Time to get stuff DONE!

Boy do I need to get my hands on this mug! We've been blessed with a cool front that has had temperatures dipping into the low 70s all week, ensuring you need a light jacket to be comfortable. It's been a wonderful respite from the heat, but when I'm feeling all warm and fuzzy sitting around in my hoodie, it seems all I want to do is read a book or browse Pinterest for hours on end while I sip my coffee. I guess in a way it's like a mini stay-cation and I've definitely enjoyed it. But I still do have quite a long list of projects to complete and deadlines to meet, so...off the couch I go! 

Life's Better In Flip Flops

I NEED this sign to display on my mantel this summer. Is it not the absolute, hand-on-heart truth? Raise your hand if you LOVE flip flop season!!!

There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort...with a new mug!

After a sun-filled weekend, we're back indoors on this blustery, last day of March. But I just got a new gardening catalog in the mail today and I picked of this gorgeous green ceramic glazed mug for just $4 yesterday at Walmart (I know!). If I must be inside, I can't think of a better way to spend my last day off this week than with a hot cup of chai as I dream up ideas for this year's outdoor palette. After all, sometimes 'there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort'. (Jane Austen)

Blue Bottle Garden Sculpture

What a creative way to re-use old bottles...make your own garden sculptures! I love the way this glass and metal piece looks like a larger-than-life flower. It would be the perfect way to dress up an otherwise 'bare' spot in the garden.

Vintage Upcycled Red Chandelier Planter for the Garden

This chandelier may be the coolest garden idea I've stumbled across yet...I only wish I'd thought of it first (I've passed right by dozens of 'junk' chandeliers at flea markets). Wouldn't it look lovely, hanging from a tree, over a patio set? You could even put candles in the planters to add a touch of romance to an evening spent outdoors. Now I really can't wait for summer! Be sure to check out all the other amazing garden decor by Twisted Metals as well.

Elegant, White, Framed Chalkboard Art

I love this chalkboard for so many reasons...it's the perfect blend of casual/elegant, it's black and white, and it's just plain beautiful! And since I like to draw, I also think it would be fun to change up the artwork from month to month (maybe it's just me, but I've always had a thing for those artistic chalkboard signs in grocery stores and coffee shops). This one's going on my wish list!

Rustic, Flattened, Silver Spoon Herb Markers for the Garden

Something about the rustic, beaten-up nature of these Flattened, Silver Spoon Herb Markers calls to me...like they've been through some things and marked the spots for many prior successful growing seasons. It's a nice thought anyway, especially when you love to garden, but your 'green thumb' tends to come and go (like mine!).

Fave Finds of the Week - Hand-Painted Floral Mugs (i.e. Kitchen Art!)

Check out these gorgeous, handmade mugs from 3 different Etsy sellers. With warmer weather on it's way, I'm thinking it may be time to add to my collection of 'kitchen art'.

Wild Flowers Thrown Stoneware Mug by JustMare

Herb Flowers Hand-Illustrated Mug (in 3 colors) by legrislapin

Wildflower Porcelain Handpainted Mug by LuckySkyeDesigns

I'm in Love!

(photo by Elizabeth Anne Designs)

Hazards of my job as an invitation designer: Would LOVE me a slice of this beautiful (and hopefully delicious) white-on-white wedding cake RIGHT NOW!!! *rifles through cupboards for any available junk food*

Holy Butterflies!

Today, I happily stumbled upon Real Butterfly Gifts etsy shop and before I knew it, I had spent nearly an hour, marveling at the beautiful specimens from all over the world. They have other insects too, but I loved the butterflies the best. The color and the detail evident in God's creations simply cannot be matched. And the artist in me is nearly moved to tears, by the majesty of it all. Here are some of my favorites.

Blue Morpho Butterflies from Peru and Brazil

White Rice Paper Butterfly from Indonesia

Catagramma Butterfly from Peru

Green Philaethria Dido from Peru

Mother of Pearl Morpho Butterfly from Peru

Peacock Butterfly from Europe

FRIDAY FINDS: Red Florals

Poppy Ring by bellabijoujewelry.etsy.com, $42. It's so adorable - a tiny little flower for your finger to make you smile every time you look at it.

