i spy: conversation hearts

I've been seeing some interesting twists lately on the old V Day standby, the conversation heart. Here are some I especially loved and wouldn't mind enjoying in place of the little boxed sugar hearts we've all known and loved since elementary school.

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cake pops | garland | stickers | pillows | necklace

And how about the quilt in the pillow photo? Bonus eye candy. I also have one more thing to share with you today.. the winner of Megan's giveaway!

 And the randomly drawn number is..

 ..number one! Congrats Heather! Expect an email soon with the details of your prize!

Hope you're all having a great Monday!

late summer table

I think it's no secret by now that the kitchen is my favorite room in the house. I look at home design magazines like most people look at US Weekly. I have already decided that I will be totally sold on a home by its kitchen alone. I can't wait until I can start looking for a place of my own after being in rented apartments and houses during college with tiny, old, (previously dirtied - yuck) kitchens that I couldn't makeover even if I had the money to.

Today I went to the mall and got myself a microplane zester (finally! - have you ever tried getting zest from a cheese grater? Just no.) and pretty stackable bowls since my favorite brownie bowl had a little accident. :( The kitchen has become my playhouse and it's tool and utensils my toys. And I couldn't be more content.

That leads me to today's post. I did a little recon on Anthropologie's website the other day to see if they still carried a super awesome kitchen item that I've been dying to get my hands on. And while I was there, I had to look at all of their other kitchen stuff too. I was totally in love with some of the color schemes they had going on in their dishes and was inspired to make a mix-n-match table setting out of them.

All of the colors remind me of now, late summer. That tiny little season between regular summer and fall. I consider it a season all on its own because there's just something so unique about it. It smells like fall and the beginning of a new school year, yet I still want to lay in the sand and sit outside at night. It's hot like summer and the color palette is too. When I think about a summer color palette I think of aqua, mustard, salmon, and light yet rich colors. When I think about a late summer color palette, there's cherry, cobalt blue, and persimmon.. colors that remind me of a hot sunset, a little deeper and darker.

This is what goes on in my over-analyzing art school-ruined head anyway. :)

Here is my late summer table setting, had I a kitchen or back patio to set it up. ;) It's for the last few barbecues and the nights that start out hot and end with a breeze that begs for a light cardigan.

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Happy almost Friday!

fun finds in june

I've started bookmarking pages of things I like around the internet because there's nothing more annoying than snagging an image and forgetting where it came from. So I made a separate little bookmark folder for the things I want to share so that I can come back to them later when I'm ready for a post and no one gets mad about a lack of crediting. ;) Win/win.

These are some things I've stumbled on lately that I think are worthy of a mention.

I love this little Victorian cottage. How awesome would it be to have a little space like that as a kid? I always wanted a tree house or something that I could decorate and call my own (yes, even as a child). :) This is like playhouse times a million. Heck, I'd live in it now! Click the source link to see even more photos!

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Charlie just signed a lease to a new apartment and it got me thinking about what I want from a space, especially now that it's summertime and I've got outdoor fever. Of course with my job and school situations, I'm not quite ready to move yet so for now I'll live vicariously through him and help him set up his place. And maybe he'll let me sneak a few potted herbs in by a window until I have a backyard and do something all rustic and beautiful like this..

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This is probably the coolest kid's toy I've seen in a while. It reminds me of this set of fruit and vegetables in my kindergarten class that were segmented just like this and held together by velcro so you could chop them up with a wooden knife. The blender just makes it even more awesome. I also like this because it's not plastic and covered in sparkly stickers and all that other crap that adorns kids' toys today. Just simple wood with a calm color palette. Perfect for whipping up a summer smoothie!

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While we're on the topic of pretty things made of wood, this keyboard is pretty awesome. I would love to sit on my future porch with a glass of iced tea, feeling as much a part of nature as you possibly can with a computer on your lap. I think tapping on these tree-like keys would do the trick!

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I know everyone and their mom is obsessed with caravans and trailers right now but I had to add this because it's just so summery and gorgeous. I wouldn't mind spending a few nights in this bad boy, sitting under those awnings and reading a book.. amazing. Click the source link for more photos again!

