Lovely Los Angeles

Yesterday I went to the farmer's market and hiking with some friends & then out for a 3 hour dinner with another friend; it's days like this that make me love LA.

Today I'm so grateful & happy for:
~ great friends
~ delicious fresh food (and eggs worth standing in line for)
~ a new phone!

xo!  n.

Heart a flutter Friday - Get Cozy.

Happy Friday everyone!!  It's been quite a week for me; being back at work after a long vacation is... well... uuuuhhhggg...  But we got through it, didn't we?  So now it's time to celebrate!

Here are some soft and fuzzy things to keep your imagination cozy this January weekend:

Boho Slouchy Cabled Hat by Knittingcate on Etsy

I love all the subtle colors in this hat and the thick cable knit.  Wearing this, you'd bring a little confetti splash of unexpected color to a grey winter day, while still keeping warm and looking cool.

Small Moon Jellyfish in Organic Cotton by Awkward on Etsy

Strange and wonderful.  How cute would this be in a bohemian beach bungalow?  Or just hanging in my window so I can imagine I'm in a bohemian beach bungalow...  :)

Hand Embroidered Pendant by Merriweathercouncil on Etsy

So pretty, simple and tactile.  Vintage inspired but kinda silly and fun.

Cowl Top by Replicca on Etsy

This looks sooooo comfy cozy; it bet it feels like a sweatshirt but it looks adorable!  And ladies, it's built in such a way that will flatter your boobies & hide that winter tummy... just sayin is all...

Campfire print by Groundwork on Etsy

It may be cold outside, but you'll feel warm and safe around this campfire.

Nero Square Crochet Ring by gitte on Etsy

It's like a sweater for your finger!  Finally a big ring I can't knock someone out with!

Well, there you have it; I hope you all have a lovely, cozy weekend and stay warm!

Today I am so happy and grateful for:

~ clarity

~ options

~ strength

xo!  n.

Heart a-flutter Friday

Happy Happy Happy Friday, Lovlies!  It's only one week til Christmas Eve!

If you still need some last-minute gifts, I hope this inspires you to get out there & get your shopping done; Christmas isn't meant to be stressful!  Finish it up so you can celebrate. 

Recycled Hanging Pendant Lights by BootsNGus on Etsy

I want these in my future home.  They're funky & repurposed & retro & adorable; how fun would a grouping of these be over a dining room table?  Girly nesting sigh.

Feather Earrings by MetalWendler on Etsy

SO FUN.  I know feathers are a hipster trend, but just a little touch like this, in a bright color (and sans pointless forehead headband), could be a really cool addition to any basic outift.

Skinny Leather Bangles by AmyFine on Etsy

These bracelets with the earrings above?  Check.  Instant coolness & Silverlake street cred.

Earthy Cheese Plate by LennyMud on Etsy

I LOVE this.  I know it looks like someone spilled stuff all over it, but there's just something so neat about it.  The colors, textures, and especially the raised sides make a serving plate I'd want to display, even when I'm not slicing up some cheese (but, let's face it, when is that??)

Sweater Bangle Crochet Bracelet by MyGiantStrawberry on Etsy

Adorable.  I want to wear this and a long hippie skirt whilst weaving daises in my hair.  Or, you know, on a Tuesday.  Just bohemian enough to go with everything.

Coffee Clutch & Moleskine Notebook Set by TheWren on Etsy

This recycled clutch is really cute AND it comes with a moleskine notebook!!  Done and done.

Matte Gold Modern Triangle Earrings by AllisonMooney on Etsy

These are simple, lovely and charmingly irregular.  Understated enough to wear everyday and pretty enough for a special event, these are a go-to alternative to tired old hoops.

Original Floral Painting by KarenFieldsGallery on Etsy

This is actually my second cousin's shop!  But I'm not playing favorites; I adore the colors in this bold painting.  How lovely would a room be, decorated in colors from this painting!?

And that's Friday, folks!  I'm off work for two whole weeks for the holidays, so I'm a happy girl!

Have a wonderful, fabulous weekend!

Today I'm so happy and grateful for:

~ the last day of work before a vacation

~ Christmas presents arriving

~ holiday festivities with heaps of friends!

xo! n.

Heart a-flutter Friday: the Practical Edition

Happy Friday!

I've been featuring lovely things that set my heart fluttering from their sheer beauty, things I may not need (no one really needs) but that give me a feeling of WANT.  But sometimes the practical side of me speaks up and screams WANT and my heart, though not exactly fluttering, has to agree.  So today's selection of lovliness is more useful than yearned-for, but should still give you some great gift ideas...

