Email Finds: Ariel Gordon Jewelry

Ariel wanted me to let you all know she's having a 25% off sale in her shop so stop by and see if there's something right for you or a loved one! Just enter the code: SHOPSTYLE at checkout to receive your discount!

eating al fresco

Who doesn't love a picnic? You'd almost have to be crazy not to. Here are my best vintage finds for all your outdoor dining needs:

clockwise:
1950's red and white GINGHAM sundress from Vintage Rose Clothing
Vintage Summer's Day Picnic Straw Clutch from The Doot Doot Store
Flying Ace Roller Skates from Tipple & Snack
vintage denim slip-ons from avant anthologue

clockwise:
tartan plaid vintage fabric from Jess James Jake
Vintage Double Universal Thermos from Wishful Thinking
vintage farmhouse tin outdoor cake cover from Prairie Antiques
Vintage Melmac Coronado Picnic Set - 16 Pieces from Roberta Grove Vintage
Vintage Hotel Taft NYC dinner napkin from Tipple & Snack
corn holders from The Best Things

xo, Caroline

oh my!

apparantly, yobo isn't able to tell what day it is, because she almost forgot that it's wednesday today! oh noes!
luckily, she had an almostery ready, just not posted.
from top left to bottom right:
Ellita, Panzer Kitty, captured imagination, Orpheus Alchemy (alt)
Recession, Sand maiden, cesky jewels, Professor Maelstromme (alt)
t.r. creations, mnemosyne designs, cynthia del giudice, zerkahloostrah (alt)
Merimask, Hydra Heart, Timothy Earth, leather made nice (alt)

one of these days, yobo will learn to read a calendar, she promises.

I heart you: BeadsInTheBelfry

Drop by BeadsInTheBelfry your one stop shop for Mother's Day! Pick up a bouquet of flowers, some pretty rings, and earrings you won't find anywhere else!

Tutorial Tuesday: How to make glass tile pendants

I found this great tutorial from zombuki on Flickr and I just had to share because I thought it would make wonderful Mother's Day weekend craft. You could spend time with mom, grandma and the kids making cute keepsakes for each other with photos, drawings and other clippings! To view the full tutorial click here!

---------------------------------------------------
P.S. If you're looking for supplies or a kit for these pendants check this out.
I hope you all have fun crafting!
♥
Connie

Pamper her!

It's almost Mother's Day! In case you forgot or don't know yet it's on Sunday, May 10th. This week I will be featuring some gift ideas for making mom's feel extra special and loved :) So with that said, let's start the pampering! Sweet and luxurious soaps, lotions, scrubs, etc... from some of Etsy's finest bath and body shops! Looks like they're all packaged and ready for gift giving too!

1. Brown sugar sugarcube body scrub by FlourishBathBody
2. Charcoal and clay - Facial mask and exfoliant with papaya extract by DressGreen
3. Grapefruit cucumber super moisturizing handmade body lotion with shea butter by aBreathofFrenchair
4. Bubble bath dough from ShopRedLeaf
5. Eco-friendly scents solid perfume orchard of bliss (vegan friendly) by dennisanderson
6. Blue bird nest soap set by LoveLeeSoaps

Faux Cupcakes

Most of us love a cupcake now and then, and some of us love them so much we decorate our homes with them. I've wanted to purchase faux cupcakes for my dining room for quite some time, and finally did it. I am so happy with my treats! Jenni B Originals is the cutest shop. These inedible and adorable baby cakes really sweeten up a room.

Happy Friday!
XOXO,
Brandy

*Image provided by Jenni B Originals*

Flickr Friday: Things that remind me of spring

Things that remind me of spring: children playing, birds chirping, flowers blooming, strawberry plants, floral and fruity prints, and walks on the beach.

I heart you: jillrosenwald

If you haven't noticed yet, I am a huge fan of people who do ceramic arts because I have tried and have totally failed at anything that requires sculpting with two hands. So naturally, I am loving the ceramic pieces from jillrosenwald's shop. I like them because of the bold designs, pretty colors and fantastic photography! If you've fallen head over heels like me, stop by her shop and take a peek at the rest of her work!

Swim Season Soon

I don't know what the weather looks like in your neck of the woods, but it's been heating up pretty quickly around these parts. I'm planning on a lot of swimming and beaching time for myself this summer, but I really want a new (old) swimsuit before I head out. These three vintage options all manage to be incredibly sexy without showing too much skin - exactly what I like to see.

vintage 70s chevron stripe bathing suit from Rarae Aves

akoi floral swimsuit from Bleubird Vintage

roxy bathing suit from Peppermint Vintage

xo, Caroline

i'm late! i'm late! i'm late!

From top left to bottom right:
Evening Arwen, rainbow wrangler, bethany's toy box, jen's closet (alt)
atelier susan's dolls, merchant of kismet, whimsical vintage, chic baby rose (alt)
caerulius, Sassy doggs, keith cw, H Feather Fashions (alt)
River Bazaar, Anne Archy, mad hatter ceramics, Retro classics (alt)

Sponsor Spotlight: LFN Textiles

Visit LFN Textiles for beautiful ribbons and trims by textile artist Laura Foster Nicholson.