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That's that. I need a serious break from thinking. Finals are next week so I should be able to mellow out for a bit after that. Happy weekend everyone!!

spicing it up

Last night I ordered this dress. I was instantly head over heels when I saw it in Anthropologie's summer catalog that I got this week. After telling myself that I hadn't bought clothes in soo long and that I don't have many summer dresses, I was able to convince myself that it was okay to splurge. ;)

Besides the fact that this dress is so swishy and pretty and one of my favorite colors, I also love it because it fits my criteria for clothing splurges these days. I now like to collect clothes that can be worn for work as well as play. Especially if I'm going to spend a pretty penny on it! This dress isn't low cut and hits the model below the knee so I know it will be long enough for me to wear in a work situation. A lot of what people consider dresses can tend to be long shirts on me at best so I have to be careful. :( It's also clearly plenty of fun to take a stroll in the summertime or go out to dinner in!

I decided to make up two mood boards to give an idea of how I would wear the dress for each occasion. I styled one for work and one for vacation since I'm going to Miami at the end of May. I tried to use some things I already own but there's also some super cute things I wouldn't mind adding to my collection thrown in there just for fun.

The first look.. for work.

Spiced Dress with coral layering necklace, olive cardigan, slouchy brown handbag, brown oxford heels, or brown oxford flats.

I love the coral necklace with the olive and mustard colors. I already have an olive cardigan from H&M. Mine is shorter and would probably hit the dress right at the waist but this was the closest cardigan I could fine to the one I have. I also have this slouchy brown bag from Urban. I found a link to it but I don't think they sell it anymore because I bought it two Christmases ago. For the shoes, I picked out two pairs of oxfords, both of which I already have. There's heels for when I'm feeling a little extra spice and flats for when I'm not in the mood to be any taller. So basically I have the whole outfit minus the necklace. I bet it's something I could make though.. ;)

The second look.. for play.

Spiced Dress with the pet octopus necklace, 70's sunglasses, tooled handbag, linen skimmers, or crocheted oxfords.

I think my octopus necklace from Mod Cloth would be awesome with this dress. Especially at the beach! I got this for Christmas from Charlie. :) Sadly this is the only part of the outfit I currently own but I may get the the sunglasses since mine are busted from being crushed in my bag :( and also the crocheted flats because I don't have many summery shoes. Apparently I've been buying more clothes for the fall and winter months instead of the sunny and warm months. I don't really care for sandals so I think these nice airy flats would be a good trade off. I also love the linen flats with the bow for a slightly more dressed up look. And this tooled bag is gorgeous. Again it has that coral and olive in it and the detail is stunning. Apparently I like this color palette because once I saw this bag I knew it would be perfect with this outfit.

It's fun to try to make a piece you love work for totally opposite situations. It saves money and expands your options for when you're staring at your closet wondering what to wear. I think I need to revisit some pieces I already have and see what I can do with them!

Hope your week is going well!

chronic bitchface

I know I said I wasn't going to post today but I've got time before the boy comes back from New York. I wanted to take this time to spread the awareness of what I now know is called Chronic Bitchface.

Illustrator and photographer Kris Atomic hit the nail on the head with this one. Chronic Bitchface is plight where one has to deal with numerous strangers and loved ones commenting on their bad mood or telling them to smile due to the look on their face, despite the fact that this individual is perfectly content or maybe even downright happy.

Illustration by Kris Atomic

As a sufferer of this condition I am beyond stoked that someone has finally addressed it! I was really starting to feel like I was the only one in the world who was dealing with this. I can be in the best mood, but while I'm walking down the street (esp. in the city) all I'm thinking about is getting from A to B, how I'm going to navigate around the family of ten that feels the need to walk side by side at a snail's pace while avoiding the woman who's practically spinning around on the curb because she seems to have no idea where she is, all without losing my stride. Yes, I walk with a purpose and I like to be able to get around people on the scenic route. And apparently this produces a bitchface.

Now I'm stuck with strangers approaching me and telling me to smile. Or friends saying they saw me on the other side of the street and I looked mad about something. This also occurs when I'm just working or concentrating on something. So if I don't walk around with a big fat cheese plastered on my face all the time, I must be miserable? What crazy logic is this? I'd prefer to not be approached by strangers. Why does my apparent bitchface make them approach me like a sad puppy? Why doesn't it scare them away? That would be a more practical bitchface. That's one I could get behind!

I swear, I am a very happy person, despite what my serious face might say! If I'm among friends and having a good time, I never stop smiling! Sorry that when I'm by myself, working, or just on a mission to get somewhere I don't look ecstatic about it. If any of you reading suffer with Chronic Bitchface, you are not alone. If you see someone who you think may have Chronic Bitchface, leave them alone!

This has been a public service announcement from Tenpenny Splendid.

