Coffee and TV

It is very busy week packed with work and migraines. Thought I'd share one of my favorite MTVs from Blur. I hope everyone's having a great week!

Shop of the Week: Patchwork Harmony

Our Shop of the Week features Caroline Taylor of Patchwork Harmony. Although it's a fairly new shop, it's fast gaining popularity both in the internet and in the real world. Her shop has been featured in Enterprisenation, a website for home business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs; Period Living, a home interior design magazine; and The London Paper, a free paper handed out to busy commuters of London.

Today, Caroline shares with us how she started her online store, her inspirations and some tips for everyone who would like to start a small biz.

What's the inspiration behind your shop's name?

When I was starting up my blog I had brainstormed a few ideas for a name, and I decided on Patchwork Harmony, as it is a representation of my philosophy on interior style. I see a home like a patchwork quilt, a collection of individual items that you truly love or that have special meaning, that gradually come together to make an eclectic, beautiful and harmonious home. This name then transferred easily to the shop.

How old is your shop?

I launched the shop in April 2009. So only 3 months!

just 3 months old yet now famous!!!

Patchwork Harmony items highlighted in magazines

What inspired you to start your own home business?

I’ve always wanted to have my own business but was never quite sure how to go about it, and once I started writing my blog the ideas kind of just evolved from there. I was inspired by all the lovely shops and boutiques out there, so much so that I decided that I could give it a try myself! Plus I love shopping, and running a shop means you get to buy everything you like, but still make money from it!

lovely accessories for your garden and patio

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far?

I think the main challenge of running a shop online is making it visible to people. It is not the same as having a shop in the high street and having people wander in, you really have to put it in front of people so they will come and look and this is very challenging.

How did you get over it?

I just spend as much time as possible trying to promote the website, either through my blog, although I try not to drone on about it too much on there! Or I try contacting magazines and newspapers to get products featured, collaborate with other websites and basically just try to get the name out there.

beautify your kitchen with these lovelies

Please Name: the things you do when you're not busy in your shop . . .

Well I still have a full time job Monday to Friday as a picture editor… But apart from that I try to spend time with my boyfriend and see my friends… also as I said I love to shop! So am usually out at some of the markets around London. But I have to say my shop does take up the majority of my free time!

stuff inside your bag you can't leave home without . . .

my iphone, make up bag and a notebook.

your favorite shops . . .

Liberty, Cox and Cox, Sage inspired by Life, Cath Kidston, Neals Yard Remedies to name a few!

your top 3 favorite picks from your shop. . .

I have to say I do love everything in the shop, but if I have to pick three, I’d say the Kitchen candles, as they smell AMAZING, the wrapped soaps on the vintage plates, and the white and yellow crochet cushion.

What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you?

Make sure it is something you are really passionate about so that you will keep getting inspired and won’t end up getting bored with it. Also, plan, plan, plan! I think it is essential to have everything covered before you launch your business, if you jump in without thinking you will come up against lots of problems but if you think of everything beforehand hopefully most things will go smoothly!

Any message to your customers and the people who support you?

Well obviously a massive thank you to everyone who has helped me, everyone who has made purchases from the shop and to all my blog readers whose comments and well wishes spur me on! And if anyone has any thoughts, ideas or comments about my shop please feel free to drop me an email, I’d LOVE to hear any feedback! info@patchworkharmony.co.uk

~*~*~*~

If I were to open my own online shop, I want to be as charming as this one. I love how her website is presented - simple and smiling, just like all the items in her shop. And here are some that I wish I could take home with me=)

My Favorites from Patchwork Harmony

L-R: crown jug jar ; egg cups ; soap bowls
heart frame ; rose lavender jars ; doorstops
jam pot ; seedtin ; trinkets tins
floral lampshades

sweet floral cushion

Thank you so much Caroline for this wonderful interview. Don't forget to visit Patchwork Harmony and Caroline's blog for more lovely things.

**if you want to be featured
as Shop of the Week,
send me an email at

theshopbug@yahoo.com

A Mix of Music, Lamps and Fashion

I'm loving these fashion photographs by Zhang Jingna.

Light, classic, and whimsical just like the baroque music playing in the background...

