a global perspective

I know, I know, it's Cinco de Mayo and I had visions of creating a colorful Mexican inspired collage but then Etsy sent me this one courtesy of their fabulous blog and there was really no reason to compete.  

I mean... it's cool. 

Then I saw this stunning work of art at the K Callaghan Gallery and I totally inspired.  My son would LOVE the blue one in his room.  Too bad the walls are currently overrun with shelves of Legos.  Sigh. 

Maybe in a few years...

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accessorize

Dear Accessorize, 

Where have you been all of my life, why do you suddenly appear just in time for my extraordinarily colorful summer and how dare you ship fairly reasonably to the US?

PS.  I think I love you.

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download & print

There's got to be a catch.  Free invitation templates that you can download and print at home?  That are really, really pretty?  Yup. Courtesy of Download & Print. It's really that easy.  Almost easier.  (But if you're invited to Zuzu's 4th birthday party this summer and one of these shows up... please just ooh and aah like you think I've done something extraordinary!)

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just hangin' around

It's certainly no secret that I am head over heels smitten with anthro.  And then they go and do this.  Oye.  Where can I put it and who's gonna hang it for me?

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going somewhere are you?

 Got luggage?  

Then checkout these clever vintage image tags by Passalaqua Design Studio. Love the look and the lingo. Can you guess which is my favorite?  Now I just need some fabulous vintage luggage to hang them on...

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oh happy day!

Love these party decorations?  Think they are some fancy, schmancy pieces of art that you have to pay lots of money for and ship from Europe?  Nope. They are made of vellum and you can totally make them yourself.  Yup.  Jordan Ferney shows you how here on her lovely design blog Oh Happy Day!

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outdoor

 I've never posted anything from a former employer on my blogs... until now.  I just couldn't resist these hip new outdoor furniture collections from Restoration Hardware.  Kinda missing that sweet employee discount right about now.  And the space to actually accommodate this ginormous furniture... but that's irrelevant. 

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birds on a wire

I absolutely fell in love with this light fixture in the Dwell Studio catalog today.  Unfortunately, they don't credit it in the mailer & have conveniently edited it out of the same product shot on their website so I had to scan my catalog page to share it here.  

I wonder if it's really functional.... see the exposed light bulb in the middle?  And if it is functional...  what it looks like when it's illuminated in a dark room.  Not sure I'd be hanging it over my baby's crib but it's still pretty damn cool.

If you happen know anything else about the piece please feel free to share!

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ecostasy

 Ecostasy.  Such a sensible philosophy.  And still a beautiful assortment. Can't wait to see more from them.

Because I couldn't possibly explain it any better... their "preface", taken directly from their website:

ECOSTASY is a conscious commerce experience - informed, values-driven appreciation of curated objects that promote social and environmental good.  The following principles frame our collection:

Handcrafted Beauty

Inspired Design

High Quality

Natural and Renewable

Productive Conservation

Social Preservation

Accessibility

Contextualization

Collaboration

mid week. mid century. totally cool.

1.knoll tulip chair 2.thread bobbins 3.teak ice bucket 4.needlepoint pillow 5.hanging scale 6.etched glasses 7.desk lamp 8.magazine rack 9.catherineholm fondue pot

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tweet, tweet.... so sweet.

 

I see a handmade birdcage for Zuzu's room in my future.  These darling caged lovebirds are courtesy of Folksy Week One on the So You Think You're Crafty Blog.

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la native

I'm loving these handmade friendship charm bracelets from LA NATIVE.  First seen on the Cupcake Mag blog,  LA NATIVE is "a collaborative effort between two California girls. Inspired by the beaches, canyons, and city streets we grew up on...and the desire to make something old new again..."

They appeal to me because they are whimsical and young, yet sophisticated at the same time.  Plus, I'm really into statement bracelets these days... and the more of the wrist they cover the better!

LA NATIVE has a blog and a facebook fan page as well.

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spring cleaning giveaway!

Shauna from lemon drop studio is having a lovely little giveaway on her blog.  I'm sharing it with you even though I want it all for myself. Isn't that generous?  If you enter and win...will you share?

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the decorated cookie

 The decorated cookie does it again.  Over the rim cookies?  Never heard of them... but how darn cute are they?  See her full blog post for complete instructions on how to make your own.  It certainly is a lovely idea for mother's day.  Now who's going to make them for me?

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kiss the cook

 I'm terribly afraid that I might have to learn how to cook.  See, I'm falling in love with vintage enamelware and I'm just not sure how to justify a collection to boil the kids spaghetti.  But if you have any creative ideas on how to get around this one I'd love to hear them!

I am part Dutch.  Does that help?

All photos courtesy of Etsy and these fine vintage establishments...

1.here and there 2.mod apple 3.blue flower vintage 4.hold the wire 

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keep calm and dance on

Good advice for all ages.  

All lovely images and sweet products currently of these fine Etsy shops:

 1. keep calm poster 2. rose baby booties 3. pink satin ballet flats 4. ruffle leggings

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maan. summer 2010.

This is just a peek at the girl's summer 2010 collection at Maan. 

Maan is a Belgian design house born from the collaboration between talented fashionistas Vicky Vinck and Evelyne De Brock. I absolutely adore their use of color and their ability to make grown up styles kid friendly.  Collar up?  Broach pinned down?  Belt cinched?  Sweet.  Ready for the playground!

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mobility

I'm loving these non-traditional mobiles by frazier & wing and oras.  They sure beat the heck out of those musical farm animal plushies hanging from twine (mind you, my first child did have one of those in his room).  The above mobiles are all available at fawn & forest, along with lots of other fun, modern goodies for your home.  Beware.  I have been known to spend hours there.

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spring into H & M

These lovely spring ensembles are definitely not handmade... but heck if they aren't sweet.  And cheap.  I'm loving H & M's "fashion studio" feature which allows you to put together your own outfits like I did above. Choose your model, clothes & even accessorize.  It's like your own personal catwalk.  But from the privacy of your own laptop it's just a tad less formal.

plum pretty sugar

I am seriously in lust with this robe.  I just can't stop staring at it and imagining myself floating around the house with a warm, foamy latte and a well worn in novel.  Ah.  Peace.  This "kimono sleeve-style crossover robe with self-tie sash and inner tie" is courtesy of Plum Pretty Sugar on Etsy.  The silhouettes are simple yet elegant, the fabrics are uniquely flirtatious, and the photographs the kind that make you more than just a little jealous that you're sitting at your kitchen counter, blogging in a beat up, 20 year old sweatshirt and gym socks.  

Here are a just few more of my favorites from Plum Pretty Sugar...

tunic dress / top. beckoning creatures.

fitted caftan. beckoning creatures.

cami dress. ankle length. habutai silk.

duvet cover full/queen. pink love poppy.

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