TuGo Beverage Carrier

This is BRILLIANT.  I usually travel alone, and I cannot tell you how many times I've spilled scalding coffee all over myself while trying to manage my carry-on suitcase, giant purse (let's face it, it's basically a suitcase disguised as a purse), my boarding pass and my 4am (or whatever ungodly hour I'm traveling) coffee.  With this nifty contraption, maybe I can even navigate the airport with a drink AND food!  (or maybe I shouldn't push my luck...)

Lights Out Sleep Mask

Yes, you will look a bit like an alien in this.  But it will be super awesomely useful when you're on a red-eye flight, taking a daytime nap, or just hungover and allergic to light.  The pop-out eyeballs allow for REM sleep so you can get a better rest than traditional eye masks.  I'll be dreaming of sugarplums and candy canes.  Droool...

Lap Desk

I haven't had a lap desk since I was a kid, and I really don't know why not.  I do lots of writing in bed & on the couch (so lazy!), usually with a cup of coffee or tea by my side.  This desk not only tilts for my comfort (!) but has a separate tray for my beverage of choice (!!) so I can be sure to not spill peppermint hot chocolate all over my keyboard.

Zinnia Sandwich Sak by WasteNotSaks on Etsy

Beautiful, practical AND earth-friendly!  Ditch the plastic ziplock bags - this is a machine washable snack bag that comes in different sizes & patterns; it looks so stylish no one needs to know you're hoarding food in your purse for that inevitable afternoon slump...

Reusable, foldable bags by Baggu

I try to be green, but I always forget my reusable bags.  These fold up into a purse-sized 5'x5' pouch, expand to hold the contents of 3 plastic bags & you can even get a pack of three!  They're so little, I can keep them with me all the time.  AND they come in lots of beeeautiful colors!

Chrysanthemum Hoop Pinboard by BlissInATeacup on Etsy

This is a lovely, useful idea.  Instead of a traditional jewlery box or corkboard, why not use a sweet fabric pinboard like this one to hang necklaces, earrings, notes, photos, etc - it's a useful piece of art!

 

Cottage Wall Shelf by ACountryWay on Etsy

Purty and practical, I LOVE that this shelf has a mason jar vase IN it.  I would hang cozy blankets from the hooks and maybe stack some vintage books on top... with fresh flowers in the jar, of course.

 

And that's it for today!

Do any of you have great practical present ideas?  Please share!

Hope you have a magical winter weekend!

Today I am so grateful & happy for:
~ Etsy, my go-to present & creative inspiration source

~ yogurt-covered pretzels - yum.

~ the weeeeeeekeeeeend!!!

xo!  n.

Heart a-flutter Friday

It's Friday again lovely people!

Ceramic Eco-Friendly Travel Mug by Yevgenia on Etsy

This handpainted mug is perfect for the on-the-go, environmentally friendly person on your list (and it comes in lots of different colors & patterns, most of which remind me of illustrations from children's books!).  My grandma paints porcelin, so I'd probably get her to make one for me, but for those of you with non-artistic grannies, this might add just the right amount of class to your morning coffee.

Love Note Mini's by VicinityStudio on Etsy

If I had a bf, you'd better believe I'd be hiding these all around his house.  Crazy?  I don't care.  They're too dang adorable to not use 'em all!

Mini Goals Chalkboard by MaryKateMcDevitt on Etsy

A beautiful space for your daily To Do list that cheers you on!  Hooray!

The True Romantic Pouch by Aylla on Etsy

So cute and simple.  It looks rugged enough to use everyday (or to survive ME using it - I am rough on things!) but the blue ruffle pocket dresses it up so it could be the perfect clutch for a low-key girls night or date.

Agate Druzy Sterling Silver Ring by DreamsandJewlery on Etsy

Isn't this stone just incredible!!??  It kind of looks like something alien or alive - it's almost a little gross... but gorgeous at the same time.  Maybe for the horror-fan jewlery-wearer on your list?

iPhone case by CoolBeans717 on Etsy

I consider my ipod on shuffle the giantest most awesomest mix tape ever.  For any music-loving child of the '80s with an ipod.

Rustic Stoneware Dinnerware by OneClayBead on Etsy

LOVE these bright colors and the uneven, handmade feel of these dishes; the bottoms of them are unglazed & covered in lovely patterns.  They look like a kid made them - an art-genius, stylish, super-kid.  Like how my future kid will be.  ;)

Charm Bangles by MetalsGirl on Etsy

These bangle bracelets are so neat; not only can you personalize them with a word (like believe or courage or dream), but the other charm is an herb cast in resin & each herb holds a distinct significance (for example, cloves are for love & protection, thyme is for cleansing).  I'm a bit of a hippie so I love this idea & they're super pretty to boot.  I want at least three of them to jingle jangle all up & down my arm!

