Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Holiday Ornament Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Ruth of Whimsical Winston, an etsy shop home decor items, accessories, ornaments as well as vintage items.

Today, she's offering this pine cone ornament to one lucky reader. Just in time for the holidays!

For your chance to win, simply visit Whimsical Winston, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Have fun, friends! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Jodi. Thanks so much! :)

Engagement Rings.

Let's face it: My hands are pretty delicate little things. So rings like these would be perfect, don't you think?

(Via East Side Bride)

Funny Fishbowl.

How awesome is this fish-shaped fishbowl? It reminds me of the days my sister always used to win gold fish at the school carnivals. Good times. xoxo

(Via Apartment Therapy)

Monday, November 29, 2010

Owl Print Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Nancy of Lee Arthaus, an etsy shop full of all things owl, including prints, pocket mirrors and magnets/buttons.

Nancy is offering one lucky reader one 6x6 or 5x7 owl print of their choice. I happen to like the Retro Owl Nest and the Bright Owl in Tulip prints. What's your favorite one, friends?

For your chance to win, simply visit Lee Arthaus, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Have a hoot! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Ally! Thanks so much!! :)

Love Lounge: Crushes + Friends.

I can't do it anymore. I just can't. Being friends with a crush is like dangling a can of root beer in front of my face every day. Now, as you all know, I've had my fair share of crushes as friends. OK, maybe that's not entirely true. I have this weird syndrome of falling for guy friends. It's a very bad syndrome, really. Other symptoms of the disease I've noticed: My cheeks are perpetually rosy any time said friend is around, my mouth feels like it has peanut butter in it and I'm rendered speechless, arms spontaneously flying all over the place and things accidentally breaking.

Basically, I become a walking, non-talking klutz.

Maybe you've been plagued by this annoying habit too.

But I can't help but wonder: Which one comes first? The crush? The friend? Do we have a crush who becomes our friend, or do we first start out as friends and then one of us naturally develops a crush? It's sort like the chicken-and-the-egg argument. I often wonder if you just get the same result - a walking non-talking klutz - no matter which one comes first.
When it comes down to it, though, all I know is that it's getting harder and harder to pretend I'm not into a guy friend when I so obviously am. It's not like I can put on a mask and pretend my feelings aren't there. That's not fair to me or to the guy. And you'd think my disability wouldn't be a factor because we're already friends, so he knows all about my disability, but I'm finding being friends and dating are two very different things where my disability is concerned. Guys, it seems, are fine being friends, but the minute they see me even attempt to wave the romantic flag, things change. Excuses become more frequent. I can feel them pulling back because perhaps they don't want to get in too deep. Being friends is one thing. Being romantically involved is certainly another.

Me? I've just never understood that logic. Friends or more than friends, I'm still the same person. For just once, I wish I could take that mask off and be and say exactly who I am.

[Photos via We Heart It]

Man Candy Monday

Editor's Note: With the cold winter months here, Man Candy Monday is going into hibernation. But have no fear, friends. It will be back in the spring with a full supply of lovely men. Until then, check out Miscellaneous Monday, starting next week! And, as always, let me know what you think. xoxo

Happy Monday-after-Thanksgiving, friends! Hope you had a nice long weekend. To wake us all up, I have a great guy from across the border. He can tell a story like no one else, especially about the summer of '69. Even his eyes tell a story that you just don't want to put down. And he'd fight for you...

BRYAN ADAMS!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Have A Thankfulness Weekend.

After you all so lovingly sent me all those good vibes, I thought we'd do something different on this Friday.

Thankfulness. Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and in the hustle and bustle of the day, maybe you never got a chance to think about all the people and things you're thankful for.

So what are they, friends? Let's share them today, shall we? My list includes:

*My mother and sister.
*My two cats, even if they can be a bit too curious sometimes.
*That I had the greatest father in the world, and even though our time together was too short, the memories will live in my heart forever.
*My journalism students who make me excited about producing a newspaper, even when I am feeling down and depressed.
*ALL OF YOU WHO BRING A HUGE SMILE TO MY FACE EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!!


