In My Head: Ocean Creatures

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0OVr-p4xH8/TaXCUhyENUI/AAAAAAAAGYE/qtUoe_GA3NY/s1600/Picture+15.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0OVr-p4xH8/TaXCUhyENUI/AAAAAAAAGYE/qtUoe_GA3NY/s1600/Picture+15.png" /></a></div> Once again, I am carrying thoughts and visions in my head of a specific nature. I like writing these <a href="http://carolinaeclectic.blogspot.com/search?q=in+my+head">"In My Head"</a> articles, because it allows my brain to let go of these recurring thoughts. Sorry to be using all of you for my own therapy;)<br />My eye is caught by the organic and strange shapes of ocean creatures. They're so mysterious and beautiful! Actually, when I was a little kid; I used to read everything I could about ocean life. Now, I wonder how these shapes can be reinterpreted into furnishings and jewelry, too!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hd4mgKlcbQA/TaXCZewot4I/AAAAAAAAGYI/a1zUDeJw6tI/s1600/Picture+9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hd4mgKlcbQA/TaXCZewot4I/AAAAAAAAGYI/a1zUDeJw6tI/s1600/Picture+9.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://jellythefish.tumblr.com/">Photos via Jelly the Fish</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dzhv_5dfNCQ/TaXCe8zg-4I/AAAAAAAAGYM/4HsW-dwqHA4/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dzhv_5dfNCQ/TaXCe8zg-4I/AAAAAAAAGYM/4HsW-dwqHA4/s1600/Picture+2.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">First, I found these colorful anemone bowls made by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elementclaystudio?ref=seller_info">Element Clay Studio</a>. Wouldn't a collection of these spiny creatures light up any room?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsckNgclpUA/TaXCiXHyV5I/AAAAAAAAGYQ/bs7PtvYAbig/s1600/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vsckNgclpUA/TaXCiXHyV5I/AAAAAAAAGYQ/bs7PtvYAbig/s1600/Picture+5.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epGDbI6V-qY/TaXCjaQHl1I/AAAAAAAAGYU/_4omXutj97k/s1600/Picture+6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-epGDbI6V-qY/TaXCjaQHl1I/AAAAAAAAGYU/_4omXutj97k/s1600/Picture+6.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lichen tile </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9TW_V4AoCg/TaXCkPLq_7I/AAAAAAAAGYY/afaq44gxgTc/s1600/Picture+7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M9TW_V4AoCg/TaXCkPLq_7I/AAAAAAAAGYY/afaq44gxgTc/s1600/Picture+7.png" /></a></div> The nesting scallop bowls can be placed on their backs to use as bowls, or turned upside down to make an ocean inspired sculpture.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5o_HZkCnXY/TaXCrEIkE3I/AAAAAAAAGYc/OYaqwHv9GFI/s1600/Picture+16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5o_HZkCnXY/TaXCrEIkE3I/AAAAAAAAGYc/OYaqwHv9GFI/s1600/Picture+16.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I am REALLY loving the idea of ocean creature shapes as jewelry! The organic texture is very cool. Check out <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49672320/rejuvenation-starfish-ventral-ring-in?ref=v1_other_1">these</a> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59623726/sea-urchin-ring-in-oxidized-fine-silver?ref=v1_other_2">rings</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/happygolicky?ref=seller_info">Happy Go Licky!</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r8NScEUvyJ0/TaXCsexzYRI/AAAAAAAAGYg/rZ6OypaUwO0/s1600/Picture+17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r8NScEUvyJ0/TaXCsexzYRI/AAAAAAAAGYg/rZ6OypaUwO0/s1600/Picture+17.png" /></a></div><br /></div>

In My Head: Ocean Creatures

 Once again, I am carrying thoughts and visions in my head of a specific nature. I like writing these "In My Head" articles, beca...

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Must-see Goodies

Do you follow <a href="http://mauriceandking.blogspot.com/">Maurice & King</a>?  If not, you must head there immediately.  I am constantly wowed by the beautifully curated & inspirational photos: art, jewellery, gorgeously designed rooms - you name it!  Just recently, I fell in love with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/roddyandginger?ref=seller_info">Roddy & Ginger</a>, courtesy of <a href="http://mauriceandking.blogspot.com/2011/02/roddy-ginger.html">Maurice & King</a>.  <br /><br />Check out these gorgeous prints!  Roddy & Ginger make pencil cases, aprons, pillow cases . . . so many goodies.  And the styling is so eye-catching.  I want.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="ON SALE Sardana screenprint in blue and olive" height="400" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_570xN.106362566.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="345" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/35652425/on-sale-sardana-screenprint-in-blue-and">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pomegranate tree print in olive and teal" height="400" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.217723724.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="350" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54201090/pomegranate-tree-print-in-olive-and-teal">Source</a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Happy birds cushion in olive and grey on white linen" height="400" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.176096871.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="383" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56810915/happy-birds-cushion-in-olive-and-grey-on">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="little owl pencil case" height="367" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.215189895.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60908737/little-owl-pencil-case">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

