haybalesblog

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I'm exhausted and my brain doesn't rest

Hey all you fun people. Just thought I'd hop on to catch you up on a bit of me. I am currently in school, a random decision. I chose to go back and I am going through it girl. But besides that, I am of course still experiencing my hyper fixations, and I plan on making a detailed post on the different specimens within the Crocodilian species. I'll be honest, this is a shameless plug for my primary fascination. I have loved alligators and crocodiles since I was little. (Could have been the fact that my grandpa illegally kept some in an enclosure in his basement when I was a kid.) I think they're so interesting. They really are modern day dinosaurs. 🦕

I'm technically currently fixating on school. I've never been the best student, so this is a time that I am focusing on my classes and trying to be better. We'll see how that goes.

I'm rambling..

I'm going on and on because I miss you and miss my blog. But let me put you into perspective as to what my life is right this millisecond and why I'm not about to grab my laptop and start typing an alligator novel for you just yet.

It's 2 am and I'm tired.

Okay going into more detail now, my toddler woke me up by kicking the wall as loud as he could from his bedroom. He thinks it's funny I guess, not sure why he does it. But he loves to lay back on his boppy pillow and kick the crap out of the wall with one leg.

So I got up and took care of it.

Upon returning to my dungeon of sleep apnea, I checked my phone and saw a notification from a girl who followed me on here and sent me a dm sharing her post. This was a post about joining Muslim TikTok, I can confirm that I already have too much TikTok in my life and so I will not be doing that at this time. (Haha)

But I needed that notification to remind me to post on my blog more. I do love the concept of this blog still, I just have had a lot on my mind and forgot all about it.

Anyways, it's now 2:15 and I'm exhausted and ready to go to sleep. So I'll ttyl girlie pops 💕

Ps...I love ya

Xoxoxo, Haybales 🖤

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I've been super busy lately but I'm not forgetting about my blog. I've had so many hyper fixations in the span of a month. Currently I am stuck on the 16th century Tudor period. Along with that has come a new hobby ‼️

Sewing 🪡🧵

I am obsessed with my ADHD and the way it has made me such a cool person. I pride myself on my ability to pick up a skill and master it within a few days. Lol I wouldn't say I've mastered sewing yet though. I'm working on hand sewing, the first photo is a new type of stitch I've learned. The next 2 are a previous dress I made (colonial time period) with some help from my masterful Mamaw.

My big goal currently is that I plan on making a Tudor period dress and head piece called a "French hood". I'm so excited! And as I go I will document the process here. Because I'm diving in with literally 2% knowledge on sewing. But like I previously stated, I have a knack for learning new talents quickly. So we shall see how this goes.

Anyways love ya,

Haybales xoxo 💋

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Been busy lately, I've been diving further into the topic of religion, and the different aspects of Christianity. I love growing and learning. Anyways, love ya, ttyl <3

Pamela Anderson, 1995

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So interesting to see how things were done in a time so long ago. It's funny in a way, because every pencil sharpener that I use now is far less superior to this one in the video. Why the more advanced our society becomes, the crappier our products get?

Old Pencil Sharpener in Action

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Whales

I'm not currently obsessing over whales, but this image has me wanting to do a quick brain dump on the species.

Whales are incredible animals, peaceful giants floating throughout the ocean with not a thought behind those blow holes. But what exactly are they? What do they eat? Lets get into that.

~ Whales are mammals, not only that, but they are the largest mammals on the planet. They breath air, give birth to live young, and even produce milk.

~ There are two main groups of whales :

Odontocetes (Toothed Whales): These whales have teeth and use echolocation to hunt. Examples include dolphins, orcas, and sperm whales.

Mysticetes (Baleen Whales): These whales have baleen plates instead of teeth, which they use to filter krill and other small creatures from the water. Examples include blue whales, humpback whales, and right whales.

~ Size and longevity of the whales vary, blue whales are the largest on the planet reaching up to 100 feet sometimes.