Contemporary Red and White Swirl Pillow by MARIESCOSYCUSHIONS.etsy.com, $38 (set of 2). At 18" each, these really are a steal. Fabulous and fun don't hurt either!

Japanese Chiyogami (old-paper) Votives by gamiworks.etsy.com, $54 (set of 12). I was instantly drawn to the intricate and cheeful paper designs on these glass votives. They are re-usable and would make great gifts.

FRIDAY FINDS: Here Comes the Sun!

I was inspired this week by the rare appearance of the sun warming us up to a comfortable 50-something nearly every day. To think, it SNOWED last weekend! (actually I'd rather not think about it)

Yellow Bursts Tote Bag by MichelleBrusegaard.etsy.com , $15. An adorable tote at an adorable price. Perfect for lunches outside...just around the corner!

Let the Sun Shine in 16x20 poster by slidesideways.etsy.com, $28. I love the quirky, hand-drawn look and of course the colors. It is impossible to be in a bad mood after looking at this hand-printed poster for long enough.

Yellow and Orange Concrete Ring by ConcreteRing.etsy.com, $49.95. This is not something you see every day behind the glass counters in your local mall. Exactly the reason why I love it!

FRIDAY FINDS: Jewel Box

I'm a bit late posting these, but it's just the beginning of the weekend, so still plenty of time to shop! This week I was inspired by a few rich, jewel-toned beauties...


Orange Swirl Nightlight by MariposaAvenue.etsy.com, $15
It casts fantastic, dreamy shadows on the wall when lit and looks cool during the daytime too!


Banana Smoothie Soap Bar by mybirch.etsy.com, $4
What else is there to say? Indulge.


Beaded Bracelet by tamar.etsy.com, $32
I just love the mixture of colors and textures as well as the little leaf that snuck in.

FRIDAY FINDS: Easter Treats

There's still time to order some pastel cheerfulness for friends & family (or yourself). Here are some delectable delights from Etsy to whet your appetite.

Plush Bunny and Squirrel by girlsavage.etsy.com - $35 each.
Made by hand from wool blend felt and stuffed with bamboo fiberfill, one of these adorable creatures is sure to produce smiles for generations.

Set of 3 Mini Terrariums by mooshoopork.etsy.com - $25.
It can be green all year round with these lovely indoor gardens that are super-easy to maintain. The plant inside is a gorgeously wispy citron green Scottish moss.

Set of 12 Large Chocolate Dipped Pretzels by BrokenRoadFarm.etsy.com - $10.99.
Each hand-dipped pretzel is 3"x4" which makes this gift set an incredible deal. Pretty too!

Orangy Olive Pea Pod Felt Brooch by vaivanat.etsy.com - $10.
At just over 4" long, this darling brooch with pearl beads is the perfect Spring accessory for your jacket or handbag.

FRIDAY FINDS: First Day of Spring!!!

Some fresh finds that I plucked from the ripe fields of Etsy.com. If you've never heard of it, you should DEFINITELY check it out - all handmade wonders from individual artisians around the world (including yours truly). Here are my faves to welcome this blessed 1st day of Spring:


"Orange to Red Buds" by darthdoro.etsy.com, $15.
The gorgeous colors in this print will brighten even the cloudiest, rainy day (which we have plenty to look forward to). But it also remind us of the wonderful blessings of nature to come.


Leather Flower Keychain by chockypink.etsy.com, $9.99.
I just love flowers and will take them any way I can get them. Here's a little joy that you can take with you everywhere and it's blooms will never fade.


Set of 6 Matching Gift Tags, by ClaryceDesign.etsy.com, $4.50.
Everything starts to happen in Spring...Mother's Day, birthdays, weddings, you name it. One of these beauties will make your gift just that much more special.