things i love almost as much as you

Past Life: vintage living in a modern world: Birthday, Anniversary, and Giveaway - Oh My!

2010-02-04T15:02:00.001-08:00

Check out the lovely giveaway that @MissCherryBublz is hosting over at her blog... those scarves just look lovely!

~

Loved by Adri
Posted via Once there was a girl...

Anthropomorphize this

2009-11-30T12:33:00.001-08:00

We sometimes attribute human names to items that hold a dear spot in our lives...

I have a black SUV named Betty after this song

	Tom Jones - Black Betty .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

I also have a blue bicycle named Delilah

I've know people who have laptops that were named Harry Potter and Charley, as well as cars named Button, Lola and Mr. Big...
So here's one for you people of the internets to answer. Do you give your cars, laptops, cell phones a name? If so, what are they, is there a story behind it?

~

Loved by Adri
Posted via Once there was a girl...

Etsy showcase: uncommon

2009-11-10T21:01:00.001-08:00

via etsy.com

If you check out the uncommon shop you will find the most delightful clean and stylish looking designs for the home! From unique wall clocks to gorgeous chandaleirs you can't go wrong with these pieces.

~

Loved by Adri

Good Day Sir

2009-11-03T16:06:00.001-08:00

Look at this mug! It says to you "Good Day Sir, I have warm tea for you." *Tips Hat*

This would definitely help with the "It takes me too long to finish a nice Chai" dilemma. Santa, do you have this blog RSS'ed?

Via Fred Flare & Mindless internet-window-shopping.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

~

Loved by Sarah
Posted via email

The foot bone's connected to the ankle bone

2009-09-30T10:52:00.001-07:00

I have a very soft spot for anatomical designs, I have a small but growing collection of anatomical shirts, jewelry, and the like... probaby due to my morbid fascinations :D

A little while ago I stumbed upon a delightful post by Jean at Notcot about jewelry designed by Nervous System based on cellular & nervous system structure.

Oh my. I have got to get some of these pieces!

via notcot.com

One of my favorite of the peices is this brooch based off of radiolarian (amoeboid protozoa that produce intricate mineral skeletons - Wiki)

Radiolaria Brooch via n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com

Now if you aren't in the market for spending upwards of $40-100 on a single piece (although with the variety of mediums they produce their peices - silver, gold, silicone, nylon - there are both expensive & affordable sets) I would suggest looking at some of the anatomical jewelry artists on Etsy.com

I have several necklaces made by Anamoulus Bits, my favorite being an anatomical heart... but she has many other designs for under $14

Anatomical Heart by AnomalousBits via etsy.com

Anatomical Human Lungs by AnomalousBits via etsy.com

~

Loved by Adri
Posted via Once there was a girl...

a room somewhere: Shade Clothing GIVEAWAY!

2009-09-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

Check out the giveaway hosted by Leslie at a room somewhere

She's giving away a Shade clothing Drape Front Cardigan! Boy oh boy do I love Shade products! Head on over to the site and enter to win!

Here's Leslie in her cardigan, check out the style guide and many ways you can wear it while you're visiting her site or the Shade Blog!

~

Loved by Adri

Etsy showcase: Cinnamon Sticks

2009-07-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

Etsy showcase: Cinnamon Sticks

I know I've blogged about Canela's work over at Cinnamon Sticks shop on Etsy before, but I can't sing her praises enough about her beautiful personalized pendants and bracelets.

Here are two new designs of hers that I ordered. My commissions are the photos in her shop and they turned out fabulous!

Mommy bracelet (click photos for lisitngs)

Triple Charm Necklace

She just reopened her shop after a summer hiatus so make sure to check back over the next week as she unveils some more new designs she's been working on. You can also check out her blog at cinnamonsticksboutique.blogspot.com where she's constantly unveiling new designs, hosting giveaways, and sharing photos of her adorable family.