Some species of whales such as the bowhead whales can live up to 200 years. (Which I think is kind of interesting because in species like dogs, the bigger the dog they typically have shorter life-spans. But apparently this doesn't matter to water mammals. Just something I thought was interesting, now...back to the whales)

~ Communication and intelligence in whales is quite interesting. Whales are highly intelligent, and social animals. Will you find a whale galivanting in the middle of the ocean chatting it up with other sea creatures? Likely not. But you will hear them moaning around speaking with one another. They communicate through complex vocalizations, including songs, clicks, and whistles.

Humpback whales in particular are known for their complex songs.

Fun Fact about whale sounds: They are the loudest animals on Earth. Sperm whales produce some of the loudest sounds in the animal kingdom, with their clicks used for echolocation reaching up to 230 decibels. Now, if you're wondering what that means. Basically if you run up on one and it starts clicking, you'll be highly disorientated. So I don't recommend it.

I'm going to let you marinate in these whale facts now. Let me know if there are any topics you're interested in and would like me to cover next.

Love ya, Haybales <3

" Mommas & Calves " // © Rachel Moore

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Thank you to everyone who got me to 100 likes!

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Catholicism and Lent

A seemingly random topic, perhaps, but as previously stated, my interests are diverse. Recently, I've developed a significant interest in Christian history. While raised within the Protestant tradition, and still aligned with those beliefs, I've become increasingly intrigued by other Christian denominations. The Catholic faith, in particular, has captured my attention. Despite doctrinal differences, such as my perspective on the papacy, I find the cultural richness and historical depth of Catholicism profoundly compelling. Let's explore some of the areas I've been researching.

The Beginning of the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church's history is a fascinating, and often debated, topic. While early Christian communities existed in Rome during the first century, the term 'Catholic' emerged in the second. What really piqued my interest is the idea that Jesus himself founded the Catholic Church. Catholics often cite Matthew 16:18, where Jesus says to Peter, 'And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.' Now, to my Protestant ears, that doesn't necessarily scream 'Peter, you're in charge!' But Catholics believe this moment designated Peter as the Church's first leader. They consider Peter the first Bishop of Rome, and thus, the first Pope. From there, the papacy continued through a line of successors.

I find this piece of history interesting, and although I don't necessarily agree with them on everything, I still find Catholicism very important to Christian culture, and that brings me to my next topic regarding Catholics.

Lent

Ash Wednesday and Lent have become my latest deep dive. It's funny, actually. My mom and I started participating in this Catholic tradition back in 2019, and initially, it was…well, let's just say our motives weren't exactly spiritual. We were looking for a diet hack, a way to justify cutting out certain foods. 'It's for God!' we'd say, to keep ourselves motivated. But something shifted over time. I found myself increasingly drawn to the deeper meaning of Lent. The idea of sacrificing something for Jesus, who made the ultimate sacrifice for us, is truly beautiful. And though I've been observing Lent for years, it's only now that I truly understand its significance. This year, I have a newfound, profound appreciation for this season.

Here is a brief history of Lent for those who aren't aware:

Lent, the 40-day period of reflection and preparation leading up to Easter, has roots that stretch back to the early days of Christianity. While the observance of a specific 40-day period solidified over time, the concept of a preparatory season existed from the very beginning.

Early Christians observed a period of fasting and prayer before Easter, primarily as a time for catechumens (those preparing for baptism) to prepare spiritually. By the fourth century, the 40-day period became more standardized, mirroring the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert as recounted in the Gospels.

Initially, the length and practices of Lent varied across different regions. However, by the Middle Ages, the practices we recognize today—fasting, prayer, and almsgiving—became more widely established. Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent, became more prominent as a symbolic gesture of humility and repentance.

The 40 days, excluding Sundays (which are considered mini-Easters), represent a time for believers to turn inward, examine their lives, and strengthen their relationship with God. It’s a season of spiritual discipline, a time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and prepare for the joy of his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Anyway,

In my effort to participate in Lent with greater authenticity, I've conducted extensive research. I've explored resources such as the Hallow app, which I've found particularly beneficial, and have also sought insights from various video presentations. Notably, an interview between Tucker Carlson and Jonathan Roumie, the actor portraying Jesus in 'The Chosen,' provided a transformative perspective on the purpose and significance of Lent. This interview illuminated the importance of fasting, the diverse methods of fasting, and the rationale behind the annual observance of Lent leading up to Easter.

