Saturday, May 30, 2009

Weekend Whimsy {romantic prints}

1st row (left to right): stargazing Irene Suchocki; full eyeful; the sparrow Urban Design
2nd row: break the routine studio mela; simple Donna Geissler
3rd row: tiny drops of light ShadedMemories; love patterns MadeByGirl;
softly ever after Gabrielle Kai

Friday, May 29, 2009

Weekend Style

earrings by Maya & Ruhi
vintage blouse by persephone vintage
shorts by Forever21
shoes by Ann Taylor Loft

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Purse-aholic

This week's featured purse is a wonderful ruffle bag by a local artist (Durham, NC). Shown, is not one, but two of these adorable bags in
carolina blue and mustard yellow.
They are embellished with buttons and coordinating fabrics to
accent the ruffles and lining.
Sweetgum Handbags offers this bag in several different colors!
Dogwood Ruffle Bag by Sweetgum Handbags

A few of my favorite colors:
mustard
blue
camellia pink
true purple

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Recipe Share {Black Bean & Corn Quesadillas}

These are making my mouth water. A must try for dinner one day this week!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Drumroll Please. . .


And the winner is, Celeste! Her favorite flowers are hydrangeas!
Celeste, gets a Margaret Necklace for her very own!

Thank you SO much to all of you who entered. What an astonishing amount of entries!

Also, many thanks to Amy for taking her time to share with us and so generously offering her beautiful necklace. Thank you, thank you!

Look for more Hall of Fame interviews and giveaways coming soon!

Worth Quoting

Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Weekend Whimsy {A Day at the Beach}

Because I wish I were there. . .
Sea of Tranquility ~ Print by Irene Suchocki
Ocean Journey ~ Necklace by japonicas
Pin Up Girl On Beach ~ Vintage Cigarette Case by ToFunkyTown
Long Turquoise Necklace by Dal Mare
Tote Bag by The Vintage Bag
Sunset Stripes by hotelle motelle
60's Embroidered Summer Dress by Aida Coronado
Beach Findings Necklace by Star of the East
Sea Shell Print by Tutti Studio
Mermaid Hanger by Monkey & Squirrel
Long Sand & Sea Necklace by Stephanie Gibson
Sea Star Print by D.S. Brennan Photography
Beach Grass Throw Pillow by The Snuggery
Dune Shadows Print by The Jonathan Galleries
Canvas Sun Hat by Amber Elyse
Beach Grass Arrangement by Beach Grass Cottage

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Weekend Style

This outfit started with the shoes. Gotta love shoes like that.
clockwise from top left

Polka Dot Headband by Mixbaby
Belted Chambray Palazzo Pant by Banana Republic
Vintage Red & Black Slingbacks by Vintage Fever
Paris Doodling Burnout Tee by Forever21

Purse-aholic

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Recipe Share {Birthday Cake}

I'm sticking with the birthday theme for today's recipe share. So, here's a yummy-looking one for cake with Italian Meringue. Yum...

Monday, May 18, 2009

Birthdays, Cards, and Sales. . . Oh, my!

♫♪Happy Birthday to me. Happy Birthday...♪♫
Ok, you get the point. Tomorrow is my birthday! I want to celebrate with you, so I am offering 20% off everything in my shop, starting now!
May 28th is my "Etsyversary", so I will continue this sale throughout the
rest of the month of May.
Bird Bath and Flower Garden Note Cards ~ by Bird Haven
Vintage Style Greeting Card ~ by Seasonal Delights
Birthday Cake ~ by Paper Eclectiques
Another Gray Hare ~ by Card-Blanc Too

*Note: Please mention "birthday", or "b-day sale" (anything pertaining to "birthday") at checkout, and I will refund your 20% through PayPal or you can request a revised invoice before paying. Thanks so much - enjoy!

Psst! And a Happy Early Birthday to my niece, Alexandra, who turns 13 on the 26th!

Mystery Present

This was in my mailbox today!
It's perfect. And adorable!
Someone must know my birthday is Wednesday. Hmm...it's a mystery, for now.


UPDATE (5/20)
The lovely wallet from GetReadySetCLUTCH was a gift from my sister!
Thank you, Stephanie!

Hall of Fame {the b-line}


Meet Amy, the lovely face behind the b-line, in the first of my new
Hall of Fame series.

A talented college professor and jewelry designer from Michigan, Amy divulges a bit about herself below.



What made you decide to create jewelry?

I've been making jewelry for several years, mainly because I would go to the shops looking for something I had in mind and couldn't find it. It was just easier to do it myself! My polymer clay line was designed from necessity. I had made a few bracelets with floral beads and couldn't find any more of them. So I decided to try to make them myself. My flowers look nothing like the original beads I was trying to "replace", and I'm okay with that. I actually like mine better!

