Catholic Guilt

Put a little romance in her stocking...

Since I committed to purchase handmade gifts this holiday season, I was doing a little Christmas shopping while perusing Etsy - as I love to do - and was drawn into one of my favorite artist's shops once again.  Hazelnut Cottage has an a romantic line of silver pendant necklaces with inspiring and romantic words and phrases. 

My favorite pendant, "Your love makes me soar", is a lovely gift for a mother, sister, daughter or significant other or for me. *hint hint, nudge nudge*

Hazelnut Cottage also makes custom pendants, but unfortunately we've missed the deadline for getting them in time for the holiday.  However, you'd do well to keep that in mind, could be a great way to get yourself out of the doghouse.  Yes, I do provide relationship advice for a nominal fee, and accept paypal.  ;)

Emotional Hangover - "August Rush"

I love a good  movie, especially a good chic-flick aka tear jerker.  Sometimes it's just the release I need.  But I had no idea I'd be taken on an emotional roller coaster when I cuddled up at the local movie theater to watch "August Rush" with my reeses peanut butter cups and mint chocolate chip ice cream.  In need of some emotional coaxing?  Nooooo.  Not me.  I just craved chocolate really bad after all that turkey.

One moment I was sobbing, the next I was laughing with glee as the tears continued to roll down my cheeks but with delight instead.  Unfortunately, I'm not a movie critic. I can't begin to review the movie and do it justice. But I will tell you  if you haven't seen this movie, it's a must see this holiday season.  And did I mention Jonathon Rhys Meyers is a hot little Irish shamrock with an accent and smile that will make you melt into your seat and swoon?  And his voice, wow.  I've already downloaded the soundtrack, something I rarely do, but it was that good.

"Well, its a marvelous night for a moondance
With the stars up above in your eyes
A fantabulous night to make romance
neath the cover of October skies
And all the leaves on the trees are falling
To the sound of the breezes that blow
And I'm trying to please to the calling
Of your heart-strings that play soft and low
And all the nights magic seems to whisper and hush
And all the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush"

Moondance

Dreams & Jewelry

"Hello, my name is Delia and I shop at big box department stores."  The first step to curing any addiction is to admit it, right?

Approximately a year ago I was your typical big box store shopper.  Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against large corporate stores, afterall when they battle against one another, we reap the rewards via excellent deals, and I'm all for a good deal.  But when the smaller stores or designers get caught up in the battle and struggle to keep up, that's when I have an issue.  So as a consumer my only option is to change my shopping patterns and frequent smaller stores and boutiques whenever possible.  It's worth the trouble I tell you.  Especially when it comes to jewelry and paper goods. 

When I decided to venture out and sell my hand-made jewelry, I was introduced to a world of independent artists and designers.  I am addicted, and that's one addiction I have no desire to cure!

Miss Andrea of Dreams and Jewelry is one of those designers.  She recently announced a new line of silver stud earrings just in time to make our holiday shopping easier.  Having seen these little darlings up close and personal, I can attest to their beauty and quality craftsmanship.  Truly stunning!  And she meticulously packs her works of art in a beautiful box, perfect for gift giving.

These are my favorites.  The unexpected delicate scroll pattern against the shiny metal surface is so unique.  You wouldn't find these in a department store.  It's time we get our sense of style and originality back...bring sexy back dammit!

Shopping Therapy

I tend to be a very emotional person, but try very hide to hide my emotions.  It's a form of defense mechanism, according to my astro sign, Cancer.  But the one thing that brings me out of my shell, shopping.

Recently my best friend, Andrea (author of the fun and fantastic blog, Anything Indie and talented Indie jewelry designer) and I decided we both needed a lot of therapy.  Therefore, we endured a 30 minute ride on BART (the Bay Area's version of NYC's subway which is in desperate need of a hot sudsy bath) to San Francisco's premiere shopping district, Union Square.  We visited one of our favorite stores, Anthropologie, where we spent a very long time fondling everything in sight, including these adorable birdie finds.  We would have taken more pictures, but we were so distracted and simply forgot to take pictures.  Which means only one thing, we have to go back!

Sometimes it's difficult to pinpoint exactly why I feel the urge to go out shopping.  But once I analyze (yes, I'm one of those people), what I purchased - or didn't, it helps me to understand my emotions better.  For instance, I tend to have a healthy self esteem, but during those hormonal episodes which guys love so much, I don't feel very attractive  That's when I gravitate toward the nearest make-up counter. 