Must-see Goodies

Do you follow Maurice & King ?  If not, you must head there immediately.  I am constantly wowed by the beautifully curated & inspira...

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Off-Beat Market: Little Wren Pottery

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.161698781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.161698781.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Happy Friday, everyone. I'm back with another <i><a href="http://carolinaeclectic.blogspot.com/search/label/Off-beat%20market">Off-beat Market</a></i> shop. Hope you are enjoying these articles. I'd like to make them a regular thing. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Today's find is <i><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleWrenPottery?ref=seller_info">Little Wren Pottery</a></i> owned by Victoria Baker. She is a second generation potter and her love of this handmade artform, really shows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.196376868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.196376868.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(This color is so beautiful)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.179054824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.179054824.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Personally, I LOVE pottery. All the variation in color and texture can be such a treat for the senses. Its also fascinating to think that these types of objects have been used since the beginning of mankind! Pottery seems to connect all people everywhere. How's thought for deep thinking on a Friday?! My hidden philosopher is showing again:)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.113841332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.113841332.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.191001475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.191001475.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Thanks Victoria for letting me share your beautiful work!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out <a href="http://www.littlewrenpottery.co.uk/">her blog </a>also for more lovely things</div></div></div>

Off-Beat Market: Little Wren Pottery

Happy Friday, everyone. I'm back with another Off-beat Market shop. Hope you are enjoying these articles. I'd like to make them a r...

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Conversion Charts

<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61082852/kitchen-conversions-dark-gray-13-x-19" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="Source: etsy.com"><img /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">via <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"></a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Ideally, I wish I could have a conversion chart for everything. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Like how to convert the real world into a way my brain can understand it... Not sure where to find that.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">But, at least I could have a fabulous chart for the kitchen! </span></span></div></div></div>

Conversion Charts

via on Pinterest Ideally, I wish I could have a conversion chart for everything.  Like how to convert the real world into a way my brain ca...

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Etsy Tuesday - 12.14.2010 - To White or Not to White...?