[Photo via Grace In Place]

Snow Globes.

When I was a kid, my parents always used to buy my sister and me snow globes around the holidays. You'd think they'd just given us $1 million dollars by the sight of our faces...all lit up with huge smiles brimming from ear to ear. These snow globes were nothing special, probably the cheap kind you can buy at Wal-Mart, but it felt as if they'd given us these Waterford Crystal snow globes. Aren't they beautiful? I'm really loving their Times Square globe. What do you think, friends? xoxo

P.S. More snow globe love!

P.P.S. Speaking of the holidays, are you braving the masses and venturing out to nab some of those Black Friday sales today?

(Via Tea For Joy)

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

My lovely friends, what are your plans for Thanksgiving? My mother and sister braved the store yesterday, so today we'll be cooking. And no doubt with some Christmas music at my mother's insistence. My mom makes the best Thanksgiving dinners, and I'll probably be so stuffed (pun intended!) that I'll fall asleep in front of the fire like our cats always do. Whatever your plans, I hope you have a joyous and safe day, especially if you happen to be traveling! xoxo

[Photo by Aya Brackett]

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

That Kind of Beautiful.

I wrote this one this morning. It's a bit of snark mixed with trying to comes to terms with myself and accept myself for who I am. We all know that girl who is supposedly perfect, and yes, we may find ourselves a bit green with envy. But at the end of the day, it's about loving ourselves, right?
She glides just like the night
So cool and breezy in her all-American blue jeans
And when she moves her lips to speak
Everyone's eyes are on her
The silhouette of an angel

She walks by and I wonder why
I'm not like her...
I'm the girl who says exactly what's on mind at exactly the wrong time
I may stumble and fall as I live this life
But, hey, at least it's mine
I'm not that kind of beautiful, but I'll outshine her any day
Knowing there's a place for me in this big, wide world

Sometimes I want to pinch those rosy-red cheeks just to see if they're real
A girl from the pages of a magazines she walks just like a beauty queen
So self-assuredly
I'm the one hiding in the corner
Just waiting for her reign to be over

She walks by and I wonder why
I'm not like her...
I'm the girl who says exactly what's on mind at exactly the wrong time
I may stumble and fall as I live this life
But, hey, at least it's mine
I'm not that kind of beautiful, but I'll outshine her any day
Knowing there's a place for me in this big, wide world

Someday I'll be that kind of beautiful
And change all the rules, yeah

She walks by and I wonder why
I'm not like her...
I'm the girl who says exactly what's on mind at exactly the wrong time
I may stumble and fall as I live this life
But, hey, at least it's mine
I'm not that kind of beautiful, but I'll outshine her any day
Knowing there's a place for me in this big, wide world

She walks by and I wonder why
I'm not like her...
I'm the girl who says exactly what's on mind at exactly the wrong time
I may stumble and fall as I live this life
But, hey, at least it's mine
I'm not that kind of beautiful, but I'll outshine her any day
Knowing there's a place for me in this big, wide world


[Photo via Le Love]

Animal Nursery.

How cute is Charley Mae's nursery? Her mom hand-painted the mural,
The mobile was made just for Charley by the Anthropologie design team...
...And I think that night light, which was also made especially for Charley by the Megasii Design Group, would look awesome even in an adult's room, don't you? Le sigh.

How I Feel (In 5 Photos) Wednesday.

"Every night I hope and pray, a dream lover will come my way." --Bobby Darin

[Photos via Chasing Pavements]

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Locket Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Joye of Joyefulart, an etsy shop specializing in pendant necklaces, lockets and original watercolors. As Joye says, "My Etsy shop's theme is centered around creatively presenting my paintings and photos in various, unique forms"

She's giving away this locket from her new line of brass jewelry showcasing her watercolors and oils to one lucky reader. The locket measures 1 1/4" with a brass chain of 18".

