Today's Outfit: Pleated Skirt

Coral & Aqua Sweet Romance by shopgirlloves 

I'm Back! Plus, New Items on Etsy

Hello! 

It's been a while since I posted anything on this blog.  Okay like 3 years to be exact! A lot has happened and I should fill you in on what's been going on over here. But to do that entirely would make this a really long, long post. 

So to catch you up in the short version: I got married, had a baby (she's now 2yrs) and left my full-time job, became a stay-at-home mom, and now work full-time again as a freelance/contract mobile assistant. 

Whew! I believe that brings us up to current day. 

Part of my kick to get back into blogging also stirred up my desire to update my Etsy listings. Now that my regular "day job" has settled down a bit, I can take the time to put some focus on my jewelry. In fact, this weekend I've got a photography session for new items scheduled! Can't wait to get those posted on the Etsy shop too. 

Smokey Topaz with Aqua chip beads on sterling silver chain 

 

This is a necklace that I made a while back and sold on Etsy. It's such a classic piece to me that I decided to renew it. If you missed out, now's your chance to own it for yourself (or give as a gift!)

Wouldn't this look great paired with white linen pants or chic white dress?!

Well it feels good to be back and I'll try to not wait so long to post again.

~Rita

Inspired to Work: My dream workspace

Clean & Chic Office

I love the look of white in furniture. Some may think it's too bland or boring but with the addition of color (carefully applied) can make a room look very chic. And it can lend to different designs - Parisien, scandinavian, modern, and comtemporary. I was thinking of how I want my future office to look when I selected these items. I specifically chose all white for the furniture (except chair) and decided that the accessories would be full of color. When I am working on a project I tend leave my desk in a state, so white is perfect because it's streamlined and "clean" even when my office is not. Plus even colored pencils will look like a piece of art against the white.

Simple and chic, don't you think?

Beadboard Smart Desk, Sun Valley Honey $999.00 - pbteen.com
Rose Pop Chandelier, Iron Frame w/ Stems of Pink Rosebuds $129.99 - pbteen.com
Display-It Two-Shelf Bookcase, Sun Valley White $299.00 - pbteen.com
Make It Your Own System, Mirror, White $99.00 - pbteen.com
IKEA Kitchen Islands and Tables $490.00 - ikea.com
Dutch By Design:Furniturerange /Dining Chair Green @ dutchbydesign.com
Art by ikea.com
Dutch By Design:Accessoriesrange /Flat Flower Dahli @ dutchbydesign.com

Sleeping In

Camilla Engman's dog, Morran, as he sleeps in.

I'm sick as a dog. Today is Day 3 of my "quarantine." Wednesday morning I went to the doctor because I felt horrible and thought I could have the flu. Don't worry, though. They cleared me from having to get swabbed for the Swine Flu aka H1N1. Although I was told that I have to stay indoors for five days and if I absolutely have to go outside my little bedroom I must wear a mask. So, the farthest I've ventured is the the bathroom which is like 30 feet from my bed. The worst part about being sick and stuck indoors is that I don't even have the energy to do anything. Today is the first day that I actually feel like reading let alone writing a blog post. Hopefully that's a good sign that I'm getting better! :)


{photo: Camilla Engman}

Flickr Fixx: Katja Loves Pretty Things

Everyone needs a shower of appreciation now and then. Here's to all of my family, friends, and lovely readers out there for the wonderful support! Just like this umbrella you come through when it gets ugly out.


{photo: maedchenmitherz}

Color your world

Some of my favorite things are in small packages. These cute little jars filled with colorful seed beads are no exception. Life is about the details and all the wonderful and small things that make it special.

{photo: maedchenmitherz}

Wednesday's Fifteen Minute Break

{via flickr}

Have a seat and take a break. I'm starting a new weekly series called 15 minute break. In these "fifteen minutes" I'm going to share some cool links with you. I'll cover everything from cool artists, photography, shopping or helpful resources. But no matter, it will be refreshing, relaxing and a stress free zone. So sit back and read on...

1. Craft Hacker - An insider's guide about craft hacking
2. Eleanor Harwick - awesome photography by a 15 year old in England
3. Indie Parade blog - photoblog of awesome things created by independent crafters and designers
4. The Blog Frog - Do you write a blog? Then you'll want to check out this site for cool widgets.
5. Banana Split Brownies - a delicious recipe by Kelly of Albanymommy.com

...come back next week for more cool links :)

Happy Earth Day!

What are you doing in honor of Earth Day?

Here are some fellow bloggers & websites featuring projects and specials for Earth Day:
1. Modish is having Green Week
2. Etsy is featuring Green / Eco-friendly items
3. Venus zine lists items that a recycled, sustainable flair
4. Indie Fix is having a Earth Day giveaway
5. Crafty Chica is having a 24 projects in 24 hrs for Earth Day

I'm sure there are thousands more out there...if you are having something please feel free to add yours in comments!

Etsy Find: Beach Inspiration

The weather has been so nice I'm already thinking about Summer at the Beach. With this in mind, I found some lovely items on Etsy with a beach inspiration.

1. Surf by OneStepBeyond70

2. Vintage woven clutch by NattyFramebyPY

3. Sea Green Coriander headband by mixbaby

4. Sea Star by Flax and Spindle

5. Hibiscus rubber stamp by drumchick99

{found on Etsy}

Inspiration: Beth Armsheimer

Oh. My. God. I am at a loss for words. No, that's not true. Several come to mind - Stunning, Amazing, WOW, Talented. I think I'll show you what I mean. Here are the awesome photos by Beth Armsheimer I stumbled across today.