Not that I need yet another shade of plum lipstick, but I need to feel beautiful. I need someone to tell me, "That shade  is gorgeous on you, with your dark hair and green eyes, it's perfect." Yes, I know the lady (or man - don't get me started on that one), behind the counter is somehow paid on the sale of that lipstick, but it still makes me feel good, dammit.

Then there are times when I'm slightly depressed, again I blame it on hormones.  While my instinct is to seek the comfort and shelter of my shell, my home, when I'm out and about I seek out decadence.  This is when I can get myself in trouble, because to me, decadence comes with a not-so-healthy price tag (think Kate Spade or worse, Chanel *gasp*).  But thankfully, I also find chocolate to be decadent.  And there is no shortage of that delicious darkness which ignites passion and evokes notions of indulgence and pleasure. 

Truffle Pig - "Wallow in European milk chocolate truffle heaven".  Mmm, now that's what I"m talking about.

In closing, whether it's to bond with a friend, feel pretty again, or a simple pick-me-up...shopping is excellent therapy.  And you don't have to sit in a shrink's office.

Thanksgiving - it came and went so quickly!

I love the holidays!  But what I don't like about them, is that they come and go so dang quickly.  This year for Thanksgiving, we decided to hold Thanksgiving dinner at our house.  Since my family lives a 3.5 hour drive away (2.5 hours if you drive like me), I had a feeling they'd not make it.  It's much more convenient for me to find a pet sitter and make the trip than to ask my parents and sisters to come visit me, once a year - I'm not bitter...but I digress.  This year, Andrea and her family were the honored guests.  And we had a blast!

Handsome Handyman not only builds things, he cooks too.  That's our 'understandig', he cooks, I clean.  His victim, a 14 lb turkey (organic, free range - because we care) is dressed and ready for the oven (doesn't it look like an alien flying nun?)...

And by the miracle of a hot oven and time elapse photography...Mmmmm, GB&D (for those of you like me not very familiar with the kitchen, that's chef speak for 'golden, brown and delicious').

Side dishes consisted of delicious sweet potatoes and brown sugar which Andrea sweetly brought with her,  garlic mashed potatoes, turkey (of course) gravy, corn bread stuffing and steamed carrots (pictured here with Andrea - she's a pretty good sous chef - camera shy though).

The food and libations were excellent, but sharing the day with friends is what it's all about. 

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  And now....shopping!

Vintage Memories

In search of the perfect table linens that would complement my everyday and formal dishes (more on my opinion of formal dishes later), I found the perfect set and you'll never guess where.  My search took me to usual places, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and Nordstrom.  I even ventured into Misto Lino, a fine linen store with the most amazing domestic line.  But I didn't find what I wanted at those fine establishments. 

Instead, I found them...at Target!  I mean, Tarjay - said with a French accent.  They are made from a natural linen blend with an amazing hemstitch detail.  I am one of those people who fusses over details and I was after hemstitching for a specific reason.  Because it evokes memories of my childhood. 

I'd sit for hours and watch my grandmother work her magic on linen.  She'd meticulously count and pull threads to form the most amazing detail that I now appreciate much more than I did as a child.  She took plain white sheet sets and for days would sit in her favorite chair, in front of her television as she watched Mexican wresting and novellas.  God bless her!   Despite getting a little feisty when her favorite wrestler Tito (OMG, I remember his name!) didn't win a match she was sure he'd won, she never make a mistake.

While I was ironing the linen this evening,  Miss Gwen just had to be photographed.  I mean how dare I turn on the camera and not think to capture her holiness upon her throne on digital film for all to see.  I should be punished!

Can you tell I'm loving Nancy Comelab's frames?  And I learned a new rotating trick.

Silence is golden...

I'm looking forward to my quiet time this evening.  I didn't have a bad day, actually had a lovely one.  But there are days when I just crave to be alone, to enjoy the quiet...to reflect and allow my thoughts to wander.

This amazing picture by Irene Suchocki makes me long for my quiet time.  Granted I'll be spending it over an ironing board while I tend to the table linens in preparation for Thanksgiving, but it'll be my time to spend with myself.