Press play and slowly scroll down to view the photos:)

music: Prelude in D Major by Johann Sebastian Bach

all photos via: Zhang Jingna art + photography

Too Cute Not to "Post It" - The Post It Love Commercial

Found this video a couple of days ago at Jacqueline Pfeffer's blog. It's just tooo adorable not to share. And also because I want to fill my blog with beautiful things, and LOVE...
don't we all?

via: Jacqpfef via le love



ps,
i have a new favorite blog:)

Photography: Printed Wallpapers by Rachel Smith

When it comes to interior design photography, Rachel Smith is a famous name in the blogosphere. These photos are from her Still Life series, entitled "Graham & Brown " 1 and 2 collection. Looking at these beautiful patterns on the wall makes me think of a poem I wrote years ago.

Paperwalls, Wallpapers and You

Paperwalled
this room that is my own

that takes me places far away...

You

the nicer, happier kind
who tells me thing will be okay
maybe not today

but soon. . .

Wallpapers
of flowers and skies I cling to

that calms me every time. . .

You
the quiet, hopeful kind
who allows me to dream
the nicest dreams I could

Wallpapers would peel
Paperwalls would fall
I'll be okay

I have you.

all photos by: Rachel Smith

poetry: Mine

Shop of the Week: Jane Alexandra Cormack

Our Shop of the Week is owned by Jane Alexandra Cormack. I stumbled upon Jane's Etsy shop when I was putting together a post on paper recycling. Most of her creations include recycled materials - paper, beads, ceramic, sea glass, silver, shells, pebbles, drift wood, business cards, postcards; a mix of this and that.

Learning about what she does besides creating items for her shop really makes you think "She's one artistic person." Besides creating jewelries, she also writes poems and songs. She's very well traveled too: been in and around Europe, North and South America, Australia - and later Queenstown, New Zealand. I'm sure her experiences, the places she's been and the people she met in her travels influence and inspire her art. Let's get to know more about Jane Alexandra Cormack:

What is the inspiration behind your shop's name?

Well, shop name yeah, not exactly a mystery. I was originally called JAC ART years ago because I was creating a lot of different art works but I thought my own name sounded more elegant and so I chose 'Jane Alexandra' for my business for a while.

But then I already had a website called janecormack.com, so I thought things might get a bit confusing with the different names so decided to use all three!! It's quite long I know and I may change it in the future when my etsy store sells out!!! Then I can open a new one!!

How old is your shop?

I opened my Etsy shop in July of 2008 but just began filling it properly at the end of last year. I began my jewellery and art design business in 2001 after I graduated from Art School and had been traveling for a while and have continued to make and sell my jewellery in a variety of different venues since then.

What inspired you to start your own home business?

I followed my instinct. I wanted to work for myself to create the freedom of doing what I wanted when I wanted. My desire to lead a creative life was strong and still is. I very much enjoyed working with colour and instantly creating completely new designs like miniature art works.

I also like to connect with people and the out-side world through my creativity so it is always a wonderful feeling when someone new finds my works and feels inspired by it. That feeling stays no matter how long I have been making jewellery.

Natural Black Pebble, onyx, silver & swarovski crystal necklace

featured in November L'Oreal International Calendar

Where do you create most of the items in your shop?

Well, my studio space changes according to where I am. And I'm moving to Edinburgh tomorrow so currently it's in limbo in the back of a car!! But I create a space to work in wherever I am, a creative little nook for myself which usually spreads out far and wide and takes over everything in it's wake. But I'm all packed up at the moment and ready to explode onto my poor future flatmates apartment!

Most recently, I nicked my Dad's Art Studio whilst he was away on holiday, he's a painter so it's already set up with all the necessary bits and bods; he's back now though so he's thrown me out again. The good thing about jewellery making is that it is a little more transportable than a lot of other art forms, I've hauled my stuff to Australia, New Zealand and back so Edinburgh doesn't feel that far away really.

Jane in her car, just arrived in Romania

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far?

Probably the inconsistency of earnings. There's an ebb and flow so it's an uncertain path, but isn't everything!

How did you get over it?

Well, there is still that uncertainty, but I got used to that way of life and trusting that everything would be ok. I set up a lot of different avenues such as selling through galleries and shops and I had a regular market stall when I lived in Australia and I advertised through my website.

Now I have the on-line shop! Also, I enjoyed exploring other creative industries that I was curious to work in such as the film industry which utilised my artistic abilities and writing.