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.bellemaison23.com/2010/01/quote-of-week_18.html"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550711340335809522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPMVWD7iMeh6IP_l2i_9kc0h3cjr0b_By0qSFS6aSMyeOIgyaJ6deAHIihqC_K4ecwL3oxl_H4bMeg5WOb5TUDm_3luB53uq6ExHD4Tg7T2_XatRuPcI1yYZ9QMPhbZX4jh1izWquXYc/s400/elle+decor.png" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 313px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Elle Decor via </span><a href="http://www.bellemaison23.com/2010/01/quote-of-week_18.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Belle Maison</span></a><br /></div><div align="center"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/decor8/5050993054/in/set-72157624604490090/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550706411921156866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydn2hoLjAfgChFSxYEyz0Br0k6e-CHpmR2bcUFG6Re2Atse1G17OH1B3XKDIOf5Mf1oDCf2ZbFipG_tDq_aI3DKXKMg7R90GQbJ71NauUGnS5UtVy3tfomuiQs11q-LafJ7df2dNDuUE/s400/decor+8.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">via </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/decor8/5050993054/in/set-72157624604490090/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Decor 8 Flickr</span></a><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/decor8/5258340774/"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550705538658422146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqU__YJwOdt5u-qIeyzuo5Y4If6Jew3xzOnxKRUwIpmi_RuzoF7XazBpO9j677Ibl_tJW9m82UzOowdeUY-Jd19MQ__AgqozDJwI7aRu8ajps7xwEUMvn5ZGubRwSu-FQ9y3q5j74YLs/s400/via+decor+8+flickr.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> via </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/decor8/5258340774/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Decor 8 Flickr<br /></span></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63998262/15-off-coupon-code-new-item-20inx24in?ref=sr_gallery_36&ga_search_query=white&ga_search_type=&ga_page=2&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade&filter%5B1%5D=housewares&filter%5B2%5D=home_decor"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550703299502580178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWA5wgepQWOjw-IFjyxycJVmEj4VDQuUAVaGjqeURywJ9aHRmgIbncMEsLrdWEDRWN93HZ_xh0CjtnvNi-bgacrAUUUucd1m8xv9zTLI2H2uXuiFSunFiwpm3yoROi59w5OECyJRH2EU/s400/white+magnetic+board+by+ShugabeeLane+-+%2524109.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 345px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> magnetic board by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63998262/15-off-coupon-code-new-item-20inx24in?ref=sr_gallery_36&ga_search_query=white&ga_search_type=&ga_page=2&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade&filter%5B1%5D=housewares&filter%5B2%5D=home_decor">shugabeelane </a>- $109<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62417345/white-felted-wool-acorns-set-of-5?ref=sr_gallery_32&ga_search_query=white&ga_search_type=&ga_page=5&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade&filter%5B1%5D=housewares&filter%5B2%5D=home_decor"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550703292454511874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQa8IItlRtvtyD8JUfMDIEIbNH-_4ChBv_6suPschbXIyHuRqk-MHwSTYxWpqtPFFs4VyOWCHax-OPy7-5RM60HFU9ESSXznZoRZplchHuQNf0nIqflTDACw3nmcNC0gJ5xyYYD4gaxBY/s400/felt+acorns+by+CityCrochet+-+%252412.95.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 303px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> felt acorns by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62417345/white-felted-wool-acorns-set-of-5?ref=sr_gallery_32&ga_search_query=white&ga_search_type=&ga_page=5&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade&filter%5B1%5D=housewares&filter%5B2%5D=home_decor">citycrochet</a> - $12.95<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61180371/christmas-hymn-ragball-ornaments-white?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=white+linen&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=9&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550703287028875602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPktbJHV6wpgqRsPQIG7cmtp-0f7LoWd-tJu3AwQdMXsfrq99QML8CxRmjsReUr6EZOVsLaNQos4irtQlW3ZtZ6Bxa6Tw5HTcasEo4Q6o8zVv_wI1ITDhs3wEcIuiv1GRb4uHOhc09rg0/s400/christmas+ornaments+by+quotesandnotes+-+%252425.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Christmas tree ornaments by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61180371/christmas-hymn-ragball-ornaments-white?