I'm planning my wedding which is set for Spring '10 and looking at these images from the wedding of Leigh and Andy that Beth shot I'm so jealous. This is exactly the kind of photography style I want for mine - different, fun and totally unique.

Right now, I'm totally picturing me and mr. shopangelica in these pictures. I'll say it again - Amazing!

Happy Friday: A Gnome Hut

Hello, lovely readers! I'm so happy today is Friday. Doesn't this cute little gnome make you smile? I'm in such a good mood probably because it's the beginning to a great weekend. I thought I'd share him with you and I hope he brightens your day!

{via the gnome hut}

Etsy Find: The Spotted Sparrow

This cute card by The Spotted Sparrow was just added to its online shop today. It makes me smile and it's so perfect for Mother's Day! Julia of The Spotted Sparrow is an American living with her husband in Aachen, Germany. Her paper creations are vintage inspired and so adorable! I love the fact that there is a quirky and funny side to them. They really are great for any occasion. Here are a few more of my favorites.

Find more of The Spotted Sparrow:
{Etsy}
{Blog}
{Flickr}

Coveting: Floto + Warner

I want to move into this house and I haven't event seen the rest of it. The living room alone is enough to make me jealous. My catholic school upbringing taught me that to covet others' belongings (and spouses but that doesn't apply) is wrong. I know, I know. But it's hard to not want to live here. I could spend my whole days on this couch...in the winter with the fireplace going and in the summer staring out the window watching the waves crash into shore.

{via From the Right Bank to Left Coast}

Happy Easter

If you celebrate Easter...I hope that you had fun egg hunting and eating chocolate bunnies. And if Easter is not part of your heritage or religious tradition, I hope your weekend was great! Here in Charlotte, the weather was gorgeous! I know a lot of people are off today for Easter Monday - not me. But that's okay. I had a great time and enjoyed my long weekend nonetheless.

{photo: Flickr}

Art + Shoes = Love

I have a serious love affair with shoes...

{Top Shop shoes by Kate Doodles}


{Louboutin Bird by Kate Doodles}

{Shoes with Bows byMarianne Goldin}


{Shoe Illustration by beakraus}


{Stilleto Shoe Sketch by Ardent Photography}
{drippyshoes by marshmellow cat}

{shoes2hp by y.kitazumi}

Hello Monday!

{hello memo}

I hope everyone had a great weekend! It's Monday and that means back to work for me. I spent the last few days relaxing and spending time with girlfriends. No posting, tweeting or work of any kind was done. But sometimes it's good to step away for a bit. I think it worked wonders to break the creative block I was up against.

Have a great weekend!

{Gwenknits}

I have a busy weekend ahead...going to a good friend's birthday dinner, need to work on a project and possibly heading over to Chapel Hill on Saturday. Just thinking about all that needs to get done is making me dizzy. Relax, take a deep breath. Stop and smell the roses (or pansies).

I love Mocha

It's no secret that I have a coffee addiction. Specifically, "Grande Soy Vanilla Lattes." I know most people would just say no to Starbucks but this particular concoction has a stronghold over me. I've tried to stop. Really I have. I even resorted to making my own version at home. Let me just say, it's really not the same. I like going in to the local one (dangerously close to my office) and connecting with other like minded peeps. My love of this great little bean has filtered to other areas...here are some of my recent Etsy finds related to coffee, mocha, java, espresso...

Morning Coffee Scarf


Coffee Brown cotton pillow

Oh Cocoa earrings

The Classic wrap...

Mocha Shortbread


Coffee with cream ruffled sweater

{etsy finds}

80s Flashback: Rubiks Cube Gets a Facelift

Ah, the good 'ol 80s. It brings back memories of AquaNet hairspray, Duran Duran, and neon brights. Some things are best left in the 80s (scrunchies, for example) and others are like reuniting with an old friend (Joy Division). Which brings me to my topic - The Rubiks Cube.

You can still buy the famous cube at toys stores or maybe you still have your old one lying around in your kids toy closet. Mine is long gone - the colored stickers fell off years ago and in High School I thought it was for "nerds." As I get older it seems like what was once "geeky" is now in vogue or well, at least not as geeky.

So maybe your like me - you want to bring back some (80s) nostalgia but don't want to feel like your living in the past. Here's a cool site where you can actually create your own Rubiks Cube.

(image via monkeysox)

This cube was personalized with Alexander Henry "Juicy Jungle" Designer Fabric but you could use just about any image from your computer or Flickr account. Give it some personal style- plus it would make a fun gift!

Etsy Find: Blythe King

I stumbled upon todays Etsy artisan (Blythe King) by mere coincidence. I can't even tell you I found her work because in the Twitter/Blogosphere I start clicking links and finding new people to follow. Then I like to read their tweets and then I'll start clicking more links. Somehow I'll end up on a blog and suddenly here we are in the present -- with me writing an article about an artisan (which of course I will then follow up with a tweet.) Crazy world! :)


About the artist:
I'm Blythe. I am a quiet middle child with cold hands and curly hair. I come from Pittsburgh, but currently live above an old hardware store in a small bayou town in south Louisiana, where I’ve collected piles and piles of vintage fabric.

About the product:
I use only vintage materials collected from various seamstress' estates throughout Louisiana. Aside from the padding used to make iSockits, no new materials are purchased in the making of my products, and all designs are my own.


I've been looking for a cover for my iPhone for a while. I had one but lost it and right now I'm not using anything. But I know I need something and I guess what I find at the Apple store isn't quite my style. So finding Blythe King's Etsy shop is a miracle to me. Not only does her product serve the purpose but it's handmade and it has style. And to me those two are super important.

She only sells online but you can also check out her work on Flickr. Don't you just love the internet?!