~

Loved by Adri

Etsy showcase: Hende

2009-06-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

Etsy showcase: Hende

In this tight economy frivolous spending on darling things doesn't come often, but I just have to share the beautiful clothes and accessories that Holly at Hende makes. Her creations warrant a little splurge- so buy yourself a pretty shirt for the summer or some fun earrings for a night on the town!

She sells soft shirts with beautiful screen prints, creative earrings, and inspiring belts...

Go Lightly Leather Sash (click on images to see listings)

Flecked Lightening Leather Earrings

Botanic Strand Long Sleeve

Although her shop is closed for a hiatus until July 7th while she's away at a writing residency (doesn't that just sound fun!?) you can look at some of her older listings and wait patiently to see if she posts some new items when she returns.

I can tell you from my experience with her products (I now own 4 shirts and a set of earrings) they are worth every penny, beautiful to wear, and are backed by great customer service

~
Loved by Adri

Jellyfish on land

2009-06-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

Happened upon this article about a crop circle that popped up in England the other day...

Just gorgeous!

Via DH Photography/19sixty3
~

Loved by Adri

Figs & Ginger

2009-04-26T18:35:00.001-07:00

Found this sweet little jewelry designer at a craft fair last summer. While cleaning up my bookmarks, I was reminded why I liked them so much!

Via Figs & Ginger

~ Loved by Sarah

A good cuppa

2009-04-07T19:33:00.001-07:00

A good cuppa

Now, I enjoy coffee...a lot, but my first passion is tea.

This sweet little store called Fortnum and Mason has the widest array of teas I've seen. If I could go to their brick & mortar store in Piccadilly Circus, I'd be in seventh heaven! Recently, I've been trying to convince myself I need this :

via : Fortnum & Mason

It has the CUTEST packaging & their three most popular teas.

But...what good is cute tea, without a cute cup to put it in?? Rosanna has the most amazing tea cups, plates, tea pots and ceramics in general. I would pair Chelsea Flowers with Red Dots ::

I'm pretty sure I saw this combo in a magazine somewheres, but I couldn't tell you if it was Glamour, Self, Shape, Fitness, WWM, well you get the idea. . .:D

~

Loved by Sarah

Kate Spade + Sea Life

2009-04-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

Happened to stumble across a Kate Spade iGoogle theme the other day and in the afternoon the theme changed to the most delightful (although not user friendly - look at those hidden links!) swarm of swimming jellyfish I've ever seen!

So of course I had to research out the pattern and instantly fell in love with the 'Nagshead' Line of small bags and accessories

How cute is that!?

~

Loved by Adri

Yummy in my tummy

2009-03-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

There are a few quaint and interesting places to eat in our area, most of which reside in Redlands... I'm going to take the next few weeks to highlight some of my favorites!

Yesterday I picked up some fixings for a light lunch and some sides for dinner at the

Olive Avenue Market
Location: 530 West Olive Avenue (at Michigan), Redlands, CA

They have a great selection of specialty foods, cheeses, crackers and the like. They also stock a large selection of classic sodas, microbrews, wines and have a full coffee bar. Lunch @ OAM means you can pick up several delish premade sammies, an old timey rootbeer, and a bag of fun and tasty chips all for under $10! My favorite is the OAM2 sandwich (Roasted turkey, cranberry chutney, dried cranberries, provolone, lettuce, mayo & balsamic) although yesterday I opted for a string cheese and a iced chai since I was picking up items for my earlyish dinner at home with my father. I took home a pair of Route 66 Root Beers, Route 11 potato chips , and some of OAM's delicious macaroni salad & potato salad to go with our hamburgers we planned to BBQ for dinner, and boy oh boy was it good!

They offer a delightful dinner, the chef Ben decides on a week's menu and all you have to do is call ahead and order dinner to be picked up in late afternoon/evening to take home. They also offer Saturday and Sunday breakfasts made to order and packaged to go.

