etsy love: jewelry edition

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

I've been getting a little bored with my jewelry lately. I only own a couple of rings and one of them looks a little cheap (and turns my finger green), one of them is my class ring from high school (I think we all only wore ours maybe the first day we got them. In hindsight the whole class ring thing seems like a bit of a scam. Sorry Mom and Dad!) and then I have a little opal ring my sister gave me for Christmas one year that I love but only wear sometimes.

I have a lot of bracelets but I haven't bought any new ones in a while and I'm not really a necklace person. I have one I wear a lot, my locket, and one Tom gave me for Christmas, and a little pearl necklace for fancier affairs.

Some cute baubles on Etsy have caught my eye. I know that scarf is not jewelry but it's been on my mind for ever. Perhaps it's time to update my collection?

And can we just talk about that gorgeous feather bangle for a second? Made by Rosella Resin which I've posted about before. How magnificent is it? I want it. So. Bad. I love all of their items. They're so beautiful. I've been thinking about picking out one of the rings to buy for myself. The two things keeping me from doing so are a.) the money and b.) I do not know my ring size.

And c.) how could I ever just choose one?!

Decisions, decisions.

-A.

carried away

Big news you guys! Last week Tom and I booked a vacation in the Dominican Republic! We found a very reasonable deal on Groupon Getaways, so I'll let you know how that turns out. . . . We're a little apprehensive about what hidden fees might be lying in wait for us, but even if, it was still too good to pass up. Our flight, our room, our meals and all of our drinks were included for six nights!

I already made a mental list of all the things I'll need (and somethings I don't) and set out to acquire them.

So far, I've acquired a few dresses, a little backpack and sandals (the latter two I did not have before, so that's pretty legit, right? ...I know, I know. I didn't have SANDALS. There's something wrong with me).

flamingo, dress, bag, sandal, beach

Anyway.

Our vacation isn't until May . . . and yes, I'm probably [definitely] getting ahead of myself.

But you can't blame me! I've never ever been on a beach vacation before (in fact, I've never been to a beach where the water is warm!). And the closest I've ever been to a tropical paradise was Disney World. . . . And, I get to go with my guy! Who wouldn't be thrilled?

Oh, and the only time I have ever used my passport was when I was 16. I've only been to Canada (many, many times) and France (once). I'm pumped to get a new stamp in my passport. Even though, I have to get a new passport later this year.

It's the idea of the stamp, more than the stamp itself, right?

The pictures above are of Dominicus Beach, where our resort is! Isn't it beautiful? I've been trying to research things to do but it's been tough to find anything that won't cost a fortune. Luckily, Tom is fluent in Spanish so it won't be difficult to communicate with staff and locals and find out what's really neat in the area.

Anyone else been to the DR? Have any suggestions? We'll be just 20 minutes out of La Romana!

-A.

my dream bathroom

I didn't even realize until researching this post that I really love the use of turquoise in a bathroom. I also love perfectly clean white, and bright yellow. 

I'm a tub lounger so the bathroom needs to be a happy place where I can soak and light candles and read novels in a pleasant, relaxing environment. Preferably in a claw-footed tub.

All photos from Design Sponge, except the turquoise bathroom on the bottom, which is from here.

Actually, the claw-footed tub is an absolute must. 

I picked out a few items that would look nice as turquoise accents in a white or yellow bathroom. I love, in particular, the chandelier. Who doesn't want to sit in a hot tub beneath a fancy, yet rustic, chandelier? 

Soap dish, chandelier, toothbrush holder

I believe bathroom should be a clean, sacred place. Free from stress and worry and dirt. One day, I'll have a bathroom big enough to turn around in and the people I live with will dry themselves off before they step out of the tub.

Until then, as always, I fantasize.

Peace,
-A.

six more etsy shops to love...

Here are six more Etsy shops to fall in love with. I think the one I'm most excited about is number 4. These coats look lovely and they're very reasonably priced. Unlike the metal stag head. Not to say it's overpriced--you can't put a price on art--but $6500 is just a smidge out of my price range. 

1. Dolan Geiman 2. Foxberry Hill 3. Leanimal 4. Luckystore829 5. Marry G Knit & Crochet 6. Old Box

It's still pretty cool though . . . and it's always fun to look! 