In Conclusion

Alright, so there you have it – my deep dive into Lent and Catholic history. I know this isn't everyone's cup of tea, and that's totally cool! As you know, this blog is now my hyper-fixation playground, and this time around, it was all about Christianity. I'm thinking I'll probably do a few more posts about Christian history, from my perspective, of course. But don't worry, this isn't becoming a religious blog! I'm super excited to see where this blog takes me and what other random rabbit holes I'll drag you all down. Who knows what's next? Only my ever-wandering brain knows. Anyway…

Love ya, Haybales <3

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Rebranding: Because My Brain Said So

Yes, yes, I know. The dust bunnies on this blog have started forming their own tiny, fashionable society. And I, their absentee landlord, am feeling...conflicted. My love for fashion? Still prevalent! My ability to focus on anything for more than five minutes? Less so. Turns out, 'passion' and 'fixation problem' are basically the same thing when you're me. Anyway, Big News: this blog is getting a makeover. Think of it as a mid-life crisis, but instead of a sports car, it's a rebrand.

Fixation Problems

Alright, for those of you blessed with a brain that doesn't spontaneously combust with new ideas, let me break it down. I'm rocking the ADHD life, which means my brain operates on a 'hyper-fixation' subscription service. You know, like Netflix, but instead of binge-watching shows, I binge-learn about the history of doorknobs. It's… a trait. Some call it annoying, I call it 'intense curiosity.' It's definitely made me a creative, detail-oriented, trivia-night champion. But right now, it's interesting me in topics beyond purses and shoes. I miss this blog, but my brain's moved on. So, prepare for a plot twist. We're changing things up.

The Future Plans For This Blog

As I said, blogging is a lot of fun for me. It's where I unleash my inner know-it-all, for the good of the internet, of course. Problem is, this blog was getting a tad…monochromatic. Like, 'all-Hermes-all-the-time' monochromatic. Which, let's be honest, was a glorious two-month deep dive. But, I am a person who becomes obsessed with one thing and then I move on soon after. One minute it's handbags, the next it's…well, alligator dental hygiene. Or the fascinatingly convoluted history of Gucci belts. And so this blog is going to become nothing more than an information outlet. Where I am free to post whatever interests me in the moment.

I'm hoping that this sounds as interesting to others as it does for me, and for those that followed for fashion content, I still plan on posting content similar, it just depends what I'm interested in at the moment. I would hope that some followed me for my stellar personality, but that's in the air. lol

Anyways I'm excited for something new.

Love ya, Haybales.

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I've been sick girl, thrown off my game. This weekend I am going to be updating my blog some more.

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I've not been posting in a while, had the Flu. Then my baby had the flu, and now my husband. So this week? Has made me a lot tougher. Lol it's been awful. Anyway, I have fun plans for my blog coming up soon. I just haven't had a chance to go about that yet. So stay tuned, life will be back to normal soon lol

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Love this coat

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Me after a long day of scrolling through Shein

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Kate Spade Surprise: Finding Designer Deals at the Thrift Store

Okay, I'll admit it. This is a total brag post. But sometimes a girl just needs to share her amazing finds, alright?

Picture this: me, casually browsing at my local Plato's Closet (you know, like you do), and BAM! There it was. A gorgeous red-wine Kate Spade wallet, practically screaming my name. And the price tag? A ridiculous $12. I'm still in disbelief.

Seriously, I have no clue how they let this beauty go for so cheap. Maybe they didn't realize what they had? Maybe they were feeling extra generous that day? Whatever the reason, I am eternally grateful.

This just goes to show you that you can score incredible designer pieces without breaking the bank (or resorting to questionable online deals). So get out there and hit up your local thrift stores! You never know what treasures you might unearth.