From what I understand the market has been in the neighborhood since the '20s and was operated by the Stater brothers (of Stater Bros fame)

Last two photos via zIDEAz

~

Loved by Adri

Why I love Etsy

2009-03-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

You can find so many wonderful things via etsy.com!

First off, the beautiful little designs of Cinnamon*Sticks Boutique made me jump for joy, I am currently waiting to see some treasures Canela's making for me since I volunteered to be a guinea pig for some new pieces she wants to work on.

Stamped necklaces, bracelets and the like...

So exciting!

Because of her blog I have discovered a little community of talented crafters and I went ga ga over this dress made by Kathleen at Grosgrain.

She's actually giving it away! Can you imagine the talent and creativity to make such a beautiful dress!?

The wonderful Kathleen behind the Grosgrain blog is giving away a gift certificate to Cinnamon*Sticks etsy shop too! How awesome is that?

~

Loved by Adri

Bah-dum... bah-dum...

2009-02-23T20:01:00.000-08:00

Brewing tea that will put a chill down your spine....

This is the Sharky, a shark-fin tea infuser. Pure novelty, we love it nonetheless, combining as it does the awesomeness of a shark and the Englishness of a "nice cup of tea" into something altogether better and badder.

Via Wired
~

Loved by Adri

Blogs improve gift giving!

2008-12-31T12:47:00.000-08:00

Well maybe not, but it does make it easier...

This Christmas I benefited greatly from bragging about the things I love, and some things I didn't even discover myself- but things my blog-mate Sarah shared... it really pays to have great taste and a fabulous blog to share it on!

I received this beautiful Bobbi Brown eye and lip palette to add some sparkle to my holiday makeup. (via Sarah's post)

The eyeshadows are divine and for once I actually found a lip color that suits me! The Berry Mauve Creamy Lip color (top left) makes my lips look flush and doesn't pale my complexion (pretty much a miracle, I always look dead when I wear lipstick)
~

My dear friend and fellow blogger Joce gave me this lovely zippered pouch, which is currently toting around my unusable cell phone while I'm in Canada and mouse for my laptop. She obviously feels it's right to indulge my love of sea creatures with suckers!

I can only assume she stumbled across it on Etsy for only those clever crafters would think of something like this, but I am so grateful... it makes me smile every time I see it. Isn't it cheery?

~

Loved by Adri

Busy bee

2008-12-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

Now that Miss Sarah's bridal shower is over I can *finally* share some of the amazing things I've seen/bought/created that I've had to keep under wraps...

Paper-Source is ah-maz-ing
I had intended to create two dozen of their mini magnolia flowers to accompany dessert, too bad it took me an hour to create one and I nearly glued myself to the coffee table! I decided to forgo the flowers (which weren't needed anyways!) and busy myself with other odds and ends to finish up.

Mini-Magnolia Paper Flower Kit

At least you can see the one I finished, I intend to complete them all for another project someday...

Via Paper-Source
~

Loved by Adri

i <3 google

2008-12-09T10:02:00.000-08:00

I cannot describe in words how much I love you Google. Seriously!
Google has become the epitome of Getting Things Done, productivity, and everything helpful
Appy Holidays

This time it's news you can use!
~
Loved by Sarah

Blonde bombshell

2008-12-04T08:48:00.000-08:00

Since I'm on a bit of a Shag kick, let me just tell you that I am thrilled to see his new work with more blondes...

It's nice to see my fab-u-lous mid century modern tiki lifestyle fantasy illustrated I don't have to stretch to imagine myself in his beautiful art!

Check out his newest peices showing right now in NYC
Voyeur: Jonathan Levine Gallery: Nov 22 - Dec 20

Peeping Terry

Peeping Trent

A little sparkle on the patio
Fish Story

Via Shag.com
~

Loved by Adri

We're dying to meet you...

2008-12-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

The Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary to be celebrated with limited edition Shag prints, merchandise and events! OMG. I just died.