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=white+linen&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=9&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade">quotesandnotes </a>- $25<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61180371/christmas-hymn-ragball-ornaments-white?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=white+linen&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=9&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550703282701313202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQte_cUyeD2b8beOVoVyuNJbxNiH5ccsa7LsDF2ornejWqs20l3zelAs8VM4m4ShYMAs2cSjJE4KBKNrAH5NAS360mQyaeMWjn1geyatlUNCpNhwWOb-k7SFrQC5y1OOQlpPEF2WwTu4U/s400/cast+iron+bird+bottle+opener+by+beautifuldetailswed+-+%252420.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> cast iron birdie bottle opener by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61180371/christmas-hymn-ragball-ornaments-white?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=white+linen&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=9&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade">beautifuldetailswed</a> - $20<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63870446/set-of-2-white-pottery-russian-doll-dish?ref=sr_gallery_38&ga_search_query=white&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade&filter%5B1%5D=housewares&filter%5B2%5D=kitchen&filter%5B3%5D=bowl"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550703276786067602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVosmBsxP_w8jpirCiuovpIiSTYHaOotN1O_8L3mwZlUF4UEP990U7Suv8qqQrKDql5__Wo1JCJo8XLX2zyc6iNKVhHtJq3hUIOlAk-TbsIAT9AQ3EnaL-Llc-7rRa5uE5ofM2vVSQzU/s400/babsuhka+plates.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> doll dishes by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63870446/set-of-2-white-pottery-russian-doll-dish?ref=sr_gallery_38&ga_search_query=white&ga_search_type=&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade&filter%5B1%5D=housewares&filter%5B2%5D=kitchen&filter%5B3%5D=bowl">billiecollections </a>- $14.50 </div><div align="left">•<img align="left" alt="T" src="http://jhische.com/dailydropcap/T-8-cap.png" title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" /><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">o white... or not to white? That <em>is </em>the question. This is a dilemma I struggle with at times. I browse blogs and Flickr pages (like Decor 8's above) and dream of white surroundings. Oh... the peace. : ) Then... I look around my own surroundings and see this... </div><br /></div></div></div><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAWtrD9hZd0Yhd6Cq8VDruv5TU0Ps9_7ciX7hVwkHSVJPcJfACE0f7ZYwctfKWJwwLjKwOxKu6CvsqYJDchJ1za0JOrwuI1qSLwMIOduTICo03SuhMAzrvNg7P5HO4PrDtqf9I0egbBU/s1600/028.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550712938809409890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDAWtrD9hZd0Yhd6Cq8VDruv5TU0Ps9_7ciX7hVwkHSVJPcJfACE0f7ZYwctfKWJwwLjKwOxKu6CvsqYJDchJ1za0JOrwuI1qSLwMIOduTICo03SuhMAzrvNg7P5HO4PrDtqf9I0egbBU/s400/028.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>LOTS of color. Yellows, oranges, greens, reds! The closest I've come to a white haven in my home is this...</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Rhu-DSuKGtJkp1QUdDGfKGrG79fhIddb5JhtALNBlWq6G2q8NNE9jUMMoXnqOlG5qa4ZsxD1SWORUWOJtfEkpKltn9xNmrF14zYrqVqLNgdeQuqBkdPHM8Zqkb5HNRp0N0-OaAdgeoE/s1600/007.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550713527553079986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Rhu-DSuKGtJkp1QUdDGfKGrG79fhIddb5JhtALNBlWq6G2q8NNE9jUMMoXnqOlG5qa4ZsxD1SWORUWOJtfEkpKltn9xNmrF14zYrqVqLNgdeQuqBkdPHM8Zqkb5HNRp0N0-OaAdgeoE/s400/007.JPG" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> The dishes in our cabinet. Every time I've travelled to Europe, I've come back desiring lots of white. Lots of minimalism and European chicness... (is that even a word??). But, then I see a colorful owl print or a yellow eames or an orange school chair and BAM! I'm hooked. It's just who I am, I guess. As much as I dream of having a minimal, Swedish inspired, white, cream and gray home... I'm just going to have to give in to who I am at my core and live with color. It's what makes me happy. It's what makes me <em>me</em>. Of course... that doesn't mean "no white!" So, I perused etsy and found some white pretties I can see myself stashing amidst the sea of color in our abode. Until tomorrow kiddies!</p><p>Happy Decorating!</p><p>Mina<br /></p>