Please Name. . .

1. the things you do when you're not busy in your shop

Oooo, creating!! Yes, I'm pretty much creating most of the time. At the moment I'm editing poetry for a collection and finishing paintings too. But I like to cycle around the country roads here and to the beach.

I do yoga and learn guitar. And I love to travel and make inventive, healthy food. I write too and like a bit of adventure on the side as well as meeting new people and spending time with good friends.

2. stuff inside your bag you can't leave home without

Mobile phone, natural hand cream, a large purse from Thailand full of all sorts of cards and a pink flower coin purse which was a gift, a mini bottle of perfume, pens, always pens! and a rugged looking notebook covered in sticky post-it notes of ideas, things to do and reminders.

3. your favourite shops

Well these are all Etsy shops but there are so many fabulous products on Etsy.

I love labokoff who is a French Artist creating beautiful photographic prints

lacunawork creates amazing wooden books but she's just had a baby so it's empty at the moment.

PureMineralsSource sells completely natural mineral make-up which I love. It's toxic free and kind to skin. I like to use 100% natural products where possible.

And I'm cheating by mentioning a fourth! which is KnitTwits. My talented friend Lorna knits softy softy cosy funky cashmere fingerless gloves.

4. your top 3 favorite picks from your shop

All the items in my shop are one of kind, so my favourites will always be different. At the moment, I love my LILAC ROSE necklace because it's made with such rare lilac coloured sea glass and I just love the colour combinations of turquoise, amethyst, rose and cherry.

Lilac Rose Necklace

SEAMOON GLACIER is a favourite because I like the delicacy of it, the iceberg, stormy sky colours. It really does remind me of a glacier but the sea glass is Scottish. The piece has a transparency and smooth-ness that I love and the sterling silver chain adds a nice hint of shiny sparkle.

Seamoon Glacier Necklace

And OCEANS GEM is another current favourite because it's quite chunky, yet fragile and interesting and has a real beachy feel. I combined shells that I collected at my local beach in Scotland with chunky white agate, sparkling crystals and big silver beads. I like the organic, natural-ness of this piece.

Ocean's Gem

What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you?

I would recommend always trusting your own instinct. I live my life by mine and it usually works out pretty well! (if I listen that is!) Don't be afraid to take risks and enjoy the process because you don't know where the end might be. Do what you love and enjoy the ups and the downs because it's all part of it.

~*~*~*~

I love the fact that each of her creation is unique in its own way. No two piece is exactly identical with another. I really admire most of her jewelry collection and it was hard choosing a few faves. But here they are:

Frosted Sea Glass Stud Earrings with Silver, Lilac Crystals; Turquoise Poetry Recycled Story Necklace
Let Your Heart Shine Recycled Glass, Diamante, Bronze Leaf Art Piece ; "This too will pass" Funky Re-Cycled Business Card Earrings

L-R:
Thames China Glass necklace ; London Blue Re-Cycled River Thames Ceramic ; Minty Re-cycled Frosted Glass Earrings with Clear Quartz
Organic Molten Silver Amethyst, Swarovski Crystal Necklace ; Sea Pomade earrings ; White Cream earrings

funky rings and hair ornaments by janecormack

**if you want to be featured
as Shop of the Week,
send me an email at

theshopbug@yahoo.com

Makebelieve Shopping: Boho Clothing and Accessories

Speaking of Bohemian style, here are some of my personal choices from various shops:

clothing and accessories via: Urban Outfitters Women's Apparel

clothing and accessories via: Indiesin

The rose embroidered skirt is actually a tube-dress. I love that you can wear a tube or blouse over it for a different look. (so fun!)

clothing and accessories via: Free People

Personal Faves From: Gucci Resort 2009 Collection

Here are some of my favorites from Frida Gianini's Collection for the Gucci Resort 2009 runway. Earthy tones, chiffon fabric, flowing dresses, skinny trousers, lustrous hair, smudged smoky eye-makeup and 70's music are the main elements of the show.

The Gucci Resort 2009 Collection

all photos from: style.com

I love Bohemian fashion and it 's a style that I'm really comfortable of. Something I pull of pretty well, I think. How 'bout you? What's your personal fashion style?

