Word for the Week: Serendipity

 (Farouche)

It's been a long while since I've written or voiced this word.  I don't like to overuse it... much like that of the word "amazing" or "cute".  But it popped in my head just right now and so I'm going with it since, for that very reason, it seems most appropriate.  I live by serendipity and my belly and my heart flip every single time I am aware of it happening.  It's a pretty neat occurrence and I invite it in anytime, anywhere.  It's the extra hope that propels us along...

Into the Weekend...

Woke up to sunshine and birds singing.  That was nice.

Next up... green tea with honey, prepping a couple of orders to mail out, hair cut, eye brow wax, coffee, work on details for Fall/Winter designs, finish up a couple more orders, sip coffee, pet dog in the sunshine, work on designs some more, sip coffee, line up blog posts for next week, laundry, sip coffee (yes, one cup lasts me the whole day), and then head out to a neat art show (artwork by teens mentored by local artists... should be pretty great.).  What does your Friday look like?

Happy weekend...

(Image: Delovely Arts)

Behind the Design:: Vivian Maier

It's safe to say that I have a new obsession.  And it is Vivian Maier.   I don't think I'm the only one newly captivated by her and her work.  Within just the past year or two, her very existence  has been brought out to the art world at large, and there has been something of a frenzy swirling around her name and boat loads of questions about who she was.  What we do know is that Maier was a nanny in New York and then in Chicago, but her newly evolving legendary status has developed from about 100,000 never before known negatives and photographs purchased randomly at an auction by a realtor looking for research on a book on a completely different subject altogether.  This clip, from the blog that houses her astounding photography, gives brief background into what all the fuss is about HERE.
And until a book on her work gets published these photos will have to sustain me in the meantime...

(Photo credit: Vivian Maier)

Top Five Tuesday:: Bocage

I love Bocage.  I do.  Take, for one, it's tag line: A movable feast of treasures for discerning designers.  I think that's pretty great.  It's also true.  I've scored some serious way hard to find materials through Bocage and am always totally inspired to create once these treasures are in my hands.  Here are five of my picks to entice you...

(1.) Buttons (2.) Seed beads (3.) Feathers (4.) Ribbon (5.) Charms

Treat yourself to something HERE!

Word for the Week: Mars (the Dog)

 

Mars turned 4 (or 28) today.  But he's still all puppy.  Except that he's matured into a very well behaved (though excitable) semi-grown up.  At any rate, it's his birthday today and because I get way too into things like this, I made him another hat this year and have humiliated him (again this year) by forcing him to wear the hat and pose for the camera.  He was pissed.  He just wanted the treat and the new toy that were being dangled near the camera.  Does this make me a bad mom?  I hope not.

Good boy, Marsy!

Into the weekend...

Looks like Blogger has had some sort of meltdown this week, wherein I've had two posts deleted and then the comments with them. Bummer. Any other blogger users having this problem, too? 

Onward!  And into the weekend...
I'm heading out on my bicycle to a vintage treasures trunk show,  preparing a couple treats for Mars the Dog's birthday on Monday, catching up with a few old friends on the telly, and maybe- just maybe- giving myself two days off from work. Okay, one day.  Still.  It's progress.
Love,
Cath

(photo credit here)

Flower Leggings

When I was 8 years old I had a pair of white pants with little teeny flowers all over them.  They were my favorite piece of clothing  and I wore them as often as possible without getting scolded for wearing way over dirty pants out in public.  Until one day there was an incident- which is to say- landing in the top five saddest days of my life (and given that my mother passed away a couple years before this particular incident, you must know how dearly I identified with these flipping pants if I rated them within four rankings of that... ridiculous).  Anyhow, I was dancing like a attention starved crazy child, to what I'm guessing was most likely The Carpenters or Rush, in front of a group of relatives and attempted what would be a failed leg kick turned split and tore the crotch of my pants... my favorite-can't-ever-ever-EVER-do-without flower pants.  This was a traumatizing day and I did what any other person in grieving would do.  I fixed my pants with the next of kin to a staple gun. Genius.
Do I miss these pants?  Yes.  Yes, I do.  So I've traveled around and found what just might be a good later in life substitute for my favorite item of clothing in the history of humankind.
And they are...

Also,  I am no longer allowed to use a stapler unattended.  And have since learned to sew.

Credits: (1) (2)unknown source (3)

OOooooOOOooo....

Staircases are good fodder for certain metaphors.  But they are even better for getting up and down floors of a house or building (I'm in no mood for metaphors today.).  These staircases are so darn beautiful, don't you think?  Would you try any of these in your own home?

 

(Thanks, Apartment Therapy!)

Top Five Tuesday:: Floral Goodness

What better way to revere Spring, flowers in bloom and , heck, jaw dropping floral and event design?  The best way, I say, is to honor the ultra talented Kerstin Horneman of Blue Magnolia floral and event studio.  So...VOILA!  Here are five of my favorite designs and images (and to be clear, there's no way I could actually pick my top favorites.  Her floral design, alone, is a beauty to behold.  Her event design will need a whole other post dedicated to it!):

 (Click on image to make larger!)