Details are still a little sketchy (pardon the pun) at this time, but it appears that a range of merchandise will be created based on the art: at the very least, Shag will be signing prints on Sunday, August 9th at the park. Buyers, however, will get the first opportunity to buy the prints at a cocktail party the evening of the 8th where Shag will be the guest of honor. Here’s hoping that they hold the event in the Mansion itself — Walt Disney World has done dinners in the stretch rooms in the past — what a blast it would be to party where “candle lights flicker where the air is deathly still. Says Hot Lava from Tiki Talk

See more of Shag's Haunted Mansion Prints here

Event information at Disneyland's website

Via Tiki Talk through BB
~

Loved by Adri (We are so going to this. I don't care what we have to do, heads will roll...)
because it was sent to her by
Sarah (SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAL!!!)

Warm, Cozy & Nerdy all over

2008-11-14T11:53:00.000-08:00

It's getting a wee big chilly in Chi town. I've layered up quite a bit, but this little gem could be just the ticket!

The idea of just wrapping myself in warmth with a cup of chai & a book sounds absolutely fabulous. Too bad the only relaxing I can do right now is sitting straight up in a chair with a pillow behind my back!
Now that leather couch? No wonder that woman is in a body sized blanket!!

Via Slanket
~

Loved by Sarah

8 is always better

2008-11-13T10:14:00.000-08:00

I'm telling you, I have this thing for octopi & it can't be stopped!

My Pet Octopus Cuff by

Via Notcot
~

Loved by Sarah
Loved by Adri

It's Wild Baby

2008-11-12T19:13:00.000-08:00

No picture today -- you have to clicky clicky...

Wildsville - The Art of Derek Yaniger Along the lines of my favorite Shag, this book likes something I need to have on my swingin' coffee table. I'm such a sucker for 50's art.

Via BoingBoing
~

Loved by Sarah

Fancy Dancy

2008-11-10T10:32:00.000-08:00

I know I've been away for too long, but I really have just been trying to justify this ring. I mean honestly, wouldn't that look fancy on my finger? Oh quit it you sprite, stop sparking in my direction!

Via Saks
~

Loved by Sarah

You lose what you don't hold

2008-11-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

The people over at Hard Graft (formerly Working Class Heroes) came out with a very beautiful transforming laptop bag. How could one resist?

2Unfold

Oh... it's 349 euroes? I can resist. For just a little bit.

Via Hard Graft
~

Loved by Adri

Voodoo Punch

2008-11-08T17:59:00.000-08:00

How amazing is this!? A partnership with clothing company Toes on the Nose and Shag. Now when will they come out with mumu's? I'd be first in line...

I may just need to buy a pair of men's board shorts for at the beach just because!

Via Surf Expo thru Otto
~

Loved by Adri

Shine a little light

2008-11-07T14:26:00.000-08:00

I just think these little tealight holders by Polli in Australia are so quaint and darling.

Can you imagine the pretty images they'll shine on your wall with the lights out? Perfect for a quiet evening in listing to NPR & drinking a little red wine.

Another thing I love? They make jewelry too!

Via Design*Sponge
~

Loved by Adri

Scent of a woman (updated)

2008-11-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

Well after testing out a few perfume samples that came with my dress delivery from Dillard's I was convinced it was time to establish a new signature fragrance. I've never been one to wear a singular perfume (because most give me headaches) and I tend to swap out fragrances for the seasons. Almost always vanilla-y scents Warm Vanilla Sugar & L'Occtaine's Vanilla Eau du Parfum in fall and winter, then on to citrus scents for spring, typically Love Spell, then on to beachy scents for summer like Bobbi Brown's Beach.

I had convinced myself I liked Sarah Jessica Parker's fragrance Lovely. I then stupidly wandered into Nordstrom's in South Coast Plaza and nonchalantly mentioned to the sales lady that I wasn't completely sold. Oh the twinkle in her eye....