Happy Earth Day!

There are so many ways simple ways to be more eco-friendly these days! Plant a tree, pay your bills online, turn out the lights when you leave a room, grow your own veggies, use non-toxic cleaning agents, use a fabric grocery bag, hang dry your clothing, change your lightbulbs, recycle your cans, newspapers and juice boxes! The list goes on and on! Are you doing your part in protecting the world we live in?

Here some items to help you be more eco-friendly:
1. MamaMade reusable sandwich bag
2. Dryer sachets from ReFabulous
3. Grocery tote bag from kidpirate
4. Reusable deli wrap by WasteNotSaks
5. CrazyCoutureBoutique's hand towels
6. Eco coffee sleeve by karley

Email Finds: Feisty Elle

Check out these Orange Dahlia Earrings by Feisty Elle! They are the first design in Leslie's brand new felt jewelry collection. The felt is 100% merino wool and they come hung on 14k gold fill hoops. Visit her shop to find hair clips and brooches as well!

Sponsor Spotlight: JustineJustine

Visit JustineJustine for some funky jewelry with a Mexican twist!

Tutorial Tuesday: How to make an eco-friendly bag

Tomorrow is Earth Day so what would be more fitting than a bag made of recycled materials? It's sturdy and perfect for everyday use! This week's feature tutorial for how to make an eco-friendly bag out of industrial felt and recycled leather is brought you by Jenya from forEvaMore to visit the full tutorial please click here!

Sponsor Spotlight: Golden Hill Design

Visit GoldenHillDesign to check out their brand new fall wedding invitation collection!

Antler Mag!

Issue #2 of Antler Magazine is ready for your viewing pleasure!

Spring blossoms!

The cherry blossoms are in full bloom and they are so gorgeous! I snapped a bunch of photos of our local cherry blossom trees in full bloom. Find them on my other blog http://thetinyfig.blogspot.com
1. Sparkling Blush Votive Set by PinkBlossomBoutique
2. Cherry Blossoms with Natural Linen by laurabucci
3. Cherry Blossom Hello Folded Note Cards by sweetbellacards
4. Dogwood Blossoms on Pink Mini Pincushion by TheDailyPincushion

Homemade Lemonade

I would love to share this yummy recipe I found and made this week : )



I used the Perfect Lemonade Recipe.

You will need 4-6 lemons to get 1 cup of lemon juice.





While you're prepping the lemons to be juiced - dissolve 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water on the stove. You need to make a simple syrup, so the sugar mixes with the juice instead of sinking to the bottom of the pitcher.



After you juice the lemons and have your simple syrup prepared, combine them both in a pitcher.







Add 4 cups of cold water and chill in the fridge for 30-40 minutes. Yum!

XOXO,
Brandy

B.K.A.: Indy Grrrl

Vintage Kitchen

Here's some dreamy kitchen gear for your perusing pleasure.  I'm thinking these goods would be right at home in a cozy light filled kitchen nook.

clockwise:
LARGE Cool Wood Canister from JBird Home
Embroidered Linen Tea Towels-Set of 3 from Marianne Clare's Vintage Kitchen
Retro Metal Office Organizer from My Wagonette
vintage chair from b.e.

xo, Caroline

♫ Raindrops keep falling on my head....

but that doesnt mean my eyes will soon be turnin red.... ♫



from top left to bottom right:
eye spy studios, studio CvH, sweet rice, Jill Ruth (alt)
atlantis glass and bead, Robert Foster Art, Victorian Red, Michelle Prosek (alt)
Willow Creek Sparrow, jen hintz yarn arts, tractor dog, cozy makes (alt)
Brighter Day, ara133photography, elleabelle, mostly art (alt)

*wishing for sunlight*
--yobo

**what's an almostery, you ask?
well, you know the treasuries on etsy.com right? how they always seem to pop when you aren't looking? gets on your nerves, doesn't it? especially when you have a good idea, right? well, almosteries are my answer. more infos here: [link]

Sponsor Spotlight: Momochas

Stop by momochas for stunning and colorful polymer clay jewelry!

If the playoffs started today...

I keep reading that title everywhere lol anyways, THE WAIT IS OVERRRRRRR! Today's picks are for all the hockey lovers out there!


1. Realistic Hockey Puck Soaps by daisycakessoap
2. Vancouver Canuck Panties by woopsydaisies
3. Have An Ice Day Bib by fun2wear2
4. Mixed Set of Hockey Stitch Markers by sunneshine
5. Life Is Simple, Eat, Sleep, Play Hockey by SimplyStickitDesigns
6. Hockey Player by AdriondackMetal

Go Canucks and Go Penguins! Who are you cheering for?

Sponsor Spotlight: Teal Stripes

Visit TealStripes for one of a kind handmade books and pins!