What inspires you?
It's hard to pin down, really. I'm inspired by all sorts of things. From things I see in nature (particularly flowers, but no big surprise there, I'm sure!), to fashion magazines to photographs. I'd say more often than not, my ideas start with colors that intrigue me. I work with shapes and textures with those colors in mind.

flor dangly earrings

Share an interesting fact about yourself.
I spent a fair amount of time in my high school and college days with my flute firmly planted on my lips. For a few years, I really thought I'd be a professional musician. But my distaste for practicing as much as I needed to kinda nipped that dream in the bud. That, and I figured I'd make a better living as a chemist. Still, I enjoyed playing in orchestra and small ensembles all through college. That said, it's been a while since I practiced...perhaps I made the right career choice!

How did you choose the name "the b-line?" Any special significance?
Actually my husband chose the name. My maiden name and married name both begin with "B", and since I was designing a new line of jewelry, he thought it was fitting. And I liked it too. I liked that the letter "B" could be interpreted in different ways, standing for different things, like bold, beautiful, etc. And I've long had a fondness for bees!

Tell us about your day job.
By day, I teach inorganic chemistry at a small liberal arts college. The majority of my students are first years and sophomores who don't have too much experience with chemistry. I really enjoy helping them learn just a little bit about how things work on a molecular level. It's really fascinating.

margaret bracelet

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
I'm just so thrilled that there are so many lovely people out there who want to wear the things that I make! Honestly, the conversations I have with customers just makes my day.

What is your most prized possession?
Hmm.. this is a tough one. I do love so many things and I don't know how I could choose just one. Top three on my list: my wedding dress, my engagement ring, and a quilt that my parents had made for me when I was about 10. But I treasure the people and creatures in my life far more than any of these!


fruit and herb magnet set

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.
Oh, where to begin?! Can I just tell you that "meeting" other artisans has been one of the most wonderful parts of joining the handmade workforce! Again, I can't settle on just one, so here are a few!

I just bought this shirt and so love it! Along with this, I'm set for summer.
This bracelet is a new staple (Lory: I own this bracelet too, and totally agree!) and
I've been wearing these earrings regularly for about a year. I just love 'em!
Finally, I leave the house each day with this sweet pouch in my handbag.


List ten of your most favorite things.
Since I just gave quite a list of things I treasure, I'm going to go with the things you can't buy.

• my husband's hugs
• bright sunshine streaming in the windows early in the morning
• jogging with my weimaraner, Lola (her sheer excitement at the word "jog" motivates me)
• listening to our lab, Sita, howl (it's really funny)
• singing a good praise song at the top of my lungs (usually in the car)
• feeling loved
• the first snow
• going home (my parents have found a way to make the phrase "you can never go home again" seem ridiculous)
• Christmas
• shopping with my mom and sister (although they often "lose" me as I wander off...)

sophie ring

A big thank you to Amy for taking part in this interview and sharing a little bit about herself!


Giveaway Time

Amy has so graciously offered one of her gorgeous Margaret Necklaces for this giveaway!
The winner will win one for her very own!

Contest Rules:

Because she, "spends a fair amount of time making and photographing flowers", Amy would like to know what your favorite flower is!

To enter, leave a comment on this post with your name, answer, and email address or Etsy username.

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway: 2 additional entries
Follow mine and Amy's blogs: 5 additional entries
Blog about this interview/contest: 7 additional entries
Purchase from the b-line: 10 additional entries
(Please include this info, if applicable, with your comment for additional entries.)

Contest ends Sunday, May 24th at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen by traditional drawing and will be announced Monday, May 25th.

Worth Quoting

Take the first step in faith.
You don't have to see the whole staircase,
just take the first step.

~ Martin Luther King

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Weekend Whimsy {Seeing Red}

Tea for Two ~ print by The Black Apple
Fire Opal Red ~ earrings by South Paw Studios
Rosalie ~ ring by The Sunshine Studio
Vintage Skimmers ~ by Dear Golden Vintage
Ruby Silk Chenille ~ luxury clutch by Red Ruby Rose
Ruby Red ~ jade choker by puffluna
Polka Dot Flowers ~ mini print by Print Maker Jenn
Upcycled Vintage Train Case by GetReadySetGO
The Devil Wears Prada ~ print by thePhotoZoo
Red Bird on Cherry Blossom ~ pillow by joom

Friday, May 15, 2009

Weekend Style

Soft blues and neutrals make up this week's style staples. Have a great one!
blouse ~ Ruche
hat ~ Banana Republic
earrings ~ Joannarutter
shoes ~ Old Navy
shorts ~ Ruche

Monday, May 11, 2009

Worth Quoting


Things to Always Remember. . .
and One Thing Never to Forget


Your presence is a present to the world.
You're unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be.
Take the days just one at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles.
You'll make it through whatever comes along.
Within you are so many answers.
Understand, have courage, be strong.

Don't put limits on yourself.
So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize.

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets.
Don't take things too seriously.
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot . . . goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
Life's treasures are people . . . together.