Etsy Tuesday - 12.14.2010 - To White or Not to White...?

Elle Decor via Belle Maison via Decor 8 Flickr via Decor 8 Flickr magnetic board by shugabeelane - $109 felt acorns by citycrochet - $...

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a totally tranquil giveaway...

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know it's getting perilously close to the holidays and I should have done this a week ago...but...you know how it is! Well, the disorganised among you (welcome to my world) probably do.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's a giveaway here this week for two reasons:</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ol><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mostly, to thank you for your friendship, your humour, your care...your all-round awesomeness, and</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">secondly, to tell you that my friend Chris (the chandelier fairy) and I have opened an etsy shop called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TotallyTranquil?ref=pr_shop">Totally Tranquil</a> (well I think we have...hoping that I have pushed all the right buttons and filled in all the correct forms!)</span></li></ol><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrx1UIAhuGhEz-dc2k-ctOqKCXfVHm-0E50wAyo-vMRhJ9qNkoT5aLMdAZCngyaTAHF2QUxD7YkCmysr6yoTZLsh_Jk8j-MilSnKXJQmRbgPLx70pXz_EP63b4Sz_MKXwzVEJweg1i63u/s1600/giveaway+dec+10-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrx1UIAhuGhEz-dc2k-ctOqKCXfVHm-0E50wAyo-vMRhJ9qNkoT5aLMdAZCngyaTAHF2QUxD7YkCmysr6yoTZLsh_Jk8j-MilSnKXJQmRbgPLx70pXz_EP63b4Sz_MKXwzVEJweg1i63u/s640/giveaway+dec+10-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, the giveaway is stuff we've made and a bit of a taste of what might be coming...provided I get my act together sufficiently to list some things! Full of ideas we are...it's the execution that might be slightly problematic. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ58FFmAhXBZtrN8uiM2Vt6Gt7QADwHF-_PEua5i_AQRC8jfeHrdfBo8w_XV2bP7K5jYfU9E9zO3RQwm7JUSZoEXJcwOOZmL_jyCe1ULtcZl6s1vRztjMnkzyZ0DN8VlzsYUqV-1Zgh3O1/s1600/giveeaway+dec+10-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ58FFmAhXBZtrN8uiM2Vt6Gt7QADwHF-_PEua5i_AQRC8jfeHrdfBo8w_XV2bP7K5jYfU9E9zO3RQwm7JUSZoEXJcwOOZmL_jyCe1ULtcZl6s1vRztjMnkzyZ0DN8VlzsYUqV-1Zgh3O1/s640/giveeaway+dec+10-2.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chris and I both love to make things; we sew, we paint and I do needlework. She's been leading a life of leisure this year and I've had one day off a week...supposedly to make stuff. But again, you know how it is...not as much achieved as I'd hoped.  When I said I'd like to do a giveaway to thank everyone for the year you and I have had together (Chris isn't a blogger btw), she generously gave me the red linen tote she'd just made (and already wrapped!) for someone else and said...here you go, this is suitably festive! The woman is a bag making queen :) And she made this very cool apron as well...very difficult to photograph aprons without a model I've discovered!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKi29XBJNjlMYv3QwBBCQo203-RPWfHG9AbhzBOy1gjzSMcHe4WTyYwx4L-w_BS-kYzQfqC1Npubn4Cst2kYMsE_MIvd2rvFu0roowEZeMPfStRzm2KB8uTZfNTzp5Rfndl3w5UVsbpjo/s1600/giveaway+dec+10-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKi29XBJNjlMYv3QwBBCQo203-RPWfHG9AbhzBOy1gjzSMcHe4WTyYwx4L-w_BS-kYzQfqC1Npubn4Cst2kYMsE_MIvd2rvFu0roowEZeMPfStRzm2KB8uTZfNTzp5Rfndl3w5UVsbpjo/s640/giveaway+dec+10-4.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a little nod to some of the things I've been doing lately, I've provided the gift tags (2 sets), a tapestry bookmark and yes....you guessed it, not one, but two knitted dishcloths. Come on...you know you want one!!</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_wHHUvc9DHMfwyhyLQ_bm7DcujPCudiSdPIrZwi8EgW14s94WG_qmdWHN04Hx0iiloiN3nchILvsOxTgMjVfC1w9PIHJnMEb0kkwItKPnKo2EJp-EhefYMo2DLqD03xhg-PVU-gQ-65d/s1600/giveaway+dec+10-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_wHHUvc9DHMfwyhyLQ_bm7DcujPCudiSdPIrZwi8EgW14s94WG_qmdWHN04Hx0iiloiN3nchILvsOxTgMjVfC1w9PIHJnMEb0kkwItKPnKo2EJp-EhefYMo2DLqD03xhg-PVU-gQ-65d/s640/giveaway+dec+10-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So just leave a comment. I don't mind if you're a follower or not (see last <a href="http://tranquiltownhouse.blogspot.com/2010/12/soul-food-friday-being-unfollowed-and.html">Friday's post</a> and all your fabulous comments about the perils of following and unfollowing...I loved reading them all) and if you wanted to let others know about it that would be great and I'd throw your name in the hat again.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The random generator will get cranked up on Thursday evening Australian daytime savings time so I can put these in the post on Friday with the faint hope that it might reach you by Christmas. I know that overseas readers haven't got a snowball's chance in you-know-where of getting anything by then, but it's only one set of the tags that you might need to put away until next year if you win!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's the link to the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TotallyTranquil?ref=pr_shop">shop</a>...I've only had the chance to list a few things so far...a small matter of the painters arriving today and the living room and kitchen needing to be packed up! </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwheOfxT65RhaiVnj1oEx60nppKSytqKPXez8Dz2s6ZX1TcX1epU_yrTJg6zEEIq0MgnQyX2DAacMz4DkZOQybxC8pbTBX81jfuPxUOcYM9MUuA0NW5_PLrIlQ1qOLXrN5K8-c_4nkSLe7/s1600/banner3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="74" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwheOfxT65RhaiVnj1oEx60nppKSytqKPXez8Dz2s6ZX1TcX1epU_yrTJg6zEEIq0MgnQyX2DAacMz4DkZOQybxC8pbTBX81jfuPxUOcYM9MUuA0NW5_PLrIlQ1qOLXrN5K8-c_4nkSLe7/s640/banner3.png" width="640" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the banner was made by my very clever son Ben...in lieu of rent...that kid's got it good!</span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/tranquiltownhouse/6aa76c55681784d717c463ecc754d7c5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>

a totally tranquil giveaway...

I know it's getting perilously close to the holidays and I should have done this a week ago...but...you know how it is! Well, the disorg...