;)

But in all seriousness, do any of you share this ailment with me? If so, you know the feeling of wanting to punch the next time some says, "Hey sweetie, you're too pretty to look so sad!" or "Smile darlin', it can't be that bad!"


So happy Friday everyone!! Hope you have a great punch-free weekend. ;)

things i dig

Happy Friday!

Here are some things from the great wide internets that I fancy this week. :)

These super cool kicks from Keep. I love that Native American art inspired accessories and clothing have come back around.



I love this little bird captained boat by Ann Wood made in springtime colors and patterns. I could see hanging one of these guys anywhere from a nursery to a summer home by the beach. Cute!



I always wanted to get a cat during college since they're fairly low maintenance yet still provide company. I never got one because I adopted a baby guinea pig and I was afraid a kitty might try to snack on him. But that's another story for another day. :) This, however, would have been perfect in my old apartment if I had gotten a cat. I had very minimal space for things other than necessities so having a bookshelf/cat castle combo would have proved very efficient. And stylish!



And keeping the cat theme going, I died a little when I saw this. Big Bang Theory anyone? :)



I love this tutorial for a travel spice kit from The Handy Hausfrau. The vintage images are what make it for me. Such a good idea for when you know you'll be cooking away from your pantry but don't want to dump your whole spice rack into a suitcase.



These little birdie drawings from Kate Wilson.. love. I want a wall full of these illustrations! They all have such personalities! Go check out the rest of them. Besides this ice cream hairdo, there's some more sweet stylings and little birdie make up!




Have a great weekend everyone!

a happy find

Last Friday I got an email from Gilt Groupe about an amazing sale they were having. If you've never shopped Gilt, they are basically an online store that has daily sales on designer jewelery, clothing, housewares, etc. for way marked down prices. Some of the stuff is still pretty pricey but you can score some great deals there. I bought Charlie a really nice watch from there for Christmas that was originally a couple thou but marked down to a couple hundred!

I've been avoiding all shopping related emails for a little while because I don't exactly have money to burn right now, but when I saw the little section about turquoise jewelry, I had to check it out.

I fell in love with nearly every piece and wanted so badly to buy a ring or a necklace. Then I spotted this guy..


One of the many things I was drooling over. After I was done teasing myself with things I couldn't buy, (why do I do that?) I went on with my day. I start gathering things for a shoot for a guest post and I made the happiest little discovery in my jewelry box!


I stumbled across this fairly similar ring that I had all along and totally for got about! It's one of the may costume pieces I inherited from my nanny a while back. My dad's mom was into big chunky, semi tacky jewelry just like I am and she had loads of costume jewelry because of it. I think I forgot about this little guy because I have a bunch of pieces I wear frequently laying out on my dresser and the rest are in a jewelry box. This is definitely making it into the rotation now that I've rediscovered it.


So it's a little different from the Gilt one and definitely not as "valuable" but I was so happy to find a new love for something I already own after drooling over pretty jewelry I couldn't buy. Plus, I think it's definitely more special than anything I could buy since it belonged to a family member and has been around for quite some time. :)


Just thought I'd share my find with you on this gloomy Monday morning. Maybe it'll inspire you to look around at what you already have that you might be missing!

Have a good week! :)


** p.s. Gilt Groupe is a member's only site so if you're interested in getting some sweet deals on designer stuff, either email me (it's on the contact page) or leave your email address in the comments and I can send you an invite link! :) **

pinstripes + wingtips

This little collection was inspired by an item I saw in an Etsy treasury. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. It was this little shave kit here from Dirty Deeds Soap. With that in mind, I put together a little curation for the dudes this time. Well, more for the ladies to enjoy and maybe get some gift ideas for their guys because I think the only guy that reads this is my own. ;) And that's probably for the best because it's pretty girly 'round these parts.

This is what I like when it comes to dude style. Can you tell my heart belongs to a decade long gone? :)

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So ladies, what do you like to see on your gents? Does a particular style do you in?

Happy Friday everyone! I can't believe the weather right now! Two days in a row with the windows open? Crazy! :)

wax + glass

I have randomly come into a large sum of candle wax and I've been trying to dream up some interesting things to do with it. (Basically, Charlie said, "We have a random box of wax at the studio that's going to get thrown out unless you think you can do something with it." As a known craft supply hoarder and never one to turn down free supplies at that, I said, "Of course I can find something to do with it! Snatch it up!" And it remained on the edge of my hope chest for the past three months.)