Interior Design Ideas from Easy Elegance

And here are the photos from the Easy Elegance book that Caroline sent me.

The book is by Atlanta Bartlett and the photographs by Polly Wreford. I love all the simple and practical tips that are based on four essentials of interior decorating: Comfort, Simplicity, Function and Individuality. I am excited to try out some these ideas... we'll see =)

Mailboxes, Address Plaques and Curbside Decor

Mail boxes come in different shapes and sizes. It is interesting how the site of mailbox in a home or a building can make it a much friendlier place. Surely, anyone would feel joy and excitement seeing a mailbox brimming with letters, especially if that letter came from a friend.

These photos of mail boxes are from mailboxixchange.com. The site offers Residential Mailboxes and Commercial Mailboxes in a wide array of designs. You can also find address and number plaques, signage, and various decor for your lawn, curbside, or porch.







Beautify your home and garden with tea lanterns, weathervanes, rain chains, bird feeders and birdbaths, sundial flagpole ornaments and outdoor lamp posts. I especially love the thermometer clocks with antique finishes.


All photos from: mailboxixchange.com
For more info, check out their website.

Patchwork Harmony GIveaway Package Arrives

Today, a wonderful surprise from the mail man - the giveaway package from Caroline of Patchwork Harmony finally arrives! It feels soooo nice to receive a package by snail mail, and from such a far away place, too! =)

Oh my, the Easy Elegance book is filled with so many of beautiful shots and interior design ideas. I browse through all the pages today but it would take me a while to absorb everything from this gorgeous coffetable book. Now, as for the garden tool belt, I may have to use it to put in other stuff while I'm waiting for my green thumb to itch:) Thank you again, Caroline!

ps

I lost my internet connection since yesterday and got it back only tonight! I'll be posting more shots from this lovely book tomorrow:) Goodnight!

Shop of the Week: Chez-Sucre-Chez

It's a Sunday and I'm happy to announce that today, we are featuring Chez-Sucre-Chez as Shop of the week. I first saw one of her pouches at MadeByGirl's blog and love it. She has been featured in many magazines, online mags, handmade shops online, blogs and I guess most of you are familiar with her or her shop.

She creates fine little things like pillows, tea towels, aprons, pouches and little animal dolls I really like the Piggy Goes to Market tote, the cross-stitched hoops, and the animal dolls (see photos at the bottom) from her store. I also fell in love with her L-O-V-E cross-stitched wall decor (remember this? 10 ways to say Love).

~ Kim ~

The talented girl/lady behind Chez-Sucre-Chez is Kimberly Scola. She owns the Bigcartel online store and an Etsy shop as well. Despite her very busy sched, I'm so glad that she has obliged to do this interview.

Ever wondered what chez sucre chez means?
Let's go and find out;)

What's the inspiration behind your shop's name?

chez-sucre-chez is a poor translation of home-sweet-home into french. a few years ago, my french friends simon and estelle were visiting and staying with me in nyc. when we would arrive home after hours of walking around site-seeing and shopping and eating, estelle, whose english was pretty good, would say, "home sweet home."

months later, i visited them in paris. as we approached their door one of the first nights that we were out, i put together, in my elementary french, the words chez-sucre-chez in an attempt to convey the same sentiment as home-sweet-home. estelle, simon and i got a big laugh of this and the phrase stuck in my head.

months after that as i was creating the seed of my little business, chez-sucre-chez came to mind. i like the way that, in an obscure, round-about way, it references the old cross-stitch samplers that i love so much. it also speaks to what i seek to help create with my products - a happy, comfortable home. and, although it may be a little more difficult for people to pronounce and remember, i don't have to worry about anyone confusing me with another chez-sucre-chez!

` home sweet home ~

How old is your shop?

Although i've had an etsy shop account since 2007, i only really started taking it seriously around march of 2008. i then opened my bigcartel shop in december of 2008.

What inspired you to start your own home business?

I have been practicing this since i was in seventh grade, making and selling friendship bracelets at lunchtime for 25 cents each. much later, under the name petit-a-petit, i sold ceramics through a catalog that i made and sent to my circle of family friends, coworkers and other contacts.

My decision to start chez-sucre-chez wasnt so much a conscious one. it started as a hobby and when i found that my work was receiving positive attention and feedback, i saw that i might have a chance to go after my dream of making a living off of what i love to do most; making things with my hands and with all of my heart.