 This gal has a knack for constructing the most gorgeous bouquets and , well, a stunning floral hodgepodge of atmospheric delights.  And your senses?  Be prepared to float into a world of such exquisite colors, lovely scents, awesome textures, and- though maybe you won't be able to consciously hear the flowers, I can pretty much guarantee that you'll hear something like music... at least in your own little world.  Oh, and you can probably use some of this diverse floral goodness in delicacy cooking.
See?  All five senses.  She's THAT good.

(1.) Beautiful Kerstin in front of her most precious shop, Blue Magnolia ; (2.),(3.),(5.) gasp worthy floral arrangements; (4.) sweet boutonnieres

(photo credits: courtesy of Blue Magnolia and Kerstin Ellis)

Word for the Week:: Float

I'm not an exceptional swimmer.  I'm not going to pretend to claim anything even remotely close to it.  But I do love a really strong and ambitious push off the side of the pool, with a gush of a sort of parting sea surrounding my body. That's such a great feeling.  The initial plunge, the exhilaration, the washing into the new...
But what I most love is the floating following the plunge.  It's the ultimate "Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhh...." The complete release and relaxing into the unfolding of that bold action of the adrenaline rushed plunge.
I excel in my ability to float (if I can just get myself to stay there for a while and not think of what else I need to be doing.)
I also excel at the doggy paddle.

(photo: elena kalis)

Into the weekend...

 

Hello, sweets.  Got anything fun planned this weekend?  I've got a bicycle ride, a downtown at night adventure, a lunch with a friend, and a few big custom pieces to complete.  Maybe I'll even sneak in a visit to my favorite ocean spot.  I'll also be honoring the mothers in my life.  With love and beautiful memories of my mother who passed away when I was little; to my step-mother who has become one of my closest friends and support; in honor of my grandmothers who have long passed on, but who mark the evolution and tradition held within our Italian culture; to my sister and girlfriends who have their own children and who adore them to pieces; and to all the women and men out there who nurture the world in so many positive and loving ways... I thank you and wish you the loveliest of Mother's Days.

P.S. Need a last minute Mother's Day gift?  Ciara Obscura offers Gift Cards so she can choose her very own adornment or have a piece custom designed just for her.  Receive 10% off of your order through Mother's Day with this coupon code: LoveMoms.

(photo source here)

Ode to Advanced Style

Let me see if I can effectively set the framework for today's post.   The other day I discovered my first white hair.  I didn't think it would get me in the midst of my thirties, but it did.  Right there, smack in the middle of the part on the top of my head, just sticking straight up as if to shout, "Yo!  I'm here and I'm proud!"  Did  I feel proud?  Not so much, no.  But it did kind of suddenly make me feel wiser and stronger and fearless.  And I really liked that.

My sister, Terese, and I had a chat a few days prior about her hair having started to turn when she was in her thirties and all I kept thinking was," I want my hair to turn silver... or maybe a cool white."  And so that's what I got... a rather stunning spike of white hair.  And I'm thinking the white (versus grey) usually grows from auburn/red or black hair.  My natural color is chunks of black and chunks of auburn all piled into a great big nest of hair... so white it is.  But the coolest thing ever?  The hair was a glowing white from the middle half of the strand to the tip, with black growing from the root.  I have no idea how that happened.  It's kind of like the white just wanted to test the waters first.  Anyhow, all of this said, I'm liking it.  Who knew?

Now.  The other day my sister-in-law, Kasey (Happy Birthday!), forwarded me a blog that she thought I'd appreciate.  And, oh man, do I ever.  I mean, I am in freakin' love with the very basis of Ari Seth Cohen's blog, Advanced Style... which is to photo document the striking beauty and vibrancy of older women he encounters around New York (Like Bill Cunningham, but specifically to honor the 50 and older crowd).  What makes me most excited about this whole project is the incredible sense of freedom and life these women project... and it's not about the money you spend on your "look", it's about the creative process and sense of radiance that stems from your own strength and happiness (Smile big, ladies!).  It's uplifting and just so perfect.  I encourage you to take some time to go through as much of his posts and videos as you can.

And my white hair?  Yeah, maybe I am feeling pretty proud of it.

p.s. here's a  couple of shots of Ari Seth Cohen...

 and one of such a stylin' and adorable gentleman...

Fantastic.

Top Five Tuesday:: Violet May

I started this top five with the color yellow in mind, so I did my Etsy search based on that and up popped a Violet May collage with a girl catching the sun... so awesome.  Then I looked through the shop and decided to nix the yellow theme and just give the entire Top Five to this one artist.  Violet May is that lovely.  So then I did a google search on the name and that's when I discovered Decor8 beat me to it and featured some of Violet May's other prints last month.  Great minds...? Or a day late...?  Either way, these are some wonderful and giddy prints.  Enjoy!

