Glass Bead Magnets

This is not a new idea. I know. But they're really cute and no matter how many times I do this little project, I'm always amazed at how different the magnets turn out. Endless fun, and its easy enough to do while watching tv. These seem to have that John Derian look, don't they? I used Caspari wrapping paper. What a fun excuse to browse through that store!

{The photos above were some of my last before my camera died. Its a bit fuzzy and the camera refused to focus. I should have taken the hint then... my camera has gone to glory}

Farewell camera

My digital camera is officially broken. Like not working at all. Good. as. Gone. The screen shows a white light. It wasn't saving all of my recent photos to the memory card, but I thought maybe my memory card was dying. Easy fix, right? Wrong. Now the white light is all that is on the screen and I'm convinced that its really the camera. I already paid $100 for it to be repaired once (2006), and I don't think I have it in me to pay that much or more again... especially for something that is so technologically outdated. Yes, it was prehistoric (ie circa 2005), and yes, I was hoping to get a new one, but this wasn't supposed to happen right now. In my grand plan, my camera was going to last another year or so. Long enough that I would have time to use it for everyday photography. I'm really not trying to complain, its just a big fat bummer!

And of course this happens when I have tons to photograph and show you all! I made pillows. And they're adorable! Little puppy dog silhouettes made of plaid and houndstooth on uncut corduroy of various colors. And my Caspari wrapping paper magnets that I made were cute too and very John Derian. (Actually, I do have a few pixelated photos of the magnets. I'll post them!) Oh, and I made ghosts in the graveyard for dessert last night. I would have loved to show you that photo too. I didn't bring my camera to the apple orchard on Saturday. If I had, I would be able to show you the huge bag of fuji and jonagold apples I picked. You've missed a lot, and I've missed showing you all this creativity.

For now, you must use your imagination. I'll try and solve this little problemo. Oh, and I do realize that this is not a real crisis. There are far bigger problems in this world. I know.

White Flower Farmhouse

Garden Urns
Large $18, Small $9

I'm such a computer head! Just one more post for you readers tonight. You people must think I'm some crazy consumer... this is partially true... I do like to spend some money on cool stuff. I mean really though, who doesn't??? Bills suck. Wouldn't you rather have tons of fun spending money to buy everything you ever dreamed of? Thanks to the internet barrier ( i.e. I'm impatient and hate to pay for shipping... basically means I don't order much online) and my budget, I find a lot of cool items that go unpurchased. That being said, I still feel like they need their proper reveal online, so I'll share them with you readers! Without further adieu... behold White Flower Farmhouse. Vintage-y goodness that's all cleaned up and affordable! Yippee. Enjoy these finds. :)

Topiaries
$32 (large), $26 (small)

Vintage Terra Cotta Seed Pots
$7

Aqua Whale
$39

Aqua Swimgirl
$65

Farm Table
$359

Note: I really do have more to do with my life than shop online (work, gym, cook, hang out with friends and family, etc). I am just amazed at how many cool things people make and find, and I have to share these with you! One day soon I'll post some homemade stuff.

Jewelry Inspiration

I just found Stella & Dot jewelry through Isabella and Max Rooms . Their jewelry is bright, cheerful, and full of personality (that screams L.Alden!). Many of their pieces remind me of the jewelry in recent J.Crew catalogs... but more budget friendly! Yippee.

Okay, so even though the prices are lower, they're still a little pricey right now for moi. I guess I'll have to make something similar myself for the time being. Sounds like a trip to Bangles and Beads soon for more jewels. Yet more inspiration for an easy and enjoyable weekend project!



PS - Remember NieNieDialogues story and blog? Read this article written about Stephanie and family Oprah's website. What an inspiration Stephanie is!

October Art

In honor of the upcoming spoooooky holiday, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite Autumnal prints from contemporary folk artist, Nancy Thomas. She has set her roots in Yorktown, Virginia and has galleries both in Yorktown and Williamsburg. Some of Nancy's most favorite motifs are Santa, Angels, and Chefs. Our family favorites are the Seasons and the Chefs. Many of her prints have metal "accessories" incorporated in their frames. As you can see above and below, the metal bat, pumpkin, and garlic clove (I think thats what it is???) are cute additions to the prints.

Be sure to visit Nancy's website for more art (she paints more than just Halloween inspired work!!!), monthly specials and to learn a little more about her. Oh, and she has a blog! Happy October!





Note: Love her work? Be sure to stop by the studios in Yorktown and Williamsburg for her annual Holiday Show. This year the show is set for December 5th and 6th!

Lilly Eyewear

I think I go through Lilly "phases." One day I love her clothing and accessories, the next day its a bit too girly-girl for me. Today, I love it. The company now has a line of eyeglasses and sunglasses that are super cute! Take a look and be sure to view the catalog.

Lonny and The Digital Magazine

I feel repetitive for writing a post about this, but yes, I like the new Lonny Magazine too. Its nice to have a new shelter magazine in the mix, especially in this time of shelter-mag-shutdown. I really wish it was in print though. Call me traditional or old fashioned, but I miss the tactile approach of turning pages. I have such a hard time reading magazines, newspapers, and documents on the computer. And being able to earmark or flag pages with different fingers as I read is also is helpful. Not being able to do that just kind of stresses me out (crazy... I know!).

We just had this conversation at work, regarding one of our vendors who has gone completely "digital." Yes, its best for the environment (and it definitely saves the vendor some serious money too), allows for faster updates of pricing, materials, etc, but I can't stand having to review price lists on the computer. And whats a girl to do when the internet is down? Yeah... it happens. Oh, and how in the heck am I supposed to build a brochure for a customer while they wait? Can I just have some paper documents to show them??? Anyways, just some thoughts on this new digital format that is appearing here, there, and everywhere.

Overall though, I'm beyond thrilled to have a replacement for ye olde favorite, Domino Magazine. Thanks Michelle and Patrick! Now if someone would just bring back the look and feel of Cottage Living. I'll settle with that one in digital form as well.