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Etsy Tuesday - 12.06.2010 - A Blogger's Gift Guide

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54223077/leather-camera-strap?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=leather+camera+strap&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548090373239577954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1yM3jdWAcgkJtcneGMRTdWmhQ2hTCZWERetcVIkC285AZzpyJjgXQIxtA2183UnKOYhd-AHYPKoIeTyEi6MkaAQEtckW_kyqdt9hbBRjyKDWYsgEXs63zLZ2dUlhy_VqyRNTxqer4qY/s400/leather+camera+strap+by+hideindustry+-+%252435.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 219px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> leather camera strap by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54223077/leather-camera-strap?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=leather+camera+strap&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade">hideindustry </a>- $35<br /><div align="center"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548085094331137986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzN4xxharNYG59uEmpEI0KI01dJc0etIaGLVV7te4b7gJVDmI7hVpvclcMIXfCbsXLNKVtFyE7zMPK3PNuRGbYz3E36QqT8hrDTttGXJiaPRM3WsqNAR3_FiX8hvz9bNlFZa_0z0kL6Ag/s400/print+by+ishootnouns+-+%252418.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> print by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62355032/all-the-cool-people-blog?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_query=blogger&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade">ishootnouns </a>- $18 </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63850330/large-owl-mug?ref=sr_gallery_19&ga_search_query=mug&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548085042120868626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwC3FmM-8mrIWZDLbGGWXDWz-wv4-fQ0tLnR3ECtMpkJ0T9y4c2OH1IygDn8fX1cTxhYurTCx3L1mIPHmeHfsb_dWjY5sL4iLwZhFLI1OOxafVPXMkbHe_JpCDgo86sitWDr0dq2av7Q/s400/owl+mug+by+abbyberkson+-+%252435.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 312px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> owl mug by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63850330/large-owl-mug?ref=sr_gallery_19&ga_search_query=mug&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title&filter%5B0%5D=handmade">abbyberkston </a>- $35<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56784440/felt-owl-cozy-for-iphone"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548085033193153394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGViXNC47I-qrbrPtY1tO9k5y47TSKSkVAVHGvHDp0nLo64o4b5f47d5voWQbZT48dFKEjIVu-JulwGM4t47yTL4atL4V-Mt_VkB-WicM4Q7Rvtdktd4AlQYftzCxIjNCS70yHPt2uLE/s400/owl+iphone+cozy.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 263px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> owl cell phone pouch by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56784440/felt-owl-cozy-for-iphone">frauleinschmidt </a>- $15<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63615778/13-inch-macbook-pro-sleeve-stone-brown"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548085021491411506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMm_3aubScfKIa3yrHf2MFLviuvgTr6Yz771Y0IslrgcOHF40Yme9cBlIh0xkW4_rCOwXovIHeW4DiNWLnUxz71IgXEQJOGnpeaocu1XiiwSSAjlgP2capJMhtVRkOmRApQV3QKzjYTw/s400/laptop+sleeve+by+ribandhull+-+%252460.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> laptop sleeve by ribandhull - $60<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55882032/stash-case-for-new-kindle-reader-gray"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548085016929115522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZjUkxZiInbBZ6iW_sXDvM3W019IScmigx5quSqjrHOc4qe4EmK7ktVTZYBg8_-pryKx-mDeYy5YhzW5iIy8lD4hxJxIxvdPXmDqk3DoFVmsyHLrFZge3heMYi7nlllXU_xaGHG3QoL7c/s400/Kindle+Cozy+by+mariforssell+-+%252445.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br />Kindle sleeve by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55882032/stash-case-for-new-kindle-reader-gray">mariforssell </a>- $45<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62983628/laptop-bag-for-13-inch-with-shoulder"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548085012832910930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VjeGfAq5EOtv37Xs1wijkUjNgKl6-N_xeeW2f524qqfa9UeLRejF73lCLAbXxWOJ8LSX3rSJPKO6tuKHNBN7OZEEb2mOOAS5ECzMwzecWCzwtchOHxdtlieoK-mO6Vjambf_QN1fT1E/s400/elephant+laptop+bag+by+Womensgirl+-+%252449.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> elephant laptop bag by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62983628/laptop-bag-for-13-inch-with-shoulder">Womensgirl </a>- $49<br /><br /><br /><div align="left"><img align="left" alt="B" src="http://jhische.com/dailydropcap/B-11-cap.png" title="Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische" /> loggers are near and dear to my heart... : ) Maaayyybe because I <em>am</em> one?? So, I figured... if I'm going to create a gift guide, I would probably be best at creating it for a type of person I know! Bloggers! Bloggers are attached to their computers, obviously. Plus, they are probably tuned into Twitter and Facebook as well, which means they... more likely than not, have some sort of social media on their cool phones. Of course, not everyone has that. <em>I</em> know, because I've been blogging since 2007 and I just now got the Internet on my cell phone. They probably author their blogs alongside a nice cup of tea or coffee (hence the owl mug) and they are also probably big readers (hence the Kindle/electronic book reader cozy). They usually like snapping pictures too... soooooo.... a camera strap would be nice. : ) Lastly, they do tend to spend a lot of time at their desks, so a bit of artwork wouldn't hurt either. I hope you enjoyed today's etsy picks! Was everyone's Tuesday awesome? I was reeeaaaally hoping my camera would arrive by UPS today. But, no luck. : ( In the meantime, I've just been snapping pictures of our dog Luke with the phone... see below. Such a looker! Until tomorrow!</div><br /><div align="left">Happy Decorating!</div><br /><div align="left">Mina</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center"></div></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ccd7Opp5lgp9PlykXVK9aDKBLiTwGSJ3C2EhL4Q-eB_M7foIrmMomxuU6EKMjUIi9hkZvmbWKLEKag5s1HlcpaM_BevxqzwVjLfZcf1xqvA0ikE3f-7cc6ppMGhp4ErlvmSzZ_biimA/s1600/luke.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548094430482575010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ccd7Opp5lgp9PlykXVK9aDKBLiTwGSJ3C2EhL4Q-eB_M7foIrmMomxuU6EKMjUIi9hkZvmbWKLEKag5s1HlcpaM_BevxqzwVjLfZcf1xqvA0ikE3f-7cc6ppMGhp4ErlvmSzZ_biimA/s400/luke.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 398px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a><br /><div align="center"></div>