Realize that it's never too late.
Do ordinary things in extraordinary ways.
Have health and hope and happiness.
Take the time to wish upon a star.

And don't ever forget . . .
For even a day . . .
How very special you are.

~Author Unknown

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Mother's Love


Her love is like
an island in life's ocean,
vast and wide
A peaceful, quiet shelter
From the wind, the rain,
the tide.
'Tis bound on the north by Hope,
By Patience on the West,
By tender Counsel on the South
And on the East by Rest.
Above it like a beacon light
Shine Faith, and Truth,
and Prayer;
And thro' the changing
scenes of life
I find a haven there.

~Author Unknown




Happy Mother's Day, mom. I love you!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Weekend Whimsy {Thinking of Mom}

I put together this collection with my mom in mind. I love the soft hues. She's a big fan of bluebirds, so of course I had to include at least one. Love you, mom!
My Sunshine ~ print by rkdsign88
Robin's Egg Blue ~ bud vase trio by Red Hot Pottery
Blue Bird Nest ~ soap set by LoveLee Soaps
Pretty in Pink ~ earrings by Modern Trinkets
Teal Ombre Knit Scarf by Italian Postcards
Custom Stacks ~ recycled silver rings by singleB beautiful
Keepsake Bird Nest by Genevieve Gail
Two of Hearts ~ ceramic bowls by Red Hot Pottery


Psst! That scarf is only $14!!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Fab Etsy Purchase {greatfindz & kristinenoel}

Several purchases are rolled into one in this post. In the first picture, not only will you see the awesome Lemon Still Print from KristineNoel Photography and the Vintage Lotus Bowls and Jewelry Stand from greatfindz, but also my new Delilah Earrings from the b-line, Mystic Earrings from Mia Beads and my Frozen Lily Bracelet from LesChic Boutique!

The Lemon Still looks great in my kitchen. How do you like the frame I found?
I LOVE my vintage bowls . . .

I previously posted about my purchase from the b-line here, and Mia Beads here.

Weekend Style

This weekend's outfit feels light and airy and brings a smile to my face . . .
Necklace by Brooke Marton
Dress, Jeans, and Flats by Ruche

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Millionminds Giveaway {hosted by Kristin Friesen}

Kristin {Sweeter Than Me Designs} is hosting another awesome
giveaway on her blog.
Up for grabs are three bookmarks from talented artist Vinca from Millionminds.

I love her bright, colorful prints - some of my favorites are above.

Enter the contest here . . .

Fab Etsy Purchase {the b-line}

I've been anxiously awaiting my latest Etsy purchase, so when I opened the mailbox today and saw the bubble mailer with the b-line logo, I was excited! I quickly tore it open revealing the sweetest handmade felt baggie and a miniature card addressed to me. The packaging was so sweet and unique! I appreciate the time that Amy spent on the small details - it made me feel special. I put my lovely new earrings on right away. They're sure to become a staple in my wardrobe. Thank you, Amy!!

Please excuse the blurry self-portrait sans makeup!

Purse-aholic

Ok, ok. This week I couldn't choose just one. I am a purse-aholic, after all. I chose a steal and a splurge. Enjoy!
An upcycled messenger purse with adorable deer by GetReadySetCLUTCH
~$32.50

and...
The Camellia leather shoulder bag (awesome contrasting inner fabric) by gogovivi
~$185

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Recipe Share {Cowboy Nachos}

I am super hungry as I type this, so my mouth is totally watering over these bad boys...

Now, that's southern comfort food.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Worth Quoting


The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.

~Helen Keller

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Weekend Whimsy {May Flowers}

May is my favorite month of the year (and not just because it's my birth month). Everything is bright, colorful, and in bloom - just like this week's collection!
Have a fabulous weekend!

Spring Tulips by Laura Trevey
Bobby Pins by New Fashioned Whispers
Flower Ring by LesChic
Butter Cream Pedestal by Greenware Design
Primavera Ring by Blissful
Post Earring Trio by Sweeter Than Me Designs

Friday, May 1, 2009

Weekend Style


1 Jumpstart dress sandals by Fergie
2 Elle Floral Babydoll Top from Kohl's
3 City Style Braided Clutch from New York & Company
4 Smoky and Smooth - Vintage Acrylic Earrings by Shy Siren
5 J Brand Lowrise Cigarette Jeans in Jett Black - find them on tobi

Uncorked & Polarity {Mother's Day Giveaway}

Enter the Uncorked & Polarity Mother's Day Giveaway by 5pm EST on Mother's Day, May 10th!
Leave a comment and be entered to win a gorgeous hanging jewelry organizer!

Don't forget to stop by Uncorked and Polarity and pick up something for mom (or yourself).

(my faves shown above)
Floral Xplosion - Magnetic Recycled Locket Set Bangle - Polarity
Got the Blues - Recycled Floral Wine Cork Necklace - Uncorked
Imaginative - Recycled Magnetic Locket Set - Polarity