Saving Our Economy...

$50 at a time. What am I talking about? Well, I have to share with y'all this 3/50 Project that I read about on housemartin.



I don't know about you, but this economy has negatively impacted some of my favorite shops in my city. I feel helpless at times because even though I want to support the local small businesses by purchasing their goods, it's difficult to do so on a tight budget. But the 3/50 Project is encouraging us, that it is possible to support our local businesses. How?

1. Choose three local favorite shops.
2. Commit to spending $50 each month at these shops. Still think it's too much? Then start with $25. It's better than not doing anything, right?

I have many local favorite shops here in San Diego, so it's hard to just choose three. Here's a sampling:

1. Solo for various home goods, not to mention all the beautiful vignettes
2. India Ink Papers for cards and stationery
3. The Spare Room for unique clothing and accessories. My money will go a long way
here!

Which three small business would you select in your town? Please share! :)

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Faux Flowers= Faux Pas?

I'm starting off the week with a, ahem, controversial post.

Yesterday my friend Nicole and I went to a botanical arrangement class at our local Pottery Barn. I was expecting an ikebana- esque lesson, which was the main reason that I signed up. Instead the class focused on creating homogeneous floral arrangements using various vessels, but I was still able to take a few ideas home. The instructor used artificial flowers, which I initially thought, "How thrifty and non-wasteful!"

Paper peonies, lotushaus
Butterflies and faux flowers, Liz Wolfe

It turns out that the class encouraged the use of both real and fake flowers. I always think of the designer Kelly Wearstler in a magazine years ago, describing artificial plants as nothing more than "irritating dust collectors." Yikes! Yet here was Pottery Barn not only praising their use, but also offering them in its stores. Apparently PB faux botanicals are hand-painted, lending them to appear to like the real thing. And believe me, I swooned over the {faux} peonies!

Faux flowers by Richard Kollath
Tilla flowers, Michelle Ivankovic for Umbra

I realize that artificial flowers have come a long way, that it can be time- and cost- prohibitive to enjoy flowers, and that not everyone lives in areas with temperate climate like California, so I want to hear your opinions. Yay, no way, or happy medium? I found other thoughts on the subject here, here, and here (includes statements from PB's spokesperson).

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Happy Friday!

Whoa, is it me or did this week just whiz past us? There are a ton of fun local events happening this weekend in San Diego, and I'm so bummed that I can't go to them all! Art Walk, spring home tours, 3-for-$5 Latin wine tasting--- oh my! Time to pick and choose...

Before I bid adieu for the weekend, I leave you with this layout from the spring issue of Marie Claire Idées . I've had my copy since January, and a few days ago I picked it up again and read it from cover to cover. The magazine truly lives up to its name, and sometimes I can't help but feel overwhelmed because of the many les bonnes idées ! Anyway, how sweet are these wall étagères, or shelves? If you look closer, said shelves are actually planters--- so clever! This would make an awesome weekend project, non? {Heh heh, I'm sorry but I couldn't help but practice my French! :) }

*image source

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Crazy for Aviary

Birds get a bad rap in my line of work because they pose a potential human pandemic threat, as many of you know. But avian species have also played an important and positive role in other areas, including art and design. In fact, I have some form of bird motif in every part of my home (also take note of the bird in my header). I told you I was crazy for aviary! :)

Top to bottom, left to right

tweetie cards, joom
pillow, Miso Decor
bird vase, perpetual kid
letterpress clock, via Cursive
painting, Trish Grantham

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Happy Friday and Design Freebie

Wow, I've been so busy now that I'm once again employed. But I'm not complaining! :) I am, however, looking forward to the weekend as some good friends will be visiting from out of town.

{image source}

Before I sign off, I wanted to share a design freebie I saw via Jessica. Cameron Blazer of Cottage Industrialist (hmmm, sounds like a fab hybrid decorating style!) has a free pdf file you can download, customize with your information, and print as your calling cards. Click here for instructions, and don't forget to visit her shop for fun AND low- cost goodies!

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Petite Sale: Egg Press

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I am a paper aficionado. So I'm absolutely excited to share this letterpress card sale from Portland, OR- based (hubby's hometown) Egg Press. If you're familiar with letterpress goods, you know how it can be cost- prohibitive due to the amount of labor and expertise that this beautiful printing process requires. Until April 20 you have the opportunity to purchase a set of ten letterpress cards for $10, as well as selected individual cards for 50% off. Praise God that the timing of the sale is perfect, because I've started working
again! :)

By the way, you can read more about the company's story here. Congrats to Egg Press for ten years of business!

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Cambria Cove

I get all sorts of random catalogs in the mail. Most of them I immediately toss into the recycling bin, but when I received one from Cambria Cove I held onto it! It's filled with paper products, tea and its accoutrements, and other home accessories. I hope you'll check it out for Mother's Day gift ideas, or for those upcoming soirees that you may be planning. Some of my favorites:


Info~

Top to bottom, left to right:

calling cards
personalized invitation
robin's egg soaps
chocolate dessert shells
charm bracelet
adorable waffle cone sundae glasses

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Happy (Easter) Weekend!

I love this table setting {image source}, especially for spring. I hope you all have a marvelous weekend, spending time with loved ones, working on craft projects, consuming delicious food (Peeps included), and most of all, reflecting on the meaning of Easter.

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Currently Loving: My Mind's Eye

Ever since I was a little kid I've been into papers. What began as a collection of Sanrio stationery has now blossomed into stashes of scrapbook papers. Admittedly, I still purchase Hello Kitty letter sets every now and then. :)

A few months ago I was browsing in a scrapbook boutique across from my former place of employment (*sobs*), and came across a brand of papers called My Mind's Eye (MME). I have scrapped for ten years, but this was my first exposure to the brand. I don't really keep up with the latest scrapbook products, which is good for my wallet, my abode, and my sanity. Anyway, I was particularly drawn to MME's 29th Street Market collection. I love the distressed, vintage feel to the line. I've placed these papers on my wish list, but I'll have to wait until I'm working full time to purchase. I bet you could frame the papers and voila, instant art! Click on the images for better viewing.



*image source*

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Recession- Proof Entertaining

One of the horrible side effects of unemployment is the inability to par-tay/ entertain. Aside from cooking for my friends and family I like to pay attention to the details (presentation, decor, etc). It can become quite spendy! So being that I'm still jobless hubby and I have decided to forgo our annual Easter brunch. Maybe someone else will be kind enough to host us this year. ;-)

Some tips:

1. Decorate with these terracotta Easter basket from the fabulous, San Diego- based (yeah!)
Hostess With the Mostess. Who says you have to have fresh- cut flowers?



2. Expand your (decorating) horizons with craft supplies. Seriously. Embellish everyday items (like this plain table runner) with ribbon.

Better Homes and Gardens

Use scrapbook paper to make place cards, place mats and napkin rings, as well as to embellish vases. Last year I used scrapbook paper to make boxes to house the party favors.

3. Visit the dollar/ discount stores and explore all the possibilities.

4. Keep it casual--- plan a simple menu and decorating scheme.

5. Drink less champagne. I serve prosecco and California sparkling wines--- delicious without
drying up my wallet.

6. Edible decorations! I love this chocolate bunny as part of a place setting, which can then be part of the dessert later in the meal (nom nom!) or be taken home by the guest as party favors.

via The Inspired Room

From these jars of candies, you can have your guests fill those boxes you made from tip #2 and voila! Party favors made easy!

Martha Stewart

Any other budget- stretching ideas?

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