etsy finds

Don't we all heart etsy?  I know I do! When browsing around this wonderful site, it inspires me to get creative.  Some of the items I stumble upon make me think... "I can totally do that," while some items make me think... "I totally need to buy that."  Whichever the case, whenever you're in need of a little creative inspiration, browse through etsy and you'll find ideas galore.  Here are a few I found, that I totally heart.

How cute are these gift tags?! The brown wrapping paper and the orange and white ribbons are so cute too.  If you don't have the time to make your own tags, go to this etsy shop to learn more.  Buuuut... if you have the time, what a fun project.

How creative are these prints?!  This etsy shop prints on pages from vintage dictionaries or vintage song books.  Hmmm... my "I totally need to buy that" feeling is coming to me.

For all the dog or cat owners (and lovers) out there, how cute are these i.d. tags?!  Ha!!! I love them. There are so many different styles and designs on this etsy shop.

Summer Beauty Must Haves

Every girl has their favorite summer beauty must haves year after year.  These items may be old school~ something you use every year, or some items may be newbies.  Whatever the case, bring on the days to the beach and the bronzed skin.  I've already gone to the beach a handful of times since the weather has been nice here in FL.  Getting a head start on my tan, cause I definitely needed it.
Here are some of my most favorite items at the moment...

1 ~ Body Scrub

2 ~ Burt's Bees

3 ~ Shimmer Effect Lotion

4 ~ Body Scurb

5 ~ Essie in Watermelon

6 ~ Shimmer Strip Bronzer

Now I wanna go here...

[images via google]

let's remember

In honor of Memorial Day, let's not forget all those who have served our country.  Yes, this weekend may be for outdoor events like bbq parties, beach outings, and of course all the shopping sales... but let's take the time to remember all the service men and women who have served our country.
Here's to all of you... I thank you... xxx... ooo...

[all images via google]

what i'm lovin'

I'm lovin' my new doggie prints from this etsy shop.  My 8x10 prints came in the mail, then I headed on over to Michael's and purchased the frames that came with the matting.  I didn't want both prints to look the same, so I just swapped out the purple and white.  I think they turned out really great!

(side note: promise to have my office reveal soon. I still need to find a new chair for the desk, the one I currently have is really ugly and I don't want to show the room with it or with no chair)

My Bull Terrier Print for Mike

My Min Pin print for Rhasta

(take a look at my "no sew" curtains... you like?)

Deal of the DAY

I ordered the piece below from Joss & Main.  I've been wanting some shelving for our breakfast nook area in our kitchen to display my cookbooks, cake stands, glasses, etc, but didn't want actual shelves on the wall.  Yes, the piece is considered to be a bookcase, but because of the frosted glass shelving on the first two shelves, I think it'll work. I'll let you know once it arrives in June.

p.s. for those of you who don't know what Joss & Main is, they sell the finest brands and designers pieces for your home at members-only prices. New sale events are launched daily, so go ahead and sign up.

p.s.s. I scored the piece for $110 + shipping... not too bad of a deal, I must say... 

get the look... or try to recreate it!

OMG... remember this post here, which is where i featured the most amazing backyard!! Well, guess what?! It's from Pottery Barn.  You can go to their website to get all the ideas and details to recreate it.
Here are the key pieces...

... oh and of course, can't forget about the huge screen... like that is an easy piece to set up / purchase. :)

a frames addition

Remember this post here, well I added a few more frames onto the wall in the guest bedroom.  Just the one frame seemed too boring and plain, so I decided to add more.  Now the wall is more eye appealing and it balances out better with the bed-frame.  Still searching for a unique bedside table for the room... I found three really cool ones from urban outfitters ~ pics of them are below.
Would love your opinion on which one you think would work best?

A

B

C

Deal of the DAY - blue and white

Every time i enter an Anthropologie store or website, my heart pitter-patters over everything!  Yes, their items can be more on the expensive end, so why not shop the sale section?  In my local anthro... i find the sale section to be a little messy, so i always look on their website to see what goods are on sale.  i decided on featuring their sale items in today's Deal of the Day post, all in a blue and white color scheme. enjoy...

 

Chrysanthemum Double Switchplate (was $24, now $9.95)

Chrysanthemum Outlet Cover (was $18, now $7.95)

 Ruffled Sheet Set (was $128, now $44.95)

Admiralty Poncho (was $78, now $39.95)

From A Seed Clip (was $18, now $9.95)

what's your flavor

When cooking, it is best to have a cabinet full of seasonings and spices.  These simple ingredients will add a robust of flavor to any dish.  Even if a recipe that you have tried and loved does not call for some extra seasoning, try adding a dash and the flavor of the dish will change.  Be sure to stay within the same line of "flavor" though ~ (for example, you don't want to add crushed chipotle chili to a marinara sauce).  Building one's collection takes time, but purchase a few here.... and there.... and soon enough you'll have a plethra of seasonings and spices that you'll love to use when cooking.
Do you have any favorite seasonings or spices??

a / b / c

what i'm lovin'

to be back home with the hubby...

my new tom's and steve maddens i purchased from nordstrom when in california... (and yes, i got the silver glitter toms)

my new black and white striped pillow for the office couch...

my current read...

whirlwind trip

I leave my home state of California today, and back to Florida I go.  It's been a long trip away from the hubby and the doggies.  Have a few more places to go before I leave tonight.  One place in particular is Trader Joes.  Since we don't have TJ in Florida, it's a must place visit of mine to stock up on items.  Too bad I couldn't bring back with me some "cold" items... shipping with dry ice is tooo much of a hassle.

Made the most amazing!! mixed berry salad last night.  I promise to make it again once I return back and will share it with all of you.  It's a recreation from the one at Nordstrom's cafe.  It's a must try!!
It's made with three different kinds of berries..... and the most perfect salad for a sunny day.

{all images via google}

cookbooks

I love to cook!  As well as collect cookbooks.  These types of books will last forever and can be passed down from generation to generation.  To me, cooking is wonderful because you not only know what ingredients you are using/eating, you can make meals to your liking of taste.  I have always had a passion for cooking (and baking) ever since I was a little girl.  Don't be afraid to experiment in the kitchen, a new dish may never come out perfect the first time, but I bet it will the second time around.
Here are a few cookbooks that I would like to add to my collection.  What about you, do you have any favorite cookbooks?

{all cookbooks via}

what i'm lovin': colorful ottomans

Colorful ottomans: what a fun and colorful piece to add to any room.  Most furniture pieces we all may already own, like a couch for example, is usually one solid color.  So with any of these ottomans below, they will add a punch of "wow" for a new stylish look.  If you live in a world aka house full of white, liven it up!!
This is what i'm lovin'.... what about you?? 

{wisteria}

{missoni home}

{anthropologie (1)}

{anthropologie (2)}