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I didn't just want to make regular jar or pillar candles with it so I started looking for inspiration. So far, I'm really into the whole teacup candle look that I've been seeing a lot lately. I also like the one image (top right) where it looks like a whole candle tea set, including a sugar bowl and teapot.

I also thought it could look cool to use either an etching (bottom left) or image transfer (bottom right) technique so that the candle would have an interesting glow when lit. Maybe even a bit personalized depending on the image used!

I think I want to leave the wax its natural white-ish color but I'm debating if I want to make it scented and what the scent(s) should be. I guess there's more research to be done!

Has anyone tried making candles before? If you have any tips/tricks/suggestions I'd be glad to hear them! :)

I can't believe how fast this week has flown by! So once again, happy almost weekend! Oh and happy St. Patrick's Day! I'll be in class tonight so someone have a pint for me. ;)

class curation pt 2

Here's the spring installment of my class curations I'm doing. Here is part 1. It also gives a little background to the project. I'm feeling especially inspired now that I'm observing some classes. It's crazy how when you're a student in elementary school, the day seems to drag on and on. But when I observed today, as a 23 year old who wasn't new to 4th grade concepts, time absolutely blew by! I was actually shocked by how fast it went! It seemed like the kids no sooner started a lesson and then they were going to specials or starting a new subject or switching classes. I think I'm going to like the fast paced-ness of it because I probably have the attention span of a 10 year old. I get more and more happy about my decision every day. :)

So here is how I would decorate my elementary school classroom for spring, with hand selected items from Etsy.

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I love the idea of having pompom flowers and butterflies hanging from the ceiling, bunting swinging from one wall to another, and the prettiest raindrops dangling in front of a blank wall. The pinwheels would catch a nice spring breeze as they sat in mason jars by open windows.

Fun.

I think I'll do an outfit post soon now that I'm getting to break in my "work clothes". I've been collecting skirts and blouses that are long enough to be appropriate in school but still stylish. And not crunchy. When I had my design internship, I had no "work clothes" so I went out and bought a bunch of business woman attire and I always felt crunchy. Everything was just so stiff and, well.. crunchy! Does anybody know what I'm talking about or am I speaking crazy now?? :)

Anywho, bedtime. I'm observing again tomorrow so it'll be another early one. Goodnight!

p.s. the lovely gingham tape strips are courtesy of pugly pixel.

springtime on kingston road

Thank you to everyone who answered my pressing Burt's Bees question on Friday. ;) I just had to know if anyone else had to banish it because of boys. It seems pretty split.. either guys avoid it or they love it. Maybe the guys I know are just sensitive to chapstick. Or ridiculous. Something like that.

But anyway, today is about a dress I can't stop thinking about. I think I first saw it via Twitter link from Anthropologie. The problem is, at the moment I definitely don't have $228 to spend on it. No sir. It really makes me want to learn how to sew dresses for myself. I just love everything about this dress, from the pastel springy colors, to the pleated skirt. I feel like most of my dresses are very fall/winter in their colors and I just want something bright. I don't know if I did this to make myself feel better or to convince myself to find a way to buy it but I decided to make a little outfit mood board for it for fun.

This is how I would wear the Kingston Road dress from Anthropologie. First off, I would pair it with these oxfords from Urban Outfitters that I already own. See? Saving money! ;) For a little more spring, I'd wear this beautiful braided leather hippie tie headband from Be Something New on Etsy. I love the vintage flowers on the end! Since I've been wanting to add some new springtime colors to my nail polish collection, turquoise and caicos from essie would not only be a nice addition, it'd go perfectly with the dress. And finally, every good outfit needs a cute necklace to finish it off, in my opinion. I picked this cute little elephant from modcloth to do the job.

Now that I've tried to talk myself into buying this, I need to go do something else to get my mind off it. I start observing a fourth grade class tomorrow which should be interesting. Maybe I should go plan an outfit for tomorrow that I already own.

What springtime colors and styles are you looking forward to?

Happy Monday everyone! Here's to the start of a good week. :)

candy

Here's a small collection of vintage candy dishes and tins from around my house that I thought I'd share since they've got some pretty details. :)

This first one is an old Whitman's tin. Don't you wish things were still packaged this way? It's got a little wear to it but I think it just adds to it's vintage charm!


Here's a pretty little dish made of glass and silver. It is busy holding hershey kisses at the moment.


This is my favorite. The colors are amazing. I kind of wish it was a fabric print. The only thing I know about it is that it was made in England.


And this is another silver and glass guy. I love the little pear handle on top!