For your chance to win, simply visit Joyefulart, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. Have fun! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Abby. Thanks so much! :)

Romantic Wedding.

I fell in love with the beautiful wedding of Natalie + Denis the moment I saw it.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Crochet Ring Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Amanda of AmyMayDesign, a shop of what Amanda calls "handmade accessories for the original soul." Check out this scarecrow necklace!

Amanda is offering this crochet cocktail ring to one lucky reader. Don't you love the rich purple tones, friends?

For your chance to win, simply visit AmyMayDesign, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow. xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Elena! Thanks so much!

What Makes You Happy?

I've been sitting here for the last 45 minutes trying to think of something interesting to blog about, and I'll be honest: I can't. I can't think of anything. Why? I'm not sure exactly. I've alluded to my recent bout with PTSD and depression before, and honestly, I'm scared it's getting worse. I can't write. I'm crying all the time. And my heart hurts, like there's a giant hole in it that no amount of water could ever plug. I'm on some new medication, so I'm hoping that gives me some relief. All I know is that I'm really scared because I've never felt this way before. You all know what a happy, positive person I've always been. I'm really trying to do things to make myself happy, but I'd love to know: What makes you happy? xoxo

[Photo via Mary Ruffle]

Man Candy Monday

Happy Monday, friends! I've featured this guy's TV character before, but it's time this guy stood in a spotlight all his own. He's got charm and wit, which is absolutely adorable. He's got that Southern charm thing down to a science. And his smile just makes you want to smile right along with him...

JIM PARSONS!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Have A Relaxing Weekend.

Happy Friday, friends! Did you have a good week? I hate to be a broken record, but it's been another tough week. I'm really trying to look on the bright side of things and find that rainbow. Something to cheer me up: I'll be featuring some fun, light-hearted posts for the Thanksgiving break. How does that sound, friends? What are you all doing this weekend? I'll see you all Monday, and I hope you enjoy these great posts from the Web...

A pretty painted duck

Genius: Design your own alphabet contest!

wow, check out this telephone table!

What a cool ocean poster

Pencil holders

An awesome giveaway from Ciao, Chessa!

Alphabet wall art

Color love: Indigo

I love these polka-dot shirts!

Genius: Shoe clips

Winter whites

Lots of hats!

Astrology wall calendar

Want: This bracelet

Pillow + pillow love!

[Photo via Design*Sponge]

Cool Style Posters.

Have you guys heard of Moxy Creative House? They sell posters depicting the classic style of musical icons. Genius! And they're only $30. I'd love to take my cue from these style icons, wouldn't you, friends? It'd be like stepping into the shoes of pop-culture history. Do you have a favorite? xoxo

[Via exPress-o]

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Efreeme Gift Certificate Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Diana of efreeme, an online vintage and handmade marketplace. Diana is offering a $50 gift certificate to one lucky reader. You can choose items from lots of categories like vintage accessories, handmade jewelry, and vintage collectibles. I'm personally loving this two of hearts necklace and this vintage blue print skirt. What do you like, friends?

For your chance to win, simply visit efreeme, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow afternoon. Happy browsing! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Natalie! Thanks so much! :)

Heart In My Hand.

This one isn't really about anyone specific, but I discovered I had a bunch of miscellaneous lyrics scribbled on stray pieces of paper. I wonderered what it would look like if I just put them together. Here's the result, friends? xoxo
If talk is cheap
Well, then, baby, you've got it worked down to an art
You take what you want for free
While I pay with little pieces of my heart

It's sad to see the hurt in the truth
When I realized I wasn't worth enough to you
You just walked away and left me standing here
The girl with a tear-stained handkerchief
And wondering why nothing I wanted went as planned
Will I always have your heart in my hand?
I've relived everything you've ever said
Looks like it's not our fairytale in the end

It's like you knew my every weakness
How I used to be so strong
It's like you knew everything I couldn't resist
Starting that day you came along