Oh, and here's a little insider tip I got from a Plato's Closet employee: apparently, those purse sellers at the flea market are getting their goods from places like Plato's Closet! They buy them for pennies and then mark them up like crazy. (Which explains why everything was so ridiculously overpriced at the flea market I just visited.)

So yeah, consider this your official permission to skip the flea market and head straight to the thrift store.

Just to give you an idea of the price range this wallet is going for, here is a reference according to my image search on Google. It looks like this particular wallet is not available on Kate Spade's official website anymore.

Regardless, after seeing these results, I truly got this for a steal. I may even have to go back tomorrow, it's taking everything in me not to go buy everything they had.

Anyways, here's your tip for the day. Happy Hunting ✌🏼

Love ya,

Haybales

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Guess What Came in the Mail?! (Hint: It's a Kelly 25 Dupe)

->The Little Yellow App link:

https://sale.dhgate.com/ksmFqG62

It's finally here! After what felt like forever, my DHgate Hermes Kelly 25 dupe has arrived, and I'm bursting to share all the details with you. Spoiler alert: It's pretty good.

Now, let's talk about DHgate. As you might know, it can be a bit of a wild card. While that stock photo above looks promising, there are a few golden rules to keep in mind: Don't overspend, always check reviews (though take them with a grain of salt—fake reviews do exist!), and use a secure payment method. But even with precautions, there's always an element of risk. Personally, I love the thrill of the chase, and this time, I was ready to take a gamble and see what showed up on my doorstep! 🤞

->The Hermes Kelly 25 dupe: My photos

(Though the photo here may not perfectly capture every detail, I assure you this bag's shape is better in person.)

Now, let's dive into the good stuff! First, the color. This dusty rose is just gorgeous – unique and surprisingly versatile. The bag's construction is also impressive; it holds its shape beautifully and has a refined look that definitely channels the Hermes Kelly. Honestly, for a dupe, it's a fantastic find.

Of course, no dupe is an exact replica. Compared to the authentic Kelly, there are a few things to note. While I love the dusty rose, it is completely different from the stock photos color. But the biggest difference? The feet. The Kelly is known for its sturdy little feet, which allow it to stand upright. Sadly, this dupe misses the mark a bit there. One of the feet is slightly off, making the bag sit a bit crooked and prone to tipping over. If anyone has any clever fixes for this, I'm all ears!

(Proof is in the pudding)

P.S. Just a heads-up: I'm keeping the wrapping on this bag because it's actually a birthday gift for my bestie next month!

-> What came inside the bag?

Ugh, I love freebies! These extras weren't mentioned as being included with this purse, so it was a pleasant surprise. The purse came with a handkerchief (used to wrap and protect the handle), an Hermes pony keychain, and the classic lock and clochette. It also included a strap to use the purse as a crossbody. This was a nice touch and definitely deserved considering the feet issue. I have to say, though, that the quality of the extras isn't as good as the bag itself. The clochette and strap are made out of the same material, so in this case, I'm referring to the handkerchief and the pony keychain. I can't complain too much because I wasn't aware these were even included, but it's worth knowing.

This bag retails at $56.10 USD, with free shipping and a $5 coupon. After all of this it comes to a grand total of $51.10. Not bad for a cute bag.

What rating do I give? Eh, I would say 6/10.

I would likely be willing to buy again at this price point, I am not so sure about this particular seller (They were kind of rude when messaging). But I am not disappointed, I think I came with low expectations and in that case it is hard to be upset about the result.

Shipping took about 3.5 weeks. Which I guess is not that bad, I just am impatient lol..

-> Final Thoughts

So, all in all, this was a pretty cool experience. The bag isn't perfect, but it's definitely not a fail either. I'm happy with it, and I'm already browsing DHgate for my next purchase. There are just too many fun colors to resist, even if what you get isn't always exactly as pictured. I'm also curious about Kien – I might give them a try next. And just for kicks, I'm going to attempt to make my own bag with Popsewing. We'll see how that goes! I'll keep you posted on my bag-making journey (and any future dupe adventures, of course!).

Love ya,

Haybales

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ooo a better picture of the one I have!