Etsy Tuesday - 12.06.2010 - A Blogger's Gift Guide

leather camera strap by hideindustry - $35 print by ishootnouns - $18 owl mug by abbyberkston - $35 owl cell phone pouch by frauleinsch...

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A #2 Pencil...

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/THVUIKjQ8BI/AAAAAAAAF3U/tvSdrE50CHc/s1600/Picture+21.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509402218405621778" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/THVUIKjQ8BI/AAAAAAAAF3U/tvSdrE50CHc/s800/Picture+21.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 544px; height: 607px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and a dream can take you anywhere.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">(Joyce A. Myers)</span></span><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/THVUKV8QlrI/AAAAAAAAF3k/4KkI_M3PlXA/s1600/Picture+23.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509402255822984882" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/THVUKV8QlrI/AAAAAAAAF3k/4KkI_M3PlXA/s400/Picture+23.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 494px; height: 670px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/THVUIkWhnRI/AAAAAAAAF3c/-vObPWjRUb8/s1600/Picture+22.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509402225331510546" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/THVUIkWhnRI/AAAAAAAAF3c/-vObPWjRUb8/s400/Picture+22.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 497px; height: 675px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">(I don't have a source for these amazing pencils, If anyone does please let me know)</span></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/THVUHu8lNSI/AAAAAAAAF3M/P3s3uzlvQWg/s1600/Picture+18.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509402210995615010" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/THVUHu8lNSI/AAAAAAAAF3M/P3s3uzlvQWg/s400/Picture+18.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 557px; height: 401px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54534335/know-it-all-no-2-pencil-set?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=pencils&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2&order=&includes%5B0%5D=tags&includes%5B1%5D=title">Know It All Pencils</a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">)</span></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/THVUG1Bv6VI/AAAAAAAAF3E/hS85JsJY55s/s1600/Picture+19.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509402195448031570" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/THVUG1Bv6VI/AAAAAAAAF3E/hS85JsJY55s/s400/Picture+19.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 560px; height: 560px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.lostateminor.com/2010/08/23/pencils-made-from-recycled-newspaper/">Recycled Paper Pencils</a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I guess its back to school week, and I have noticed pencils everywhere!<br /></div></div>

A #2 Pencil...

and a dream can take you anywhere. (Joyce A. Myers) (I don't have a source for these amazing pencils, If anyone does please let me know)...

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a bag to go with the frou-frou juju?