Word for the Week: Redefine

It's a good idea to sometimes let go of old, stale, no longer useful modes of thinking... just kind of shuffle them off on their merry way and gather up new ways of looking at the day to day and settling in to a more expansive and fulfilling way of going about life.  So I'm redefining things a little bit, shaking things up, making up my own rules.  Fears be gone.  Possibilities welcome.
Enjoy a lovely week...

(photos by TCapone)

P.S.  Ciara Obscura's April Giveaway winner is Kacee from Washington.  Congratulations!  And thanks to all who participated...

Into the weekend...

A well stocked, well lit art studio...

 (creative rooms <- my new favorite blog!)

Pssst!  Last day!

The April GIVEAWAY ends tonight... ENTER HERE for your chance to win!

Behind the Design:: Rhea Thierstein

Set Designer, Rhea Thierstein, is a force to be reckoned with. Her styling and art direction are nothing short of spectacular.  And I'm flipping out over her work.  How can you not?!

Holy cow!

 

And when Design*Sponge interviewed her and asked what's in her toolbox, this was her response:

"My basic kit consists of a glue gun, staple gun, scissors, ruler, lighter fluid, pins, smoke grenades (!), string, blue tac, spray paints, paints, leather punch, dye, selection of sticky tapes, glue, dry shampoo, scalpels, paintbrushes, pins, skewers, Goof Off, tweezers, split pins, fishing wire and my Leatherman."

How cool would it be to carry around smoke grenades?!  

Maybe it would be cooler if I were a little less clumsy.

The April GIVEAWAY ends tomorrow night... ENTER HERE for your chance to win!

Yum.

I wear my aprons daily.  Some were gifts from friends, family, friends who are like family; and other aprons are ones that I've just picked up at flea markets or online. I mostly wear half aprons that I wrap once around my waist and then tie in a bow in front, length and belly willing.  But I'll wear full aprons when I know I'm going to be making a huge mess.  Here's a photo of me wearing one (my feet are peeking out!) with a pile of my favorites.
*Second from left is from my friend, Meaghan (I wear this one a lot... and it's totally worn- which I love.)

*Third from left is from sister-in-law, Kasey (it's a fancy handmade one that she got from an artist on Etsy.  I wear it on special occasions.)

*The teal, orange and ivory apron was a gift from Kasey's mom.  It was a sweet and thoughtful thank you present for hosting Kasey's baby shower.  It's a full apron with an embroidered bird on the top half.

*Second from right (the adorable pink number) was from friends, Brian and Jen (this one is worn for times when I'm having a friend over for tea or lunch.)

*And that sliver of wild brights... yellow, lilac, red, and green (in between the black aprons): That one was my Nanny's (that's what we called our paternal grandmother).  She wore it in the 70's and 80's. ( It's VERY psychedelic). And then my father "inherited" it.  Best thing ever?  To see my Papa wearing it while cooking stuffed shells for a holiday dinner.  A close second best thing ever?  Seeing my husband wearing it while making tacos.

p.s. Aprons with pockets are a bonus ( I end up filling them with string, paper clips, dog treats, and found lucky pennies.)

p.p.s. THE April GIVEAWAY IS STILL GOING ON!  Hop on over HERE to enter to win.

Top Five Tuesday:: Drinking Glasses

I don't know why I'm choosing drinking glasses as the topic of adoration for this week's Top Five Tuesday, except that maybe I'm just feeling really thirsty.  Also I like snazzy glasses.  Note: this list does not include tea and coffee cups, as I believe they are each so special that they deserve their own category.  Anyhow, here are a few nifty picks that I've come across on my online travels:

 

(1)  Mr. B's Glassworks (2) John Marie (3) Pretty My Drink (4) Vintage Chicago (5) Klinker

Psssssst!  Hop on over HERE for your chance to win our April Giveaway!

Word for the Week:: GIVEAWAY!

The sun is shining.  The air is warm.  The possibilities are pretty much wide open.  I love Spring, don't you?

In honor of this, the awesomest (<~ spell check gets angry over that one) time of year, Ciara Obscura is giving away a pair of  your choice of these Dream World bobby pins.   Want in?  Here's how...

Giveaway Rules: (Deadline: Friday, April 29th at 11:59pm PST)

* In the comments below, hop on over to Ciara Obscura and tell us what your favorite item is.

* Extra credit:  Become a fan of Ciara Obscura on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ciara-Obscura/72466409533

* Extra Extra credit: feel free to comment on other posts here on this blog... I'd love to hear your thoughts! (And no need to notify me that you commented, I get automatic notification)

* Extra Extra EXTRA credit: Stop and smell the roses.  Really. Do it.  It'll bliss you out.

The winner will be chosen on Saturday, April 30th and announced on Monday, May 2nd.

Lots of luck!

Love,

Cath