Bella Bella Co - Couture Correspondence

I was reaching for some labels at work today and thought how plain they looked.  The standard white Avery labels that will adorn so many packages this holiday season with no regard for personal style.  Sad, really.  We should be ashamed of ourselves, I mean you...not me. No wonder the term 'going postal' was coined, those poor letter carriers are sick and tired of those boring packages we force them to deliver day in, day out.

When I decided to launch my jewelry line last year, I turned to the talented Tristan Brando of Bella Bella Co., who's chic style I adore.  I inquired if she offered design services and to my delight, she did.  I soon was the proud owner of a beautiful logo.

Tristan's Etsy shop is stocked with elegantly simple damask patterns, enchanting images and chic colour palette creating an elegant line of couture correspondence.

And look, in her shop now for sale are these adorable labels in holiday red  - think chic packages, ladies! 

Beautiful Shiny Things

A couple months ago during the course of our DIY kitchen renovation, handsome handyman (as my S.O. is affectionately known - "If they don't find you handsome, they better find you handy") unknowingly got some ceiling texture on our brand new shiny black refrigerator and dishwasher.  When he realized his boo-boo, he quickly went to clean it, knowing I'd probably pass out at the sight of white texture on my appliances.  What did he use to clean not one, but both appliances?  That's right the kitchen sponge, the abrasive side of the kitchen sponge! 

This resulted in a cloud of the tiniest scratches on the beautiful black mirror-like surface of both (NEW and EXPENSIVE!) appliances.  Now, I do appreciate a nice vintage piece of home decor, but not when it comes to kitchen appliances, I want new, I want shiny! 

*Deep breath*

When I witnessed the horror, I didn't scream, cry nor yell.  Not because I'm composed and can keep my cool, but because I was fighting back the urge to be very ill.  So I immediately ran to the computer and Googled "scratches on my beautiful black shiny refrigerator".  Would you believe I'm not the only person out there who has suffered such a tragedy!?   

I found a forum post from another victim who included the link to a 'miracle cure'!  Apparently this French product made for automobiles removed these tiny little scratches from her black Viking refrigerator.  I quickly ran for the credit card to order a case of this stuff!  But in the meantime, his mom called and was immediately briefed on what her wonderful son had done.  After she inquired if I was alright, she asked what we were going to do.  Still in an emotional state, this time, joy, I proudly told her of my findings, and guess what!?  Would you believe it, she had this product at home! 

*blink blink*

Me:  Why do own that?

MIL:  I must have ordered it on QVC.

Me:  Uhm, can I have it!!!???

MIL:  We'll bring it over this weekend.

Me:  I love you!  Thank you!

MIL:  You're welcome, now let me talk to my son.

The very next day, magic miracle cream showed up.  I immediately went to work, applying the white goo to the fridge in a circular pattern.  Yes, I read the instructions while applying the goo and screw the patch test.  I couldn't wait.  To my sheer joy, it worked, it really worked!  Until it wore off and I had to reapply it - each time I clean the appliances.  ME!  Not him, ME!

So why am I writing about this now, a couple months after it happened...because I just found the most amazing little magnets he is going to buy me to adorn my less than perfect once black mirror-like shiny refrigerator.

And as the rest of the kitchen project - I'm delighted.  Handsome handyman is not only handsome, he's extremely handy and after countless of hours of his hard work, I have a beautiful kitchen. 

Stay tuned for our next DIY project.  :)

 

Pyrrha

Allow me to please introduce you to a magnificent line of  jewelry from Pyrrha. 

Designers Wade Papin and Danielle Wilmore are the creative force behind Pyrrha who's business name was inspired from the myth of Pyrrha and Deucalian, a story of two young lovers who are the sole survivors of a catastrophic flood.  As the legend is told, the two lovers no longer wished to live in isolation and therefore both threw stones from the ground over their shoulders.  The stones thrown by Pyrrha turned into women and those thrown by Deucalian into men.

Their pendants of gold, silver and bronze are cast from authentic 19th century wax seals.  Each image has an underlying meaning.  My favorite, the birdcage reads in Latin, "Qui me neglige, me perde", which means, "If you neglect me, you lose me".    At times a necessary reminder to each of us and the loved ones in our lives.

The lovely pendant below is a sterling silver lion and stag crest.    Motto reads "Nec cupias nec netuas", which means “Be neither fearful nor wanting".  The stag represents peace and harmony and the lion, courage.

   

This lovely collection symbolizes bravery.  A truly unique line for those who appreciate jewelry with a bit more meaning and depth crafted by true artisans.