It's sad to see the hurt in the truth
When I realized I wasn't worth enough to you
You just walked away and left me standing here
The girl with a tear-stained handkerchief
And wondering why nothing I wanted went as planned
Will I always have your heart in my hand?
I've relived everything you've ever said
Looks like it's not our fairytale in the end

I fell, oh how I fell
And I loved you, oh how I loved you
Guess that just wasn't enough

It's sad to see the hurt in the truth
When I realized I wasn't worth enough to you
You just walked away and left me standing here
The girl with a tear-stained handkerchief
And wondering why nothing I wanted went as planned
Will I always have your heart in my hand?
I've relived everything you've ever said
Looks like it's not our fairytale in the end

It's sad to see the hurt in the truth
When I realized I wasn't worth enough to you
You just walked away and left me standing here
The girl with a tear-stained handkerchief
And wondering why nothing I wanted went as planned
Will I always have your heart in my hand?
I've relived everything you've ever said
Looks like it's not our fairytale in the end


[Photo via We Heart It]

Globe Chandeliers.

Benoit Vieubled creates the most amazing and peaceful-looking globe chandeliers. I'd love to lay in bed in the dark and gaze up at the planets all night, wouldn't you, friends? xoxo

P.S. See more photos here!

[Via Black*Eiffel]

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Bird Print Giveaway!

Today's giveaway is from Vicky of Two Hand Design, an amazing shop of handprinted stationery goods. Just in time for the holidays! I'm eying these holiday cards and this birds and flowers print.

Vicky is offering an original, one-of-a-kind retro bird print to one lucky reader. The bird image is letterpress printed on 100% rag paper from a hand-cut linoleum block. Vicky then embellished the print with pen and ink, making it a one-of-a-kind. The print size is 5.5" x 7" and the image size is 2.75" x 4."

For your chance to win, simply visit Two Hand Design, and leave a comment below, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen at random tomorrow afternoon. Have fun! xoxo

Update: Congrats to winner Michelle! Thanks for playing! :)

Love Lounge: The Heart of the Matter.

Editor's Note: Before the rumors start flying, this isn't about anyone specific. The him used is just a general him denoting all of men. :)
What is wrong with me? I'm not that girl. I'm stronger than that.

What's worse than not getting what you want? Not being able to get what you want? Oh, no, it's a fate far worse than that. It's having to see what you want playing out between two people who are clearly, by any D-list standards, not cut out for the part. It seems I've been falling for unavailable guys lately. Don't worry. I'm not going to turn into one of those bunny-boiling types. I promise.

And what's even worse is having an up-close-and-personal front-row seat to their entire relationship (if they're in one) thanks to Facebook. it's nauseating, really. I suppose what makes it even more nauseating is that fact that I continually check for updates like some monkey who's eaten one too many bananas covered with Pixie Sticks. It's simply too close, too easy and too damn tempting. So I torture myself and don't exactly know why. Because I think the tides will shift and he'll come running into my arms someday? No. Because I'm looking for some key to this baffling mystery? No. Because I have a tendency to be a wee bit obsessive from time to time. Well, OK, that might have a little something to do with it. But just a little now. I know there's a very fine, almost invisible line between, being a cute little obsessive and being a certifiable bunny-boiler. And I'm sure no one wants to find themselves in that second group. I fall into that first category in case you were wondering.
I'm not sure what it is. I don't want to be in a relationship with him. I know it would never work. I just don't want him to be in a relationship. That sounds bad, doesn't it? But isn't it true...that we always seem to want the ones we can't have and try to push away the very ones who want us the most? It's seems so counterproductive, and yet I don't know a single person who hasn't done it at least once or twice in their life.

Oh, shoot. Just give it to me straight. I'm too old for this, aren't I? I'm like one of those parents trying to look hip by using their child's lingo, aren't I?

[Photos via Le Love]

Animal Affairs.

Here are some awesome animal prints from Sharon Montrose to brighten your Wednesday. Doesn't it look like they're sizing up their opponent? Genius! :)