Cute Bag and an Announcement

How perfectly adorable is this bag for summer? I could see taking it to the pool or the beach, the farmers market, to the park for a picnic...just about anywhere!

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You may have noticed that my posting has been extremely light of late. Apart from having real-world issues to deal with, I just haven't been that excited about blogging. It's a surprising amount of work to put together a good post, and considering the small readership that this blog receives, it just doesn't seem worth the trouble most days. I'm thinking about taking things in a new direction, but I'm still somewhat hazy on what that direction might be. I promise to keep you posted. xoxo

Maria Kitano

I'm seriously loving the work of German artist Maria Kitano. Her abstract oil paintings are inspired by nature--frozen lakes, waterfalls, trees, the night sky. Aren't they beautiful? (They're reasonably priced, too!)

(Clockwise from top left: Abstract 21, Forest 2, Waterfall, and Winter Reflections 2)

Karen O'Leary

While searching Etsy for affordable art for my bedroom, I discovered the work of artist Karen O'Leary. According to her profile, Karen is "an architectural designer with an interest in all aspects of design." Her offerings on Etsy include both hand-cut and pen-and-ink city maps and range in price from $15 for high-quality prints to $400 for originals. It's amazing how something so simple can be transformed into something so bold and graphic. I would love to do a grouping of these on a wall or a shelf in my future apartment.

Elephantine

How pretty are these necklaces by Etsy artist Elephantine? I especially love the "Bellissima."

(First spotted on A Cup of Jo)

Etsy Wednesday

Just 16 more days until Christmas! Even though I'm not doing much shopping this year (because of the whole no job thing), it's still fun to browse Etsy for unique gift ideas. Here are a few things I have found that would make great stocking stuffers...

This teeny tiny calendar is too cute.

Handmade soap that smells like peppermint bark candy...yum!

Simple and sweet stacking rings.

This pen pouch would make a handy gift for the crafter or designer in your life.

Write a love note on this letterpress notecard and
tuck it into the stocking of someone special.

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I'm starting to run out of steam on these Etsy Wednesday posts...I think I might need to shake things up pretty soon!

Etsy Wednesday

Need help trimming that tree? No need to fear...Etsy is here!

This teeny felt stocking is perfect for hiding treats among the pine branches.

How sweet is this little blue bird?

Why not decorate your tree with smaller trees?

I am in love with this Ralphie Parker ornament.

I'm not sure what Gingerbuns are, but they are pretty cute!

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More Etsy holiday fun to come next week!

Etsy Wednesday

With Thanksgiving just a little over a week away, I thought I would bring you a few Etsy picks to help you set an inviting holiday table...

Who says your fork has to match your spoon? I love the idea
of setting a table with vintage flatware in assorted patterns.

For a simple hors d'oeuvre, top crostini with a bit of soft
goat cheese or brie and dollops of fig and honey jam.

These autumn leaf place cards are both decorative and practical.

Hosting an informal gathering? Let guests help themselves
to these printed cocktail napkins.

Add a touch of whimsy to your Thanksgiving table
with these vintage turkey napkin rings.

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Coming next week: my Etsy fashion picks!

Etsy Wednesday

I may not have babies on the brain just yet (I promise), but I just couldn't resist these adorable baby things. Whether you have a little one on the way yourself or need a unique shower gift for someone else, this week's Etsy picks have got you covered.

Hang this cotton bunting in Baby's nursery for a cheerful look year-round.

Make these sweet little booties yourself with this
pattern and step-by-step tutorial.

Add a touch of whimsy to any baby's room with this handmade giraffe.

This little hat is just too cute for words!

Record all of your baby's firsts (first smile, first laugh, first step)
in this made-to-order baby journal.

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Coming next week: Five Etsy picks for your Thanksgiving table!

(P)etsy Wednesday

After a two-month separation, I have recently reunited with my beloved Bartok. We have had some quality snuggle time over the past few days, and I find myself just as smitten with him now as I was when Zach and I first brought him home five years ago. I just love this cat! This week's Etsy finds are for those of you who adore your four-legged pals as much as I do mine...

A repurposed vintage suitcase makes a cozy bed for your kitty.

Let artist Lisa Marie Norton capture your pet's personality
with a custom doodle (first spotted on Dooce).

Adorable homemade treats for your favorite canine.

Keep Rover warm in the coming months with this stylish doggie hoodie.

Help your furry friend find his way back home with this custom ID tag.

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I'm not sure what Etsy Wednesday will bring next week, so you will just have to be surprised!

Etsy Wednesday

I'm still feeling a little low on motivation, so I decided to dig around in my Etsy Favorites folder for some items to share with you. I hope you love them as much as I do...

These vintage brass owl bookends are cute without being kitschy.

How can you not smile when you look at this pinwheel photograph?

I am gaga over these gorgeous handmade earrings.

I would love to add this vintage map of Asia to my collection.

I have been on the lookout for a vintage leather purse like this one.

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Next week: Etsy finds (Petsy finds?) for our four-legged pals!

Etsy Wednesday

Halloween is just around the corner, so for those of you who like to dress up for the big day, I thought I would find some vintage items on Etsy that would make great costumes. I haven't dressed up myself in many years, but with fun options like these--who knows!

This vintage baton girl uniform might be a little scandalous for the office
Halloween party, but it would be absolutely adorable after hours.

Throw on this faux fur vest with a pair of oversized sunglasses
and some sky-high platforms and go as fashion darling
(and Bravo star) Rachel Zoe. It will be bananas.

Take the "Mad Men Yourself" craze of a few months ago to a new level
with this sexy 60s cocktail dress. Just add red lips, a bouffant 'do, and
a cigarette holder, and you're good to go (vodka gimlet optional).

Channel Zelda Fitzgerald in this vintage red turban and you'll be
doing the Charleston and the Lindy Hop all night long.

Everyone will be kissing your grits when you show up in this adorable vintage
waitress dress. Plus you can walk around all night saying things like,
"Give me an Adam and Eve on a raft, and wreck 'em!"

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As always, check back next week for five more great Etsy finds!

Etsy Wednesday, Wedding Edition

As promised, this week's picks are brought to you by a special guest. My best friend Jess is getting married in less than eight months, and I asked her to share some of her favorite Etsy finds for weddings. Enjoy!

With my wedding coming up in May, I find myself turning to Etsy for all the special touches that will make the day memorable for my guests, my fiancé, and myself. Etsy enables even the least crafty of us to get our hands on unique and charming vintage and handmade goods. I love knowing that I have a source for finding that one item that almost no one else will have. For me, the best part about Etsy is the ability to customize almost anything. Ask most sellers, and they'll be happy to oblige, or just immerse yourself in all of the great stuff that's already out there!

Set the tone for your affair with these adorable invitations.
Don't like the font or color? Change them up!

The perfect dress for a small, garden party reception, or choose it
in another color for some very stylish bridesmaids.

Statement earrings that will make you smile when you pair them
with jeans and a sweater after the big day.

A gorgeous, fluffy flower for your hair, dress, or wrist.
Bridal white, but far from boring.

Colorful Pyrex bowls make a functional and fun shower gift
for the bride that loves vintage.

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Thanks for your great picks, Jess!