A Closer Look at Ottoman

Cosmic Combo

First of all, I have to say that I have a difficult time reading blogs that are all about consumerism. However, since these are handmade items, I feel it's justified. I love supporting handmade (duh) and I'm trying to buy less, but buy handmade. So, I just had to tell you patient readers that I have found a fabulous combo and had to share.

(ZIBtextile)

I love these Space diamond leggings from ZIBtextile! And their XL fits gals who are a little bigger than the size states rather well. They are perfect with...

(vozcollective)

...this Cosmic Wood Bangle (choose your pattern) from VOZ Collective!

Anyway, I know I've been working on "new work" forever and I am, but it's been mostly brain work...and it's changed a few times because I keep re-thinking it. In addition, the main reason I haven't gotten much done is that I am (or was) significantly deficient in vitamin D (I do live in rainy Oregon) and borderline anemic. Sigh, I'm also borderline hypothyroid. I'm sure you can image that all I've been wanting to do lately is sleep (not that I have lots of time to). I simply haven't had the energy, and I found out there's a good reason. So, if you've been feeling like you've been run over, there may be a reason...go get checked out! And, when I finally feel better, I hope to be making things...lots of things!

Until then....

Brass

So, I've been trying to get moving on this new work, but it's just not working with me. So, I guess I should have patience (not always easy) and it will come. I've been wanting to post pictures...and it's just not happening.

In the meantime, I have to say that I'm in love with brass (I know, I'm not the only one). I don't buy gold (or diamonds for that matter)...they're just not something I get into for ethical reasons. Besides, I tend to wear silver because it looks better on me than gold. However, brass seems to be a cooler color than gold and it's just working for me. And, frankly, the price is much more affordable. Here's a couple of things I've been wearing lots:

I love Seaworthy's jewelry. These earrings have been on my list for over a year. Check it out, a new line has just been introduced!

I love this cuff from Laurel Hill. She's also a peach of a seller!

Have you fallen for brass? If so, what's your favorite designer?

 

Headbands!

I'm so glad that headbands are back so big (the stretchy kind, not the hard kind that fight with my glasses) because they are a lifesaver for my growing out hair. I just put on the headband and throw up my hair with a million bobby pins. Here are some favorites I've been spying:

Turban Headband in 3D Snake Pyramid Print by Thief and Bandit (image by Thief and Bandit on Etsy)

I love that Thief and Bandit headband. And, I'm certain my son will as well. I mean, it has snakes and pyramids on it, need I say more?

ANJA organic hand woven stretch headband by The Royal (image by The Royal on Etsy)

I'm smitten with the unusual-ness of the weaving on this headband and it can be made with your choice of colors (and patterns).

Giza Turban in Peacock... by Bark Decor (image by Bark Decor on Etsy)

I happen to be wearing this headband today and I can't wait for more colors and patterns.

Do you have any handmade headband favorites? If so, do share, I'd love to see more of what's out there!

And, I hope you have a lovely weekend. It's been a bit warm here, I'm not ready for the heat. However, we're supposed to get a bit of rain next week and I'm actually looking forward to it. It's this time of year that I realize that I truly am a shade violet (I guess I just don't like that brutally cold rain in the winter).

Happy Friday!

Color Combo

Hand Printed String Headband in "Flourescent Plaid" by Thief and Bandit (image by Thief and Bandit on Etsy)

Rainbow Teepee Earrings by Scarlet Garnet (image by Scarlet Garnet on Etsy)

I like the two of these together. I'm so ready for spring color.

Have a wonderful weekend. We've had a lot of rain (it's Oregon, we're supposed to), but this weekend is supposed to be sunny and over 80 degrees! I plan to spend time outside and maybe have an ice cream...mmm.

Recent Goodies

It's been awhile! Boo was sick, then I got it, then he got sick again. Typical I suppose for January, but nevertheless...not so fun. So, we laid low for a bit and just took care of ourselves. And, sometimes it's nice to disconnect for awhile.

Anyway, on to fun stuff. Here's a couple of things I ordered recently...yay! packages in the mail!

Flecked Lightning Leather Earrings by Hende (photo from Hende shop on Etsy)

Fox in the Snow Cameo Necklace from I'm Your Present (photo from I'm Your Present shop on Etsy)

Which reminds me, I saw a fox in my yard last night. A rare but happy sighting.