Tutorial Tuesday: Fun Things to do with Avocados

Okay, I wasn't really prepared for this week's Tutorial Tuesday feature and since I have a bag full of avocados on my counter I thought I'd share my 3 favorite ways I like to eat them and maybe you'll share yours too? :)

Awesome Avocado Necklace by CuteAbility

My favorite ways to eat an avocado:
1. In a bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or condensed milk drizzled over it. Yum.
2. In a panini! Slice some avocados, tomatoes and brie then layer them in some potato buns and grill away!
3. And of course, who doesn't love themselves some good guacamole?

I heart you: lulubugjewelry

I'm in awe. I discovered this shop yesterday while I was browsing for spring items and I never knew concrete could be so pretty! Yes! That is right I said concrete! lulubugjewelry uses tinted concrete to add color to her already gorgeous jewelry.

Who doesn't love a sale?

1. Kristiescreations is offering a buy one get one free of equal or lesser value! She will credit your paypal account for the free item!
2. ThePoint is offering a buy 2 get 1 free sale on all single cards and card sets. Please write "promo" in message to seller, pay and she'll refund the cost of the lowest priced item and its shipping.
3. kawaiicupcake is having a $5 or less sale!
4. Donnalda is having a sale on her Journal Spots: 3 for $5.00.

Good Friday!

So, not sure if you all know this or not but I've been in and out of the hospital for a few weeks now and well surprise surprise! Suddenly, it's Easter! Personally, I don't celebrate the holiday but since it's such a commercialized holiday I just have to say that I lovvvvvvve bunnies and Cadbury Mini Eggs. haha What's your favorite Easter candy?

I gotta say, I'm surprised and a bit disappointed that their are so little Easter items in the Flickr pool! (We're at over 600 members now! Come Join us!)


1. I'm-Here-Too, 2. CIMG5888, 3. Orange Felt & Vintage Checkered Fabric Bird Brooch , 4. needle felted Peter Rabbit and vegetable cart

I hope you all have a great long weekend! See you on Monday!

♥
Connie

Mob Mentality

I've really taken a liking to menswear inspired looks lately. So while I was reading The Godfather a couple weeks ago, I found myself imagining what the characters were wearing and then picturing it on myself.  Here's what I'm thinking - plenty pieces of a black hue, very sleek tailoring, and dapper details.  Of course, it wouldn't hurt to employ some bright red lips for the finishing flourish.

Vintage TINY FIT Blazer from Coco and Luna
Vintage . jet . Black . cotton . VELVET . Blazer from Pretty Little World

Vintage Black Silk Bow Tie with neck strap from Ben Michel Vintage
Vintage 1930's Freestyle Bow Tie from Elizabeth Wren Vintage

PALOMA Italian leather booties from Verseau Vintage
Vintage.Asian Inspired.Bow.High Heel from Arrogant Loves Original

vintage scarf from Portobello Belle
large sunny floral print scarf from Verseau Vintage

Sunday Drive Vintage Feathered Fedora Hat from Paperdoll
1950s Vintage Black Fedora and Ribbon Bow Hat from The Pudding Store Vintage

xo, Caroline

Clark Gable

by The Postal Service



♫♪[link]♪♫

I was waiting for a cross-town train in the London Underground, when it struck me, that I've been waiting since birth to find a love that would look and sound like a movie. So I changed my plans, I rented a camera and a van and then I called you...
"I need you to pretend that we are in love again." and you agreed to....

I want so badly to believe that "there is truth, that love is real" and I want life in every word to the extent that it's absurd.

I greased the lens and framed the shot using a friend as my stand-in. The script it called for rain but it was clear that day so we faked it. The marker snapped and I yelled "quiet on the set" and then called "action!"

I kissed you in a style clark gable would have admired (i thought it classic)....

I want so badly to believe that "there is truth, that love is real" and I want life in every word to the extent that it's absurd.

i know you're wise beyond your years, but do you ever get the feel, that your perfect verse is just a lie, you tell yourself to help you get by....?

from top left to bottom right:
All Stitches, Gaze of Orpheus, Rich Craft, Sepia Lepus (alt)
stray matter, Secret Indulgence, meristem, jaicards (alt)
Idea Foundry, geek details, kellya, Edgy Art Stamps (alt)
damaged, move the needle, Jen Murray, Retro NaNa (alt)

*wanders off humming*
--yobo

I heart you: WearableByDesign

I love how Jennifer incorporates mechanical parts in her pieces! Find more of Jennifer's work at WearableByDesign!

Tutorial Tuesday: How to make fabric buttons by nuvonova

This week's tutorial for how to make fabric buttons is brought to you by nuvonova. It's a great way to use up those scraps of fabric that you've got lying around the house! To view the full tutorial please click here!

Gardening!

Since the weather is finally starting to warm up, I'm starting to plan what I want to grow in my little garden this year! I was searching on Etsy this morning for some seeds and came across this wonderful cooperative shop called myvictorygarden that sells tons of seeds for beautiful heirloom veggies and kits so the entire family can get started! Now I just have to figure out what will grow! I'm thinking maybe the ones below would be good. Heirloom Mache Salad Corn-Lambs Lettuce Seed

Heirloom Northern Nibblers Tomato Seed

Heirloom Mammoth Melting Sugar Snow Pea Seeds