop????? I felt like I was living under a rock when I came across it.
{Pattern Workshop}

5. I'm heading to Hello Kitty Con this coming Sunday. I feel like I'm 8 years old again, but whatever. I know there are tons of people (men and women) my age who are really into HK and will be there. I'm going with a friend who may or may not bring her toddler-aged kiddo. She sent me an article the Hello Kitty Food Scavenger Hunt, which consists of several restaurants in the area preparing a special HK item on the menu. There are limited quantities available each day, but if you happen to order it, then you get a special HK pin. It's so ridiculous (umm, Hello, pink cheese??), but I totally want those pins!
{Hello Kitty Food Scavenger Hunt // LAist }