"making things with my hands and with all of my heart"

-- Kimberly Sola

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far?

Honestly, almost every day is a challenge. the challenge is that, being a small one-woman company, there is always SO much work to be done. keeping afloat takes much more than making pretty stitches and dreaming up new designs; that's the fun, easy part. but then for everything that i make, i need to photograph it, and list it in my shops, and put it on my blog send out emails and facebook posts and twitters and anything else i can think of to get the word out.

a peek at her studio

I definitely work much much MUCH more than the usual 40 hour work week, and for FAR less of a paycheck. it sometimes gets frustrating and tiring to feel that i am working and struggling so much to have only enough money to just pay my bills. i'm often ready to give up and start looking for a job with normal hours and a steady paycheck, but then i remember how rewarding it is to be doing what i am doing and to be my own boss!

I know that just as i am meeting, facing and hopefully conquering every struggle and challenge on my own, i am also the one responsible for every success, whether it be big or small, and that gives me the strength and desire to keep on keeping on.

chez-sucre-chez booth
2009 Renegade Craft Fair, Brooklyn

Please Name. . .

1. the things you do when you're not busy in your shop --

I usually am working! one good thing about my work, though, is that it is so portable. i can put my materials for almost any given project into a tote and take it wherever i go. this allows me to visit with friends and family while i stitch.

When i do take a break from the stitching, though, it is usually to cook or bake for friends, or to go for a bike ride through the back streets of my town, or to take a few days in philadelphia or new york, where i can get my fill of dancing and people watching and socializing.

she bakes too!

2. stuff inside your bag you can't leave home without --

I am definitely a simple girl. all i need is my id, some cash, my phone and my keys and i'm good to go. but if i am going anywhere for a bit longer than a quick run out to the store, i need my sunglasses and my ipod and my bag of projects and my laptop.

3. your favorite shops -

It's been a while since i could actually afford to shop at these places, but i do love anthropologie, and the shoe department at macy's, and williams sonoma (or any good independently-run kitchen goodies shop). i also love browsing bookstores, and fabric and paper and yarn and craft supply shops, and cheese shops, and bakeries and vintage places and antique markets.

4. your top 3 favorite picks from your shop --

i love my piggy goes to market totes; i've got three of them that i've been using and abusing for months.

"piggy goes to market"

i also use one of my crown-print zippy pouches; it's the bag that holds all four of those items that i cant leave home without.

crown zippy pouch

then, to name one other favourite -- hmm, that's tough; i guess i would say any of my hand-embroidered tea towels. i truly love the towels that i use for these and feel that with the care i put into the embroidery, they're just a great product and make for a fantastic gift.

embroidered tea towels

What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you?

Try to set work hours for yourself, so that you arent eating, sleeping and always breathing just work. i haven't figured out how to let go and obey myself on this advice, but i think i would be more productive and well balanced if i did. have confidence and believe in what you are doing.

and lastly, work hard and know that it's worth it.

~*~*~*~

She seems like a very hard working gal, don't you think? A real inspiration for anyone (including myself) who has a dream of starting a home business. This was really a fun interview and I enjoyed putting this post together. The story behind her shop's name is amusing:) And based upon her favorite hang outs, I think we would make good buddies. Thanks Kim!

Here are more of my personal faves from her shop:

Puppy Love cross-stitch hoop ; printed pouch ; sammy wrap
"every cloud has a silver lining" pouch ; L-O-V-E cross-stitch in hoops
embroidered hand towels ; knitting kit in cute pouches

"U" embroidered tea towel ; sammy wraps (reusable sandwich wraps, so cool!)
"every cloud has a silver lining" pouch ; "oh darling dear" cross-stitch hoop

aprons in prints

oh, and don't forget to check out her personal blog for daily happenings:)

**if you want to be featured
as Shop of the Week,
send me an email at

theshopbug@yahoo.com

Not Your Ordinary Home: Patterned Wall Paper Interiors

I may not incorporate these patterned wallpapers on my walls but they sure are fun to look at. And if you think that these are real homes, no, they're not. These are actually doll houses but I'm sure interior decorators and enthusiasts can use these as inspirations. It is interesting to read the story behind these interior design photos and you can read about it below.