Well after describing to her the scents I like, she swiftly handed me several test strips of Ralph Lauren, True Religion (yes, the jeans company) and a few others, then she hit the big time.... I fell hook line and sinker for a bright, grapefruity yet woodsy scent.

I now wear Hermès' Un Jardin Sur le Nil (translated: a garden on the Nile). And I smell delicious.

Yes, I have expensive taste... surprise surprise.

Via a Nordy's sales lady named Linda
~

Loved by Adri

Most important thing

2008-11-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

On a day of great importance here are are few fun bi-partisan crafts which may tickle your fancy.

Jason Hill Design screenprint

Lilylu necklace

Buttonhead button set

Jonah Day's hand embroidered bibs

Most important thing you can do today is get out and vote!
And get your free sticker! What a fashion statement... it'll also get you a free cup of joe @ Starbucks, a free doughnut @ Krispy Kreme, a free scoop of ice cream @ Ben & Jerry's, and reportedly a free chicken sandwich at Chick-Fil-A.

Via Etsy (1/2)
~

Loved by Adri

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of These...

2008-10-30T11:29:00.001-07:00

Oh to be young. Young & single. Young, single, and RICH....I would have EVERYTHING in this picture, just as it is...
Via Pottery Barn:Teen

~

Loved by Sarah

Who? me?

2008-10-29T09:19:00.001-07:00

Why are owls just so adorable? They are like neat little smart birds. My house is awfully barren right now, wouldn't these twhooo just warm it up?

Via AT: Chicago
~
Loved by Sarah

The hammer is my....

2008-10-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

I so want!

The world is a mess and I just need to rule it.

Dr. Horrible is my hero!

Via Jinx
~

Loved by Adri

This is no glass slipper

2008-10-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with this dress and was thrilled to think I could wear it
as a bridesmaid's dress for a *dear friend's wedding* but even though
it was an incredible steal at $70 (now $42!) it was only available in one size.
I cannot work miracles and fit a dress 2 sizes too small
(I sure as hell tried though!)

Found by Sarah via Dillard's
~

Loved by Adri

Anchors and Sparrows and Octopi - oh my!

2008-10-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

I can't avoid being in love with these classic symbols.

I made my very own octopus necklace using the same pendant as Dahlia jewelry and I'm quite tempted to add a swallow and anchor to my collection!

Via Etsy
~

Loved by Adri

Something about fall...

2008-10-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Fall makes me crave unique ways to get warm.

Cue Anthropolgie. Of course my large frame can't fit into anything they have there, but a girl can dream? Look at that creamy teal and those lovely flowers. *swoon* Not to mention the brand name is "Knitted & Knotted". LOVE IT!

Via Anthropolgie

~

Loved by Sarah

Pop!

2008-10-23T16:14:00.001-07:00

Ooo pop your necklace right out of a card. It's like semi-homemade then... right?

And it's so cute!

Via PopDeluxe
~
Loved by Adri

Gourds

2008-10-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

How darling is this papercraft gourd placeholder? Ok, I think it looks like a lil' pumpkin, but it's still so cute!

I've already ordered this for my Thanksgiving table, it's a perfect craft to get the whole family involved in during the day, and it packs flat, which is perfect for me since I'll be flying up north for the holiday!

Via Paper-Source
~
Loved by Adri

My Perrogative

2008-10-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

I really do like makeup. You wouldn't know looking at me, considering the deeply ingrained laziness. However, this little gem would be something I'd want to play with every day. It's like an artist's palette.

~
Loved by Sarah

Let's Get Alphabetical

2008-10-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

Piano Bench Designs on Etsy has these wonderful letter pendants.

I think "M" for Mark, or is that too gooey?

2008-10-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

Learn to love us...

We're two friends who used to live 1,200 miles apart
and wanted share the things we love...
Now we live in the same state,
so we get to share much more in person!

Sarah's Blog Posts
@SarahElizD
Blogger Profile

Adri's Blog Posts
@thegirlblogger
Adri's personal blog Once there was a girl...