Peace & love, 

-A. 

party wish list

1. Asos 2. Etsy 3. UO 4. ModCloth 5. F21
6. Ruche 7. F21 8. UO 9. F21

This year the company I work for is throwing a huge party to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Last year we had a glamorous holiday party, which is what we usually do every year. These parties are crazy. Open bar. Guest lists. Security. I work in fashion (or, as I like to say, near it), so everyone is always dressed really well. This year I'm doing the financially responsible thing and wearing a dress and shoes that I already own . . . but if I had more money I would probably but a whole new outfit. 

These are a few of my picks from around the web... what do you think?

Peace & love, 

-A.

my dream library

all above photos found here

I love books. A lot. It's not even just for a love of reading that I love books. I do love to read, though I don't do it as much as I'd like to/should, but there's just something about a book that I find really satisfying. I'm not sure I can really explain it. A book is a whole world contained on paper between two covers. There is something to be said for the permanence of books.

I think also, I am a very tactile person. I have a Kindle that was gifted to me last year at Christmas, and I do love it, it's really handy on the train, but it'll never replace books for me.

Recently I had to throw away nearly all of my books (a story for another time) and it was one of the more heart-wrenching things I've had to do. I've had breakups that were easier than shoving my beloved books into a trash bag.

I will, without a doubt, build up my collection once again. I still have many books safe and sound at my parents house.

As sure as my future home will have a wood stove, it will also have shelves upon shelves of books. It will be a library of sorts. A cozy, warm sunny library and hopefully by then I'll have found a way to make a living sitting at home with a cup of tea and a book.

What special features would your dream home have? Post your thoughts in the comments!

Peace & love,
-A.

gift ideas: online shopping

1. cast iron barn owl 2. carnivorous creations dome terrarium kit 3. owl planter 4. green peony burlap wreath 5. Dead Mountain by Donnie Eichar

Christmas can be a stressful time for me. Isn't it for everyone? Holidays are tough! There is so much to be done, and you're under so much pressure to also appear to be enjoying yourself while you do it.

For me the stressor is trying to find an affordable gift for everyone that they will actually enjoy. I'm REALLY good at picking out gifts for myself (I can't be the only one!) but I am awful at picking out gifts for others. I think and think about it all year but I have trouble getting into the minds of others to come up with something they might want, without them just straight up telling me.

So this year, I'm starting a little early. Like, right now. I already picked up one thing for my niece. Here a few gift ideas I've come up with for my other loved ones. And I still couldn't help myself when it came to picking out those owls! Even though in our family, owls are my thing.

Loved ones take note, these are not your actual gifts! Just preliminary ideas ;) No spoilers.

Where do you turn for gift inspiration?

Peace & love, 

-A. 

six etsy shops to love

My day job leaves me with a lot of free time between tasks which is great most of the time. Sometimes, though, it's hard to find things to do. Luckily there's Etsy! 

One of my favorite pass-times is window shopping on Etsy. There are so many wonderful shops with really really beautiful products made by super talented people! Here are a few of my most favorite shops! 

(Clockwise from top right): 1. Unitedthread; I love this shop so much. Michelle Morin's colorful bird and floral paintings are inspirational and one of these days I'm going to make one a nice home in my room! Visit her shop and her blog! 2. Whitlock & Co. makes the most beautiful "curated pillow covers handmade in the woods of North Carolina." 3. By Csera; What can I really say? I. Love. These. Cases. I am hoping to procure one for Christmas . . . we shall see! 4. Rosella Resin; Jessica and Gwynne Burgess' Rosella Resin was a featured shop on Etsy back in 2012. I, however, have only had the pleasure of discovering them recently. Their rings and bangles are just to die for! So beautiful. See for yourself! 5. River Luna; These prints are simply gorgeous. They are also whimsical and they just make me so happy when I look at them. 6. Last, but definitely not least, Wit & Whistle; Amanda Wright's cards are too funny. She's such a clever gal and her blog is just as entertaining. It can be found here. She was a featured seller, also in 2012, here is her interview!

Peace & love,
-A