All photos by:
Michael Williams for Haute Doll Magazine at mawphoto.com

This presentation gets its name from my September 2007 HAUTE DOLL Magazine feature on diorama dollhouse furnishings, and it serves as a laudatory hommage to Bravo TOP DESIGN guru Jonathan Adler (age 41), who first fell in love with ceramics at age 12 in summer camp, but took a brief detour in the movie business before launching his initial line of pottery at Barney's in 1994. The line was an instant success, and in 1998 he opened his first store in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood, which has since been followed by several boutiques across the country, as he expanded his line into a glamorous new furniture collection, along with bedding, towels, and pillows (some of which are licensed and carried by Bed, Bath and Beyond and department stores). He even redesigned the Le Parker Meridien Hotel in Palm Springs, now a hot resort vacation destination.

-- Michael Williams at mawphoto.com via flickr

Bold, Quirky, Colorful

This is the photography of Flavita Valsani. It is truly a more colorful world behind the lens of this photographer. I am drawn, not only to the boldness and the striking contrasts of the hues, but also with how the most ordinary things turn into something interesting, amusing, beautiful.

It is raining where I'm at but these photos are sure far from drab. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do.

all photos via: flavita.valsani at flickr

The Papemelroti Giveaway Contest

One of my favorite local shops, Papemelroti is hosting a giveaway and I'm more than happy to blog about it:) It's called the Shiny Shinies Jewelry Contest. Everyone can enter, even those who live outside the Philippines and this is what you could win:

This unique chain necklace has accents of fish, a flower collage, heart, emerald, wreathe and fish beads all strung on a faux silver chain.

Deadline for entries is on 10:30 AM, August 8, 2009. Go here to enter!

Happenings and Giveaways from My Blog List

If you've been wond'ring what happened to the Shop of the Week segment, it's still on. There were just some delays with the interviews but I'm so excited that two of them has already given their Q&As and they're waiting to be featured this coming weeks.

The reason I decided not to post for this week is because I wanted to give these shop owners the entire week, all 7 days for themselves. As you can see, those who will be featured as Shop of the Week will have their Etsy widget or button on the sidebar for the whole week. I know that most of these wonderful sellers already have a huge following but I hope that my blog can help somehow in inviting more people or customers to their shops. So again, I'm calling out to anyone who's interested to be participate, send me a note at theshopbug@yahoo.com

Anyway, I'm posting some of these lovely happenings and giveaways from the beautiful people on my blog list.

Ennui is hosting her 100th post giveaway over at her blog . The giveaway at stake? A pair of leather sandals created by the Tamahumara Indian tribe sold over at Nikki's shop, Zuzsi. Hop over Ennui, and you have until the 15th to enter.

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Have you heard about it from High Street Market?

This lovely set of tables and chairs are perfect for your patio or garden:) It's on SUPER SALE at Anthropologie with the table and chairs marked down from $498.00 to $99.95 & from $248.00 to $69.95!!! Btw, her blog just got a facelift and it looks great=)

~*~*~*~*~*~

Have you heard it from Tea for Joy?

Orange Pekoe is offering a giveaway- a free afternoon tea for two. If you live in London, you surely know the place and you are eligible to win. So hop over Tea for Joy now to enter.

~*~*~*~*~*~

This cute elephants printable notecard is yours for free from Rachel B. Blog.
Makes you smile, does it? :)

~*~*~*~*~*~

Do you live in Philly?
oh Joy! is having a sample shop sale in the area.
Drop by her blog to know more!

~*~*~*~*~*~

Another great giveaway from How About Orange:

these Brown Links Vase Set from Accent Furniture Direct.

You have until Friday, (7/10/09) at midnight CDT so go here to enter.

ALL COFFEE LOVERS:
Jen of Made By Girl has new print on her shop.

For someone who loves blogs and coffee, i really think i should have this on my wall.

hmmm... never too late, maybe one of these days:)

A Kitty Needs Help

I've just been over Caroneko's blog and read about this. I don't have much so I hope by spreading the word about Nikki, this sweet kitten, more people will be able to help her:

My name is Nikki. I'm a 1 month-old, loving kitten. Unfortunately, I have a heart murmur. My family is trying to raise $1500 (half of what is needed) for life-saving surgery for me. I won't survive without your help! Even a few dollars will help. For more information, visit this link, or donate directly through PayPal at sheljackson@hotmail.com.