There's so much character in vintage things. Can't wait to find more!

Happy almost Friday. :)

a touch of spring

I've seen some really cute faux terrariums on blogs within the past year and I've always wanted to make one myself. I decided to make a sort of springtime one since all the snow is melting and we keep getting teases of warmer weather. For my first one I picked up some basic naturey things from the craft store and just started playing with them.

I stuck some dry moss in the bottom of a kerr jar.


Then some gravel to fill in the holes and a little tree that I'm calling a bush so the rabbit doesn't seem scary huge. :)


I stuck a little hot glue on the rabbit's feet so he would stand and stuck him in too.


And that's it! A seasonal little decoration.


Put it on a sunny windowsill or a shelf and enjoy a little bit of nature indoors.


These birds checking out the little dude are pretty much my favorite knick-knacks in the world. It was such a fluke that I found them. I was in the tiny little Hallmark near my house (smaller than any Hallmark I've ever seen) and I was just walking around looking for who knows what when I just saw these two little guys sitting there all alone! I checked the price tag and they were on sale for 7$. I thought it was crazy that no one had snatched them up yet so I grabbed them. You really never know where you'll find awesome things. :)

class curation pt 1

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about how I've been thinking about ways to make my future classroom fun, bright, and just somewhere a kid would be happy. If you haven't read my about section, I'm currently going for my master's in elementary education. I've always felt like the colors and decor can really affect the overall mood of a classroom (or any place you spend the majority of your day), and thus how you perform.

To make a long story short, in my one class we mainly talk about issues and how they'd be dealt with in the classroom. In public school there is always the issue of religion. And when I think of decorating, I mostly relate it to holidays. This forced me to start thinking a little more about decorating with seasonal elements and color palettes rather than Christmas trees and Easter bunnies.

I decided to make a series of five curations of things I've found on etsy that would be public school appropriate, kid friendly, and not bore me to tears. Four will be seasonal but I decided to start the first one off with general decor that would remain year round. Stuff like motivational posters, alphabet and number charts, classroom aids, etc. How many classrooms have you sat in as a student where you felt like you've been seeing the same cheesy quotes year in and year out because there's probably only a limited number of places who sell these things?

Well here is my collection of eye candy I wouldn't mind staring at everyday..

For a unique classroom environment that's a little more you and a little less standard, think indie shops, printmaking, and playful colors and characters.

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I think Modern Pop has the cutest selection of kiddie prints ever. I will definitely be snatching some of these goodies when the time comes.

I just thought I'd share this with you because I figured it might give some ideas to others in the teaching field, as well as mom's looking to decorate a kid's room. Next up will be a spring curation since everyone's got spring fever right now. I just wanted to get the basics down first. :)

Also.. I've been forgetting to mention that I'm involved in a sponsor giveaway right now over on one of my favorite blogs, One Pearl Button! Check it out to see what you need to do to enter!

valentine exchange

Yay! I got the cutest little box of Valentine awesomeness today. This little package is from Kody over at It's Kody with a K.


I opened the box to find these adorable little felt fortune cookies and a couple of chocolate hearts! Such a good idea.


These cute little messages were inside the cookies. :)


And did I mention there was chocolate?


Thanks Kody!!

If you want to see other super cute Valentine's from the exchange hop on over to Good Times Never Seem Sew Good and check out the links being posted!

This was a fun exchange. I mean what's better than getting a little something in the mail and connecting with other bloggers? If you didn't get in on the fun this time around, check out Caroline's blog for updates on future exchanges! The more the merrier. :)

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I hope you have a special day full of love, happiness, and chocolate. ;)

you're the..

I've always wanted to try making resin covered pendants. After being inspired by a certain special Valentine card, I figured now was better than never.

This was definitely trial and error with quite a few obvious errors.


I went to bed shortly after pouring the resin and didn't catch these pesky little bubbles that crept up in the night. I did a good job of blowing the original ones away but then these guys came out of nowhere.


I also didn't do a killer job at sealing the image so all that darkness around the edges is where the resin snuck under the image. Yes, resin is a sneaky little beast.


As always though, I'm glad for the experience. I have a ton of resin left and now I'm armed with a little more know-how. I foresee pretty pendants in the future. :) Just another thing to add to the shop!


This was sort of made with the thought in mind of it being given to that special someone that you think is the bee's knees! (Yes, I forgot the apostrophe on the pendant too!) Or by all means, keep it for yourself if you think you're the bee's knees!