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you so much for some of the very funny comments about the <a href="http://tranquiltownhouse.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-weekend-projectdont-try-this-at-home.html">DIY fake frou-frou juju post</a> from yesterday. </span></span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg2_ZVeK6N-bpwZDg5DCX_uNysEoi42pxiGv8WiiBnOYLd39Ri7JCSR8Xwv8SZoVnGV74Nw-xzGDo-avwBuv0hSocYrBGoSkwizfDjXilk_0HlIf14vlsjd1d93MRD-1euR7M5eKxYKQ/s1600/juju+on+wall3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg2_ZVeK6N-bpwZDg5DCX_uNysEoi42pxiGv8WiiBnOYLd39Ri7JCSR8Xwv8SZoVnGV74Nw-xzGDo-avwBuv0hSocYrBGoSkwizfDjXilk_0HlIf14vlsjd1d93MRD-1euR7M5eKxYKQ/s640/juju+on+wall3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They cracked me up. <a href="http://edithhopegardenjournal.blogspot.com/">Edith</a> has even refused my (I thought) very kind offer to make her one to wear to Ascot! I really don't understand :) And alas I have had to deny <a href="http://home-biba.blogspot.com/">Jackie's</a> request for me to rustle her up a Faberge egg out of old necklaces and some gold leaf (but only because silver leaf is my gilding metal of choice...otherwise, not a prob!) And <a href="http://silvergulls.blogspot.com/">Deborah</a> swore that she saw her mum wearing one just like it in the 60's. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mysweetprintsblog.blogspot.com/">Janette</a> warned me about the dangers of being tarred and feathered if the pink fluffy thing should fall on my head while sleeping with night cream slathered on my ageing face (she didn't actually say ageing I hasten to add; I believe she is far too nice for that!) <a href="http://sixgiftsofserendip.blogspot.com/">Felicity</a> wrote me a gorgeous little poem. But best of all, <a href="http://therubieplace.blogspot.com/">Tina's</a> Miss Lottie said she thought it was cool...high praise indeed! One day I'm going to collect all your clever comments and publish a book of bloggy peep wit! It will be too heavy to lift for sure.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, I thought that it might be fun to go <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=feather+bag&search_type=all&page=15">etsy</a> surfing for some feather bags to go with my feather 'hat'...so here are some of the results of a feather bag search...</span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><img alt="Peacock Feathers Luxury Clutch Bag with Iridescent Silk Lining" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.150674350.jpg" /><br /><img alt="Something Ivory Bridal Clutch" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.152731904.jpg" /><br /><img alt="Peacock blue clutch in Liberty cotton" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.139330673.jpg" /><br /><img alt="Mae - White Feather (AS SEEN IN INSIDE WEDDINGS MAGAZINE)" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.152665893.jpg" /><br /><img alt="Hellena - Brown Ostich Feather Purse with Crystal Trim" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.150503642.jpg" /><br /><img alt="Peacock Feathers Embroidered Silk Clutch Silver and Navy Blue" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.151671251.jpg" /><br /><img alt="Peacock Feather Silk Dupioni Clutch Purse In Blue Violet" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.141255780.jpg" /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hmmmm...I just happen to have some peacock feathers...and nothing planned for this weekend! Breathe Edith, breathe...</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="White Feather Purse Evening Bag" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.147173489.jpg" /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Something Black Clutch" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.150393482.jpg" /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="PEACOCK FEATHER HANDMADE PURSE HANDBAG" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.129507013.jpg" /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think there must be a lot of naked birds out there...</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="The Feather Evening Bag in Latte" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.142248225.jpg" /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="Yellow Feather Purse" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.146738047.jpg" /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="LIGHT YELLOW OSTRICH BAG" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_430xN.132078241.jpg" /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="BLACK AND WHITE OSTRICH FEATHER PURSE HANDBAG" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.138195379.jpg" /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh laugh..I laughed till I stopped! And on a completely different note, I finished my first Jodi Picoult book on the weekend while pretending to be watching Australia play England in the rugby with the MGM...</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="http://adaptiveblue.img.s3.amazonaws.com/books/harvesting_heart/jodi_picoult/small" width="408" /> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had been avoiding them (Jodi's books, not the rugby players) because they are so popular (some of them anyway...the rugby players I mean), but I have to say I was quite impressed (I'm back to talking about Jodi now) so I may even read another one...when I get through the fourteen books that are already lined up and waiting! Fourteen books on the sidelines (note another feeble rugby reference) would have been nothing before blogging began! Have a fun Tuesday. Here on this side of the world where yesterday was the shortest day of the year, the days are now getting longer. Good! I could use more than 24 hours at the moment.</span></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85794/tranquiltownhouse/6aa76c55681784d717c463ecc754d7c5.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>

a bag to go with the frou-frou juju?

Thank you so much for some of the very funny comments about the DIY fake frou-frou juju post from yesterday.  They cracked me up. Edith ha...

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