Make Believe Shopping: Sandals for Pretty Feet

Sandals are sooo flattering and goes well with any attire: dress, skirt, shorts, and jeans:)
Found these supper pretty sandals over at shoes.com:

L-R: jessica simpson ; vince V camuto

guess ; rampage danika

dolce vita ;
steve madden

diba ; naughty monkey
madden girl ; sam edelman

blowfish ; chinese laundry
kenneth cole ; luichiny

Vintage Theme Wall Art Reprints at Chef Decor

I checked out Chef Decor today and I must say I enjoyed browsing around the shop. It offers lithographic and serigraphic art prints, and although not the originals, these print reproductions are said to be of the museum fine-art quality.

Looking at these drawings and doodles make me yearn about Paris -
I dream of walking on its streets, having good conversations in its cafes...

Limoncello and Olio d'Oliva by Sophie Hanin

Nouvelle Cuisine 1v by Sophie Harding ; Chef to Go by Jennifer Garant
Tossing Chef by Dena Marie ; Chocolat, Paris by Katharine Gracey

Cafe de Venice by Kate McRostie ; Miel de Lavande by Katharine Gracey
Guacamole by unknown artist ; Finest Espresso by Kate and Liz Pope

Pastry Chef by Stephanie Marrott

The vintage shop signs would make fabulous wall decor for a kitchen, don't you think?

Spaghetti al Fresco by Rob Scotton

Maison de Ville by Katharine Gracey

Mes Amis II by Jennifer Garant

These last three art works are my favorites: Rob Scotton's Spaghetti al Fresco (the cow chef is sooo cute), Katharine Gracey's Maison de Ville (this reminds of Babe, the movie) and Jennifer Garant's Mes Amis II (I imagine these girls are me and my best girl B, in Paris, someday).

Make Believe Shopping: Jody Coyote

Thought these dangling earrings by Jody Coyote are so cute.
I certainly wouldn't mind buying myself one of these or all of these:)

Jody Coyote earrings

Jody Coyote earrings

Jody Coyote earrings


Which one's your favorite?

Tips On Buying A New or Used Car

BMW M5

Compare mileage ratings. Choose a car that is both cost-efficient and energy efficient. See to it that the cars engine is in good shape and consider the vehicle's gas usage vs mileage ratio.

Consider the size. If you want to buy a personal car, it may be okay to go with a two-door car but if you plan to buy something for the family, there should be enough seating and comfort not only for the passengers but for the driver as well.

2009 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck

Think about your budget. When it comes to choosing the design or the look of the car, be realistic. Sure you may be able to purchase a fancier model with your car loan, but is it really worth it? Or can you settle for a slightly older model of a car for a lower price that delivers exactly or almost the same level of performance?

Consider a hybrid car. Hybrid cars may be more expensive but these are certainly cost-saving cars and much friendlier to the environment.

Toyota Prius

Hire a pro mechanic. When personally inspecting a prospective car purchase, best take a professional mechanic with you, unless you are the Pro. This is importantly especially if you're buying a used car.

Test drive. Always go for a test drive. Better, if you have a mechanic with you.

Check out car reviews. One good way to know more information about different vehicle brands and models is to read online automobile reviews. Find out which ones are best sellers and poor sellers in the market or which ones are raving positive and negative feedback. The infiniti site has some good reviews on all vehicle brands and styles.

I'm a Patchwork Harmony Giveaway Winner

How wonderful it is to wake up with a lovely surprise! Caroline of Patchwork Harmony hosted a giveaway last week for her 100th post celebration. And what do you know! I won the 1st prize, weeeee! Gosh, it's my first time to win anything, I'm so thrilled! Thank you so much Caroline!

Camouflage Company Tool Belt ; Easy Elegance Design Book

These are my prizes, isn't it sweet? :)

Sophie Conran for Portmeirion Dinnerware Collection

I love white dinnerware and I wish I could buy the complete set of Sophie Conran for Portmeirion collection.

dinner plate

pasta bowl

bistro plate

creamer; tea pot; pitcher

casseroles and a sugar bowl

Visit Gift Collector for more of these beautiful, white porcelain dinnerware pieces.