Oh, and did you see that Pantone's color of the year is Tangerine Tango? From a lover of the color orange (yes, it's my favorite color), I'm pretty happy.

I'm also working on a new project (and have been for what seems forever); I hope to be able to share soon!

A quick post for now...and I know, I still owe you photos of the cursive typewriter. I haven't forgotten!

More soon!

Butter is Best?

                                                               

 

So, my recent love affair with water-based nail polish was brief. It chipped really easily and peeled a bit like latex paint on a smooth plastic surface. Maybe a topcoat would have helped? I dunno...if you've had a good experience with water-based polish, do tell what made it work for you.

On to Butter. A nail lacquer that my sister, once again, turned me onto. I decided that if I were to buy this beautiful and rather spendy (but carcinagen-free...a now must) polish, I was going to get the base coat and top coat to seal that beautiful color to my nails for a manicure that would last (especially since it's pretty typical for me to have those undesireable chips rather quickly). Since I had a bit of Christmas money, I decided now was the time (my frugal self/budget wasn't allowing that to happen otherwise). I decided on one lacquer for now, Wallis. It called my name...it's unusual and beautiful. You can read the dead-on description here (scroll a wee bit).

So far, I love this polish. It has lasted since Sunday evening when I applied the several step process (base coat, two coats of lacquer, and a top coat)...four days! No nasty chemicals and a manicure that lasts...finally!

Autumnal Brooches

Just a couple of fun brooches I've found in my travels about town. A wee pointy-eared squirrel and a cluster of acorns with multi-colored oak leaves. That squirrel steals my heart.

I've been having a difficult time getting the time to take pictures what with this December darkness...but I hope to get some snaps soon.

I'm really missing the farmers' market, but must admit that shopping in the cold and/or rain doesn't sound too pleasant...and there have been some bazaars lately that I've popped into, which has helped.

With dear Jessica's urging, I'll try to get some pictures of the cursive typewriter soon. It's a Smith Corona Silent and is dark green with that forest service minty green for some of the keys and the case is a tweed-like fabric. I need to do some cleaning (can-o-air for years and YEARS of eraser dust piled up) and probably a bit of oiling. The machine also needs a new ribbon.

I hope you're enjoying the holidays...I could go for a cup of hot chocolate right about now. Oh! that reminds me...Jenny and I are planning on attempting vegetarian marshmallows (agar instead of gelatin)...anyone tried this?

Bye for now!

Bookhou At Home

So nice to see Bookhou At Home as featured seller on Etsy. For my birthday this year, my mom asked what I'd like. I told her I really could use a new purse. So after some searching, I found something that was versitile to wear for work, yet casual enough to wear with jeans. I also wanted something that wasn't very big (since I'd fill it and it would be heavy) and would work with a variety of outfits (read: it has black, navy, and brown). This was my choice. I had Arounna put a zipper in it for me because I like to know I haven't dumped stuff when I set it down someplace. It's been perfect.

Scotch Naturals

                                                           

This may be my new favorite nail polish. It's non-toxic...really! I picked up Seaboard last weekend to give it a try...perfect for fall. (via dearestMouffette)

Tights and Leggings

The weather in Oregon is perfect for transitional clothing right now (and items that will allow me to wear my warm weather clothes now and expand my simple wardrobe) which has me thinking of leggings and tights. Which then immediately has me searching on Etsy for handmade ones....

Sunshine Yellow Leggings with Diamonds and Raindrops Print

These leggings by Pretty Penny Designs is perfect for Oregon in the spring. This shop has a bit to offer for curvy gals too and I hope that she adds more to that line.

Luxe Collection Leggings - Abstract Mesh

I Heart Norwegian Wood has been a favorite shop of mine for such a long time...so many great things. These leggings are just one of them.

Leg Warmers Night Secret

There are so many beautiful and femine pieces in the Sockbox shop that it would be really difficult to choose.

What's your favorite maker (handmade or otherwise) of tights and/or leggings?

I hope your week is going well. Boo and I headed to the farmers' market today and managed to make it when the sun was out (we've had on-and-off rain and sun all day). We got ourselves a light lunch and treats (ie. cookies)...parsnips, a huge beet, green onions, hothouse tomatoes, and sage and rosemary plants. My wee indoor herb garden is growing.