There you have it!  Hope your heart is as pleasantly a-flutter as mine is.  Have a dreamy weekend.

Today I'm so grateful & happy for:

~ gift-giving season

~ lovely blues &  turquoises (there are a lot of blues catching my eye today!)

~ all the great comments I've been getting all this new series - thank you so much for visiting my blog!

xo!  n.

Heart a flutter Friday: Christmastime is here!

Happy Friday after Thanksgiving, y'all!  It's officially the Christmas season!

As you enjoy your leftover turkey & cran & stuffing sandwich (you know you love it!) and avoiding getting trampled at Black Friday sales, check out this special Christmas edition of heart a flutter Friday from the comfort of your cozy couch...

Happy Holiday Clutch Purse by MermaidsDream on Etsy

Adorable!  Festively embroidered without that ugly-sweater-your-great-aunt-knitted-you look.

Red Elf Ring by PaperSparrow on Etsy

Let this cute little guy hang out on your finger all season long; tell him all your wishes and he can be your direct line to Santa!

Vintage Double Snowflake Necklace by Farandtwee on Etsy

So 50's and lovely.  The perfect winter accessory to add some sparkle to that little black holiday party dress!

4 Lacy Bird Ornaments by PrinceDesignUK on Etsy

These birdies are so sweet!  You could hang them on the tree, of course, but I'd probably hang them in a window, to bring a little snowy charm to my green LA holidays.

Retro Christmas Apron Gidget by SugarandspiceAprons on Etsy

Oh my!!  I could cook all day in this pretty little apron; I'd be twirling and flouncing around the kitchen!  Domesticity never looked so good!

Letterpress Holiday Coaster Set by 1canoe2 on Etsy

If you like to pull out all the stops when it comes to Holiday decorating like my Teeter & Chick do, Christmas coasters are a must!  These are hand-drawn and too cute.

Boy and Girl Reindeer Pillow Covers by DesignsbyNancyT on Etsy

Again, if you love to Christmas-up your house, these should do the trick.  And, they jingle!

Chunky Vintage Emerald Green Rhinestone Earrings by SilverLiningDecor on Etsy

Reflect the lights of the Christmas tree in these gorgeous green gems and you'll dazzle everyone.

And PS, y'all, THIS is REAL:

Men's Thong Jinglebells by CaptainCamo on Etsy

Whoa!!!!  I'll tell you what's NOT going on my Christmas list - this guy!  YIKES.  Is that misteltoe behind him...?  Hee hee hee...

(despite men's thongs...) It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Today I am so grateful and happy for:

~ a whole day dedicated to giving thanks!  (and eating!)

~ finding awesome presents for the people I love

~ the most deliciouso food in my belly!

xo!  n.

Heart a-flutter friday

Good Friday morning, lovely people!  Get ready to droooool...

These amazing terrariums by Jo2SF on Etsy

I could sit and stare at these all day long, and feel like I was transported into another world, a little fairy world.  Plus, the vintage bottles he uses to create them are just lovely.

Hand-carved Porcelin Lace Fruit Bowl by IsabelleAbramson on Etsy

How beautiful is this!!?  I would be terrified to wash it for fear I'd break it, but just imagine it full of red apples and pomegranates!  Sigh.

Tiny Script Initial Ring by PunkyBunny300 on Etsy

Simple and sweet; personalize it with the recipient's initials, a  new last name (for a newlywed) or the initial of their loved one (like a baby's name for a new momma).  Awww.

Handcrafted Messenger Bag Elie by ChicLeather on Etsy

This is so handsome.  Perfect for a man or a woman; I'd feel just a bit Parisian with this slung across my shoulders, especially on a lovely little bike... with a loaf of french bread & some fresh flowers...  dreamy.

Little Peacock Necklace felted charm by OrdinaryMommy on Etsy
I love the colors of this necklace AND it reminds me of a guitar pick - could be perfect for the rad, kinda folksy music-lovin' chick on your list.

Octopus Print on Antique 1890 Book Page by BlackBaroque on Etsy
Weird and wonderful.  Frame it for a very unique gift or conversation-starting art.

Mustache Pint Glasses by MustacheGlass on Etsy
In honor of Movember!  Just imagine the funny pictures you could take drinking from these!

Porcelain Salad Bowl by KhPhillips on Etsy
This is my friend's cousin's shop, but even if it wasn't I would still love EVERYTHING he makes.  Beautiful tableware with vintage-inspired designs.  I like useful art.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Today I am so happy & grateful for:

~ the new Harry Potter movie!

~ cozy nights with hot chocolate

~ sunshiny yoga

xo!  n.